[The disease panorama of emergency surgery in Maniitsoq 1991-1992. An epidemiological study and an evaluation of surgical results].

In the district of Maniitsoq/Sukkertoppen, Greenland, an investigation was carried out to evaluate the extent of major surgical diseases seen in an epidemiological context. The number of patients submitted to major emergency surgery was 63, of which 61 were operated at the hospital of Sukkertoppen. The three main diagnostic entities were appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy and complicated delivery leading to cesarean section. Operative outcome was described, and the results were evaluated as satisfactory in the light of a very modest amount of per- and postoperative complications. The need for surgical preparedness must be taken into consideration by the authorities responsible for the recruitment of doctors and medical staff for district hospitals in Greenland.