[Organization of radiologic services in Sarajevo during the war (1992-1995)]

The organization and functioning of radiological diagnostic services in Sarajevo during the three and a half years of aggression are presented. The sudden and brutal aggression, all kinds of blockage, and total unreadiness of the services caused many problems regarding the number, age structure and qualification of the staff, expended and technically defective equipment lacking spare parts and shortage of electric power, water, heating, of X-ray films, chemicals, contrast agents, sanitary, and all other kinds of material. In spite of all these problems and the necessary narrowing of indications, from April 1992 till September 1995, 340,079 radiological examinations were performed at the Institute of Radiology and 82,924 in the State Hospital, respectively. The majority of examinations was done on the muscular-skeletal system and the thorax. All radiological techniques like classic roentgenology, ultrasound examinations, computerised tomography and digital methods were used. The organisation employed in both institutions proved justified, rational and effective. It can be concluded that in this difficult period the radiological diagnostic services in Sarajevo fulfilled what was demanded of them. Regarding the extremely difficult circumstances, their contribution could also be deemed unexpected.