The Essential Surgical Conditions

15 surgical conditions for which basic interventions exist can provide coverage for approximately 80% of the most basic surgical needs of a community; particularly in rural and low resource areas where doctors are scarce.  These interventions can be provided by non-physician providers and medical officers who receive specific and narrow training in targeted surgical procedures.

These conditions include:

  • Neglected obstructed labour resulting in obstetric fistula

  • Severe post-partum hemorrhage requiring surgical care

  • Infections resulting in abscesses that require drainage

  • Severe wounds

  • Severe head injury

  • Airway obstruction

  • Chest injury and infections

  • Acute Abdomen

  • Fractures and Dislocations

  • Severe limb ischemia

  • Urinary outflow obstruction

  • Hernias

  • Cataracts

  • Clubfoot

  • Cleft lip