Table 1 Examples of surgical case types stratified by indication and urgency

Emergent

<  1 h

• Life-threating emergencies

• Acute exsanguination / hemorrhagic shock

• Trauma level 1 activations

• Acute vascular injury or occlusion

• Aortic dissection

• Emergency C-section

• Acute compartment syndrome

• Necrotizing fasciitis

• Peritonitis

• Bowel obstruction / perforation

Urgent

<  24 h

• Appendicitis / cholecystitis

• Septic arthritis

• Open fractures

• Bleeding pelvic fractures

• Femur shaft fractures & hip fractures

• Acute nerve injuries / spinal cord injuries

• Surgical infections

Urgent-elective

<  2 weeks

• Cardiothoracic / cardiovascular procedures

• Cerebral aneurysm repair

• Vascular access devices

• Skin grafts / flaps / wound closures

• Scheduled C-section

• Closed fractures

• Spinal fractures & acetabular fractures

Elective (essential)

1–3 months

• Cancer surgery & biopsies

• Subacute cardiac valve procedures

• Hernia repair

• Hysterectomy

• Reconstructive surgery

Elective (discretionary)

>  3 months

• Cosmetic surgery

• Bariatric surgery

• Joint replacement

• Sports surgery

• Vasectomy / tubal ligation

• Infertility procedures