POSSUM for Operative Morbidity and Mortality Risk
Estimates morbidity and mortality for general surgery patients.
Use values at the time of surgery, not admission.
NOTE: The POSSUM should not be used for trauma patients.
Advice
Risk estimates can help patients and family members in the process of informed consent and in management of expectations.
Management
The POSSUM should be calculated when the decision to operate is made. The percentages can be shared with the patient when discussing the risks of the operation.