The rise of acute care surgery in China

Acute care surgery (ACS) is an emerging subspecialty within general surgery that integrates trauma, emergency surgery, intensive care unit (ICU), and surgical rescue. It primarily focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of critically ill surgical patients, including those with acute abdominal conditions, traumatic injuries, and postoperative complications. ACS addresses the challenge of fragmented care caused by excessive sub-specialization in general surgery, which has led to inadequate capacity in managing emergency, trauma, and critically ill patients. Over the past decade, the field of ACS has seen rapid development, with the establishment of dedicated academic societies, specialized training programs, and standardized training materials. In 2023, the expert working group For ACS was established under the division of surgeons of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association. The ACS model merges the general surgery ward and ICU into a single, integrated unit managed by specialists trained in both surgical procedures and critical care. This operational model ensures continuity and comprehensiveness of care for critically ill surgical patients, ultimately enhancing the overall quality and efficiency of emergency and critical surgical treatment.