A prospective study of mothers needing Caesarean section was undertaken to examine the need for blood transfusion, the actual number of units given and the effectiveness of blood transfusion in preventing maternal mortality. Of 3665 mothers in 22 hospitals in Malawi, 11.1% were assessed as needing a transfusion and 7.2% were transfused. There were significant differences between district and central hospitals in transfusion rates. Of those mothers who were considered to need blood, there was no significant difference in mortality between those who received a transfusion and those who did not.

Blood Transfusion↗

PubMed1995

Transporting volatile agents in hot climates.

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Ether↗

PubMed1994

The cost of Third World anaesthesia: an estimate of consumption of drugs and equipment in anaesthetic practice in Malawi.

Over a four week period in early 1993 all items used in the giving of anaesthesia were recorded. By relating the cost of items used to the number of patients treated in the same period, a per capita cost of US$3.96 per anaesthetic was calculated. By extrapolation, the total cost of running the service for a year, treating 9,560 patients, was estimated at US$37,940. The factors that increase expenditure are discussed, as in the association between reducing costs and maintaining safe anaesthesia practice.

Anesthesia Department, Hospital↗

PubMed1991

Anaesthesia training in Malawi.

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Anesthesiology↗

PubMed1989

The Malawi anaesthetic machine. Experience with a new type of anaesthetic apparatus for developing countries.

One year's experience with a new type of oxygen concentrator and anaesthetic machine, designed for anaesthesia in developing countries, is presented. The apparatus, its performance and problems are described and the author's suggested modifications to improve the original design are outlined. The apparatus, with these changes, represents a significant advance in oxygen availability for hospitals in developing countries as well as improving the anaesthetic capabilities.

Adult↗