Surgical Emergencies
Some abdominal problems cannot wait for a morning list. Appendicitis, a blocked bowel, a perforation or a trapped hernia all get worse by the hour, and the operation that would have been straightforward becomes a much larger one. Theatre is available at any hour.
- Emergency theatre at any hour
- CT and ultrasound with immediate access
- Laparoscopic approach where suitable
- Intensive care in the same building
Stay
2 to 7 days
Duration
Theatre usually within hours
Anaesthesia
General
About Surgical Emergencies
The decision to operate as an emergency rests on examination and imaging together. A CT scan usually settles what is wrong and whether an operation is needed now, and it prevents both unnecessary surgery and dangerous delay. Where an operation is needed, laparoscopic surgery is used wherever the case allows, though severe inflammation often makes open surgery the safer choice.
- CT usually settles whether an operation is needed now
- Delay turns a straightforward operation into a difficult one
- Laparoscopic where possible, open where safer
- Fluids and antibiotics start before theatre
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about surgical emergencies. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest surgical emergencies.
- Severe abdominal pain, particularly if worsening
- Suspected appendicitis
- Vomiting with no passage of wind or stool
- A hernia that has become painful and will not push back
- Suspected perforation of the stomach or bowel
- Abdominal pain with fever and a rigid abdomen
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Assessment
Examination, blood tests and usually a CT scan to establish what is wrong and whether it needs an operation now.
Preparation
Fluids, antibiotics and pain relief are started, and you are kept without food in preparation for anaesthesia.
Surgery
The operation addresses the cause: removing the appendix, relieving obstruction, repairing a perforation or freeing a trapped hernia.
Recovery
Diet restarts as bowel function returns, walking begins the next day, and discharge follows once you are eating and comfortable.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Do not eat or drink once severe abdominal pain begins, as surgery may be needed
- Come in rather than taking painkillers and waiting, as they mask the picture
- Bring the medication list, particularly blood thinners
- Tell staff about previous abdominal operations, which change the approach
- Bring somebody with you, as you may be admitted directly
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Expect two to seven days in hospital depending on the operation
- Eating restarts with fluids and advances as bowel function returns
- Walking begins the day after surgery and speeds recovery
- Avoid heavy lifting for about six weeks after open surgery
- Report fever, increasing pain or wound discharge
Why choose Humayun for a surgical emergency
Emergency abdominal surgery is decided in hours, and delay is what turns a small operation into a large one.
- CT and ultrasound with immediate access, so the decision rests on imaging rather than impression
- An emergency theatre available at any hour rather than waiting for a routine list
- Laparoscopic surgery even out of hours where the case allows
- Intensive care on site for the minority who need it afterwards
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