Comparative study of post operative complications in Emergency Laparotomies in Diabetic and non Diabetic patients

Abstract

Background: Emergency laparotomies are high-risk surgical procedures often complicated
by various postoperative outcomes. Diabetic patients are known to have higher morbidity and
mortality rates due to their compromised immune status and delayed wound healing. This study aims to compare postoperative complications and mortality between diabetic and nondiabetic patients undergoing emergency laparotomies.
Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted over six months in the
Department of General Surgery at Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Jamuhar. 200 patients, aged 18 years and above, who underwent emergency laparotomies were included.
Patients were divided into two groups: diabetic (n=20) and non-diabetic (n=180).
Immunocompromised patients (excluding diabetics), patients with malignancies, gynecological and urological emergencies, and pediatric patients were excluded. Data were
collected through detailed history, general and systemic examinations, and relevant
laboratory and radiological investigations. Preoperative prophylactic antibiotics were
administered. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, with a p-value of less
than 0.05 considered significant.
Results: Postoperative complications were observed in 70% of diabetic patients and 40% of
non-diabetic patients. The most common complications included wound infection (50% in
diabetics vs. 20% in non-diabetics), sepsis (20% in diabetics vs. 10% in non-diabetics), and
prolonged hospital stay (30% in diabetics vs. 10% in non-diabetics). Mortality rates were
higher in diabetic patients (20%) compared to non-diabetic patients (10%).
Conclusion: Diabetic patients undergoing emergency laparotomies exhibit a higher incidence
of postoperative complications and mortality compared to non-diabetic patients. This
underscores the need for meticulous perioperative management and targeted interventions to improve surgical outcomes in diabetic patients.