Surgery Anaesthesia A
Surgical Apgar Score (SAS)
Intraoperative 3-variable score predicting major postoperative complications and death within 30 days.
Score interpretation
High Risk — 14–75% complication rate 0–4
SAS 0–4: High risk of major 30-day complication
→ ICU/HDU post-op; close monitoring; consider overnight stay; patient and family counselling
Moderate Risk — 6% complication rate 5–6
SAS 5–6: Moderate risk
→ Level 1 post-op monitoring; overnight recovery unit; enhanced recovery protocol
Low Risk — 0–1% complication rate 7–10
SAS 7–10: Low 30-day complication risk
→ Standard post-op care; day surgery or short stay; standard enhanced recovery
Interpretation bands for the Surgical Apgar. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Gawande AA, et al. The Surgical Apgar Score: an intraoperative grading system for risk assessment. Ann Surg. 2007;245(2):205-214.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
Drugs
- Tranexamic Acid (ICU/Trauma/Surgical) · Antifibrinolytic
- Cefuroxime · Second-Generation Cephalosporin — Respiratory / Surgical Prophylaxis
- Cefazolin · First-Generation Cephalosporin (Surgical Prophylaxis)
- Palivizumab · RSV Prophylaxis — Monthly Monoclonal Antibody (High-Risk Infants)
- Ziprasidone · Atypical Antipsychotic — D2/5-HT2A Antagonist (Low Metabolic Risk)
- Atorvastatin (CKD Cardiovascular Risk) · Cardiovascular Risk in CKD
Pathways
- 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.