Table 1.
Recorded indications for performing emergency laparotomy. Data from the first report of the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit, 20157
| Indication for surgery | Number of patients | Frequency (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Intestinal obstruction | 9,811 | 49 |
| Perforation | 4,744 | 24 |
| Peritonitis | 4,116 | 20 |
| Ischaemia | 1,720 | 9 |
| Abdominal abscess | 1,332 | 7 |
| Sepsis: other | 1,474 | 7 |
| Haemorrhage | 819 | 4 |
| Colitis | 748 | 4 |
| Anastomotic leak | 618 | 3 |
| Intestinal fistula | 326 | 2 |
| Abdominal wound dehiscence | 116 | 0.6 |
| Abdominal compartment syndrome | 55 | 0.3 |
| Planned relook | 51 | 0.3 |
| Other | 1,758 | 9 |
| Total | 27,688 |