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01-08-2021 | Pathology | Surgery in Low and Middle Income Countries

The Burden of Disease and Pathology at a Rapidly Expanding Tertiary Paediatric Surgical Unit in South Africa

Authors: A. Zanini, N. Maistry, G. Brisighelli, T. Gabler, D. Harrison, C. Westgarth-Taylor, A. Withers, J. Loveland, N. Patel

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 8/2021

Abstract

Background

The precise burden of paediatric surgical care in South Africa is unknown. In the absence of epidemiological data, hospital-based study is a first step to gauge the burden and profile of paediatric surgical disease. We aim to describe the profile of pathology, pattern of referrals, and complications of paediatric surgical care at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH).

Methods

A 1-year retrospective record review for the period 3/1/2019 to 1/1/2020 was conducted by evaluation of the morbidity and mortality databases of the Department of Paediatric Surgery (DPS). Number of admissions, consultations, complications, and surgeries performed were analysed and classified.

Results

A total of 11,932 unique patient encounters occurred. Emergencies (79%, 1841/2329) accounted for the majority of admissions. Trauma accounted for 49% (896/1841) of emergency admissions. Elective surgery constituted 52% (1202/2316) and emergency surgery 48% (1114/2316) of all procedures performed. The emergency department (55%, 1271/2329), outpatients department (19%, 447/2329), and peripheral hospitals (16%, 378/2329) were the source of the majority of admissions. A complication rate of 9% (208/2316) was observed.

Conclusion

The high-volume subspecialist environment at CHBAH presents the ideal environment for delivery of specialist paediatric surgical services and training. Injury prevention, optimal use of existing resources, and additional physical, human and financial resources are required to meet the existing and predicted future burden of paediatric surgical disease.

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Title: The Burden of Disease and Pathology at a Rapidly Expanding Tertiary Paediatric Surgical Unit in South Africa
Authors: A. Zanini
N. Maistry
G. Brisighelli
T. Gabler
D. Harrison
C. Westgarth-Taylor
A. Withers
J. Loveland
N. Patel
Publication date: 01-08-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keyword: Pathology
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 8/2021
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-021-06144-x

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

The Burden of Disease and Pathology at a Rapidly Expanding Tertiary Paediatric Surgical Unit in South Africa

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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