Journal Article > ResearchSubscription Only
World J Surg. 2021 February 9; Volume 45 (Issue 5); 1400-1408.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-021-05972-1
Rahman A, Chao TE, Trelles M, Dominguez LB, Mupenda J, et al.
World J Surg. 2021 February 9; Volume 45 (Issue 5); 1400-1408.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-021-05972-1
BACKGROUND
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provides surgical care in fragile states, which are more vulnerable to conflict. The primary objective of this study was to compare the indications for operative intervention in surgical projects in fragile states during periods of active conflict (CON) and non-conflict (NON-CON). In addition, risk factors for non-obstetric and obstetric operative mortality were identified.
METHODS
This was a retrospective analysis of MSF surgical projects in fragile states January 1, 2008–December 31, 2017. Variables considered in the analysis include age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiology physical status, emergency status, re-intervention status, indication for surgical intervention, and conflict/non-conflict time period.
RESULTS
There were 30 surgical projects in 13 fragile states with 87,968 surgical interventions in 68,667 patients. Obstetric needs were the most common indication for surgical intervention (n = 28,060, 31.9%) but were more common during NON-CON (n = 23,142, 35.7%) compared to CON periods (n = 4,918, 21.2%, p < 0.001). Trauma was more common during CON (42.0%) compared to NON-CON (23.0%) periods (p < 0.001). Non-obstetric operative mortality was similar during CON (0.2%) compared to NON-CON (0.2%, p = 0.920), but obstetric operative mortality was higher (0.5%) during CON compared to NON-CON (0.2%, p < 0.001) periods. Risk factors for obstetric and non-obstetric mortality included age ≥ 30 years, ASA greater than 1, and emergency intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Humanitarian surgeons working in fragile states should be prepared to treat a range of surgical needs including trauma and obstetrics during conflict and non-conflict periods. The mortality in obstetric patients was higher during conflict periods, and further research to understand ways to protect this vulnerable group is needed.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provides surgical care in fragile states, which are more vulnerable to conflict. The primary objective of this study was to compare the indications for operative intervention in surgical projects in fragile states during periods of active conflict (CON) and non-conflict (NON-CON). In addition, risk factors for non-obstetric and obstetric operative mortality were identified.
METHODS
This was a retrospective analysis of MSF surgical projects in fragile states January 1, 2008–December 31, 2017. Variables considered in the analysis include age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiology physical status, emergency status, re-intervention status, indication for surgical intervention, and conflict/non-conflict time period.
RESULTS
There were 30 surgical projects in 13 fragile states with 87,968 surgical interventions in 68,667 patients. Obstetric needs were the most common indication for surgical intervention (n = 28,060, 31.9%) but were more common during NON-CON (n = 23,142, 35.7%) compared to CON periods (n = 4,918, 21.2%, p < 0.001). Trauma was more common during CON (42.0%) compared to NON-CON (23.0%) periods (p < 0.001). Non-obstetric operative mortality was similar during CON (0.2%) compared to NON-CON (0.2%, p = 0.920), but obstetric operative mortality was higher (0.5%) during CON compared to NON-CON (0.2%, p < 0.001) periods. Risk factors for obstetric and non-obstetric mortality included age ≥ 30 years, ASA greater than 1, and emergency intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
Humanitarian surgeons working in fragile states should be prepared to treat a range of surgical needs including trauma and obstetrics during conflict and non-conflict periods. The mortality in obstetric patients was higher during conflict periods, and further research to understand ways to protect this vulnerable group is needed.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
World J Surg. 2019 May 7; Volume 43 (Issue 9); 2123-2130.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-019-05015-w
Tounsi LL, Daebes HL, Warnberg MG, Nerlander M, Jaweed M, et al.
World J Surg. 2019 May 7; Volume 43 (Issue 9); 2123-2130.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-019-05015-w
INTRODUCTION
There is paucity of literature describing type of injury and care for females in conflicts. This study aimed to describe the injury pattern and outcome in terms of surgery and mortality for female patients presenting to Médecins Sans Frontières Trauma Centre in Kunduz, Afghanistan, and compare them with males.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study retrospectively analysed patient data from 17,916 patients treated at the emergency department in Kunduz between January and September 2015, before its destruction by aerial bombing in October the same year. Routinely collected data on patient characteristics, injury patterns, triage category, time to arrival and outcome were retrieved and analysed. Comparative analyses were conducted using logistic regression.
RESULTS
Females constituted 23.6% of patients. Burns and back injuries were more common among females (1.4% and 3.3%) than among males (0.6% and 2.0%). In contrast, open wounds and thoracic injuries were more common among males (10.1% and 0.6%) than among females (5.2% and 0.2%). Females were less likely to undergo surgery (OR 0.60, CI 0.528-0.688), and this remained significant after adjustment for age, nature of injury, triage category, multiple injuries and delay to arrival (OR 0.80, CI 0.690-0.926). Females also had lower unadjusted odds of mortality (OR 0.49, CI 0.277-0.874), but this was not significant in the adjusted analysis (OR 0.81, CI 0.446-1.453).
CONCLUSION
Our main findings suggest that females seeking care at Kunduz Trauma Centre arrived later, had different injury patterns and were less likely to undergo surgery as compared to males.
There is paucity of literature describing type of injury and care for females in conflicts. This study aimed to describe the injury pattern and outcome in terms of surgery and mortality for female patients presenting to Médecins Sans Frontières Trauma Centre in Kunduz, Afghanistan, and compare them with males.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study retrospectively analysed patient data from 17,916 patients treated at the emergency department in Kunduz between January and September 2015, before its destruction by aerial bombing in October the same year. Routinely collected data on patient characteristics, injury patterns, triage category, time to arrival and outcome were retrieved and analysed. Comparative analyses were conducted using logistic regression.
RESULTS
Females constituted 23.6% of patients. Burns and back injuries were more common among females (1.4% and 3.3%) than among males (0.6% and 2.0%). In contrast, open wounds and thoracic injuries were more common among males (10.1% and 0.6%) than among females (5.2% and 0.2%). Females were less likely to undergo surgery (OR 0.60, CI 0.528-0.688), and this remained significant after adjustment for age, nature of injury, triage category, multiple injuries and delay to arrival (OR 0.80, CI 0.690-0.926). Females also had lower unadjusted odds of mortality (OR 0.49, CI 0.277-0.874), but this was not significant in the adjusted analysis (OR 0.81, CI 0.446-1.453).
CONCLUSION
Our main findings suggest that females seeking care at Kunduz Trauma Centre arrived later, had different injury patterns and were less likely to undergo surgery as compared to males.
Journal Article > CommentaryAbstract Only
World J Surg. 2009 August 12; Volume 34 (Issue 3); 411-414.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-009-0187-z
Chu KM, Rosseel P, Trelles M, Gielis P
World J Surg. 2009 August 12; Volume 34 (Issue 3); 411-414.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-009-0187-z
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a humanitarian organization that performs emergency and elective surgical services in both conflict and non-conflict settings in over 70 countries. In 2006 MSF surgeons departed on approximately 125 missions, and over 64,000 surgical interventions were carried out in some 20 countries worldwide. Historically, the majority of MSF surgical projects began in response to conflicts or natural disasters. During an emergency response, MSF has resources to set up major operating facilities within 48 h in remote areas. One of MSF strengths is its supply chain. Large pre-packaged surgical kits, veritable "operating theatres to go," can be readied in enormous crates and quickly loaded onto planes. In more stable contexts, MSF has also strengthened the delivery of surgical services within a country's public health system. The MSF surgeon is the generalist in the broadest sense and performs vascular, obstetrical, orthopaedic, and other specialized surgical procedures. The organization aims to provide surgical services only temporarily. When there is a decrease in acute needs a program will be closed, or more importantly, turned over to the Ministry of Health or another non-governmental organization. The long-term solution to alleviating the global burden of surgical disease lies in building up a domestic surgical workforce capable of responding to the major causes of surgery-related morbidity and mortality. However, given that even countries with the resources of the United States suffer from an insufficiency of surgeons, the need for international emergency organizations to provide surgical assistance during acute emergencies will remain for the foreseeable future.
Journal Article > LetterSubscription Only
World J Surg. 2015 October 1; Volume 39 (Issue 10); 2604-2605.; DOI:DOI:10.1007/s00268-015-3081-x
Wong EG, Trelles M, Dominguez LB, Mupenda Mwania J, Kasonga Tshibangu C, et al.
World J Surg. 2015 October 1; Volume 39 (Issue 10); 2604-2605.; DOI:DOI:10.1007/s00268-015-3081-x
Journal Article > ResearchAbstract
World J Surg. 2017 August 4; Volume 42 (Issue 1); DOI:10.1007/s00268-017-4137-x
Lin YD, Dahm JS, Kushner AL, Lawrence JP, Trelles M, et al.
World J Surg. 2017 August 4; Volume 42 (Issue 1); DOI:10.1007/s00268-017-4137-x
Effective humanitarian surgeons require skills in general surgery, OB/GYN, orthopedics, and urology. With increasing specialization, it is unclear whether US general surgery residents are receiving exposure to these disparate fields. We sought to assess the preparedness of graduating American surgical residents for humanitarian deployment.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
World J Surg. 2015 March 1; Volume 39 (Issue 3); 652-657.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-014-2855-x
Wong EG, Trelles M, Dominguez LB, Mupenda Mwania J, Kasonga Tshibangu C, et al.
World J Surg. 2015 March 1; Volume 39 (Issue 3); 652-657.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-014-2855-x
BACKGROUND
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.
METHODS
A retrospective review of prospectively collected operative cases performed at MSF-Operational Centre Brussels (MSF-OCB) facilities between June 2008 and December 2012 was completed. Baseline demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status and surgical indications were collected for each patient. For each procedure, the degree of urgency, anesthesia type, and intra-operative mortality were noted. All patients aged 50 and over at the time of the procedure were considered elderly, as proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Comparisons were made with the 18-49 age group in order to elucidate differences between older and younger individuals.
RESULTS
We reviewed a total of 93,385 procedures performed on 83,911 patients in 21 different countries. Patients aged 50 and over comprised 11.5% (9,628/83,911) of all patients. While most procedures (57.6%) in the comparison group were urgent, this proportion decreased substantially in the elderly. Intra-operative mortality was considerably lower in the 50-59 group (0.12%) but increased with each age stratum. The most commonly performed surgical procedures in the elderly included herniorrhaphies, simple and extensive wound debridements, abscess incision and drainages, minor tumorectomies, and urological procedures.
CONCLUSIONS
In light of the increasing elderly population in developing countries, efforts should be made to better quantify and address their surgical needs.
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.
METHODS
A retrospective review of prospectively collected operative cases performed at MSF-Operational Centre Brussels (MSF-OCB) facilities between June 2008 and December 2012 was completed. Baseline demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status and surgical indications were collected for each patient. For each procedure, the degree of urgency, anesthesia type, and intra-operative mortality were noted. All patients aged 50 and over at the time of the procedure were considered elderly, as proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Comparisons were made with the 18-49 age group in order to elucidate differences between older and younger individuals.
RESULTS
We reviewed a total of 93,385 procedures performed on 83,911 patients in 21 different countries. Patients aged 50 and over comprised 11.5% (9,628/83,911) of all patients. While most procedures (57.6%) in the comparison group were urgent, this proportion decreased substantially in the elderly. Intra-operative mortality was considerably lower in the 50-59 group (0.12%) but increased with each age stratum. The most commonly performed surgical procedures in the elderly included herniorrhaphies, simple and extensive wound debridements, abscess incision and drainages, minor tumorectomies, and urological procedures.
CONCLUSIONS
In light of the increasing elderly population in developing countries, efforts should be made to better quantify and address their surgical needs.
Journal Article > ResearchAbstract Only
World J Surg. 2016 February 25; Volume 40 (Issue 7); 1550-1557.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-016-3458-5
Murphy RA, Nisenbaum L, Labar AS, Sheridan RL, Ronat JB, et al.
World J Surg. 2016 February 25; Volume 40 (Issue 7); 1550-1557.; DOI:10.1007/s00268-016-3458-5
BACKGROUND
Compared to high-income settings, survival in burn units in low-income settings is lower with invasive infections one leading cause of death. Médecins Sans Frontières is involved in the treatment of large burns in adults and children in Haiti.
METHODS
In 2014, we performed a review of 228 patients admitted consecutively with burn injury during a 6-month period to determine patient outcomes and infectious complications. Microbiology was available through a linkage with a Haitian organization. Regression analysis was performed to determine covariates associated with bloodstream infection and mortality.
RESULTS
102 (45 %) patients were male, the median age was 8 years (IQR, 2-28), and the majority of patients (60 %) were admitted to the unit within 6 h of injury. There were 20 patients (9 %) with culture-proven bacteremia. Among organisms in blood, common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (42 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23 %), and Acinetobacter baumannii (15 %). Among patients with burns involving <40 % total body area, 4 (2 %) of 192 died and 20 (65 %) of 31 with ≥40 % body surface area involvement died. Factors associated with mortality included involvement of ≥40 % of body surface, depth, and flame as the mechanism. Multidrug-resistant infections were common; 18 % of S. aureus isolates were methicillin resistant, and 83 % of P. aeruginosa isolates were imipenem resistant.
CONCLUSIONS
A low mortality rate was observed in a humanitarian burn surgery project in patients with burns involving <40 % of total body surface. Invasive infection was common and alarming rates of antibiotic resistance were observed, including infections not treatable with antibiotics available locally.
Compared to high-income settings, survival in burn units in low-income settings is lower with invasive infections one leading cause of death. Médecins Sans Frontières is involved in the treatment of large burns in adults and children in Haiti.
METHODS
In 2014, we performed a review of 228 patients admitted consecutively with burn injury during a 6-month period to determine patient outcomes and infectious complications. Microbiology was available through a linkage with a Haitian organization. Regression analysis was performed to determine covariates associated with bloodstream infection and mortality.
RESULTS
102 (45 %) patients were male, the median age was 8 years (IQR, 2-28), and the majority of patients (60 %) were admitted to the unit within 6 h of injury. There were 20 patients (9 %) with culture-proven bacteremia. Among organisms in blood, common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (42 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23 %), and Acinetobacter baumannii (15 %). Among patients with burns involving <40 % total body area, 4 (2 %) of 192 died and 20 (65 %) of 31 with ≥40 % body surface area involvement died. Factors associated with mortality included involvement of ≥40 % of body surface, depth, and flame as the mechanism. Multidrug-resistant infections were common; 18 % of S. aureus isolates were methicillin resistant, and 83 % of P. aeruginosa isolates were imipenem resistant.
CONCLUSIONS
A low mortality rate was observed in a humanitarian burn surgery project in patients with burns involving <40 % of total body surface. Invasive infection was common and alarming rates of antibiotic resistance were observed, including infections not treatable with antibiotics available locally.
Journal Article > ResearchAbstract
Traumatic Injuries are the Main Indication for Limb Amputations During and After Humanitarian Crises
World J Surg. 2021 January 15; Volume 45; DOI:10.1007/s00268-020-05905-4
Naidu P, Dominguez LB, Trelles M, Chu KM
World J Surg. 2021 January 15; Volume 45; DOI:10.1007/s00268-020-05905-4
Background
Populations at risk during humanitarian crises can suffer traumatic injuries or have medical conditions that result in the need for limb amputation (LA). The objectives of this study were to describe the indications for and associations with LA during and after humanitarian crises in surgical projects supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
Methods
MSF-Operational Center Brussels data from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017, were analyzed. Surgical projects were classified into (annual) periods of crises and post-crises. Indications were classified into trauma (intentional and unintentional) and non-trauma (medical). Associations with LA were also reported.
Results
MSF-OCB performed 936 amputations in 17 countries over the 10-year study period. 706 (75%) patients were male and the median age was 27 years (interquartile range 17–41 years). Six hundred and twenty-one (66%) LA were performed during crisis periods, 501 (53%) during conflict and 119 (13%) post-natural disaster. There were 316 (34%) LA in post-crisis periods. Overall, trauma was the predominant indication (n = 756, 81%) and accounted for significantly more LA (n = 577, 94%) in crisis compared to post-crisis periods (n = 179, 57%) (p < 0.001).
Discussion
Our study suggests that populations at risk for humanitarian crises are still vulnerable to traumatic LA. Appropriate operative and post-operative LA management in the humanitarian setting must be provided, including rehabilitation and options for prosthetic devices.
Populations at risk during humanitarian crises can suffer traumatic injuries or have medical conditions that result in the need for limb amputation (LA). The objectives of this study were to describe the indications for and associations with LA during and after humanitarian crises in surgical projects supported by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
Methods
MSF-Operational Center Brussels data from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017, were analyzed. Surgical projects were classified into (annual) periods of crises and post-crises. Indications were classified into trauma (intentional and unintentional) and non-trauma (medical). Associations with LA were also reported.
Results
MSF-OCB performed 936 amputations in 17 countries over the 10-year study period. 706 (75%) patients were male and the median age was 27 years (interquartile range 17–41 years). Six hundred and twenty-one (66%) LA were performed during crisis periods, 501 (53%) during conflict and 119 (13%) post-natural disaster. There were 316 (34%) LA in post-crisis periods. Overall, trauma was the predominant indication (n = 756, 81%) and accounted for significantly more LA (n = 577, 94%) in crisis compared to post-crisis periods (n = 179, 57%) (p < 0.001).
Discussion
Our study suggests that populations at risk for humanitarian crises are still vulnerable to traumatic LA. Appropriate operative and post-operative LA management in the humanitarian setting must be provided, including rehabilitation and options for prosthetic devices.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
World J Surg. 2010 March 1; Volume 34 (Issue 3); DOI:10.1007/s00268-009-0230-0
Gosselin RA, Maldonado A, Elder G
World J Surg. 2010 March 1; Volume 34 (Issue 3); DOI:10.1007/s00268-009-0230-0
INTRODUCTION: There is a dearth of data on cost-effectiveness of surgical care in resource-poor countries. Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières; MSF) is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) involved in the many facets of health care for underserved populations, including surgical care. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) was attempted at two of their surgical trauma hospitals: Teme Hospital in Nigeria and La Trinité Hospital in Haiti. CONCLUSION: At $172 and $223 per Disability-Adjusted Life-Year (DALY) averted, respectively, they are in line with other reported CEAs for surgical and nonsurgical activities in similar contexts.
Journal Article > Meta-AnalysisFull Text
World J Surg. 2011 April 13; Volume 35 (Issue 6); DOI:10.1007/s00268-011-1084-9
Chu KM, Ford NP
World J Surg. 2011 April 13; Volume 35 (Issue 6); DOI:10.1007/s00268-011-1084-9
Humanitarian surgical programs are set up de novo, within days or hours in emergency or disaster settings. In such circumstances, insuring quality of care is extremely challenging. Basic structural inputs such as a safe structure, electricity, clean water, a blood bank, sterilization equipment, a post-anesthesia recovery unit, appropriate medications should be established. Currently, no specific credentials are needed for surgeons to operate in a humanitarian setting; the training of more humanitarian surgeons is desperately needed. Standard perioperative protocols for the humanitarian setting after common procedures such as Cesarean section, burn care, open fractures, and amputations and antibiotic prophylaxis, and post-operative pain management must be developed. Outcome data, especially long-term outcomes, are difficult to collect as patients often do not return for follow-up and may be difficult to trace; standard databases for post-operative infections and mortality rates should be established. Checklists have recently received significant attention as an instrument to support the improvement of surgical quality; knowing which items are most applicable to humanitarian settings remains unknown. In conclusion, the quality of surgical services in humanitarian settings must be regulated. Many other core medical activities of humanitarian organizations such as therapeutic feeding, mass vaccination, and the treatment of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus, are subject to rigorous reporting of quality indicators. There is no reason why surgery should be exempted from quality oversight. The surgical humanitarian community should pull together before the next disaster strikes.