Epidemiological Aspects of Acute Surgical Abdomens at the Dioila Reference Health Center

Aim: To evaluate the epidemiological aspects of acute surgical abdomens at the CSREF of Dioïla. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2021. It covered all patients operated for acute surgical abdomen in the general surgery department of the Dioïla reference health center. The Clavien and Dindo classification was used to assess complications. Results: One hundred and seventeen patients were recorded. The mean age was 30.6 years±16.9. Men were in the majority with 64.1% and a sex ratio of 1.7. The incidence rate in the general population of the district was 30.3 cases per 100000 inhabitants. Patients came from within the district (rural) in 76.1% of cases (n=89). The mean duration of symptomatology was 2.3 days±1.4. Acute surgical abdomens accounted for 8.7% of consultations (117/1345), 19.1% of surgical procedures (117/614) and 17.8% of hospitalizations (117/658). According to etiologies, acute appendicitis was the most common (60.7% ; n=71) followed by acute peritonitis (19.7% ; n=23) and strangulated parietal hernias (11.9% ; n=14). Appendicitis, especially the abscessed form, was the most morbid pathology (50% of overall morbidity) and the most fatal intestinal obstruction (100% of overall mortality, 2 cases). The mean length of hospital stay was 4 days±2.4. Conclusion: Acute surgical abdomens are common in the Dioïla health district. Morbidity and mortality remains high. Prognosis depends on early management, age, and etiology.