Estimation of times in operating rooms (OR) by residents and specialists of Ear-nose-throat (ENT)

Introduction As accurate as possible planning of operating times is an important topic with potential for conflicts. High capacity utilisation of OR is essential for economic efficiency. At the same time working hours (also of other specific fields and occupational groups) must be respected. To detect sources of error, objective (obj.) and by surgeons estimated times were compared.

Method In a retrospective analysis the duration of 1809 operations (22 different types) by 31 different surgeons (12 specialist (S), 19 residents (R)) of the ENT department at Mannheim university medical centre were compared. By questionnaires estimated incision to suture, preparation and postprocessing times from 10 S and 17 R were compared to the obj. times. Both comparisons were analysed by Mann-Whitney-U-test.

Results Comparison of obj. times from S and R showed significant differences for times of surgical action in 6 out of 15 types of surgery (p<0,001). By S estimated postprocessing times deviate from obj. times in 2 out of 22 types of surgery (p<0,05). By R estimated postprocessing times deviate in 7 out of 15 types (p<0,05). S misjudge incision to suture times in 7 out of 22 types of surgery (p<0,05), R in 3 out of 15 (p<0,05). By S estimate preparation times deviate significant from obj. times in 16 out of 22 types of surgery (p<0,05), by R estimate preparation times in 7 out of 15 (p = 0,00).

Discussion For the estimation of operating times the surgeon`s routine for the planned surgery must be considered. S underrate preparation and postprocessing and overrate incision to suture times. R underestimate all these times. Preparation and postprocessing times must be considered in the planning of OR-times and in ideal circumstances be determined together with the operating room assistants.

Poster-PDF A-1763.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020