Prediction of Mortality and Length of Hospital Stay in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Emergency General Surgery: Use of the SHARP Score

BackgroundThe need for emergency general surgery (EGS) in geriatric patients is increasing with the aging population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of SHARP score to predict mortality rate and length of hospital and emergency service stay for EGS patients.MethodsPatients aged ≥65 years who applied to the emergency service, required EGS, and underwent surgery between February 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023, were retrospectively analyzed from our hospital's information system. Demographic data (age, gender, and comorbidities), surgical diagnoses, and SHARP risk scores of the patients were evaluated. Also, 30-day mortality and length of stay in the emergency service and hospital were examined.ResultsA total of 386 patients were evaluated in this study. The mean age of these patients was 75 years (65-94). The most common cause of EGS was hernia. The cause with the highest mortality was intraabdominal perforations. The presence of malignancy and an increase in the number of comorbidities were associated with mortality. SHARP scores of 3, 4, and 5 were significantly associated with length of hospital stay and mortality.ConclusionWe recommend considering the SHARP risk score to predict mortality and length of hospital stay in geriatric EGS patients.