EP503 - A retrospective assessment of quantitative futility in emergency laparotomy using pre-operative frailty as the predictor

Abstract Background Recent literature has proposed that emergency laparotomy in the frail population may be qualitatively futile leading to negative desired morbidity and missed opportunities for palliation. The aim of this study was to appraises the futility of emergency laparotomies within a 3 month period based on the predictor of pre-operative frailty with in a large district general hospital. Method Retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing emergency laparotomy in a 3 month time period in the Dumfries Royal Infirmary. Futility was defined as all-cause mortality within 3 days of emergency laparotomy and frailty based on the characteristics set out by the Rockwood frailty score. A assessment of surgical futility in emergency laparotomy was carried out based on the pre-operative frailty. Conclusions Increased frailty demonstrates an increase in futile emergency laparotomies. It is therefore recommended that a multidisciplinary team approach with careful assessment and consent should be made prior to any surgical intervention on this patient cohort.