An audit of surgical admissions to the intensive care unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (1997 - 2002)

Abstract

Objective: To review the pattern of adult surgical admissions into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Methods: A six-year retrospective review of data of patients above 12 years old admitted to the ICU of LUTH was performed.

Results: 290 patients representing 82.6% of the total ICU admissions (351) during the study period were evaluated. 251 (86.6% ) were surgical and 39 (13.4% ) non-surgical. The overall mortality was 40.3% (Surgical - 37.8% , Medical 62.9% ). Emergency admissions accounted for 221 (76.2% ) while electives were 69(33.8% ). The Mean hospital stay (MHS) was 4.8 +/- 0.4 days (Surgical: Medical - 3.9 +/- 0.2:10.1 +/- 2.5). The highest admissions were as a result of trauma (32.1% ) and obstetric complications (9.7% ). Cardiorespiratory monitoring (57.2% ) and respiratory distress (34.1% ) were the main indications for admission. Emergency admission and artificial ventilation contributed significantly to the observed mortality (p < 0.0001)

Conclusion: At LUTH, trauma and obstetric complications constituted the major causes for ICU adult surgical admissions.