Epidemiology and Surgical Outcomes of Pediatric Congenital Anomalies – A Retrospective Tertiary-Care Study

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Congenital anomalies are a significant cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Bangladesh, data on the epidemiology and surgical outcomes of these anomalies remain limited. Understanding their distribution and outcomes is essential for improving pediatric care and guiding preventive strategies. Aim of the study: To evaluate the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and surgical outcomes of pediatric patients with congenital anomalies in a tertiary-care setting. Methods & Materials: This retrospective study included 88 pediatric patients (aged 1–18 years) who underwent surgical intervention for congenital anomalies at [hospital name], Bangladesh, over one year. Data on demographics, type of anomaly, surgical details, hospital stay, postoperative complications, and outcomes were extracted from medical records and analyzed descriptively using SPSS version 26.0. Result: Of the 88 patients, 60.23% were male, and the majority (43.18%) underwent surgery between 1–5 years. Term births accounted for 78.41%, and spontaneous vertex delivery for 56.82%. Ano-rectal malformations were most common (22.73%), followed by multiple anomalies associated with Patau syndrome (18.18%) and cleft-lip/palate (13.64%). Emergency surgeries comprised 63.64%, while elective procedures accounted for 36.36%. Hospital stay was <7 days in 39.77% of patients. Postoperative complications occurred in 31.82%, with systemic infections being the most frequent (12.5%). Overall survival was 80.68%, with 19.32% postoperative mortality. Conclusion: Pediatric congenital anomalies in this tertiary-care cohort predominantly required emergency surgical intervention, with generally favorable survival despite notable postoperative complications. Early diagnosis, prompt surgical management, and structured perioperative care are critical to improving outcomes. These findings inform strategies for optimizing pediatric surgical care and resource allocation in similar settings.