Surgical Care at the District Hospital‐7 Training Videos

Abstract

World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 1999-2002, US$27.00 each; in developing countries US$13.00, Order no. WHO 1650096 et seq. In a recent issue of this Journal we reviewed an excellent World Health Organization manual on Surgical Care at the District Hospital (World J. Surg. 2004; 28:8). This is mainly an illustrated, practical guide for nonspecialist practitioners and staff of outlying hospitals, particularly in underprivileged areas and developing countries where most of the medicosurgical work is done in primary health care centers and district first-referral hospitals. Under the general heading of Surgery at the District Hospital, the trauma and orthopedic sections are enriched with visual support through seven VHS videos aimed at providing further help for treatment of these conditions under poor circumstances where specialist support is not likely to be available. The seven videos comprise the following. 1. General principles of wound care and trauma management, including amputations (23 minutes) 2. General fracture management; principles of traction; skull and lower limb fractures: plaster (39 minutes) 3. Open fractures; tendon and soft tissue injuries; Management of open wounds; stabilization; hand injuries (35 minutes) 4. Fractures and dislocations of the upper limb; complications (53 minutes) 5. Fractures and dislocations of the lower limb and pelvis (33 minutes) 6. Fractures in children; Comparison with adult fractures (18 minutes) 7. Head and spinal injuries; burr holes; unconsciousness (35 minutes)These cassettes can facilitate and add to the effectiveness of the manual and are highly recommended. They can be ordered separately if necessary.