Post-Anesthetic respiratory complaints following endotracheal intubation among patients undergoing obstetrics and gynecology surgery at Muhimbili national hospital-Tanzania: A 2021 cross-sectional study.

Background: Respiratory morbidities after general anesthesia have continued to be an area of concern for anesthesiologists, often as a result of endotracheal intubation. The study assessed post-anaesthetic respiratory complaints among obstetrics and gynecology patients at Muhimbili National Hospital, focusing on patient, surgical, and anesthesia factors,Addressing the magnitude and the associated factor will contribute to adopting the proper preventive strategies.
Methods: This was a 4 months cross-sectional study at MNH which analyzed Post-anaesthetic respiratory complaints following endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing obstetrics and gynecological surgeries who met the inclusion criteria using a structured questionnaire and observational checklist. Statistical significance was determined at a P-value of < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of Post-anaesthetic respiratory complaints was 39.9%, There was a significant statistical difference in the severity of Cough (p=<0.039) and POST (p=<0.01) while Hoarseness of the voice had no significant statistical difference (p=<0.093). Patient's factors Age (p=<0.03), smoking history (p=<0.004), and ASA classification (p=<0.033) had a statistical association with presence of  post-anesthetic respiratory complaints. Anaesthesia factors such as Size of ETT, number of attempts, use of dexamethasone and introducers, application of KY gel (p=<0.000) respectively, experience and qualification of anesthesia provider p=<0.027 with Urgency of the procedure (p=<0.023) being the only surgical factor that was significantly statistically associated with post anesthetic respiratory complaints.
Conclusion and Recommendation. Post-anaesthetic respiratory complaints in obstetrics and gyneocology surgeries are common due to non-adherence to pre-induction and induction checklists. Further research is needed to explore preventive strategies and Also utilization of simulation laboratories to enhance practice and skills retention.