Complications in ENT--a nationwide audit carried out in November 1992

We report a prospective audit of complications following ENT surgery during November 1992 from 42 consultants across the United Kingdom. Complications were reported as codes, and results were analysed at the Royal College of Surgeons Comparative Audit Unit. A total of 174 complications were reported, giving an annualized complication rate per consultant of 5.7-7.0% (depending on whether only the most severe complication per patient is counted or all complications). This compares with an annual complication rate of 1.49% reported retrospectively for the year of 1991 by the same consultants.