Challenges in the Management of Congenital Malformations in Infants: A Single Centre Experience

Abstract

Background: Congenital malformations are structural anomalies that occur during intra-uterine life that may be identified before or at birth or later in life. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective evaluation of the challenges encountered during the management of children with congenital anomalies at the pediatric surgery unit of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Enugu, Nigeria. Diagnosis of congenital anomalies was made based on clinical and radiological findings. Results: A total of 104 infants with congenital anomalies were evaluated during the study period. There was male predominance and majority of the patients were neonates. Seven days and 3 days were the mean age at diagnosis and median interval before presentation respectively. Hypospadias was the most common congenital anomaly and surgical site infection was the most common post-operative complication. Mortality occurred in about one-third of the patients. The general challenges encountered in the management of these patients could categorized as patient related, surgeon related or facility related. Conclusion:In developing countries, management of congenital anomalies is challenging and is fraught with difficulties. Modifiable factors such as late presentation and provision of facilities will improve outcome.