Audit & analysis of cancelled elective operations of surgical patients at Mankweng Hospital

Cancelled elective surgical operations at Mankweng Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Cancellation of planned operations on the day of surgery causes psychological trauma for patients and their families. Cancellations have very severe undesirable effects and huge financial consequences for patients and hospitals.  The people who suffer most are those of low income, who depend exclusively on the public health sector. This study aims to determine the prevalence of cancellation of elective surgical procedures and to investigate the reasons for cancellation of elective operations, which may increase the awareness of surgeons, theatre team and hospital administration to make possible solutions at Mankweng Hospital. Method: A cross sectional retrospective descriptive study conducted for cancellations of elective surgical operation from February 2022-November 2022. Result: Total of 2812 patients booked for elective surgery and 540 operations were cancelled from 5 major departments namely General surgery, Orthopaedics, Paediatric Surgery, Gynaecology, and Plastic surgery. Overall cancellation rate:19.2%. The top reasons for cancellation were prolonged operative time (31.3%), poor preparations (24.6%) and emergencies (22.8%). When correlating with number elective booking and cancelling with each department, the highest number of cancelation rate was found in paediatric surgery (27%) and lowest number of cancellations in Gynaecology (6,9%).  Conclusion: Many cancellations of the operations could be avoided if proper planning of elective surgical booking were made. Surgeons should consider organizing efficient operating time while planning for elective schedule booking in the theatre. Preoperative assessment of the patient by the surgical team is vital before booking the theatre list. Provision of readily accessible emergency theatre in daytime is paramount important.