A 10-Year Review of Failed Tracheal Intubation during Caesarean Section in Enugu, Nigeria

Background/Purpose: To study the incidence and causes of failed tracheal intubation (FTI) during Caesarean section in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu over a 10-year period.Methods: This is a retrospective study. The case records of patients who had Caesarean section (C/S) during the study period were retrieved and analysed. Data were collected for failed tracheal intubation, reason for C/S, booking status of the patients, and grade of anaesthetists who administered the anaesthesia. Results: Three thousand seven hundred and ten (3710) mothers underwent C/S during the study period. There were 14 cases of FTI, giving an overall incidence of 1/265 or 0.38% or 38 in 10,000 anaesthetics. Twelve (86%) of the cases of FTI were unbooked cases done as emergencies. Thirteen (93%) of the cases of FTI were done by junior Residents. All the cases of FTI occurred outside the normal working hours of 8am to 4pm. Conclusion: The incidence of FTI during C/S was high and majority of the cases were emergencies, occurred out of normal working hours and involved anaesthetic trainees.