World journal of surgery
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While some data exist for the burden of pediatric surgical disease in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), little is known about pediatric surgical capacity. In an effort to better plan and allocate resources for pediatric surgical care in LMICs, a survey of pediatric surgical capacity using specific tool was needed. ⋯ The PediPIPES survey was useful in documenting the pediatric surgical capacity in West Africa. Many hospitals in West Africa are not optimally prepared to undertake pediatric surgery. Our study showed shortages in personnel, infrastructure, procedures, equipment, and supplies necessary to adequately and appropriately provide surgical care for pediatric patients.
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World journal of surgery · Mar 2015
Operative procedures in the elderly in low-resource settings: a review of Médecins Sans Frontières facilities.
As the demographic transition occurs across developing countries, an increasing number of elderly individuals are affected by disasters and conflicts. This study aimed to evaluate the elderly population that underwent an operative procedure at MSF facilities. ⋯ In light of the increasing elderly population in developing countries, efforts should be made to better quantify and address their surgical needs.
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Sarcopenia describes a loss of muscle mass and resultant decrease in strength, mobility, and function that can be quantified by CT. We hypothesized that sarcopenia and related frailty characteristics are related to discharge disposition after blunt traumatic injury in the elderly. ⋯ Lower psoas major muscle CSA is related to discharge destination in elderly trauma patients and can be obtained from the admission CT. Lower psoas muscle CSA is related to loss of independence upon discharge in the elderly. The early availability of this variable during the hospitalization of elderly trauma patients may aid in discharge planning and the transition to dependent living.
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World journal of surgery · Feb 2015
The utility of the Kampala trauma score as a triage tool in a sub-Saharan African trauma cohort.
Trauma scoring systems have been developed to assess injury severity and may have triage potential. We sought to evaluate the ability of the Kampala trauma score (KTS) to assess injury severity and its potential as an outcome predictive tool in Malawi. ⋯ Both the KTS and RTS were significantly associated with need for admission and final outcome on logistic regression analysis; however, they may not be strong enough predictors to merit their use as a screening tool in our setting.
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World journal of surgery · Feb 2015
Assessment of the availability of technology for trauma care in India.
We sought to assess the status of availability of technology for trauma care in a state in India and to identify factors contributing to both adequate levels of availability and to deficiencies. We also sought to identify potential solutions to deficiencies in terms of health system management and product development. ⋯ Availability of a range of lower-cost items could be improved by better organization and planning, such as: better procurement and stock management; eliminating mismatch of resources, including optimizing training for use of existing resources; and by strengthening service contracts and in-house repair capabilities. From a product development viewpoint, there is a need for lower cost, more durable, and easier to repair ventilators. Promoting increased capacity for local manufacturing should also be considered as a potential method to decrease cost and increase availability of a range of equipment.