EN
TÜRKÇE
Poster - 42
Effect of war in Sudan 2023 on pediatric surgical service
Enas Dawalnaeem 1, Haitham Dagash 2, Abdelhafeez Abdelhafeez 3
1 Sidra Medicine, Qatar
2 Leiceter Royal Infirmary
3 St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memphis, TN, USA
Purpose:
To identify the effect of the recent civil conflict in Sudan on the distribution of pediatric surgery services.
Methods:
Data was collected using a structured questionnaire sent to the newly opened pediatric surgery units (n=12) during the period from April-
November 2023. Data collected included demographics of the patients, type of surgery performed, the presence or absence of PICU/NICU as
well as the number of paediatric surgeons.
Results:
Nine units responded (75%). Specialists run all the responding units. In 3 units there is 1 specialist, and in the others a minimum of 2.
Dedicated beds for pediatric surgery range between 4-10. Only 2 Hospitals have a NICU.
A total of 817 patients were seen during this period, with 663 (81%) undergoing surgery. One unit accounted for 336 (41.1%) patients.
Most of the patients seen were toddlers 292 (34.7%), with 86 neonates and 58 adolescents. Inguinoscrotal conditions accounted for 420 (63%)
patients, followed by lower GI 141 (21%) then urological conditions in 40 (6%). The only minimally invasive surgery was done in only one unit
(n=7). Seven tumour resections were performed for the first time in 4 units. There were 18 trauma patients and 4 war-related injuries, although
these numbers are probably higher as prehospital data is unavailable. Data on complication rates was not recorded.
Conclusion:
The civil conflict had created a “decentralization” of paediatric surgery services. As surgeons flee the capital, they’ve relocated to rural units and have been able to provide specialized care. Oncology and Minimally invasive surgery can be performed safely in these decentralized units.