Pattern of Vascular Diseases at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vascular diseases are evolving fast in sub-Saharan Africa, but its management is challenged by lack ofexpertise and infrastructure. In the light of the prevailingchallenge, this study was done to see the pattern of vasculardisease and its treatment in a tertiary referral hospital.
METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was done over aperiod of one year (February 9, 2016 to February 8, 2017) at TikurAnbessa specialized hospital (TASH) at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
RESULTS: A total of 386 patients were seen at the surgical OPD.Of these, 78(20.2%) were admitted and operate on. The male tofemale ratio was 1.3:1. The mean age affected was 39 +/- 10(Range 12-91 years). On the other hand, 132 (34.2%) patientscame with PAD. Of them, 46(34.8%) presented with either frankGangrene or pre-gangrene stage. The rest 86(65.1%) hadclaudication pain. The other diseases seen are Varicose Vein,100(25.9%), Carotid body tumors, 60(15.4%), Aneurysmaldiseases, 36(9.1%), Vascular malformations, 34(8.7%), andVascular injuries, 22(5.6%). During the study period, 28(35.9%)PAD, 22(28.2%) trauma patients, 8(10.2%) Chemodectomas,8(10.2%) aneurysms, 6(7.7%) hemangiomas, 4(5.1%) varicose veinand 2(2.6%) AV fistula patients were operated.
CONCLUSION: The pattern of vascular disease in Ethiopia isbecoming a challenge. The gap created due to limited vascularsurgeons, poor infrastructure and absent supply chain system hassignificantly compromised the number and type of operated-onpatients. These challenges result in preventable morbidity andmortality.