Frailty is a significant predictor of mortality post-emergency laparotomy.

Analysis of 861 older patients undergoing emergency laparotomy revealed frailty significantly affects long-term outcomes. Both the 11-item and 5-item modified frailty indices correlated with a two-fold increased risk of one-year mortality and major complications. However, the 11-item index was more strongly linked to early mortality, reoperations, and longer hospital stays. These frailty assessments provide valuable insight for improving risk assessment and decision-making in a vulnerable patient population.