Socio-medical Follow-up Examination of 1143 Greenlanders Surgically Treated for Pulmonary Tuberculosis at Queen Ingrid's Hospital at Godthåb in the Years 1954–1966

Abstract

A follow-up examination of 1 143 Greenlanders operated on for pulmonary tuberculosis in the years 1954-66 is reported. The main group consists of 785 resected patients. At follow-up 2=12 years after operation all patients were traced. One hundred and four (9 percent) had died; the remaining 1 039 had all been restored to health. Ninety percent of the ex-patients were fully or partially fit and 1 percent unfit for work. Length of observation, time of resumption of work, reasons for change (if any) of occupation, work capacity in relation to the nature of the surgical interventions, and the patients genreal condition as well as housing situation are discussed. National assistance in Greeland is mentioned in brief.