Early experience with reconstructive surgery at Mpilo Central Hospital, Zimbabwe.

A total of 46 patients were admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital for various reconstructive procedures between August 1988 and February 1989. The majority of patients had postburn contractures, i.e. 18 cases (39%). The rest of the patients were admitted for treatment of bed sores (nine cases, 20%), keloids (nine cases, 20%), post-traumatic complex soft tissue defects (five cases, 11%), lower lip defects following a human bite (three cases, 6%) and complex lesions on the face (two cases, 4%). Although a few complications were encountered the results overall were very good. There was no mortality recorded in this series.