Urological Surgery in a Referral Hospital: How long do we wait?

Abstract

Introduction: Peri-operative delay is a sign of theatre inefficiency. When surgeries are delayed, it leads to subsequent delay in starting other cases with attendant risk of cancellation of cases caudal on the list. Effective and efficient function of the operating theatre depends on co-operation of the surgeons, anaesthetists, and other support staff. Methods: We prospectively studied all elective urological cases that were done over a fifteen-month period from January 2016 through March 2017 in Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Results: During the study period, 130 elective urological surgeries were done. Forty six percent (46%) of the cases were first cases.98.35% of the cases were delayed. First cases on the list were more delayed than other cases on the list;160 minutes versus 97 minutes (P=0.000). Waiting time at the in room was more for the first cases than others on the list 127minutes versus 111 minutes (P=0.2168). Mean delay for transporting patient from the ward to the theatre was 69 minutes. Conclusion: A huge amount of time is spent to get patients to the operating table. Appropriate measures should be taken to reduce this time wastage.