Domestic Animal-Related Injuries: Experiences from Elnohud Teaching Hospital in Western Kordufan State- Sudan

Mutasim Abdallah Elobaid Makkawi, Wlaedeen Ibraheem Ebaid Babikir and Salih Yahia Mohammed Yahia

Department of Surgery, West Kordufan University, Sudan

^*Correspondance to: Mutasim Abdallah Elobaid Makkawi 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2434

Abstract

Background: Domestic animal-related injuries are significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide especially in rural community.
Materials and Methods: In a cross sectional study, victims of domestic animal-related injuries in Elnohud teaching hospital and two private dispensaries in 2017 were evaluated. The objective was to determine pattern, complications, management and outcome of domestic animal related injuries. The data collected included patient’s demographics, animal species-specific mechanism of injuries, in addition to complications, management and outcome after period of follow up. Data were analyzed and expressed in tables using SPSS version 22.
Results: A total of 210 patients were included in this study, accounting for 7.3% of all trauma patients. The mean age ± SD was (28.6 ± 7.3) years. Male were more affected than female (ratio 2.3:1), majority of the patients from rural areas 198 (94.3%). Field workers represented (53.8%) and students (23.8%). Donkeys were the main contributor to injuries (60%) followed by horses (17.1%). Fall and bite were the most frequent mechanism of injury (59%). Concerning pattern of injuries, isolated injuries was found in majority 192 (91.4%); about 160 (77.3%) patients have soft tissue injuries while 50 (23.7%) have fractures. Extremities were the most common injured anatomical sites (40.9%). Regarding treatment, surgery was the main treatment in 159 (71%); wound debridement besides fracture management representing the most frequent surgical procedures 80 (38.1%), 33 (15.7%) respectively. Complications occurred in 4 (22.8%) patients: 2 (54.1%) wound infection and residual disfiguring scars, and 10 (20.8%) traumatic amputations. Mortality was found to reach (1.9%).
Conclusion: Donkeys which are the widely used domestic animals are the major inflictor of injuries and falls represents the majority of mechanism of injury beside bites. Extremities were the most affected parts and surgical treatment is the most practiced modality. Wound infection and scaring were the main complication and mortality is higher among pediatrics age. Recommendations: Effort should be made to raise the awareness about importance of proper using of safety measures when dealing with domestic animals. Prehospital care and effective transfer to hospitals should be promoted.

Keywords

Domestic; Animals; Injury

Cite the article

Makkawi MAE, Babikir WIE, Yahia SYM. Domestic Animal-Related Injuries: Experiences from Elnohud Teaching Hospital in Western Kordufan State-Sudan. Clin Surg. 2019; 4:2434.