Prep for surgery


When one discovers that they must undergo a medical operation, the surgery itself is often the factor of most concern; the risks and whether or not there are any less invasive alternatives. Once over and the surgeon reveals all has gone has expected, a feeling of relief can be felt and the process of healing can begin. However, this is often not the case for patients in hospitals around the world. Aftercare is just as salient as treatment itself in regards to surgery, and when the appropriate aid is not given, individuals who should be able to recover, sadly may not be afforded the opportunity.

  Research conducted in Africa has shown that twice as many people die in the continent compared to other countries following an operation. 2.1% of patients will die after an operation in Africa, which is double the global average of 1% of instances which lead to fatalities. A lack of medical staff coupled with inadequate facilities has been attributed to the problem, as without them professional do not have the ability to identify complications related to surgery. In addition to this, the fact that more patients in Africa undergoing said surgeries are younger and thus at a lower risk yet still die only adds to the pressing need for change. With such a lack of human resources being so prevalent, needless deaths increase and the ability for people to live healthy lives in hindered, and in some cases is impossible.

  Further, many people are unable to access medical attention in the first place. Statistics indicate that 5 billion people in the world to not have access to surgery that is safe. For doctors, it must be undoubtedly troublesome to not be able to provide the care needed and equally grievous for the individual themselves as well as their family and friends. This should not detract from the amazing work being done by healthcare workers, but put it does put into perspective how surgery alone is not always a solution and should not be seen as a sign of development.

It is both shocking and disheartening that this is a reality for people across the globe, and evokes a sense of concern over what can be done to help. Raising concern of the problem is significant in prompting governments to ensure budgets are allocated accordingly and alerting those who may be able to offer funding to improve medical infrastructure as well expertise in surgery which is also of great importance. For more information, the World Health Organisation has a devised an entire section of their webpage to the practice of safe surgery.

Thank you for reading!

By Vicale Czan Alfanti

Universal Medicine

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-42565723

http://www.who.int/patientsafety/safesurgery/en/

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