ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Delays in the start of morning operations cause a loss of expensive OR capacity as well as frustration and potential conflicts among the different professions involved. There are a lot of reasons which can lead to delayed anesthesia ready time (ART). This is the first large multicenter study to identify incidence, extent and reasons of delay in ART. METHODS: First case delays in ART were studied in all regular ORs in 36 hospitals of different sizes (smaller community hospitals, larger community hospitals and university hospitals) over a period of 2 weeks. We analyzed the results comparing the 3 hospital types regarding incidence, extent and reasons for delay. RESULTS: A total of 3628 first of day cases were included in the study. Incidences of delayed ART (delay >5â¯min) ranged from 26.5% in university hospitals to 40.8% in larger community hospitals. However, university hospitals had higher incidences than smaller community hospitals of delays greater than 15 and 30â¯min. The main reasons for delays were prolonged induction of anesthesia, patient in-hospital logistics and delayed patient arrival at the hospitals. The highest mean delay of delayed cases was found in university hospitals with 21.7â¯min⯱ 14.7â¯min (SD). CONCLUSIONS: Delays in anesthesia ready time have a high prevalence in most hospitals, however the reasons for delay are manifold, making interventions to reduce delay complex.
Subject(s)
Anesthesia , Anesthesiology , Hospitals, University , Humans , Incidence , Operating RoomsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Delays in beginning operations in the morning lead to a loss of valuable operating time and can cause frustration among the medical personnel involved. OBJECTIVE: So far there are no prospective, multicentric investigations of the incidence and reasons for delayed first incision times in the morning. The effect of planning list instability of first cases on late operating room starts has not yet been evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this multicenter prospective study delays in surgical incision time in all first cases of the day were investigated in 36 German and Swiss hospitals (14 surgical specialties) over a period of 2 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 3628 first of the day cases were included in the study. Looking at all subspecialties combined 50.8% of the first cases of the day were delayed by more than 5â¯min and in 30.2% of cases longer than 15â¯min. Incidences of delayed surgical incision time >5â¯min ranged from 40.0% (gynecology) to 66.8% (neurosurgery). The main reasons for delays in ascending order were prolonged induction of anesthesia compared to the planned time, the delayed appearance of the surgeon and prolonged preparation for surgery. The incidence of delays in incision times for planning list instability was increased by 10% and the average delay increased by 7â¯min. CONCLUSION: Delays in surgical incision times of the first operation of the day have a high incidence in most surgical specialties; however, the reasons for delays are manifold. Plan instability of operating room lists with respect to the first cases has a negative effect on the punctuality of the incision time and should therefore be avoided.
Subject(s)
Anesthesia , Surgical Wound , Humans , Incidence , Operating Rooms , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
Snake bites are rare events in Germany and are not life-threatening with usually only mild clinical symptoms. The most widespread venomous snake is the common European adder (Vipera berus). Here we present the case of a 53-year-old woman who was bitten by a common adder. Although the patient was initially in stable condition she developed edematous swelling of the complete lower limb, subcutaneous bleeding, and rhabdomyolysis. The aim of this report is to raise awareness that even in a central European country like Germany snake bites with a life-threatening course can occur and need immediate attention and medical care.
