Estimation of Anaesthesia Related Deaths in Elective Surgical Operations in Khartoum, Khartoum North and Omdurman Teaching Hospitals from October 2011 to October 2012

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

This study dealt with estimation of anesthesia related deaths in elective surgical operation in Khartoum state teaching hospitals (Khartoum, Khartoum North and Omdurman Teaching Hospitals) in the period between October 2011 to October 2012. The estimation of anaesthestic death is a useful tool for quality improvement and maintenance of high safety standards in anesthetic services. The problem of the study has come from the absence of accurate statements about the causes of deaths on table and no systematic formal reporting of deaths was being followed. The objective of the study was to estimate the number and causes of anaesthesia related death in elective surgical operation under general anaesthesia. It was prospective study, used descriptive longitudinal design. The study has shown thirteen thousand one hundred thirty four elective surgical operations were performed during the study period. Twelve anaesthesia related deaths were observed with proportion of 0,091%. The deaths which occurred in surgical operation found in general surgical departments, all of deaths occurred during intra and postoperative periods. However, the majority of death occurred postoperative period. Deaths due to anesthesia complications were higher than other contributing related factors. Primary causes of death were divided into three major groups (anaesthesia related death caused by cardiovascular complication, respiratory complication and medication error).The human errors, equipment and monitor devices were contributed in these three groups. It can be recommend that continuous education program for anaesthesia providers (anaesthesia technician, anaesthesia assistants and anesthesiologists). Attention and vigilance is required in even the most straight forward cases and improve the equipment and monitor devices to improvement in the safety and quality of anaesthesia services.