Outcomes of Ambulatory Pediatric Surgical Care Provision in a Conflict Affected Population in Kakuma Refugee Camp During a Measles Outbreak

Introduction and objectives In 2023, Kakuma refugee camp experienced measles outbreaks leading to delayed provision of pediatric surgical care. Our objective was to assess postoperative outcomes following the implementation of a new protocol to minimize pediatric surgical patient exposure to measles. Methods We retrospectively reviewed ambulatory pediatric surgical care in Kakuma refugee camp to determine demographic information, diagnoses and procedures done, and postoperative outcomes following implementation of the new protocol. Results We conducted a total of 28 ambulatory pediatric procedures. All 25 patients had received their measles vaccine preoperatively (100%); 35.7% of the procedures were inguinal hernia repairs, 50 % were hydrocele repairs, and 10.71% were umbilical hernia repairs. There were no postoperative deaths, cases of measles, and no surgical site infections (0%). Conclusion Ambulatory pediatric surgical care provision is feasible in the refugee context during a measles outbreak, and the outcomes were comparable to other settings.