AGRICULTURE RELATED INJURIES

SPECTRUM & MANAGEMENT OUTCOME IN GENERAL SURGICAL UNIT

Abstract

Traumatic injuries related to agricultural related profession can lead to serious
disability and even mortality. Objectives: To study the spectrum of agricultural production
related injuries and their management outcome in General Surgical unit. Study Design:
RetrospectiveDescriptive, Interventional. Study Period: January 2012 to December 2013.
Setting: Surgical Department Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital Gujrat & Surgical
department Islam Medical & Dental College Sialkot. Material & Methods: Data of 33 patients
involved in an accident and sustained injury while operating agriculture machine/ equipment
is being presented with reference to age, gender, nature of injury, type of equipment /machine
involved and management outcome. Results: Record of total 33 patients with agriculture
related injuries was analysed retrospectively. Male population is more involved in agriculture
related accidents seen in 20 out of 33 patients (60.6%), female involvement in such accidents
is not uncommon seen in 13 patients (39.9%). Fodder Cutter (TOKA) was the commonest
agricultural equipment found involved in 17 (51.5%) cases. Traumatic amputation both minor or
major type of upper limb was most frequent injury seen in 19 (57.7%) cases and infection was
the commonest complication occurred in 13 cases. Fournier’s gangrene and tetanus was the
most dreadful complication with 100% mortality. Overall mortality was 03.03%. Conclusions:
Agriculture machinery related accidents cause serious injuries that lead to disability, morbidity
and often mortality. Victims are usually young. Awareness campaigns regarding hazards and
safety measures in using agriculture machinery should be launched with the help of media.
Re-implantation / re-vascularization surgery must be considered in case of limb amputations in
selected cases.