Reasons for elective orthopedic operations cancellation in an educational hospital

Background Cancellation during elective surgeries on the day of surgery is one of the many challenges that cause operational disruptions, resource waste, low patient satisfaction, and adverse influences on medical outcomes. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the frequency of cancellation of elective orthopedic operations performed on the day of surgery. Methods This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate same-day cancellations of elective orthopedic surgeries over a one-year period from March 2022 to February 2023. Data were collected via hospital records, focusing on demographic information, type of operation, and causes of cancellation. Results Among 4954 intended elective orthopedic surgeries, 299 were cancelled on the day of surgery. Cancellations occurred mostly because of administrative (29.8%), surgeon-related (28.4%), and medical and anesthesiology factors (27.1%). Other factors included the administration of preoperative preparations (8.4%) and patient-related factors (6.4%). Fracture surgeries have the highest cancellation rates owing to administrative and anesthesia-related causes. Conclusions Cancellations of elective orthopedic surgery were due mainly to administrative, surgeon-related, and anesthesia-related factors. Improvements in theater resources, perioperative optimization, and good communication between surgeons and patients could effectively reduce such cancellation rates.