[General surgery in Paramaribo University Hospital]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Surgical Outcomes
• Medical Research

Background:

• Suriname experiences a high prevalence of infectious diseases, particularly gastrointestinal infections in children, malaria, and violence-related injuries.
• The nation's healthcare system and medical education are severely underfunded, impacting service delivery and research capacity.
• Paramaribo University Hospital faces resource limitations, affecting its ability to conduct scientific investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze surgical case data from Paramaribo University Hospital between 1991 and 1998.
• To identify the primary surgical interventions and their underlying causes.
• To explore the potential of retrospective surgical data for stimulating scientific research in Suriname.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of surgical operation records at Paramaribo University Hospital.
• Data collection focused on the period 1991-1998.
• Analysis of surgical procedures related to specific conditions, such as diabetic foot complications and breast lesions.

Main Results:

• A significant proportion of surgeries were attributed to complications of diabetic foot (128.17%) and breast lesions (76.10%).
• The study highlights specific areas of high surgical demand within the hospital.
• Current scientific research activity at the hospital and university faculty is notably absent.

Conclusions:

• Complications from diabetic foot and breast lesions represent major surgical burdens in Suriname.
• The lack of scientific research hinders the advancement of healthcare and medical training.
• Implementing retrospective registration of surgical operations could serve as a catalyst for future scientific inquiry and evidence-based practice.