Title: Profile of Otolaryngology Surgical Emergencies in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Authors: Dr Nwogbo A.C, Dr John P.

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v11i4.19

Abstract

Background: Surgical emergency is a medical emergency for which immediate surgical intervention is the only way to get the patient out of the clinical problem successfully.

In this clinical state, there is usually anxious moments for the patient and relation while the surgeon must exhibit surgical life-saving procedure.

Method: This is a retrospective study of all emergency surgical cases that were done within the period of 5 years, January 2018 to December 2022 in the otolaryngology department of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. All the case notes were retrieved from theatre records, clinic and wards. These notes were put in tables and analysed.

Results: Results showed that four hundred and eighteen (418) patient presented with various emergency medical conditions requiring different surgical procedures. Foreign body in the external ear 253 (60.1%) topped the list, followed by foreign body in the nasal cavity 80 (21%). Least in the list were vocal cord papilloma, laryngeal polyp, septal abscess with one case each (0.2%).

Conclusion: Otolaryngology surgical emergencies are life threatening conditions. Early presentation and treatment is required to avoid mortality.

Keywords: Surgical emergency, Otolaryngology, Tracheostomy.

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Corresponding Author

Dr. Nwogbo Augustine

Department of Otolaryngology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital