Pattern of Paediatric Surgical Admissions in a Tertiary Hospital in a Semi – Urban Community in the Niger Delta: a Three- Year Review
Paingha J. Alagoa *
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Isesoma Gbobo
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To determine the pattern of surgical diseases among children on admission at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Study Design: A retrospective study.
Place and Duration of Study: All patients admitted into the children surgical ward of the Niger Delta University Teaching hospital between January, 2009 and December, 2011 were studied retrospectively.
Methodology: Essential information was obtained from ward admissions register and patients’ case notes and recorded in a pro forma.
Results: There were a total of 201 paediatric surgical admissions during the period. The mean age was 4.9± 4.3 years. There were 135 (67.2%) males and 66 (32.8%) females, giving a Male: Female ratio of 2:1. The commonest diagnoses at admission were congenital anomalies 76 (37.8%), trauma 57 (28.4%), surgical infections 27 (13.4%), gastrointestinal conditions 25 (12.5%), and others 16 (8.0%). The mean duration of admission was 8.6±11.2 days. There were 4 deaths giving an overall mortality of 1.99%.
Conclusion: There is a broad spectrum of surgical childhood conditions requiring admission. We need improved paediatric surgical manpower and a dedicated paediatric surgical unit to manage these conditions.
Keywords: Paediatric, surgical, admissions, Niger Delta