To investigate adverse events during the perianesthesia period in primary hospitals in Jiangsu, in order to help anesthetists avoid anesthesia-related adverse events and provide suggestions for anesthesia quality and safety in primary hospitals.

This study employed multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, and 81 cases of adverse events were selected from 54 primary hospitals. Data were collected by means of reviewing medical records and inquiring attending physicians. The contents, attributions, occurrence times, and predisposing factors of adverse events were analyzed, and the final outcomes of patients were analyzed.

Thirty-six cases (44.4%, 15 types) of adverse events occurred during surgery, which were characterized by a diversity in category and predominance in the circulatory and respiratory systems. Fifteen cases (18.5%, 13 types) occurred after surgery, with a wide variety and low recurrence rate. Twelve cases (14.8%, 6 types) occurred during the induction and intubation period, mainly circulatory problems. Fourteen cases (17.3%, 8 types) occurred during the resuscitation and extubation period, mainly respiratory troubles. All adverse events were derived from three factors: patients, surgery, and anesthesia, either individually or mutually. In general, there were 64 cases (79.0%) involving patient conditions, 28 cases (34.6%) related to surgical factors, and 28 cases (34.6%) involving anesthetic factors. Only three adverse events were reasonably attributed to anesthesia itself. Sixty-six patients (81.5%) were successfully recovered, 12 (14.8%) died, and 3 (3.7%) had a poor prognosis.

Anesthetists should not only focus on avoiding diverse risks in the circulatory and respiratory system, but also specialize in dealing with various critical illness or emergencies, in order to reduce the incidence of adverse events and improve the life safety of patients.