Modern war surgery: the experience of Bosnia. 2: The clinical experience.

A Canadian field surgical hospital was deployed in the former Yugoslavia to support the medical needs of Canadian and other United Nations troops. Over a 6-month period, 5661 patients were seen and 50 surgical procedures performed. Gunshot, shrapnel and other blast injuries were responsible for the injury in only 10 patients seen at the hospital. Strict adherence to the concepts of hygiene, safety and trauma prevention is essential for the proper health care of large groups of peacekeepers abroad. Civilian involvement was limited by political restrictions, but a few civilians were helped. The ability to provide modern medicine in the field of battle boosted the morale of the Canadian troops.