Abstract

Background: Globally about two billion people are unable to have access to surgical care services, and the outcome of surgical care is of prime importance to the success of overall health delivery to society. The aim of this study therefore was to evaluate the outcome pattern of General Surgery disease care at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in the year 2021. Materials and Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was carried out among all general surgery patients who were admitted at the Surgery Department of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital within the study period, using hospital admission and discharge registers. Results: There were 196 total ward admissions out of which 121 (61.7%) patients were treated and discharged, 23 (11.7%) signed against medical advice (9 males; and 14 females), 22 (11.2%) absconded (10 males; 12 females), and 30 (12.2%) died (16 males and 14 females). The mean age of patients involved in signing against medical advice was 42.8years with 22 females and 12 males. The mean age of absconders was 41.2 years seen among 17 males and 14 females, and acute appendicitis, breast diseases, hernia, and intestinal obstruction were the common pathological conditions among absconders. Conclusion: About two-third of patients admitted, treated, paid their bills and were discharged. However, about one-tenth of patients discharged against medical advice, another one-tenth absconded, and 15.3% died while on admission. Males were more likely to abscond, and females were more likely to sign against medical advice.