Otorhinolaryngological emergencies in a Tertiary Hospital in Port Harcourt

Emergencies are not uncommon in a typical otorhinolaryngological (ORL) clinic. The knowledge of the profile and prevalence of these emergencies will go a long way in helping to equip as well as aid proper and prompt management of these conditions so as to reduce their morbidity and mortality.

A descriptive retrospective 8 years review of all patients that presented to the ENT Surgery Department from January 2004 to December 2012. This includes referrals from the accident and emergency as well as the children emergency ward. The patients case files, the ward, and theatre records were the source of data. Data collected included; age, sex, presentations, diagnosis, and management.

There were a total number of 5660 patients that presented as emergencies, however only 2160 cases were real emergencies. Males were 1328 and females 832 with a ratio of 1.6:1. The age ranged from 6 months to 70 years. The age range 0-10 years were the most affected 670 (31.02%) followed by age range 21-30 years 534 (24.72%). The least was 61-70 years 26 (1.20%). Foreign body aspiration/ingestion/insertion was the commonest emergency 900 cases (41.7%) followed by trauma 650 (30.09%). There were five cases (0.23%) of mortality recorded. Respiratory distresses from upper airway obstruction, dysphagia, and odynophagia were the common presentations. Direct laryngoscopy, esophagoscopy, and tracheostomy were the commonest form of management.

ORL emergencies are common. The pediatric age group is the most affected; foreign body and trauma comprise the commonest emergency in our environment.