Biomedical Research

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a global health hazard affecting millions of people globally. A nationwide study conducted in Saudi Arabia showed the incidence and prevalence of DM were gradually increasing. Studies on the outcomes of emergency general surgery operations of diabetic patients are limited. The objective of this study is to compare the outcomes of diabetic patients undergoing emergency general surgery operations compared to those who are non-diabetic. Methods: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected using an observational clinical case series database, retrospectively, for patients undergoing emergency general surgery operations between July 2017 and December 2018 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients were classified into diabetic and non-diabetic groups based on previous diagnosis at the time of presentation for their emergency procedure. Statistical analysis was utilized to investigate the association of diabetes with factors related to morbidity and mortality. Results: The total number of the participants was 325, wherein 177 (54.5%) were males. 185 (57%) were diabetic. We found significant association between diabetes mellitus and ICU admission and hospital readmissions compared to non-diabetic patients (odds ratio 1.772, relative risk 1.257 vs. 0.709, p=0.025). However, no statistically significant association was found between the diagnosis of diabetes and inhospital or 30-day mortality after emergency general surgery procedures. Conclusion: There are significant associations of the diagnosis of diabetes and worse postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing emergency general surgery procedures. Health care providers should give special attention as well as prompt and watchful perioperative care for this patients' population.

Author(s): Abdulmalik Altaf
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