Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of the POSSUM scoring system in predicting morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing emergency midline laparotomy in our hospital, a group known to be at high risk of complications and death. Methods: A total of 100 patients undergoing emergency laparotomy in the general surgery department during the period July 2020 to September 2021 were studied. They were scored using the POSSUM scoring system. Physiological scoring was done at the time of admission and operative scoring was done intraoperatively. Follow-up was done for the first 30 postoperative days and any complications, if present, were noted. The observed morbidity and mortality rates were compared with the POSSUM predicted morbidity and mortality rates. Results: A total of 43 patients experienced post-op complications. The POSSUM predicted morbidity was 34 patients. An O: E ratio of 1.26 was obtained. There was no statistically significant difference between the observed and predicted morbidity rates [Chi-Square value = 2.745, df = 6, p-value = 0.875]. 15 patients died (mortality rate of 15%). The POSSUM predicted mortality was 12 deaths. O: E ratio of 1.25 was obtained. There was no statistically significant difference between the observed and predicted mortality rates. [Chi-Square value = 4.123, df = 9, p-value = 0.846] Conclusion: POSSUM scoring can be used to accurately predict morbidity and mortality following emergency laparotomy.

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