Surgery and Healing in the Developing World - Dartmouth-Hitchcock

Accommodating Deficits in Material and Assistance
Table 1. Continued
Procedure Number of Cases Performed
Head and Neck Cases
Tonsillectomy 14
Mandiblular fixation 5
Thyroidectomy 3
Submandibular gland excision 2
Thyroglossal duct removal 1
Parotidectomy 1
Other 2
Total
Plastics, Thoracic and Neurosurgery
28
STSG 7
Cleft lip/palate 6
Release of contracture 4
Resection of rib 2
Burr hole 1
Elevate skull 1
Other 2
Total 23
Total number of procedures 500
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tings. In this chapter, we have proposed a method of delivering surgical care that is
less labor- and resource- intensive, yet still provides excellent outcomes. Through
exploring and utilizing this alternative, we can make surgical care more widely available,
reaching even those who do not have access to well-established hospitals.
It goes without saying that running surgical camps or setting up new permanent
surgical facilities in rural areas present significant challenges that should not be overlooked.
Among these are assuring a sterile operating environment, spending time to
train “helpers” if they are not part of the surgical team, and thinking about access to
follow-up care should postoperative complications occur. The risks and benefits of
providing care to a patient in a less than ideal setting should be weighed carefully.
However, our experience at the Lady Willingdon Hospital has taught us that given
thorough thought, planning, and creativity, surgical practice in areas of limited resources
can be very successful in providing care to those who otherwise would receive
none at all.
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