Surgical problems of the Navajo and Hopi Indians.

This reports the surgical disease patterns in the Navajo and Hopi Indians and emphasizes the direct relationship between the morbidity of the patterns and the harsh and hazardous environment of the Indian people. Trauma and infection make up most of the diseases that are managed. Gallbladder surgery is the most common surgery. Impoverished conditions of housing and sanitation and the inaccessibility of services due to long distances and poor roads are a major factor in these disease patterns.