SORT — Surgical Outcome Risk Tool
UK-derived tool predicting 30-day postoperative mortality for in-hospital non-cardiac surgery. Validated in 22,000 patients. Endorsed by RCS England.
Score interpretation
SORT predicted 30-day mortality below 1 %.
→ Standard perioperative care; elective post-op ward management appropriate; consent reflects low risk
SORT predicted 30-day mortality 1 % to < 5 %.
→ Anaesthetic review; HDU post-op planning; risk discussion with patient; document predicted mortality; optimise reversible risk factors; consider CPEX
SORT predicted 30-day mortality 5 % or more.
→ Senior consultant involvement; full MDT discussion; ICU planning; documented consent with estimated mortality; consider alternatives to surgery; perioperative specialist input (e.g. CPET, haematology for blood product planning)
Interpretation bands for the SORT. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Protopapa KL, Simpson JC, Smith NC, Moonesinghe SR. Development and validation of the Surgical Outcome Risk Tool (SORT). Br J Surg. 2014;101(13):1774–1783.
- Royal College of Surgeons of England. The High Risk Surgical Patient. 2018.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- POSSUM Score for Surgical Morbidity and Mortality · Perioperative Risk
- SORT (Surgical Outcome Risk Tool) · Perioperative Risk
- Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI / Lee Index) · Perioperative Risk
- ASA Physical Status Classification · Perioperative Risk
- Gupta Perioperative Risk for MI or Cardiac Arrest (MICA) · Perioperative Risk
- AUB-HAS2 Cardiovascular Risk Index · Perioperative Risk
- 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
- Sodium hyaluronate · Ocular lubricant (hyaluronic acid)
- Cefazolin · First-Generation Cephalosporin (Surgical Prophylaxis)
- Palivizumab · RSV Prophylaxis — Monthly Monoclonal Antibody (High-Risk Infants)
- 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.