POSSUM Surgical Outcome Score (P-POSSUM)

Portsmouth-POSSUM predicts 30-day morbidity and mortality from 12 physiological variables (age, cardiac/respiratory signs, systolic BP, pulse, GCS, Hb, WBC, urea, Na, K, ECG) and 6 operative variables (magnitude, number of procedures, blood loss, peritoneal soiling, malignancy, urgency).

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Height
Clinical Guidance

BMI is a screening measure of body size, not a direct measure of body fat. The standard WHO categories are underweight (<18.5), normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9), and obese (≥30).

BMI can overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass and underestimate it in older adults with low muscle mass. Interpret it alongside waist circumference and clinical context rather than as a standalone diagnosis.

⚕ Clinical Disclaimer: These calculators are for educational and reference purposes only. Always verify results with qualified clinical judgment and current clinical guidelines. Do not use as a sole basis for medical decisions.
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How It Works

Portsmouth-POSSUM predicts 30-day morbidity and mortality from 12 physiological variables (age, cardiac/respiratory signs, systolic BP, pulse, GCS, Hb, WBC, urea, Na, K, ECG) and 6 operative variables (magnitude, number of procedures, blood loss, peritoneal soiling, malignancy, urgency)

Each component has a specific meaning:

  • Cardiac/respiratory signs — The cardiac/respiratory signs recorded for the scenario being assessed.
  • Systolic BP — The systolic bp recorded for the scenario being assessed.
  • Pulse — The pulse recorded for the scenario being assessed.
  • GCS — The gcs recorded for the scenario being assessed.
  • Hb — The hb recorded for the scenario being assessed.
  • WBC — The wbc recorded for the scenario being assessed.

Note: Interpret the p-possum score result against the thresholds and context described above.

How to Use

Enter the cardiac/respiratory signs, systolic BP, pulse, GCS, Hb, WBC for the scenario you are assessing. Portsmouth-POSSUM predicts 30-day morbidity and mortality from 12 physiological variables (age, cardiac/respiratory signs, systolic BP, pulse, GCS, Hb, WBC, urea, Na, K, ECG) and 6 operative variables (magnitude, number of procedures, blood loss, peritoneal soiling, malignancy, urgency). Use the p-possum score result to inform your calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions