Operative mortality in resource-limited settings

January 01, 0001

Operative mortality in resource-limited settings

This study by authors from multiple countries consisted of a retrospective cohort study of 17 surgical programs in 13 developing countries by 1 humanitarian organization, Médecins Sans Frontières. Participants included patients undergoing surgical procedures performed between 2001 and 2008.

They found: "Between 2001 and 2008, 19,643 procedures were performed on 18,653 patients. Among these, 8329 procedures (42%) were emergent; 7933 (40%) were for obstetric-related pathology procedures and 2767 (14%) were trauma related. Operative mortality was 0.2% (31 deaths) and was associated with programs in conflict settings (adjusted odds ratio {AOR} = 4.6), procedures performed under emergency conditions (AOR = 20.1), abdominal surgical procedures (AOR = 3.4), hysterectomy (AOR = 12.3), and American Society of Anesthesiologists classifications of 3 to 5 (AOR = 20.2)."

The authors concluded: "Surgical care can be provided safely in resource-limited settings with appropriate minimum standards and protocols. Studies on the burden of surgical disease in these populations are needed to improve service planning and delivery. Quality improvement programs are needed for the various stakeholders involved in surgical delivery in these settings."

Operative mortality in these resource-limited settings was surprisingly low.


For the full abstract, click here.

Arch Surg 145(8):721-725, August 2010 © 2010 to the American Medical Association
Operative Mortality in Resource-Limited Settings-The Experience of Médecins Sans Frontières in 13 Countries. Kathryn M. Chu, Nathan Ford, Miguel Trelles.

Category: GH. Global Health. Keywords: surgical mortality, Médecins Sans Frontières, Doctors without Borders, descriptive study, journal watch.
Synopsis edited by Dr Linda French, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 27 August 2010

Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.

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