Abstract
Introduction
This study evaluates the need for limb reconstruction surgery in Syria and gives examples of how this service has been delivered by UK surgeons. The conflict in Syria has resulted in over 500,000 deaths and 1.2 million injured. There is not yet a centre for limb reconstruction surgery in the country. Injuries from gunshots and shrapnel were not common prior to the civil war resulting in a paucity of experience.
Methods
The senior author spent two weeks in Syria to perform limb reconstruction surgery, to help to train local surgeons and assess the capacity of the facilities available to cope with the limb reconstruction workload.
Results
93 outpatients were assessed over the course of ten days, and 72 of these required definitive surgical intervention. 33 of these patients were candidates for intervention with circular frames. As well as outpatient assessment, surgical procedures were carried out on 22 patients. 11 procedures involved the application of circular frames; 4 involved the application of monolateral fixators and there were 2 other frame related procedures.
Discussion
The lack of definitive capacity exists because of shortfalls in equipment, training, and surgical time. The outpatient assessments of patients given temporary or no treatment, who require definitive surgical intervention allows a projection of the need for 3900 surgical procedures over the course of a year, for the patients within the catchment area of this hospital alone. This is an overwhelming number that cannot be achieved without external help.
Conclusion
The limb reconstruction workload in Syria is enormous, and rising every day. There are opportunities for members of the BLRS to contribute to mitigating this human suffering by providing this service.
