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Military surgery in Rwanda
G B Farrow1, J V Rosenfeld, J A Crozier
1Field Hospital, Australian Defence Force, Australian Medical Support Force Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery
|October 10, 1997
Summary
Australian surgeons in Rwanda performed 750 operations, mostly on civilians and children, highlighting the need for diverse surgical skills in peacekeeping missions.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Surgical Practice
- Peacekeeping Operations
Background:
- The Rwandan civil war, beginning in April 1994, resulted in over 500,000 deaths.
- The United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR II) deployed in August 1994 to monitor a ceasefire.
- An Australian Defence Force Health Service Support contingent, including the Australian Medical Support Force (AS MSF), was part of UNAMIR II.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit all operative surgery conducted by the Australian Medical Support Force during their year-long deployment in Rwanda.
- To understand the scope and nature of surgical interventions required in a post-conflict peacekeeping environment.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective audit of operative surgeries performed at the AS MSF operating theatres.
- Analysis of patient demographics, types of operations, and surgical specialties involved.
Main Results:
- A total of 750 operations were performed on 547 patients, with 84.8% being civilians.
- Trauma, both accidental (38.4%) and war-related (36%), constituted 74.4% of cases.
- Children (38.5% of patients) required significantly more war-related surgery than adults.
Conclusions:
- Surgeons on peacekeeping missions require broad clinical expertise and refresher training in sub-specialties.
- Children are disproportionately affected by war-related injuries, underscoring their vulnerability.
- The Rwandan conflict serves as a stark example of the failure to protect vulnerable populations.