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Methods: Adult patients admitted to our surgical intensive care unit (SICU) after an EGS operation over a 3-month period were surveyed regarding preoperative GOC discussions. The SICU census was screened daily and patients were approached once per weekday. Surveys were completed by patients if and when their GCS was 15, or by a healthcare proxy if the patient’s GCS remained less than 15 for more than 48 hours. Data are presented using descriptive statistics.

Results: Of the 43 eligible patients, 22 were enrolled. Mean age was 58.2 years (Standard deviation: 16.1); 45.5% were female. 11 (50.0%) surveys were completed by a proxy. 9 (40.9%) patients had established a written advance directive prior to surgery. 12 (54.6%) had designated a legally authorized representative (LAR). 14 (63.6%) included their health care proxies in their preoperative GOC conversations. The majority of patients affirmed …