# Analysis of Time Utilization in the Operating Theater and Factors Contributing to Delays in Scheduled Surgeries

## TL;DR

This study examines how efficiently operating theaters are used and finds common causes of delays in scheduled surgeries at a hospital in Karachi.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into factors causing delays in surgical procedures and suggests communication improvements to enhance efficiency.

## Key findings

- The raw utilization time of the general surgery operating theater was 83.8%.
- Technical difficulties were the most common cause of discrepancies in procedure timing.
- Improved communication among surgical staff could help reduce delays.

## Abstract

Introduction: The operation theater (OT) is a significant expenditure in hospital budgets, necessitating maximum utilization for optimal cost efficiency. This study aims to determine the percentage of raw utilization time of general surgical theaters at Indus Hospital, Karachi.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the raw utilization percentage of the general surgery OT.

Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted between February 20, 2022, and August 25, 2022 at the Department of General Surgery, the Indus Hospital, Karachi. All elective surgical procedures performed between 08:00 AM and 05:00 PM that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Raw utilization time was calculated from the collected data.

Results: The majority of patients were female (62.7%). The raw utilization time was 83.8%. The most common reasons for discrepancies between actual and projected procedure times were technical difficulties (26.6%), equipment-related issues (16.7%), and staff shortages (2.6%).

Conclusion: This study identifies avoidable factors contributing to discrepancies in procedure timing. Improved communication among surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff prior to surgeries could help mitigate delays.