Abstract || Clinics In Surgery

Journal Basic Info

Impact Factor: 1.995**
H-Index: 8
ISSN: 2474-1647
DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647

**Impact Factor calculated based on Google Scholar Citations. Please contact us for any more details.

Major Scope

Gastroenterological Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Bariatric Surgery
Plastic Surgery
Breast Surgery
Emergency Surgery

Abstract

Citation: Clin Surg. 2021;7(1):3378.Research Article | Open Access

Audit of Mortality in a University Surgical Unit in a Low-Income Country

Tchangai Boyodi Katanga1*, Alassani Foussen1, Sakiye Kodjo Abossisso2 and Dosseh David Ekoue3

1Department of Visceral Surgery, University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo
2Department of Surgical Emergencies, University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo
3Department of General Surgery, University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo

^*Correspondance to: Boyodi Katanga Tchangai

PDF Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3378

Abstract

Objectives: To identify leading and preventable causes of death in a surgical unit of a tertiary care hospital in a low income country. Material and Method: This was a retrospective study covering a period of two years (January 01st, 2018 to December 31st, 2019). Patients who died during hospitalization in the visceral and general surgery department of the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé (Togo) were included. Results: 53 were included, with a mortality rate of 1.92%. The mean age was 51.7 years ± 15.3 (range: 20 to 80 years). Of the patients, 26 were male (sex ratio: 0.96). One or more comorbidities were observed in 21 patients. Of the included patients, 31 who had not undergone surgery died (56.6%). Among these patients, 30 (96.7%) were diagnosed with terminal stage cancer. Death was noted as a post-operative outcome in 22 patients (41.5%). Operations were performed in an emergency context in 18 cases (81.81%). Septic shock was the cause of death in 12 patients (54.4%). The leading factor contributing the death of the surgical patients was ineffective treatment in 18 patients (33.96%). Pre-operative physiological status and treatment delay were involved in respectively 11 (20.75) and 10 cases (18.87). Conclusion: Preventable mortality in this study was essentially limited to surgical patients, and half the patients who died received palliative care. Early management of patients and better treatment decisions should improve the outcome of care and reduce mortality.