International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health

Aim: This study was undertaken to determine the pattern and outcome of paediatric surgeries in a private hospital in Southern Nigeria.

Study Design: A retrospective study

Place and Duration of Study: Study was carried out at a private paediatric hospital over a 14-months period from 1^st April 2020–31^st May 2021.

Methodology: Essential information needed were retrieved from the hospital Health Management System and data analysed using SPSS version 23.

Results: Of 1289 children admitted during the study period, 105 had surgical interventions (prevalence of 8.1%). Age range was from 8 days to 16 years (median age of 36months) with male predominance. Only 34.3% of the patients were self-paying. The most common surgical conditions were congenital anomalies (28.1%), followed by surgical infections (22.8%) and then urogenital diseases (19.3%). The least common were central nervous system diseases (0.9%). Emergencies accounted for 39.8% of cases done. The commonest surgeries done were circumcision (16.8%), appendicectomy (15.9%) and herniotomy/herniorraphy (14.2%). One child died (mortality rate of 1%). Duration of stay was mostly < 3days (41.7%). Longest duration was seen in those who had Laparotomy and Skin graft.

Conclusion: The prevalence of surgical interventions in a paediatric private hospital in Southern Nigeria was high with emergency surgeries constituting 38.9% of all cases. Thus, for reduction in paediatric morbidity and mortality, we advocate the improvement of surgical infrastructure and manpower not only in tertiary but also in the private health sector.