Intraoperative Deaths at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna: A 2-Year Experience

Abstract

Background: The car of patients undergoing surgery should accomplish a good reduction in mortality and morbidity from surgery and anaesthesia.


Methods: A retrospective study of cases of intra-operative deaths at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) Kaduna, Nigeria in a 2-year period.


Result: Two thousand, four hundred and sixty - five (2,465) operations were performed in the main operating theatre of the hospital, shared by departments of departments of surgery, obstetric and gynaecology (OG) and maxillo-facial surgery (MFU). Nine cases of intraoperative deaths were recorded. Most of the deaths occurred among the gravely ill, inadequately prepared patients and patients whose operations were done in the late hours of the night.


Conclusion: This tragedy is preventable by paying meticulous attention to details and careful patient selection and care.

(Nig J Surg Res 2001;3:19-23)



KEY WORDS:

Intraoperative death, prevention