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. 2011 Jul;1(2):197-202.

Reasons for elective surgery cancellation in a referral hospital

Ha Ezike  1 , Vo Ajuzieogu, Ao Amucheazi
Affiliations

Reasons for elective surgery cancellation in a referral hospital

Ha Ezike et al. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2011 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Case cancellation can be very distressing not only to the patient and relatives but also to health care professionals.

Objectives: This study aims at detecting the causes of case cancellations on the intended day of surgery (DOS) at a tertiary hospital in Enugu that handles both elective and emergency cases.

Methods: The data was extracted retrospectively from the anesthetists' daily activity book during a period of 32 months. The reasons for cancellation were then sorted into one of 5 groups

Results: There were 226 causes of case cancellation. The commonest reasons for cancellation were unavailability of the surgeons (35.8%).

Conclusion: Preventable causes of case cancellation were the most prominent.

Keywords: case cancellation; reasons operation room.

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