A pattern of postoperative laparatomy complication at the Kenyatta National Hospital between 1st January 1982 to 31st

Abstract

The pattern of complication in Kenyatta National Hospital is as found in other centres.

Pulmonary complication occured in 3.3% of all laparotomies, with males predominating. Pulmonary complication associated with abdominal distension carried a poor prognosis. Majority of complications occured on the first day postoperatively cases of high incisions of the abdomen developed pulmonary

complication much more than any other incision.

Abdominal distension occured in 2.7% of the laparotomies. Patients either improved spontaneously between 3rd -7th day or they died in the same period. The males also predominated.

Postoperatively adhesions occured in 2.5% of the laparotomies. The females predominated in the ratio of F:M 4:3. The peak age group in which adhesions did occur was in the 20-29 year age group. Most of the adhesions manifested themselves in less than two months time. 59.1% of the cases had to undergo laparotomy to relieve the obstruction.