WOFAPS 2025 8th World Congress of Pediatric Surgery

nyaweleni tshifularo

university of limpopo

Background:
Neonatal surgical conditions require timely intervention and specialised care. In rural settings, the patterns of neonatal admission can reflect both the burden of congenital anomalies and the challenges of healthcare access. Understanding these patterns is vital for planning resource allocation and improving neonatal outcomes.

Objective:
To analyse the patterns, indications, and outcomes of neonatal admissions to a tertiary rural paediatric surgery centre over one year.

Methods:
This retrospective study was conducted at Mankweng Academic Hospital, a tertiary paediatric surgery centre in rural South Africa, from May 2024 to May 2025. Medical records of all neonates (≤28 days old) admitted during this period were reviewed. Data collected included demographic information, diagnosis at admission, type of surgical condition, interventions performed, duration of hospital stay, and outcomes.

Results:
A total of 176 neonatal admissions were recorded during the study period. The majority were male (64, 77%), and the most common age group at presentation was 1–9 days. Congenital anomalies accounted for 94.3% of admissions, with Gastroschisis, anorectal malformations and intestinal atresias being the most prevalent conditions. Emergency surgeries were performed in 62% of cases. The overall mortality rate was 4, 5%, with sepsis and delayed presentation as major contributing factors.

Conclusion:
This study highlights the significant burden of congenital anomalies and underscores the need for timely referral and intervention in rural settings. Strengthening neonatal transport systems and implementing early diagnosis at peripheral centres can improve surgical outcomes for these vulnerable patients.