Operating Room Deaths

A ten-year retrospective survey of the rate and pattern of death of patients within the operating theatre suites was carried out at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital; Benin City; Nigeria. Of the 12;743 patients who were admitted to the operating theatre suites in the period; excluding obstetric cases; 47 (i.e. 0.37) deaths were recorded; consisting of 24 males and 23 females; aged between 5 months and 72 years. Thirty-two (68) of the deaths were associated with emergency procedures; and fifteen (32) were elective. Thirty-six of the patients (76.6); had general anaesthesia. The patients' medical condition contributed to 51of the deaths; followed by anesthesia (38.3) and surgery (8.5). Twenty-four of the deceased (51.1); were booked for abdominal surgery; while head/neck procedures accounted for 14 (29.8). The death rate of 37 per 10;000 seems high; when compared to western values; but is akin to figures from similar institutions in developing countries like ours

Postoperative Throat Complications after Tracheal Intubation

Background:A prospective study was carried out to determine the incidence of sore throat after endotracheal intubation and the associated causative factors.Methods: Two hundred patients aged 18-77 years who had surgery over sixteen months were studied. Sizes 7mm - 8.0mm internal diameter (I.D) portex endotracheal tubes with cuff were used for females while sizes 8.5mm - 9.0mm I.D were used for males. A standardized form was used to collect patients' details; types of surgery; technique of airway maintenance and number of attempts at intubation. The use of nasogastric tubes; throat pack; duration of intubation and status of the anaesthetists were also noted. The presence of sore throat and other throat complications were determined within 24 - 36 hours after surgery.Results: One hundred twenty six (63) patients experienced throat complications. The incidence of sore throat was similar in both males and females. There was no statistically significant difference P=1.0000; odd ratio = 1.035; 95CI: 0.5064 - 2.115. There was no statistical difference between the group whose tubes were lubricated and the one without tube lubrication. P = 0.5296; odds ratio - 1.255; 95CI: 0.6702 - 2.351. There was statistically significant difference between the incidence of throat complications in throat related surgery and non- throat related surgery. P=0.0001.; odds ratio-9.771; 95CI: 3.065-31.148. Multiple attempts at intubation did not contribute to the development of sore throat. Duration of intubation greater than 60 minutes contributed to a higher incidence of throat complications and it was considered statistically significant.Conclusion:Routine endotracheal intubation can result in trauma and pathological changes; which could lead to postoperative throat symptoms. There is need to further evaluate if the use of smaller sized endotracheal tubes could reduce the incidence of throat complications