The British journal of surgery
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Br J Surg
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Australia's unique national surgical mortality audit has had a long-term focus on the avoidance of futile surgery. The 30-day mortality rate after emergency laparotomy in Australia is lower than in other countries. Early death (within 72 h) after emergency laparotomy may reflect futile surgery. This paper considers whether Australia's national mortality audit is the reason for its lower mortality rate after emergency laparotomy. ⋯ The present findings support the hypothesis that the lower mortality rate after emergency laparotomy in Australia is likely a consequence of its national mortality audit and the avoidance of futile surgery.