Anaesthesia in The Gambia.

We review the development of anaesthesia in The Gambia from 1977 to 1992 and the role of nurse anaesthetists. The anaesthetists service provided over a one year period at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Banjul shows that 58.3% are for Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O & G) procedures, 38.06% for Surgical and Dental while 3.164% was Ophthalmology. Nurse anaesthetists administered anaesthesia for 94.4% of the O & G Procedures with minimal complication. However anaesthesia for 65.6% of the general surgical and dental procedures required the expertise of a physician anaesthetist. The major problems associated with anaesthetic service delivery in The Gambia are highlighted and suggestions made on the future development of the specialty of anaesthesia.