Spectrum of Neonatal Surgical Conditions and Outcomes at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State

Neonatal surgical conditions represent a specialised and high-risk subset of paediatric surgery, and their management in resource-limited settings in Nigeria demands careful documentation to improve outcomes. This study examines the spectrum, management approaches, and outcomes of neonatal surgical conditions at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, in the North Central zone. A retrospective descriptive design is applied to records of all neonates managed by the surgical unit from 2018 to 2023, focusing on diagnoses including intestinal atresia, oesophageal atresia, anorectal malformations, gastroschisis, omphalocele, and Hirschsprung disease. Data collected include gestational age at birth, weight at presentation, associated congenital anomalies, operative procedure, postoperative complications, and 30-day mortality. SPSS is used for analysis. Evidence from paediatric surgical centres in North Central Nigeria suggests overall neonatal surgical mortality exceeding 30 percent, with prematurity, late presentation, and sepsis as dominant contributing factors. The CRIES Neonatal Postoperative Pain Assessment and standard paediatric surgical grading criteria provide clinical reference frameworks. Findings will guide the unit in strengthening neonatal anaesthesia capacity, postoperative intensive care, and informed parental counselling practices. Keywords: neonatal surgery, congenital anomalies, Plateau State, paediatric outcomes, North Central Nigeria.