Hypertension as a reason for cancellation of elective surgical cases on day of surgery: A five year audit report from The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi

OBJECTIVE: To assess the controllable factors in preventing undue cancellation of elective surgical cases and to suggest measures to address the issue. METHODS: The retrospective audit was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised all cancellations of elective surgery from 2011 to 2015. The cases reviewed had been cancelled primarily due to hypertension. A three-member committee regularly reviewed files regarding case cancellations and data was gathered. RESULTS: Of the 42,242 surgical cases scheduled during the period, 2903 (6.8%) were cancelled. In 11(0.37%) of these cases, hypertension was the primary reason. Of them, 10(91%) were men and 1(9%) woman. Overall age range was 30-77 years. Among the cancelled cases, 3(27.3%) each belonged to neurosurgery and general surgery, 2(18%) each to orthopaedic and urology, and 1(9%) to ear, nose and throat surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension as the primary reason for cancellation was low. Further reductions in these cancellations can be done by emphasis on following guidelines and their dissemination through continuing medical education.