Defining the older patient population that require, but do not undergo emergency laparotomy: an observational cohort study protocol

<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite older adults (65 years and above) accounting for almost half of emergency laparotomies an ageing population, there remains a paucity research in the adult surgery population. One key clinical area that requires urgent assessment is patient who presents with acute abdominal pathology treatable by laparotomy, but does not undergo (NoLAP). <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This multicentre prospective cohort study [defining denominator: laparotomy frailty 2 (ELF2)] will recruit consecutive require do We from 47 national health service hospitals over 3-month timeframe. The same criteria as NELA inclusion exclusion be applied. primary aim 90-day mortality. Secondary aims include characterisation NoLAP group, sarcopenia comparison to those have undergone (ELAP). Decision-making also explored. Assuming rate 32% 10% dropout, minimum 700 patients are required 95% power (alpha=0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The UK audit has provided vital information on undergoing driven standards operative perioperative care. However, little known outcomes laparotomy. Improved understanding this population would aid shared decision-making improve otherwise poorly understood vulnerable group.</p><p><strong>Trial registration:</strong> This registered online at www.clinicaltrial.gov (Reg number: ISRCTN14556210).</p><p><strong> </strong></p>