Survival After Emergency General Surgery: What can We Learn from Enhanced Recovery Programmes?

ERAS in Emergency Surgery

Survival After Emergency General Surgery: What can We Learn from Enhanced Recovery Programmes?

Quiney N, Aggarwal G, Scott M, Dickinson M (2016)Survival After Emergency General Surgery: What can We Learn from Enhanced Recovery Programmes? World J Surg. 2016 Jun;40(6):1283-7 

What is already known:

Emergency general surgical operations carry a very high mortality rate, and it is estimated that they are at least ten times higher than many similar elective procedures. Roughly 55,000 emergency operations are carried out each year and it is estimated that will result in 8,000 deaths.

What this paper adds:

In this interesting paper the authors examine the evidence behind the ERAS elements and how they can be applied to emergency surgery. In particular they examine the delays can affect outcomes, in particular delays in diagnosis, resuscitation, antibiotics and definitive care. They also examine how inadequate postoperative care can affect outcomes.

Chris Jones, Guildford.