Predictors of Postoperative Outcome in Emergency Laparotomy for Perforation Peritonitis; a Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

Navigating Life Post-emergency Laparotomy: A Narrative Review on Quality-of-Life Outcomes

An emergency laparotomy is a life-saving surgical procedure performed to address acute abdominal conditions. While crucial for immediate survival, this procedure can have significant long-term implications for patients' quality of life. This comprehensive review examines the physical, psychological, and social outcomes following emergency laparotomy, highlighting the importance of addressing quality-of-life concerns in this patient population. Key findings reveal that patients may experience complications, psychological distress, and challenges in social functioning post-procedure. Age, gender, and access to support networks influence outcomes. Recommendations for clinical practice include routine assessment of quality of life, multidisciplinary care, and patient education. Further research is needed to understand predictors of poor outcomes and evaluate interventions to improve quality of life post-emergency laparotomy. Healthcare providers can enhance patient care and outcomes in this vulnerable population by addressing these issues.

Non-malignant left colon emergency surgery: evaluation of factors affecting clinical outcomes and complications

BACKGROUND

Emergency colorectal resections hold a significant position in general surgical practice, and pathologies of the left colon are relatively common. This study was conducted to assess the outcomes of isolated left colon surgeries with benign etiologies, drawing on clinicopathological and biochemical data.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective review and statistical analysis of demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of patients who underwent left colon surgery at the general surgery clinic of a tertiary care hospital, excluding those with malignancy-related emergencies, from January 2017 to January 2022.

RESULTS

The average age of the 48 patients in the study was 56.9±16.4 years. Complicated acute diverticulitis was the most frequent indication for emergency surgery (n=19, 39.6%). The Hartmann procedure was the surgical technique most often employed (n=30, 62.5%). The rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality within 30 days were 27.1% and 8.3%, respectively. Increased postoperative morbidity was linked to advanced age (mean 65.4±15.8 vs. 53.8±15.7, p=0.028), the preoperative administration of vasopressors, lower platelet counts, hypoalbuminemia (<3 mg/dl), and azotemia (blood urea nitrogen >20 mg/dl). There was no statistically significant correlation between comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores, surgical methods, or other clinical data and postoperative outcomes.

CONCLUSION

For emergency colorectal surgery pertaining to left colon pathologies, it is critical to conduct a comprehensive evaluation in the perioperative period, especially for elderly and hypotensive patients with renal function abnormalities and for those requiring vasopressors.