Indications for reconstructive surgery at a major public referral hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A retrospective, descriptive study

Abstract

Background: There are limited published data regarding the most common and important indications for plastic and reconstructive surgery in Ethiopia. This study, which was conducted at one of the main plastic and reconstructive surgery units in the country, aimed to provided relevant information about the main indications for plastic and reconstructive surgery in Ethiopia.

Methods: We performed a retrospective, hospital-based, descriptive study and reviewed the data of all patients who underwent plastic or reconstructive surgery procedures at the study institution from 1 January 2013 through 31 December 2016.The operating theatre records and charts were used to retrieve demographic, diagnostic, and procedural data.

Results: Between 2013 and 2016, 3349 patients were treated with plastic or reconstructive surgery, and the data of 3339 patients (99.7%) were found to adequately complete for inclusion in the analysis. Burns and burn-related conditions (n=981, 29.4%) were the most common indications, followed by nonburn trauma (n=890, 26.7%). There were 801 patients (24.0%) who underwent plastic or reconstructive operations for congenital abnormalities; 484 patients (14.2%) patients were operated on for malignant and benign tumours. Other conditions that were treated with plastic or reconstructive surgical procedures during the period under study included unsightly scars, postinfectious wounds, noma, necrotizing fasciitis, and hand abscesses.

Conclusions: The indications for plastic and reconstructive surgery at our institution were similar to those highlighted by other studies conducted in Africa. Notably, record-keeping at our institution was suboptimal, calling attention to the importance of implementing an electronic medical records system.