pattern of general surgical problems among pilgrims admitted to King Fahad Hospital Al-Medinah Al-Munawarah 1987

During the 1987 Haj, 65 pilgrims were admitted to the General Surgical Department of the King Fahad Hospital, Al Medinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia-47 [72.3%] male and 18 [27.7%] female. Their ages ranged from 20 to 80 years [mean 55.3 years]; 22 had operative treatment and 43 were treated conservatively. Blunt abdominal trauma after road traffic accidents was the commonest problem [23%]. The average hospital stay was 6 days. Before the Haj pilgrimage 40 patients were admitted and 25 were admitted after. Twelve patients discharged themselves against medical advice and six patients could not manage to perform the pilgrimage