Intermittent and mobile surgical services: logistics and outcomes.

A program of intermittent surgical services utilized a mobile facility to support multiple primary care sites in Ecuador. The fiscal and clinical outcomes of the program were analyzed. From 1994 to 2003 the mobile program responded to requests from 15 of 22 provinces of Ecuador for surgical care. The sites served could not offer permanent surgical care. Criteria for inclusion and follow-up were set. Medical records were kept in accordance with standards of the Ministry of Health. Standards of care and critical care pathways were instituted. The program had a permanent staff supplemented by volunteers. Cases were recorded and outcomes noted with respect to complications. The cost of the surgical aspect of the program was entirely covered by a foundation through donations and public service contracts. Financial records of the foundation were reviewed and the costs analyzed. A total of 4545 operations were done largely in general surgery specialties. The program made 40 to 50 excursions each year and proved to be a stable element of medical care delivery. There were no deaths, four major complications, and three minor complications. The cost per operation was less than $100. Comparison to U.S. and international volunteer organizations are reported. This program of intermittent mobile surgical services in coordination with fixed primary care constitutes a sustainable, high quality clinical program fully integrated into existing care of a national health ministry. In-country resources may provide greatly enhanced services at low cost and should be considered as an alternative.

Telemedicine and mobile surgery in extreme conditions: the Ecuadorian experience.

Whenever we perform surgical procedures in modern operating rooms with state of the art technology, or attend patients in the comfort of our office, we should reflect on the fact that millions of people have no access to the most elemental surgical care. At the same time that mankind progresses, the gap between those who can benefit from the advances of science and the underprivileged societies, widens every day. We believe that surgeons have the obligation to strive for excellence in their practice; however, the benefits of their art and science should also extend those unfortunate populations in distant and remote areas. Therefore, efforts to develop means of reaching out to such countries and communities should also be the responsibility of conscientious physicians.