Ann Clin Otolaryngol | Volume 5, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access
Osuji AE*1, Onotai LO*1 and Nwankwo BE2
1Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
2Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching, Nigeria
Introduction: Mortality in Otorhinolaryngology may not only be due to progression of disease conditions. Late presentation of patients to clinic, leads to diagnosis of advanced disease at time of presentation, allowing limited time for proper management. This results in poor management outcome, thus increasing the chances of mortality. Mortality from otorhinolaryngological diseases in the hospital can be peri-operative, occurring during surgical procedures in theatre, either due to surgical or anesthetic complications, or during pre- or post-surgical in-ward admission. The aim of this study was to review the causes and the pattern of mortality seen among the otorhinolaryngological conditions seen in ENT operating theatre and admission ward in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers state, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective 10 year review of mortality among Otorhinolaryngology patients seen in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers state, Nigeria from January 2009 to December 2018. Data was collected from Ear, Nose and, Throat ward records, operation theatre records, and case notes of patients who died during surgery and in otorhinolaryngological (ENT) admission ward during this study period. Their age, sex and clinical diagnosis was retrieved and analyzed. Results were presented in tables and figures. Results: Over this 10 year period, a total of 2,572 otorhinolaryngological patients were seen through the theatre and admission ward. A total mortality of 46 patients (1.8%) was noted, 35 males and 11 females. The leading cause of death was Head and Neck Tumour, with 22 (47.8%) mortality. The age range of 51 years to 60 years had the highest mortality of 11 (24%), while 81 years to 90 years had the least mortality 1 (2.2%), followed by 41 years to 50 years and 61 years to 70 years with 8 (17.4%) mortality respectively. Conclusion: Our study noted that Head and neck tumors are most liable for mortality in otorhinolaryngological patients, and mortality is more in males than females, usually promoted by several factors among which is late presentation of pathologies. Increased enlightenment on ENT diseases, and early presentation of these cases can help reduce mortality rate from otorhinolaryngological diseases.
Osuji AE, Onotai LO, Nwankwo B. Profile of Otorhinolaryngology Patients Mortality in a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. Ann Clin Otolaryngol. 2020; 5(1): 1042..