Canceled elective general surgical operations in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and reasons for deferment or cancellation of elective surgeries in Khyber Teaching Hospital. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in surgical wards of Khyber Teaching Hospital from January 2016 to April 2019. All the patients who were scheduled for elective general surgery were enrolled and Non-probability sampling technique was used. Data including the total number of scheduled cases, number of canceled cases and the reasons for cancellation were recorded. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 4234 general surgical procedures were scheduled during the study period and 1023 experienced cancellation. Prevalence of cancellation was 24.16%. Among these, 673(65.8%) were male and 350(34.2%) female. There was a no statistically significant association between the age of the patients and canceled operation while gender differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). The most common reason for cancellation was due to a shortage of operation theater time, 240(23.46%). 238(23.2%) surgeries were canceled due to medical reasons, among them most common was uncontrolled blood pressure, 102 (49.76%). Conclusion: Cancellation rate of elective surgical procedures in our setting is high. Main reasons include shortage of operating room time and medical reasons.