Epidemiology of pediatric surgery in Rwanda: A one year review

ABSTRACT

Introduction: In Rwanda, as in other Sub-Saharan Africa countries, there is insufficient data on pediatric surgical conditions. Despite the lack of Pediatric Surgeons and Pediatric Anesthesiologists, Kigali and Butare University Teaching Hospitals receive and manage children with surgical conditions. Some of these patients could benefit from the expertise of specialists trained in Pediatric surgical conditions. Purpose: The aim of this study is to describe the pattern of pediatric surgery in Rwanda and to determine the prevalence of pediatric surgical conditions that require the expertise of a Pediatric Surgeon. Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out between August, 2013 and July, 2014. Data were obtained from theater books and operative database. Data analysis was done by SPSS 16 and MS Excel. Results: From August, 2013 to July, 2014, a total number of 1274 children were operated at Butare and Kigali University Teaching Hospitals. 391 (30.7) were female and 883 (69.3) were male, with a male to female ratio of 2.21. The age ranged between 1 day and 16 years, Mean age was 6.4 ± 4.9 years. Children under fie were 45.1%. 857 (67%) children needed the Pediatric Surgery specialty expertise. 369 (29%) patients were operated at Butare University Teaching Hospital, while 905 (71%) were operated from Kigali University Teaching Hospital. Trauma and burn 466 (36.58%), congenital anomaly 298 (23.39%) and Surgical infections 188 (14.76%) were the three common diagnoses in pediatric surgery.Conclusion: Training of Pediatric Surgery sub-specialists, Anesthesiologists and Nurses will provide improved care in Rwanda. Education in trauma prevention, early screening and management of congenital anomalies, will improve service delivery to children with surgical conditions in Rwanda