Background

Emergency laparotomy is one of six index operations for which all higher general surgery trainees (HST) are required to demonstrate both a minimum indicative number and competence level, prior to the award of a certificate of completion of training. It is a high-risk procedure associated with significant morbidity and mortality and has been subject to several contemporary, high profile national initiatives not least the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA),1 aimed at improving the quality of care for patients. Compounded by out of hours presentations and the high risks associated with the procedure, training opportunities for emergency …