Outcomes of Early Versus Delayed Definitive Surgical Intervention in Multisystem Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review of Timing Strategies in General Surgery Emergencies.

This review explores how the timing of surgery affects outcomes in adults with multisystem trauma requiring general surgical or orthopedic procedures. A targeted search of PubMed and other major databases up to July 2025 identified six relevant studies, including four observational cohorts, one meta-analysis, and one narrative review, collectively covering 273,683 patients. Early definitive surgery, performed within 24-48 hours of admission, was associated with lower mortality rates, fewer respiratory complications, and shorter ICU and hospital stays compared to delayed interventions. One large study reported no significant mortality difference, highlighting the importance of preoperative stabilization and individualized care. Despite variability in study design and the definition of "early" surgery, current evidence suggests that early operative management in stable trauma patients, including abdominal trauma, offers meaningful benefits in reducing complications and improving recovery.