HPB P32 Cancellations of elective theatre on the scheduled day of surgery at a tertiary referral hospital


 
 
 Cancellations of elective theatre has negative impact on patients, hospital staff and training of surgical trainees. It reduces the efficiency of theatre and causes significant financial loss for the health care system. The cancellation rate in the developed country ranged from 2 to 40%.The objective of current study was to report the rates and reasons for elective theatre cancellation.
 
 
 
 The data of cancelled cases were collected by Department of eHealth. The report was used to identify the cancelled cases and further demographic details and waiting time and outcome were collected and simple descriptive and basic analysis was done.
 
 
 
 121 cases were cancelled over 9.5 months from 1/12/2020–16/09/2021. The incidence rate of cancellation is ---. 2 most common cancelled cases were Lap chole (27.3%, n=33) and EUA rectum (8.3%, n=10). 24% (n=20) of the cancelled cases were cancer. Commonest reason for cancellation were unavailability of bed 39% (n=47) and not enough time 32% (n=39). 82%(n=100) reasons for cancellation were deemed avoidable. 7% patients had cancellation twice. The mean waiting time since cancellation to surgery was 52 days, median 35 days. 5% patients were admitted to hospital while awaiting surgery. 3% had passed away while waiting.
 
 
 
 This study identified the most common reasons for theatre cancellation at a tertiary hospital in Scotland which include unavailability of beds and not enough time. Improved theatre efficiency and booking schedule can help alleviate cancellation. Identification of the Potential avoidable causes can help conform interventions and formulate further research, influence national policies.
