WP5.7 - Do we follow-up our patients after emergency laparotomy?

Abstract Aim Emergency Laparotomy (EL) carries a high risk of major morbidity and mortality and patients can require an extended period of recovery after surgery. Within our organisation, all patients who undergo EL are supported by a dedicated 7-day service to support their mobility, motivation and goal settings as well as wellbeing needs. However, this support does not extend beyond discharge and we do not have standardised follow-up protocol. This audit aimed to review the outpatient follow-up that EL patients received. Methods EL data is recorded prospectively and submitted to the Emergency Laparotomy and Laparoscopic Audit (ELLSA). All ELLSA patients admitted between June 2021 and July 2022 were included. Electronic records were reviewed to see what follow-up they received. Results 258 patients underwent EL during this time period. Only 136 patients received follow-up (53%). Of the appointments carried out, 76% were review by Surgical Team and 45% were review by Colorectal Specialist Nurses. 70% of patients follow-up was face-to-face, with the remainder by telephone. The average time to surgical clinic follow-up was 111days (range 12-371 days). Conclusions Only half of the patients received any follow-up after EL, and even fewer received a face-to-face clinic with their consultant. There was also considerable delay for some patients. We feel this is evidence that a dedicated follow-up service for ELLSA patients is required to reduce this variation. We intend to implement a protocolised follow-up as a result of this audit.