Table 2 Examples of surgical case types stratified by indication and urgency

Emergent

<  1 h

• Life-threatening 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