Paediatric Plastic Surgery Practice in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: Nigeria has a large population under the age of 18 years who require access to paediatric plastic surgery care. We aimed to assess the structure and scope of paediatric plastic surgery practice in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to plastic surgery residents and consultants who were attending the 17th Nigerian Burn Injury Society and 29th Nigerian Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery annual scientific conference in September 2024. Results: The four most common conditions in the paediatric population encountered by the respondents were burns and their complications (97.8%), congenital hand differences (97.8%), trauma from other causes (97.8%), and craniofacial cleft (84.8%). None of the respondents had a theatre dedicated solely to paediatric cases, and 93.5% did not have a paediatric plastic surgery clinic. Inadequate workforce (84.4%) and administrative bottlenecks (68.9%) were identified as the two most common obstacles to providing a dedicated paediatric plastic surgery service. About 67% of respondents said they required further training in paediatric plastic surgery. Conclusion: Burns and their complications, congenital hand differences, trauma, and craniofacial clefts are common reasons why a paediatric patient will present to a plastic surgeon in Nigeria. There are no dedicated paediatric plastic surgery clinics and theatres in most places. Inadequate workforce and administrative bottlenecks are the two top reasons preventing dedicated paediatric plastic surgery care. There is a need for further training in paediatric plastic surgery care among residents and consultants.