Perioperative management of gastrointestinal surgery in a resource-limited hospital in Niger: Cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative management in digestive surgery is a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: To describe the process and outcomes of perioperative management in gastrointestinal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single center cross-sectional study over a 4-month period from June 1 to September 30, 2017, in a Nigerien hospital (West Africa). This study included caregivers and patients operated on gastrointestinal surgery. RESULTS: We collected data for 56 caregivers and 253 patients underwent gastrointestinal surgery. The average age of caregivers was 38.6 ± 8.7. The median length of professional practice was 9 years. Almost 52% of caregivers (n = 29) did not know the standards of perioperative care. The median age of patients was 24 years, and male gender constituted 70% of cases (n = 177) with a sex ratio of 2.32. Patients came from rural areas in 78.2% (n = 198). Emergency surgery accounted for 60% (n = 152). The most surgical procedure was digestive ostomies performed in 28.9% (n = 73), followed by hernia repair and appendectomy in 24.5% (n = 62) and 13.9% (n = 35) respectively. The postoperative course was complicated in 28.1% (n = 71) among which 13 deaths. In the group of caregivers, the poor practice of perioperative management was associated with poor professional qualification, insufficient equipment, insufficient motivation (p < 0.05). The ASA3&ASA4 score, undernutrition, emergency surgery, poor postoperative monitoring, and poor psychological preparation were associated with complicated postoperative outcomes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The inadequacy of the technical platform and the lack of continuous training for healthcare staff represented the main dysfunctions of our hospital. The risk factors for complications found in this study need appropriate perioperative management to improve prognosis in gastrointestinal surgery.

Diagnosis and surgical approach of adult Hirschsprung's disease: About two observations and review of the literature. Case series.

INTRODUCTION: Hirschsprung's disease (HD) is uncommon in adulthood. In this study, we describe the management of two cases of adult Hirschsprung's disease treated with transanal colonic pull-through procedure followed by a delayed coloanal anastomosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective (December 2016 to Jun 2019) study included two cases of adult HD with confirmed Hirschsprung disease who underwent surgery at Zinder National hospital, Niger. The registration number is researchregistry 5174. RESULTS: These were two patients aged 21 years (male) and 22 years (female) admitted to the emergency department with an acute bowel obstruction. The history finds a delayed passage of meconium at birth with a history of long-standing recurrent constipation since early childhood for the 2 patients. A lateral colostomy was performed urgently in both patients and the barium enema revealed a disparity of the sigmoid colon with corn shaped transition zone. Histologic examination of the biopsy specimen confirmed the diagnosis of HD. Surgery was done according to transanal endorectal pull-through procedure followed by delayed coloanal anastomosis. Patients were regularly followed over a period of 16 months. Constipation was gone, no continence problem was reported and quality of life was rated satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The discovery of Hirschsprung's disease is rare in adulthood. Transanal endorectal pull-through procedure followed by delayed coloanal anastomosis with conventional surgery is a suitable option for the treatment of HD and gives a good result.

Surgical management of pyelo-ureteral junction syndrome in a resource-limited setting: case of Zinder National Hospital, Niger.

BACKGROUND: Pyelo-ureteral junction syndrome (PUJS) is a frequent congenital malformation. We report the surgical management of PUJS by pyeloplasty according to Anderson-Hyne-Kuss's procedure at the Zinder National Hospital.. METHODS: This was a retrospective study from January 2013 to December 2016 (4 years), including patients who have undergone surgery for PUJS. RESULTS: Twelve (12) cases of PUJS had a surgery among which 66.7% were men with an average age of 32.5 ± 7.6 years. The clinical symptomatology was lumbar pain or renal colic in 92.3% of cases. This pain had evolved for more than 2 years for 58.3% of the cases. Ultrasound coupled with intravenous urography or CT-scan was performed to confirm the diagnosis of PUJS in 58.3 and 41.7% of cases. The average serum creatinine level at admission was 181.25 ± 67.3 µmol/L [Lab reference range: 53-97 µmol/L]. The Anderson-Hynes non dismembered pyeloplasty is used for all the patients. The release of a crossing lower pole vessel was performed in 25%, pyelolithotomy in 16.7%. The average surgery time was 118.3 ± 20.7 min. The average hospital length of stay was 10.8 ± 3 days. Immediate postoperative complications were recorded in 33.3% (n = 4). Postoperative outcomes were considered good by disappearance of clinical, biological and radiological signs. CONCLUSION: The Anderson-Hynes non dismembered pyeloplasty gives good results and provides a successful alternative in an environment where laparoscopy and robotic surgery are not developed.

Acute Abdomen Revealing an Unusual Case of Intra-Abdominal Testicular Torsion.

Introduction. Intra-abdominal testicular torsion is a rare event. We report hereby our experience of the management of a spermatic cord twist on intra-abdominal testis discovered during an acute surgical abdomen. Case Presentation. This was a 42-year-old patient admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain that had been evolving for a week. The physical examination showed tenderness and guarding in the left iliac fossa with an empty ipsilateral hemiscrotum. Complementary examinations led to the discovery of an intra-abdominal left-lateral mass. The laparotomy found a whitish mass with areas of infarction, which was resected. Anatomopathological examination of the operative specimen identified it as a testis with atrophy of germ cells and necrotic areas without evidence of malignancy. Conclusion. Intra-abdominal testicular torsion should be considered in case of patients with an acute surgical abdomen with vacuity of one of the bursae.

Isolated Right-Sided Posttraumatic Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Diaphragm is a compliant musculoaponeurotic barrier located between thoracic and abdominal cavities. Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is a rare clinicopathological entity. We report a case of right-sided posttraumatic hernia in a child following blunt trauma to highlight diagnostic difficulties and therapeutic specific aspects. A 10-year-old boy was admitted to the emergency surgical department with thoracic trauma following pedestrian accident. At admission a haemothorax was suspected and treated by pleural drainage. The diagnosis of a right-sided diaphragmatic rupture was made after computed tomographic scan forty-eight hours later. At surgery, a reduction of herniated abdominal content and a suture of diaphragmatic defect were performed. The postoperative recoveries were uneventful and the patient was followed up for 12 months without symptoms. The possibility of a diaphragmatic rupture should be kept in mind and sought after any trauma of the thoracoabdominal junction as the diagnosis can be challenging in emergency department.

Acute intestinal obstruction due to extrinsic compression by previa myoma and ectopic pregnancy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute intestinal obstruction during pregnancy is a rare digestive surgical emergency with significant maternal and fetal mortality. Diagnosis is difficult, often delaying the management. Here, we report an exceptional association of mechanical acute intestinal obstruction due to compression by previa uterine leiomyoma, and a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION: This is the case report of a 43-year-old primiparous black woman from a rural area, who was admitted to the surgical emergency department for acute intestinal obstruction. At examination on admittance, our patient had a bad general condition with clinical anemia. She had an occlusive syndrome that had been evolving for 3 days. A physical examination of her abdomen showed a widespread distension with an irregular and polylobed solid mass occupying the whole of the lower-umbilical and hypogastric area. A rectal examination found an empty rectum, and the mass was perceptible in Douglas's pouch. At the vaginal examination, we found the same mass and a finger holster was clean. The diagnosis of intestinal occlusion by a tumor was retained. The laparotomy revealed a distended intestine, a ruptured right tubal ectopic pregnancy and a polymyomatous uterus. The most massive previa leiomyoma was adhering and compressing the rectal and sigmoidal hinge. A total hysterectomy was performed and histopathological examination of specimens confirmed myoma and ectopic pregnancy. The surgical follow-up was uneventful, and our patient was discharged on postoperative day 12. CONCLUSIONS: The etiological diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction during pregnancy is not easy, especially in the context of a low-income country where the means of biological and radiological diagnosis are lacking. A laparotomy is required before diagnosis of acute surgical abdomen and its management will depend on the intraoperative findings and the condition of the patient.

Pattern of Lower Intestinal Ostomies in a Low-Income Country: Case of Southeast of Niger Republic.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal ostomies are common surgical procedures performed in visceral surgery as part of management for several gastrointestinal diseases. This study aims to report the socio-demographic characteristics, indications and prognosis of intestinal ostomies in low-income country. METHODS: This was a 4-year retrospective study (January 2013 to December 2016) at Zinder National Hospital (Niger). All patients with a digestive ostomy on an ileum or colic segment were included in the study. RESULTS: During the study period, 2437 patients underwent digestive surgery, including 328 gastrointestinal stomas (13.5%). Patients classified ASA3 were 60.7% (n = 199). The median age was 12 years (IQ: 7-25). Children represent 64% (n = 210) of patients with ostomy. The sex ratio was 2.60. The stoma was performed in emergency in 96.3% (n = 316) of cases. Acute peritonitis was the main indication of the stoma in 70.73% (n = 232). The ileostomies accounted for 75.61% (n = 248). Ostomy was intended as temporary in 97.3% of cases (n = 319). Complications were observed in 188 patients (57.3%). Mortality was 14.02% (n = 46). The indigent status (OR: 4.15 [2.20-7.83], P = 000), ASA score 4 (OR: 2.53 [1.54-4.15], P = 0.0003), Altemeier class IV (OR: 4.03 [2.10-7.73], P = 0.0000) and ileostomy (OR: 2.7853 [1.47-5.29], P = 0.0018) were statistically associated with the occurrence of major complications. The mean time for stoma closure was 59.3 ± 14.5 days. CONCLUSION: Acute peritonitis was the main indication of digestive ostomy. The occurrence of major complications was associated with bad socioeconomic status, ASA4 score, Altemeier class IV and ileostomy.

Non-traumatic acute peritonitis in children: causes and prognosis in 226 patients at the National Hospital of Zinder, Niger.

To report etiological and prognostic characteristics of acute peritonitis in children. This retrospective study reviewed the records for a 30-month period (January 2013-June 2015) at Zinder National Hospital (Niger) of all children between the ages of 0-15 years who underwent surgery for non-traumatic acute peritonitis. Statistical tests were performed, with significance defined by a P-value < 5 %. Acute peritonitis accounted for 62.12 % (226/358) of all emergency gastrointestinal surgery in children. Their median age was 10 years (range: 0-15 years), with almost two-thirds of them male (n=148). Ileal perforation, presumably due to typhoid fever, was the main cause (n=153), with acute appendicular peritonitis in second place, accounting for 25.22 % (n=57) of cases. Gastrointestinal ostomy was performed in 101 patients (44.7 %) and an appendectomy in 56 (24.8 %). The average length of stay was 10.9±3.6 days. Postoperative complications, defined by the Clavien-Dindo classification, occurred in 46.5 % of these procedures (n=105). Surgical site infections were recorded in 66 cases. Overall mortality was 13.7 % (n=31) and was statistically associated with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of IV (OR = 3,32 : 1,07-10,27 ; P = 0,037) and Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) ≥ 26 (OR = 44,68 : 10,17 - 196,32 ; P = 0,000), time to admission (OR = 4,626 : 1,39 - 15,34, P = 0,012), and time to surgery in hours (OR = 4,59 : 1,60 - 13,18 ; P = 0,0046). In Niger, perforation apparently due to typhoid is the main cause of peritonitis in children. Mortality is associated with an ASA score of IV, Mannheim Peritonitis Index ≥ 26, time to admission, and time to surgery.

[Macrocystic serous cystadenoma of the pancreas, about a case]. / Cystadénome séreux macrokystique du pancréas, à propos d'un cas.

Serous cystadenomas of pancreas are unusual cystic tumour. The microcystic forms is more common and its radiological diagnosis is easy. However, the macrocystic unilocular form of serous cystadenoma can be mistaken with other malignant macrocystic lesions of the pancreas. We report the case of a 17 year-old girl, admitted to the National Hospital of Niamey (Niger), with abdominal pain and an unilocular macrocystic serous cystadenoma of pancreas, diagnosed after histological examination of the surgical specimen. The diagnostic tests, including ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, endoscopic ultrasonography are inconclusive. Challenge of its management is related to the preoperative diagnosis.

Les cystadénomes séreux (CS) du pancréas sont des tumeurs kystiques rares. La forme microkystique du CS est la plus fréquente et de diagnostic radiologique facile. Par contre la forme macrokystique du CS peut être confondue avec les autres lésions macrokystiques du pancréas à potentiel malin. Nous rapportons l'observation d'une jeune patiente de 17 ans admise à l'Hôpital national de Niamey (Niger) dans un tableau de douleurs abdominales, ayant un cystadénome séreux macrokystique uniloculaire du pancréas, diagnostiqué après l'examen histologique de la pièce opératoire. Les examens paracliniques réalisés, notamment l'échographie, le scanner, l'IRM, l'échoendoscopie ne sont pas concluants. La difficulté de la prise en charge réside dans le diagnostic préopératoire.

Acute mechanical intestinal obstruction in children at zinder national hospital, Niger: Aetiologies and prognosis.

BACKGROUND: To describe the aetiological and prognostic aspects of acute mechanical intestinal obstruction (AMIO) in children at Zinder National Hospital (Niger). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on a period to January 2013-June 2015. The database included all children under 15 years of age with a surgical diagnosis of mechanical intestinal obstruction. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for analysis. RESULTS: AMIOs represent 21.78% (n = 78) of child digestive surgical emergencies (n = 358). Median age was 12 months (range: 1 day-15 years). Fifteen (19.23%) were neonates and sixty children (76.92%) had ≤60 months. The sex ratio (male/female) was 2.8. The mean time from onset to presentation was 39.96 ± 36.22 h. Intussusception and strangulated hernias were the main causes of AMIO with, respectively, 43.59% (n = 34) and 29.48% (n = 23). Anorectal malformations represent 17.95% (n = 14) of cases of AMIO. Intestinal resection was made in 22.08% and colostomy in 19.23% of patients. The average length of hospital stay was 6.44 ± 4.30 days. The post-operative complications were recorded in 26 patients (33.33%), mostly surgical site infections. Overall mortality of AMIO was 15.38% (n = 12). It was higher in the neonates (33.33%) (P = 0.032). Deaths were associated with delay of admission (P = 0.0005) and waiting time for surgery (P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Intussusception and strangulated hernia are the most common cause of AMIO in children. Diagnostic and therapeutic delays, lack of paediatric intensive care and post-operative complications are prognostic factors.

[Patient satisfaction, an important part of care: case of a surgical department in Niger]. / Satisfaction des patients, element important dans la globalite des soins: cas d'un service des urgences chirurgicales au Niger.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction in the surgical emergencies department at the National Hospital of Zinder, Niger. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study focusing on patients admitted to the surgical emergency department of the National Hospital of Zinder (NHZ). The study was conducted over a period of 2 month - from July 1st to August 31st, 2015. During a face to face interview, patients were asked a series of questions. RESULTS: Of the 227 patients surveyed, 54.62% (n=124) were satisfied with their experience of the surgical emergencies department. The main factors associated with high satisfaction scores were patient reception (OR: 0.27, 95% CI=0.14 to 0.52; p <0.001), and the management of symptoms (OR: 0.28, 95 % CI=from 0.14 to 0.58; p < 0.001). Dissatisfaction factors were: waiting time before receiving treatment (OR 16.57, 95% CI=8.52 to 32.23; P <0.0001), the environment (OR: 3.89, 95% CI=2.12 to 7.12; p <0.001), accessibility (OR: 5.85, 95% CI=2.54 to 13.46, p < 0.001) and poor staff-patient communication (OR, 13.76; 95% CI 6.54 to 28.98; P <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Despite the shortcomings of the surgical emergencies department of NHZ, a good welcome and prompt patient management have been the key components associated with patient satisfaction.

INTRODUCTION: Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer la satisfaction des patients pris en charge au service des urgences chirurgicales de l'Hôpital National de Zinder, Niger. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale portant sur des patients admis aux urgences chirurgicales de l'hôpital National de Zinder (HNZ). L'enquête a été réalisée sur une période de 2 mois du 1er juillet au 31 août 2015. Un questionnaire adressé aux patients était rempli à travers un entretien direct. RÉSULTATS: Sur les 227 patients retenus, 54,62% (n=124) étaient satisfaits des prestations au service des urgences chirurgicales. Les principaux éléments associés à une bonne satisfaction étaient l'accueil (OR: 0,27; IC95%= 0,14 ­ 0,52; p<0,001) et la prise en charge de la symptomatologie (OR: 0,28; IC95% = 0,14 ­ 0,58; p<0,001). Les facteurs incriminés dans l'insatisfaction étaient: le temps d'attente avant la prise en charge (OR: 16,57; IC95% = 8,52 ­ 32,23; p<0,0001), l'environnement (OR: 3,89; IC95%=2,12 ­ 7,12; p<0,001), l'accessibilité (OR: 5,85; IC95%=2,54 ­ 13,46; p<0,001) et la mauvaise communication soignant-patient (OR: 13,76; IC95% =6,54­28,98; p< 0,0001). CONCLUSION: Malgré les insuffisances du service des urgences chirurgicales de l'HNZ, un bon accueil et une prise en charge rapide, sont les éléments clés associés à la satisfaction du patient.