Clinical Outcomes of Neurosurgical Care in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Study from Bauchi, Nigeria

Background: Access to timely and optimised neurosurgical interventions remains constrained in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This prospective cohort study evaluates the clinical outcomes, post-operative complications, morbidity, and short-term mortality profiles at a tertiary centre in Bauchi, Northeast Nigeria. Methods: A prospective study tracking 240 neurosurgical patients was conducted. Functional metrics via the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS), post-operative complication indices, length of hospital stay (LOS), and 30-day mortality kinetics were logged at baseline, discharge, and two weeks post-discharge. Results: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represented the primary diagnosis (58.3%). The overall post-operative complication rate stood at 29.2% (n=70), with surgical site infections and severe post-operative pain predominant. The median LOS was 10 days. At the final evaluation, 62.5% (n=150) attained a favourable functional outcome (GOS 4–5; mRS 0–2), while the all-cause 30-day mortality rate was 14.6% (n=35). Conclusion: Despite structural bottlenecks, acceptable early functional recovery rates are viable in regional West African subspecialties. However, high rates of complications and early mortality call for optimised critical care infrastructure and decentralised neurotrauma pathways.