Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Case Volume and Disease Patterns in a Nigerian Tertiary Health Facility

Adamu Nuhu Lawan¹, Dalhatu Adamu², Adamu Usman Galadima¹, Bashir Nazamaddeen¹, Bature
Shedrack Pam³
1Department of Nursing Science, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Nigeria
2Department of Nursing Science, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
3Department of Nursing Services, Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola,Nigeria

*Corresponding author’s Email: adamudalhatu206@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.02010084


ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT Surgical workload and disease patterns in Nigerian tertiary hospitals remain poorly characterized, despite their central role in healthcare delivery. Understanding demographic and specialty-specific trends is vital for optimizing surgical service planning. The study analyzedthe surgical workload, demographic characteristics, and specialty distribution of surgical cases at Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola, from 2022 to 2024.A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using data from theatre registers, admission logs, and patients’ case notes. All surgical cases during the study period were included. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results were summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square and ANOVA tests, with significance at p< 0.05.A total of 650 surgical cases were reviewed. Orthopedic surgery accounted for the largest proportion (33.8%), followed by Urology (18.3%) and Neurosurgery (12.0%). The mean patient age was 33.0 ± 18.4 years, and males constituted 69.8%.Mean age differed significantly (F = 52.81, p < 0.001, η² = 0.33), with urology patients being older and pediatric patients younger than other groups. Gender distribution also varied (χ² = 18.46, p = 0.005, Cramer’s V = 0.17), reflecting male predominance in trauma and urologic cases. Surgical workload at MAUTH was dominated by trauma- and urology-related cases, reflecting a dual burden of injury and non-communicable diseases. Strengthening trauma prevention, data management, and resource allocation is essential for improving surgical care.

Surgical volume,
Surgical workload,
Disease patterns,
Retrospective analysis.