Estimating the effect of frailty on longer-term survival following emergency laparotomy: an observational study using National Emergency Laparotomy Audit data*

Abstract

Approximately 30,000 emergency laparotomies are performed each year across the UK. Over half are in patients aged ≥ 65 y, with a third of this group living with frailty. The association between frailty and 90-day mortality following surgery is well documented, but the longer-term mortality risk has been studied less extensively, despite clear implications for person-centred care. This study aimed to estimate the influence of frailty on both short- (≤ 90 days) and longer-term (> 90 days) mortality following emergency laparotomy.