Elective surgery in a rural primary medical care program in the Central Amazon Valley

The unique role of an intermittent, elective surgery service in direct support of a rural primary medical care program in the Central Amazon Valley of Brazil is described. The relatively sophisticated surgical subspecialties bring needed curative treatment, while simultaneously promoting the basic public health and preventative measures of an isolated community health network. The patient profile, diagnostic gamut, and implications of this Third World surgical program are further detailed.