CEPOD Classification

Question 1

What does CEPOD stand for?

Answer 1

Confidential Enquiry into Peri-opertive Deaths

Question 2

What is it’s purpose?

Answer 2

Classifies surgery into 4 different categories

Question 3

What are the 4 different categories?

Answer 3

Immediate - Immediate life, limb or organ-saving intervention: resuscitation simultaneous with intervention. Normally within minutes of decision to operate.

Urgent - Intervention for acute onset or clinical deterioration of potentially life-threatening conditions, for those conditions that may threaten the survival of limb or organ, for fixation of many fractures and for relief of pain or other distressing symptoms. Normally within hours of decision to operate.

Expedited - Patient requiring early treatment where the condition is not an immediate threat to life, limb or organ survival. Normally within days of decision to operate.

Elective – Intervention planned or booked in advance of routine admission to hospital. Timing to suit patient, hospital and staff.