Progress and Success of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft in TANZANIA, A Retrospective Review of Patients Operated at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute: MUHIMBILI NATIONAL HOSPITAL

Objective The profile, success and progression of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft at the institute has not adequately been reviewed. Coronary artery bypass graft though a widely performed procedure in developed countries, it is uncommon procedure in a few centers found in developing countries. The procedure is skill and expertise demanding. The study aimed to evaluate patients’ characteristics, number and disposition of patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Methods This was a retrospective study that enrolled all patients who underwent coronary revascularization at the centre from May 2016 through November 2022. Patients’ demographic was entered into a structured data sheet, excluded were those whom their surgical and clinical details could not be retrieved. Preoperative clinical details, intraoperative and postoperative patients’ profile were recorded and entered into a data sheet in SPSS version 20 program and analyzed; Chi square (2) was used to compare categorical variables. Results There was a total of 220 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft from May 2016 through November 2022. Male patients were 172 (78.2%) and female patients were 48(21.8%). Male patients outnumbered female patients by 3.6 folds. The minimum age was 42 years and maximum were 89 years with a mean year age of 63.7± 8years. The majority of patients were overweight and obese in 73%. The mean duration of presentation was 13.5 ± 8.6 months and the overall early mortality rate was 10.5%. Conclusion The key to a successful of a well-established cardiac centre in sub-Saharan countries of Africa and to any newly established cardiac center requires government commitment to invest in human resource; that in turn forms a local core cardiac team that should work focused to archive its goals. Investing into a well-planned structure that fits the requirement of a cardiac Centre. There should be a system that ensures availability and constant supply of consumables. The success and progress of open heart surgery demonstrated by Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute from simple open heart procedures to complex surgical procedures required a well-planned short and long term plan with good coordination and focus, backed by unwavering government commitment.