Anaesthetic considerations for emergency laparotomy

Abstract

The majority of patients undergoing emergency laparotomy have potentially life?threatening conditions that require prompt intervention. The reduced time?frames available due to surgical urgency necessitate prompt and senior decision?making to minimise delays. The time taken to correct any anomalies needs to be balanced against the need for prompt surgery, particularly in time?sensitive situations involving sepsis or hypovolaemia. Therefore, corrective measures may be performed in parallel with surgery. Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy are at a high risk of adverse outcomes. Key elements of care for these patients include repeated risk assessment, early antibiotic therapy, as well as fluid resuscitation and appropriate timely interventions provided by clinicians with the right level of experience.