Study of Mortality and Causes of Death in the Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Cocody University Hospital

Introduction: Mortality studies are indicators that allow for the monitoring and review of therapeutic measures in hospitals. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of deceased patients and to analyze the circumstances surrounding their occurrence in a hospital department. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study conducted in the Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Cocody University Hospital in Abidjan (RCI) over a 10-year period (January 2015 to December 2024). Seventy-two cases were included. Results: The crude mortality rate was 4.29%. A male predominance was noted, with a sex ratio of 1.77. The most affected age groups were the third and second decades, with 20.8% and 19.4% respectively, and an average age of 39 years. Facial cellulitis and its complications were responsible for death in 58.33% of cases. Most deaths occurred between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. (65.28%). These deaths were preventable in 5.6% of cases. Conclusion: Given the lack of descriptions of the ultimate circumstances of death in medical records, the conclusion of this study was to implement a regular medical audit in the department, which allows for mortality monitoring with a view to reducing its rate.