Perspectives on Paediatric Surgical Admissions at El Obeid Hospital, Western Sudan.

Background: Data on the burden of paediatric surgical diseases at Western Sudan are unknown. Objectives: To determine the burden and pattern of childhood surgical problems presenting to a General Surgical Unit at Western Sudan. Patients and Methods: The records of all children aged 15 years and below admitted to the University General Surgical Unit at El Obeid Hospital, Western Sudan over two years were studied. The mean age, gender, the clinical diagnosis and the outcomes of the management were determined. Results: There were 574 patients. 410 (71.4%) were males. The mean age was 6.2 years ± SD 4.7. Congenital anomalies, trauma, and surgical infections accounted for 40.2%, 32.3% and 24.9% respectively. Cancer was found in 1.9% of patients. Conclusions: Many of the childhood surgical problems admitted to hospital are preventable if appropriate community measures are actively considered. There is a need for specialized paediatric surgery unit in the context of a children hospital, attached to or nearby the women hospital. Key words: Congenital anomalies, childhood injuries, surgical infections.