317 Why Are We Cancelling Theatre Cases at Ealing Hospital? What Can Be Done?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Following a recent spate of on the day cancellation of elective operations being cancelled on the day of surgery, a need for a wider review was felt. Our aim was to identify the causes behind these cancellations. Method Retrospective data collection was performed to categorise patients according to the reason for cancellation. Analysis consisted of case presentations being prepared and presented to the surgical consultants. Results A total of 130 operations were cancelled on the day of surgery. 22 patients were cancelled due to the procedure not being required and 10 patients were cancelled due to insufficient pre-operative investigations. Analysis of the 32 cases demonstrated that the majority of cancelled patients were seen and listed for surgery after clinical review by the registrar without involvement of the consultant. Some cancellations occurred when the consultant responsible for listing the patient was different of the operating consultant. Both factors lead to differences in opinion arising on the day of surgery. Conclusions Ensuring patients are only listed after discussion with the consultant would reduce cancellations arising from lack of experience and clinical misjudgment of the registrar. It would also ensure that cases added to the pooled operating lists are less subjective in their indication and readiness.