An Audit of Otorhinolaryngological Practice in a Tertiary Institution in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) is a young tertiary hospital with recently established department in various specialties. In spite of this it caters for the health needs of a lot of the patients in Bayelsa state and its environs. The aim of this study therefore is to audit the otorhinolaryngological (ORL) practice in this center with the aim of establishing the pattern of ORL disease which is useful for the planning of effective ORL services

Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients that presented to the ear, nose and throat department of NDUTH from January 2007 to December 2011. The patient's folders and clinic records were the source of data.

Results: There were 2,275 patients seen within the period under study. The age ranged from 3months to 80 years. Patients who were in the 21-30 year age group (21.1%) were the most frequently seen. There were 1,150(50.55%) males and 1,125(49.45%) females with a male female ratio of 1.02:1. The adults were 1,725(75.82%) while the children were 550(24.18%). Otologic conditions ranked highest in the clinic presentations with wax impaction being the commonest ear disorder encountered. There were about 573 (25.19%) procedures done within this period. Aural syringing was the commonest procedure. There was no major theatre procedures carried out.

Conclusion: The otorhinolaryngologic practice in the centre is growing and otologic diseases appear to be the most common conditions seen. There is therefore need to equip both the theatre and clinic so as to offer effective care. Audiololgical services also are relevant for the rehabilitation of these patients in view of the considerable number with hearing loss. The ORL practice here appears quite elementary. Therefore there is a need to vigorously equip the department

Keywords: Otorhinolaryngology; Hospital Practice Audit; Niger Delta; Nigeria