Morbidity and mortality spectrum in surgical acute abdomen at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Surgical acute abdomen is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical practice.
Aim: To determine the morbidity and mortality of surgical acute abdomen in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. It also aims to correlate the age of the patient, time of presentation from onset of symptoms with the occurrence of complications and mortality.
Methods: All patients admitted into the hospital with surgical acute abdomen between January and December, 2004 were studied prospectively. Essential data were obtained and recorded in a proforma.
Results: A total of 180 patients were studied. Of these, 44 (18.9%) patients developed complications while 18 (10%) patients died. Those who presented to the hospital more than 24 hours after onset of symptoms had a significantly higher occurrence of complications than those who presented in hospital within 24 hours (p<0.05). Complications and  mortality  were also significantly higher in those below 1 year of age and those over 61 years of age as compared with other age groups (p<0.05). Presentation in hospital after 24 hours of onset of symptoms, however, did not affect mortality.
Conclusion: Surgical acute abdomen is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity which is more in the very young and the old. Late presentation in hospital is also associated with a higher occurrence of complications.

Keywords: Surgical acute abdomen, Morbidity, Mortality