CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
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Observational Study
Association of delay of urgent or emergency surgery with mortality and use of health care resources: a propensity score-matched observational cohort study.
Delay of surgery for hip fracture is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, but the effects of surgical delays on mortality and resource use in the context of other emergency surgeries is poorly described. Our objective was to measure the independent association between delay of emergency surgery and in-hospital mortality, length of stay and costs. ⋯ Delayed operating room access for emergency surgery was associated with increased risk of inhospital mortality, longer length of stay and higher costs. System issues appeared to underlie most delays and must be addressed to improve the outcomes of emergency surgery.