P-POSSUM — Perioperative Mortality Score
Portsmouth-POSSUM estimates predicted morbidity and mortality for general surgical patients. Used for audit and consent.
Score interpretation
Low P-POSSUM: Predicted mortality <1%
→ Standard surgical consent; routine post-operative care
Moderate P-POSSUM: Predicted mortality 2–5%
→ Informed consent with risk disclosure; HDU post-op monitoring; optimise pre-operatively
High P-POSSUM: Predicted mortality >10%
→ Detailed informed consent; ICU bed booked; consider non-operative alternatives; goals of care discussion; anaesthesia review
Interpretation bands for the P-POSSUM. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Prytherch DR, et al. POSSUM and Portsmouth POSSUM for predicting mortality. Br J Surg. 1998;85(9):1217-1220.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Tranexamic Acid (ICU/Trauma/Surgical) · Antifibrinolytic
- Ephedrine Hydrochloride 0.5% Nasal Drops · Nasal decongestant — sympathomimetic (perioperative / ENT use)
- Cefuroxime · Second-Generation Cephalosporin — Respiratory / Surgical Prophylaxis
- Cefazolin · First-Generation Cephalosporin (Surgical Prophylaxis)
- Palivizumab · RSV Prophylaxis — Monthly Monoclonal Antibody (High-Risk Infants)
- Cefazolin (Perioperative Burns) · First-Generation Cephalosporin
- Major Trauma — Primary Survey (ATLS) · ATLS 10th Edition; JRCALC; NICE NG39
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Burns — TBSA Estimation & Fluid Resuscitation · British Burn Association; EMSB; RCEM 2024
- Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed · NICE; BSG; ACPGBI — Commissioning Guide
- Acute Pancreatitis · NICE; IAP/APA; ACPGBI — CG104
- Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis · BAPS / RCPCH
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.