Study of the Extent and Causes of Surgical Cancellations at the Largest Educational Medical Center in the Southeast of Iran

Background: Last-minute cancellations of surgical procedures not only disrupt operating room schedules but also cause anxiety for patients and their families, in addition to wasting hospital resources. This study aims to analyze the frequency and causes of surgical cancellations at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd city. Methods: This is a descriptive and applied study. To obtain the results, we compiled a report on the number of surgeries performed and those canceled during the specified time period. Data were collected using a researcher-designed form and the hospital Health Information System (HIS) software, followed by data analysis using SPSS21 with descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. Results: At Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, from March 2020 to March 2022, a total of 35,396 surgical procedures were scheduled across various specialties, including obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, general surgery, vascular surgery, neonatology, thoracic surgery, urology, and neurosurgery. Out of this number, 35,152 surgeries were performed, while 244 were canceled (0.68%). The analysis indicated that the highest rate of cancellations occurred in general surgery, with 61 surgeries canceled (25%), whereas the lowest cancellation rates were observed in neurosurgery and urology (0%). Conclusion: Given the higher rates of cancellations in certain specialties and during specific months of the year, investigating the effective factors and necessary planning in this regard is crucial.