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Prevalence and Risk Factors for Prolonged Post Anesthesia Care Unit Stay among Adults at a Referral Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Prolonged length of stay (PLS) in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) after surgical operations continues to be a challenge worldwide. In Rwanda, few studies have explored the determinants of prolonged PACU stay. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and risk factors associated with prolonged stay in PACU among adult patients at one of the referral hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional design was used. A sample of 126 patient files was selected using simple random sampling. Bivariate analysis was conducted using chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent t-tests for continuous variables. Results: The study revealed that 61.9% of the adult patients who underwent surgical operations had prolonged lengths of stay in PACU. This prolongation was seen to be associated with different factors: Age, pre-existing diseases (P =0.039), type of surgery, duration of operation (P=0.042), type of anesthesia, and intraoperative and postoperative complications (P=0,022). Conclusion: This study identified a big number of PLS after surgical operations. Proper attention to the issue is recommended. Future research should identify appropriate intervention to reduce PLS and associated negative effects.

Source: Rwanda Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences

DOI: 10.4314/rjmhs.v8i3.7

Authors: Assumpta Yamuragiye, Emmanuel Ikitegetse, Elie Nishimwe Mugisha, Jean Pierre Niyitegeka

Institution: University of Rwanda

Language: English

Topic: Anesthesia and Pain Management

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7125967837

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