Paediatric abdominal surgical emergencies in a general surgical setting: The Nnewi experience

Abstract

Background: Abdominal emergency surgery consists a significant number of paediatric emergencies done in our environment. Paucity of paediatric surgeons has led to majority of these cases being done by general surgeons. Aim: To compare results obtained by the general surgeons with that of the paediatric surgeons at Nnewi. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study comparing results within two periods each of 4 years duration. The first period spanning from 1st May 1995 to 30th April 1999 in which the paediatric abdominal emergencies were managed by general surgeons, the second period being from 1st May 1999 to 30th April 2003 in which the emergencies were managed by a paediatric surgical team all at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi. Results: Sixty cases were done in the first period. There were 6 post operative complications and 3 deaths. Seventy four cases were done in the second period with one post operative complication and no death. Conclusion: General surgeons still have a role to play in the management of paediatric abdominal surgical emergencies in our environment. However to improve morbidity/mortality, regular update paediatric surgical courses/workshop should be organized for general surgeons undertaking paediatric surgical emergencies. More paediatric surgeons should be trained and more paediatric surgical units should established in the country.

Keywords

• paediatric abdominal surgical emergencies; paediatric surgeons
• general surgeons