Key result
Geriatric care pathway linked to ~41% lower postoperative mortality after emergency abdominal surgery.
Why the study?
Older patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery face high risks of mortality and complications, prompting investigation into whether a dedicated care pathway improves surgical outcomes.
Does a care pathway for older patients improve the Comprehensive Complication Index in patients aged ≥ 75 years undergoing emergency abdominal surgery?
Does a care pathway for older patients improve the Comprehensive Complication Index in patients aged ≥ 75 years undergoing emergency abdominal surgery?
Implementation of a care pathway for older patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery did not significantly improve the Comprehensive Complication Index, though it reduced 30-day mortality and specific complications, likely influenced by triaging severely frail patients to palliation.
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Observed mortality reduction in this cohort study should not change practice; leaves open whether care pathways improve outcomes in older emergency surgery patients.
Aakre et al. (2026) studied this question. Postoperative 30-day mortality was significantly reduced from 22% to 13% (p = 0.04) in older patients after implementing a care pathway for emergency abdominal surgery.