FP7.6 - Comprehensive Analysis of Emergency Laparotomy in the Geriatric Population: A Retrospective Study

Aims The British Society of Geriatrics recommends that all patients undergoing emergency laparotomy aged >= 65 who score more than 5 on Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) or >= 80 years with any CFS should receive comprehensive geriatric assessment within 72 hours of admission to a ward or step down from critical care. Despite substantial evidence outlining an improvement in postoperative outcomes, efforts to refer patients and record CFS are still insufficient. The aim of our study is to evaluate the use of CFS assessment in patients aged ≥ 65 years undergoing emergency laparotomy. Methods This was a retrospective audit of 94 patients aged ≥ 65 years old undergoing emergency laparotomy between September 2022 to October 2023. Results The mean age of the cohort was 75 years old. The average length of hospital stay was 21 days. 50% of patients were referred for an in-patient geriatrician review. The interval between surgery and geriatrician referral averaged 7 days. However, the average duration between geriatrician referral and assessment only spanned 1 day. CFS were recorded for only 11% of patients during their hospitalisation, pointing to an area for potential improvement. Conclusion Understanding the factors contributing to prolonged stays is pivotal in enhancing postoperative care. These insights not only shed light on the procedural intricacies surrounding emergency laparotomies in the elderly but also highlight opportunities for refining patient care pathways and optimising interdisciplinary care.