Observational studyPloS one2026
Cancer surgical outcome study in Ethiopia: A 7-day multicenter prospective observational cohort study.
Observational study in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundSafe surgery is a fundamental quality indicator within the global surgery framework. Postoperative complications remain a leading global cause of disability, mortality, and economic loss, with a disproportionate impact on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
objectiveThis study aims to generate robust epidemiological data on postoperative outcomes of cancer surgery in Ethiopia.
methodsThis study employed a 7-day national observational prospective cohort design. The study enrolled adult patients aged 18 years and older who underwent either elective or non-elective cancer surgery in hospitals across Ethiopia. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for categorical variables, and logistic regression models to identify risk factors for postoperative complications. Outcome measures 7th day postoperative mortality and complications. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
resultsA total of 265 cancer surgeries were performed across 46 hospitals (overall surgeries = 4412). The mean patient age was 46.6 years (SD = 14.9). The majority of patients were classified as low-risk America Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification: ASA I (106/265, 40%) and ASA II (133/265, 50.2%) and low Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status: ECOG 0 (112/265, 42.3%) and ECOG 1 (98/265, 37%). Colorectal cancer surgery was the most common type (38/265, 14.5%), while laparoscopic surgery was performed in only 3/265 cases (1.1%). Postoperative complications developed in 84 of 265 patients (31.7%) with leading complication was superficial surgical site infection 47/265(17.8%). Emergency surgery (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.1-8.4, p = 0.003), comorbidity (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.7, p = 0.025), and an ECOG performance status of III (AOR = 9.5, 95% CI: 1.5-61.1, p = 0.02) were statistically significantly associated with 7th day postoperative complications. The overall 7-day mortality rate after cancer surgery was 5/265 (1.9%).
conclusionDespite the relatively young age of patients, their low ASA physical status scores, and good ECOG performance, a significant proportion experienced adverse outcomes following cancer surgery: one in three patients developed postoperative complications, one in nine required reoperations, and one in 53 died. These findings suggest a critical need for evidence-based interventions to strengthen the underlying infrastructure and care processes within the surgical system which are essential to achieving safe, effective, and high-quality surgical care for cancer patients in Ethiopia.
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