Adult groin hernia surgery in sub-Saharan Africa: a 20-year systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To realize a systematic review to evaluate groin hernia surgery for adults in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, the primary objective of which was to determine the surgical techniques used for unilateral groin hernia surgery in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies published in the last 20 years were considered. A meta-analysis estimated the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence interval (CI) of mortality, chronic pain and recurrence. A subgroup analysis compared the rate of complications between complicated or uncomplicated hernia. RESULTS: We included 113 articles. The most used technique was Bassini in 40.1%, followed by Lichtenstein in 29.9% and Shouldice in 12.6%. The overall mortality rate was 0.6% (95% CI 0.4-0.9). The pooled recurrence rate was 1.4% (95% CI 1.05-1.9). The pooled rate of chronic pain was 2.7% (95% CI 1.9-3.7). We found that mortality rate for complicated hernias (6.4%) was higher compared to uncomplicated hernias (0.2%). This difference was statistically significant [p ≤ 0.001; OR = 47.7; 95 CI (27.2-83.47)]. CONCLUSION: This review showed that pure tissue repairs are the most used techniques with Bassini and Shouldice as leading procedures. The post-operative rates of recurrence and chronic pain are low. However, there is a high heterogeneity between studies than can underestimate these pooled prevalences. The consultation at complication stage remains frequent and associated with a higher mortality. Futures studies should focus on improving the quality of studies in terms of design and follow-up to increase the degree of evidence.

[Hospital Management of Work-related injuries in informal sector: case of artisanal fishing in Saint-Louis (Senegal)]. / Prise en Charge Hospitalière des accidents de Travail dans le secteur informel : cas de la pêche artisanale à Saint-Louis (Sénégal).

OBJECTIVES: to determine the mechanisms, lesions and hospital management of work-related accidentduringtraditional fishing,an activity subject to vital occupational risks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive retrospective study on occupational injury files in artisanal fishing professions, registered at the Saint-Louis Regional Hospital (Senegal), from January 2014 to December 2019. All complete records of trauma during any activity related to artisanal fishingwereincluded. Data on accident mechanisms, injuries observed, and hospital management were collected. RESULTS: 47 male workers were on average 28.4 years old. Direct shock from a pirogue was most frequent (68.10%), followed by sharp or blunt objects (16.27%). The lesions were characterized by bone fractures in 63.83% of cases (n=30); chest-abdominal-pelvic and limb contusions and wounds represented 12.67% and 21.27% of cases, respectively. Medical management was done in 21 cases (44.7%). Surgery was dominated by intramedullary nailing in 15 cases (31.9%). Two laparotomies were performed with intestinal sutures. A chest contusion death was reported. CONCLUSION: Traumatic occupational risks in traditional fishing are life threatening. A better understanding of these risks and their consequencesmakes it possible to ensure good prevention.

OBJECTIFS: déterminer les mécanismes, les lésions et la prise en charge hospitalière des accidents de travail maritimes au cours de la pêche artisanale. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Etude rétrospective descriptive sur les dossiers de traumatismes par accident de travail de la pêche artisanale, recensés au niveau du Centre Hospitalier Régional de Saint-Louis (Sénégal), de janvier 2014 à décembre 2019. Etaient inclus tous les dossiers complets de traumatisme au cours de toute activité liée à la pêche artisanale. Les données sur le mécanisme des accidents, les lésions constatées et la prise en charge hospitalière étaient recueillies. RÉSULTATS: il s'agissait de 47 travailleurs masculins âgés en moyenne de 28,4 ans.Les chocs directs par une pirogue étaient les plus fréquents (68,10%), suivis des objets tranchants ou contondants (16,27%). Les fractures étaient prédominantes dans 63,83% des cas (n=30) ; les contusions thoraco-abdomino-pelviennes et de membres ainsi que les plaies représentaient respectivement 12,67% et 21,27% des cas. Le traitement était médical dans 21 cas (44,7%). La chirurgie était dominée par l'enclouage centro-médullaire dans 15 cas (31,9%). Deux laparotomiesétaient effectuées avec sutures intestinales. Un décès par contusion thoracique était noté. CONCLUSION: les risques professionnels traumatiques dans la pêche artisanale engagent le pronostic vital. Une meilleure connaissance de ces risques par les travailleurs permet d'en assurer une bonne prévention.

Factors Associated with Foot Lesions in Diabetic Patients at Saint-Louis Hospital (Senegal): A Case-Control Study Protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes prevalence has increased over the past years. In Senegal, this prevalence is 4% in the general population. However, the region of Saint-Louis (in the north of the country) has the highest rate with 10.4%. The main prognosis problem is the occurrence foot lesions that can lead to lower-limbs amputation. Diabetic foot is a real public health issue, due to its economic burden and its serious repercussions on patients, leading to poor quality of life. The objective of this case-control study is to identify factors associated with foot lesions in diabetic patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: It will be a case-control study from January to December 2021. The patients will be recruited from the departments of general surgery, internal medicine, and emergency. An univariate then multivariate analysis (logistic regression) will allow us to select the variables associated with foot lesions in our study population. The parameters included in the logistic regression will be those with a p < 0.20 in the univariate analysis. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis (with the calculation of Odds Ratios (OR) with confidence intervals (CI)) according to the backward stepwise method will identify the factors independently associated to foot lesions in diabetic patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This research protocol will be submitted to the Ethics Committee of our institution for approval. The knowledge of factors causing diabetic foot will help to communicate with policymakers to raise the awareness in our community. Finally, it will help to prevent lower limb amputations. HIGHLIGHTS: Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation in the world.The region of Saint-Louis (Senegal) has the highest prevalence of diabetes.Controlling factors associated with foot lesions in diabetic patients can prevent from amputation.

Profile of Patients with Gallstone Disease in a Sub-Saharan African General Surgery Department: A Retrospective Cohort Study Protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Gallstone disease is a disorder characterised by the formation of stones in the biliary tract. It is the most common biliary condition accounting for more than 98% of all gallbladder and biliary tract disorders. In Africa, previous studies have shown a relative rarity of this condition with a prevalence less than 5%; since it is between 2 and 5 times higher in other continents. A good knowledge of the profile of patient with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment. To our knowledge, there was no previous study about gallstone disease in this region even if there is a high prevalence of metabolic factors of gallstone disease. METHODS: This study objective is to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic profile of patients with gallstone disease at the Department of General Surgery of Saint-Louis Hospital (Senegal). It will be a single-centre retrospective cohort study in a period of 5 years (January 2015 - December 2020). The patients' record of the department of general surgery will be consulted and the patient contacted if there are missing data. Patients with gallstone disease diagnosed with imaging (ultrasonography and/or CT scan) regardless the presentation (asymptomatic, biliary colic, cholecystitis, common bile duct lithiasis, angio-cholitis, pancreatitis) will be included. Adults and paediatric patients will be enrolled. Patient records lacking sufficient data will be excluded. Studied parameters will be epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic aspects. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Anonymity and confidentiality of information collected in patients will be respected. This research protocol will be submitted to the Ethics Committee of our institution for approval. The knowledge of the profile of patients with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment. Finally, it will help to reduce the burden of gallstone disease. HIGHLIGHTS: Gallstone disease is the most common biliary tract conditionTo our knowledge, there was no previous study about gallstone disease in this region even if there is a high prevalence of risk factors of gallstone disease (sickle cell disease, diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia)Good knowledge of the profile of patients with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment.