The impact of a postponed operation due to an anesthesia obstacle to the cost in children

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate causes of delay in elective surgical interventions and its additional economic burden. Methods: Cases were chosen among the patients required an elective surgery and had no obstacle during diagnosis for the anesthesia, in a two-year period in the Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine Pediatric Surgery Clinic. All patients appointed to a date. The study group consists of 100 patients whose intervention was delayed because of an anesthesia obstacle at the appointment day. Control group consists of 50 patients whose surgical intervention was not delayed. Results: In study group 41% of patients were admitted from district of Erzurum province, 59% from other provinces or cities. In control group, 80% of appointments on the day of surgery and district of Erzurum, 20% from other provinces. Delay in operations was more common for patients admitting from other provinces. The percentage of delayed operations were significantly higher within the age range of 2-4 years. 227 TL average cost per patient in our study group and 70 TL in the control group has been recorded. Conclusion: In east Anatolia, upper respiratory tract infections are important problems causing delay in operation especially for patients admitting from other providences. Elective surgical interventions should be performed in patient\'s hometown or patients who will be directed to other provinces should have routine examination in their hometown for a contraindication of general anesthesia. In conclusion, this simple attempt could have a positive impact on the family budget and the country\'s economy.