Steps to the Adoption of Stapling Technique for Low Rectal Anastomoses in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Many patients who may otherwise benefit from anastomoses get a permanent colostomy for low rectal cancers in low- and middle-income countries because of lack of training and/or lack of equipment for low rectal anastomoses. Our local team provided stepwise training for stapled low rectal anastomoses. METHODS: Local surgeons with overseas formal training in colorectal surgeries facilitated periodical simulation-based training workshops on stapled low rectal anastomoses for surgeons and trainees over 3 y (2015-2017) in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Additional training with live surgeries was conducted. RESULT: Twenty-six participants, including 12 consultant surgeons and 14 senior registrars, concluded hand-on training modules in both wet and dry laboratory sessions. Two-thirds of them also had opportunities to assist during live surgeries. After initial training, stapled low rectal anastomoses were carried out by a team of consultants operating together. With time, locally trained residents assisted consultants in carrying out the procedures. Of the 198 colorectal procedures carried out within the study period, 18 (0.09%) were rectal resections and anastomoses, of which 14 were stapled low rectal anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: A locally facilitated simulation-based training program aided the adoption of a stapled technique of low rectal anastomoses in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. We propose that such training can promote the adoption of other modern techniques in our tertiary surgical practices.

Contemporary management of breast cancer in Nigeria: Insights from an institutional database.

High-quality data are needed to guide interventions aimed at improving breast cancer outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. We present data from an institutional breast cancer database to create a framework for cancer policy and development in Nigeria. An institutional database was queried for consecutive patients diagnosed with breast cancer between January 2010 and December 2018. Sociodemographic, diagnostic, histopathologic, treatment and outcome variables were analyzed. Of 607 patients, there were 597 females with a mean age of 49.8 ± 12.2 years. Most patients presented with a palpable mass (97%) and advanced disease (80.2% ≥ Stage III). Immunohistochemistry was performed on 21.6% (131/607) of specimens. Forty percent were estrogen receptor positive, 32.8% were positive for HER-2 and 43.5% were triple negative. Surgery was performed on 49.9% (303/607) of patients, while 72% received chemotherapy and 7.9% had radiotherapy. At a median follow-up period of 20.5 months, the overall survival was 43.6% (95% CI -37.7 to 49.5). Among patients with resectable disease, 18.8% (57/303) experienced a recurrence. Survival was significantly better for early-stage disease (I and II) compared to late-stage disease (III or IV) (78.6% vs 33.3%, P < .001). Receipt of adjuvant radiotherapy after systemic chemotherapy was associated with improved survival in patients with locally advanced disease (68.5%, CI -46.3 to 86 vs 51%, CI 38.6 to 61.9, P < .001). This large cohort highlights the dual burden of advanced disease and inadequate access to comprehensive breast cancer care in Nigeria. There is a significant potential for improving outcomes by promoting early diagnosis and facilitating access to multimodality treatment.

Geospatial access predicts cancer stage at presentation and outcomes for patients with breast cancer in southwest Nigeria: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The majority of women in Nigeria present with advanced-stage breast cancer. To address the role of geospatial access, we constructed a geographic information-system-based model to evaluate the relationship between modeled travel time, stage at presentation, and overall survival among patients with breast cancer in Nigeria. METHODS: Consecutive patients were identified from a single-institution, prospective breast cancer database (May 2009-January 2019). Patients were geographically located, and travel time to the hospital was generated using a cost-distance model that utilized open-source data. The relationships between travel time, stage at presentation, and overall survival were evaluated with logistic regression and survival analyses. Models were adjusted for age, level of education, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: From 635 patients, 609 were successfully geographically located. The median age of the cohort was 49 years (interquartile range [IQR], 40-58 years); 84% presented with ≥stage III disease. Overall, 46.5% underwent surgery; 70.8% received systemic chemotherapy. The median estimated travel time for the cohort was 45 minutes (IQR, 7.9-79.3 minutes). Patients in the highest travel-time quintile had a 2.8-fold increase in the odds of presenting with stage III or IV disease relative to patients in the lowest travel-time quintile (P = .006). Travel time ≥30 minutes was associated with an increased risk of death (HR, 1.65; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: Geospatial access to a tertiary care facility is independently associated with stage at presentation and overall survival among patients with breast cancer in Nigeria. Addressing disparities in access will be essential to ensure the development of an equitable health policy.

Association of body composition with odds of breast cancer by molecular subtype: analysis of the Mechanisms for Established and Novel Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Nigerian Women (MEND) study.

BACKGROUND: The association between obesity and breast cancer (BC) has been extensively studied among US, European and Asian study populations, with often conflicting evidence. However, despite the increasing prevalence of obesity and associated conditions in Africa, the continent with the highest age-standardized BC mortality rate globally, few studies have evaluated this association, and none has examined in relation to molecular subtypes among African women. The current analysis examines the association between body composition, defined by body mass index (BMI), height, and weight, and BC by molecular subtype among African women. METHODS: We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between measures of body composition and BC and molecular subtypes among 419 histologically confirmed cases of BC and 286 healthy controls from the Mechanisms for Established and Novel Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Women of Nigerian Descent (MEND) case-control study. RESULTS: Higher BMI (aOR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.95) and weight (aOR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.69, 0.98) were associated with reduced odds of BC in adjusted models, while height was associated with non-statistically significant increased odds of BC (aOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.90, 1.28). In pre/peri-menopausal, but not post-menopausal women, both higher BMI and weight were significantly associated with reduced odds of BC. Further, higher BMI was associated with reduced odds of Luminal A, Luminal B, and HER2-enriched BC among pre/peri-menopausal women, and reduced odds of triple-negative BC among post-menopausal women. CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI and weight were associated with reduced odds of BC overall and by molecular subtype among West African women. Larger studies of women of African descent are needed to definitively characterize these associations and inform cancer prevention strategies.

Treatment of colorectal cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results from a prospective Nigerian hospital registry.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Mortality for CRC is improving in high income countries, but in low and middle income countries, rates of disease and death from disease are rising. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the ratio of CRC mortality to incidence is the highest in the world. This study investigated the nature of CRC treatment currently being offered and received in Nigeria. METHODS: Between April 2013 and October 2017, a prospective study of consecutively diagnosed cases of CRC was conducted. Patient demographics, clinical features, and treatment recommended and received was recorded for each case. Patients were followed during the study period every 3 months or until death. RESULTS: Three hundred patients were included in our analysis. Seventy-one percent of patients received a recommended surgical operation. Of those that didn't undergo surgery as recommended, 37% cited cost as the main reason, 30% declined due to personal reasons, and less than 5% absconded or were lost to follow up. Approximately half of patients (50.5%) received a chemotherapy regimen when it was recommended, and 4.1% received radiotherapy when this was advised as optimal treatment. With therapy, the median overall survival for patients diagnosed with stage III and stage IV CRC was 24 and 10.5 months respectively. Overall, we found significantly better median survival for patients that received the recommended treatment (25 vs 7 months; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A number of patients were unable to receive the recommended treatment, reflecting some of the burden of untreated CRC in the region. Receiving the recommended treatment was associated with a significant difference in outcome. Improved healthcare financing, literacy, training, access, and a better understanding of tumor biology will be necessary to address this discrepancy.

Barriers to mammography screening in Nigeria: A survey of two communities with different access to screening facilities.

Delayed presentation of breast cancer is a common theme in most low- and middle-income countries. This study evaluates barriers to mammography screening in two Nigerian communities with different geographic access to screening facilities. A 35 item questionnaire was administered to women, 40 years and older, 1,169 (52.6%) in Ife Central Local Government where mammography services are offered and 1,053 (47.4%) in Iwo Local Government where there are no mammography units. Information on breast cancer screening practices and barriers to mammography screening were compared between the two communities. Most women had heard of breast cancer (Ife 94%, Iwo 97%), but few were aware of mammography (Ife 11.8%, Iwo 11.4%). Mammography uptake in Ife Central was 2.8% and 1.8% in Iwo, despite the former offering mammography services. Knowledge and practice of mammography were not statistically different between the two communities (p = 0.74, 0.1). Lack of awareness was the commonest reason cited for not having mammography in both communities. Others include lack of perceived need and cost. Awareness creation to ensure optimal utilisation of existing facilities, as well as innovative measures to address the barrier of cost, is required to improve breast cancer screening uptake in Nigeria.

Safety and feasibility of early postmastectomy discharge and home drain care in a low resource setting.

BACKGROUND: Early postmastectomy discharge with a drain in place is standard practice in most developed countries. Its feasibility has not been evaluated in low resource settings like Nigeria. METHODS: Consenting patients undergoing mastectomy were discharged on the third postoperative day and assessed as outpatients for wound complications as well as their experience at home. Wound outcomes were compared with patients who had traditional long stay. RESULTS: Forty-five of the 58 patients who had a mastectomy during the study period participated in the early discharge program (77.6%). Of these, four patients (8.9%) had drain malfunction, seroma occurred in eight patients (17.8%), eight patients (17.8%) had wound infection, and six patients (13.3%) had flap necrosis. There was no readmission. Compared with long stay patients, postoperative stay was significantly shorter (3 vs 11 days; P < 0.01) with significant cost savings, while complication rates were not statistically different. All the patients in the early discharge group were confident operating their drains and preferred early discharge. Being around relatives, reduced cost, and fear of the hospital environment were common reasons cited for their preference. CONCLUSION: Our results support the implementation of an early postmastectomy discharge program in a low resource setting.

Evaluation of two injection sclerosants in the treatment of symptomatic haemorrhoids in Nigerians.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of 5% phenol in almond oil with 50% dextrose water as sclerosants in the treatment of first- to third-degree haemorrhoids. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, comparative study conducted on eighty patients with first-, second- and third-degree haemorrhoids who consented to treatment by injection sclerotherapy with either 5% phenol in almond oil or 50% dextrose water. They were randomised equally into two groups. RESULTS: A total of eighty patients including 58 males and 22 females whose age ranged from 19 to 61 years were included in the study. Bleeding was the chief symptom which was present in 78 (97.5%) patients, and there was complete resolution of this in 92.3% and 89.7% in the 5% phenol in almond oil and 50% dextrose water groups, respectively, at 6 months (P = 0.905). Similar degrees of resolution were noted for anal protrusion (89.1% and 85.3% in the 5% phenol in almond oil and 50% dextrose water group, respectively, P = 0.899). The overall complication rate was 3.6% with anal mucosa ulceration being the only complication, occurring in three patients who had 5% phenol in almond oil. Peri-procedure pain, patients satisfaction and acceptability were not significantly different in both groups (P = 0.912, 0.928 and 0.926 respectively). CONCLUSION: Five percent phenol in almond oil and 50% dextrose water are equally effective sclerosants in the treatment of haemorrhoids with very low complication rates.

Local adaptations aid establishment of laparoscopic surgery in a semiurban Nigerian hospital.

BACKGROUND: Establishing and sustaining the routine practice of laparoscopy in resource-limited settings is extremely challenging. We present our experience implementing laparoscopic surgery at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Western Nigeria and the associated modifications that were necessary for success. METHODS: We reviewed all laparoscopic cases performed at our institution from January 2009 through December 2011. Operating surgeons were trained locally. Laparoscopic equipment and instrumentation was procured by both local and foreign sources. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-one procedures were performed in 175 patients whose ages ranged between 18 and 72 years. The procedures included cholecystectomies (n = 48, 24.5 %), appendectomies (n = 36, 20 %), diagnostic laparoscopies for staging and biopsy of intra-abdominal masses (n = 53, 30.9 %), adhesiolyses (n = 18, 11.6 %), hernia repairs (n = 6, 3.2 %), colorectal surgeries (n = 2, 1.3 %), and others (n = 18, 8.4 %). Diagnostic procedures were performed as day cases. Duration of stay for hospital admissions was 1-3 days. There were four conversions to open operation due to technical difficulties with equipment. No deaths were recorded. Local adaptation techniques facilitated cost reduction. Overall, there was improvement in the acceptance of the laparoscopic procedures among our patients and coworkers. CONCLUSION: Our local institution has successfully adopted laparoscopic techniques to treat surgical diseases. Specific improvisations have helped establish and sustain this technology. We advocate similar local adaptations to increase the use of laparoscopic surgery in hospitals located in limited resource settings.

Neo-adjuvant capecitabine chemotherapy in women with newly diagnosed locally advanced breast cancer in a resource-poor setting (Nigeria): efficacy and safety in a phase II feasibility study.

The majority of clinical trials of neo-adjuvant therapy for breast cancer have been conducted in resource-rich countries. We chose Nigeria, a resource-poor country, as the major site for a phase II feasibility open-label multicenter clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of neo-adjuvant capecitabine in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Planned treatment consisted of 24 weeks of capecitabine at a dose of 1,000 mg/m(2) twice daily (2,000 mg/m(2) total per day). The primary endpoints were overall, partial, complete clinical response rate (OCR, PCR, CCR) and complete pathologic response (cPR). A total of 16 patients were recruited from August 2007 to April 2010. The study was terminated early as a result of slow accrual. After the first three cycles of therapy, PCR were seen in five of 16 patients (31%; 95% CI 11-59%). Of the remaining 11 patients, eight had no response (NR) or stable disease (SD), and three had progressive disease (PD). Seven patients proceeded with further therapy of which had SD. OCR at the end of eight cycles was 44% (95% CI 20-70%). Clinical response and radiologic response by ultrasonomammography were highly concordant (spearman correlation 0.70). The most common adverse effect was Grade 1 hand-foot syndrome, which was seen in 75% of patients. Despite several limitations, we successfully carried out this phase II feasibility study of neo-adjuvant capecitabine for LABC in Nigeria. Capecitabine monotherapy showed good overall response rates with minimal toxicity and further studies are warranted.

Laparoscopic appendectomy in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic appendectomy in a setting where resources are poor is still controversial. This study evaluates the impact of laparoscopy on the early outcome of acute appendicitis in a developing country. METHODS: All patients who underwent appendectomy from January 2010 through June 2011 at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria were recruited for this study. RESULTS: Of the 139 patients with acute appendicitis within the study period, 83 (59.7%) had open appendectomy (OA), 19 (13.7%) whose clinical and radiological findings suggested complicated appendicitis at presentation had laparotomy, while 37 (26.6%) had laparoscopic procedures. In the laparoscopy group, initial diagnostic laparoscopy in 4 (10.8%) patients revealed a normal appendix along with other findings that precluded appendectomy. Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) was then performed in 33 (23.7%) patients with 2 of these (6.1%) requiring conversion to open laparotomy. Mean time for the LA procedure was higher than that observed for OA (56.2 vs 38.9 min). Patients in the LA group had a shorter mean postoperative stay (1.8 vs 3.0). Wound infection occurred in 2 (6.5%) patients from the LA group and 8 (9.6%) from OA. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic appendectomy reduced the rate of unnecessary appendectomy and postoperative hospital stay in our patients, potentially reducing crowding in our surgical wards. We advocate increased use of laparoscopy especially in young women.

Metabolic Syndrome and Risk of Breast Cancer by Molecular Subtype: Analysis of the MEND Study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a cluster of biological irregularities. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the association of MetS with BC among Nigerian women, and for the first time evaluate this association by molecular subtype. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MetS was defined as having at least 3 out of 5 of: high blood pressure (≥ 130/85 mm Hg), reduced HDL (< 50 mg/dL), elevated triglyceride (> 150 mg/dL), high waist circumference (≥ 80 cm), and prior diagnosis of diabetes or elevated fasting glucose level (≥ 100 mg/dL). Among 296 newly diagnosed BC cases and 259 healthy controls, multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association between MetS and BC overall. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to evaluate each molecular subtype (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched and triple-negative or TNBC). RESULTS: After adjusting for age, socio-demographic and reproductive risk factors, there was a positive association between MetS and BC (aOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.07, 3.16). In stratified analyses, MetS was associated with BC regardless of BMI status; however, the estimate was significant only among normal weight women (aOR: 3.85; 95% CI: 1.25, 11.90). MetS was significantly associated with TNBC subtype (aOR: 4.37, 95% CI: 1.67, 11.44); associations for other molecular subtypes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: MetS appears to be a robust risk factor for BC, particularly for TNBC. Public health and clinical interventions can provide substantial benefits in reducing the burden of MetS and preventing BC among Nigerian women.

Association of lipid profile biomarkers with breast cancer by molecular subtype: analysis of the MEND study.

There is conflicting evidence on the role of lipid biomarkers in breast cancer (BC), and no study to our knowledge has examined this association among African women. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association of lipid biomarkers-total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides-with odds of BC overall and by subtype (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched and triple-negative or TNBC) for 296 newly diagnosed BC cases and 116 healthy controls in Nigeria. Each unit standard deviation (SD) increase in triglycerides was associated with 39% increased odds of BC in fully adjusted models (aOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.86). Among post-menopausal women, higher total cholesterol (aOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.57), LDL cholesterol (aOR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.41), and triglycerides (aOR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.21, 3.01) were associated with increased odds of BC. Additionally, each unit SD increase in LDL was associated with 64% increased odds of Luminal B BC (aOR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.55). Clinically low HDL was associated with 2.7 times increased odds of TNBC (aOR 2.67; 95% CI: 1.10, 6.49). Among post-menopausal women, higher LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly associated with increased odds of Luminal B BC and HER2 BC, respectively. In conclusion, low HDL and high LDL are associated with increased odds of TN and Luminal B BC, respectively, among African women. Future prospective studies can definitively characterize this association and inform clinical approaches targeting HDL as a BC prevention strategy.

Association of Life-Course Educational Attainment and Breast Cancer Grade in the MEND Study.

Background: Nigeria reports the highest age-standardized mortality rate for breast cancer (BC) among African countries and disproportionately high rates of high-grade cancer. Histological grade is a strong predictor of mortality, and evidence suggests that educational attainment influences cancer outcomes. Objective: We characterize the association between educational trends across the life-course and BC grade at diagnosis. Methods: Data on 224 BC patients enrolled in the Mechanisms for Established and Novel Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Nigerian Women (MEND) study was analyzed. Participant and parental (mother and father) education was categorized as low (primary school or less) or high (secondary school or greater). Accordingly, the educational trend across the life-course was determined for each participant relative to each parent: stable high, increasing, decreasing, or stable low. BC grade was classified as high (grade 3) or low (grades 1-2). Findings: About 34% of participants, 71% of fathers, and 85% of mothers had low education. Approximately one-third of participants were diagnosed with high-grade BC. Participants with low-grade BC were more likely to have highly educated fathers (p = 0.04). After adjusting for age, comorbidities, marital status and mammogram screening, participants with highly educated fathers were 60% less likely to have high-grade BC (aOR 0.41; 95% CI 0.20 to 0.84) compared to those with less-educated fathers. Stable high life-course education relative to father was also associated with a significantly lower likelihood of having high-grade BC (aOR 0.36; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.87) compared to stable low life-course education. No significant associations were observed for the participant's education, mother's education, or life-course education relative to mother. Conclusions: Early-life socioeconomic status (SES) may influence BC grade. This deserves further study to inform policies that may be useful in reducing high-grade BC in Nigeria.

Association of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and odds of breast cancer by molecular subtype: analysis of the MEND study.

Breast cancer (BC) in Nigeria is characterized by disproportionately aggressive molecular subtypes. C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with risk and aggressiveness for several types of cancer. We examined the association of high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) with odds of BC by molecular subtype among Nigerian women. Among 296 newly diagnosed BC cases and 259 healthy controls, multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between hsCRP and odds of BC overall and by molecular subtype (luminal A, luminal B, HER2-enriched and triple-negative or TNBC). High hsCRP (> 3 mg/L) was observed in 57% of cases and 31% of controls and was associated with 4 times the odds of BC (aOR: 4.43; 95% CI: 2.56, 7.66) after adjusting for socio-demographic, reproductive, and clinical variables. This association persisted regardless of menopausal status and body mass index (BMI) category. High hsCRP was associated with increased odds of TNBC (aOR: 3.32; 95% CI: 1.07, 10.35), luminal A BC (aOR: 4.03; 95% CI: 1.29, 12.64), and HER2-enriched BC (aOR: 6.27; 95% CI: 1.69, 23.25). Future studies are necessary in this population to further evaluate a potential role for CRP as a predictive biomarker for BC.

Molecular and phenotypic profiling of colorectal cancer patients in West Africa reveals biological insights.

Understanding the molecular and phenotypic profile of colorectal cancer (CRC) in West Africa is vital to addressing the regions rising burden of disease. Tissue from unselected Nigerian patients was analyzed with a multigene, next-generation sequencing assay. The rate of microsatellite instability is significantly higher among Nigerian CRC patients (28.1%) than patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, 14.2%) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC, 8.5%, P < 0.001). In microsatellite-stable cases, tumors from Nigerian patients are less likely to have APC mutations (39.1% vs. 76.0% MSKCC P < 0.001) and WNT pathway alterations (47.8% vs. 81.9% MSKCC, P < 0.001); whereas RAS pathway alteration is more prevalent (76.1% vs. 59.6%, P = 0.03). Nigerian CRC patients are also younger and more likely to present with rectal disease (50.8% vs. 33.7% MSKCC, P < 0.001). The findings suggest a unique biology of CRC in Nigeria, which emphasizes the need for regional data to guide diagnostic and treatment approaches for patients in West Africa.

The impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on patients with locally advanced breast cancer in a Nigerian semiurban teaching hospital: a single-center descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on the response of breast cancer to neoadjuvant c in low-resources developing African countries such as Nigeria. We therefore decided to study the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on breast cancer patients in Nigeria in the light of constrained resources. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective descriptive study. Sixty-two patients with locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the last 24 years in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Nigeria, constituted the study population. The outcome measures were clinical tumor response, disease-free survival, overall survival, and chemotherapy toxicity profile. RESULTS: Patients ranged in age from 30 to 85 years (mean = 49.1 +/- SD 12.7 years) and included one male. After three cycles of chemotherapy, complete clinical response was observed in 4 patients (6.5%), partial clinical response in 28 patients (45.2%), no clinically measurable response in 24 patients (38.7%), and progressive disease in 6 patients (9.7%). Forty-one patients completed six cycles, of which 9 patients (22.0%) had complete clinical response and 12 patients (29.3%) had partial clinical response. Four of 30 patients (13.3%) with tumor size of 6-10 cm had complete clinical response, while no patient with a tumor bigger than 10 cm had complete clinical response. Of the 62 patients, 42 were followed up for more than 1 year. The 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates of this cohort were 66.7, 42.9, and 11.9%, respectively The median follow-up period was 9 months and the disease-free survival and overall survival rates at median follow-up period were 45 and 37%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was a poor overall clinical response rate to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the Black population studied. Late presentation with large tumor mass may be accountable for this.

Early Experience with LigaSure Thyroidectomy in a Nigeria Teaching Hospital.

BACKGROUND: The principles of safe and efficient thyroid surgery had been established and the technique has remained the same for over the century without any major significant changes. The introductions of electrosurgical devices constitute a major shift in the technique of thyroid surgery. OBJECTIVE: We present our early experience with the use of LIGASURE vessel sealing system for the procedure of thyroidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study comparing outcome of LigaSure thyroidectomy in a prospective nonrandomized cohort with another retrospective cohort of preintervention clamp-and-tie thyroidectomy. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with a clinical diagnosis of goiter were recruited into the study. There were two males and 28 females with a mean age of 42.6 years. Diagnosis was simple multinodular goiter 24 (80%), controlled toxic nodular goiter 3 (10%), grave disease 1 (3.3%), and multinodular goiter with retrosternal extension 2 (6.7%). The mean thyroid weight was 121.0 g. The mean duration of surgery was 59 min compared to 128 min for traditional technique (P < 0.01). The mean blood loss of 116 ml was significantly less than 328 ml following the traditional technique (P < 0.01). Mean duration of hospital stay was 1.9 days, compared to 3.55 days in the traditional technique group (P = 0.02). Troubling postoperative complications of change in voice quality occurred in only one patient (3.3%). CONCLUSION: LigaSure thyroidectomy was found to be easier and faster to carry out with no learning curve and easy to learn and adapt.

Life Without a Breast: Exploring the Experiences of Young Nigerian Women After Mastectomy for Breast Cancer.

PURPOSE: The majority of women managed for breast cancer in Nigeria are relatively young, many in their forties. Mastectomy, the most common surgical treatment, raises psychosocial concerns. Understanding these concerns may help address the fears of women who refuse treatment and aid in the care of those who have had mastectomy. METHODS: Using qualitative methods, we purposively sampled women 45 years of age and younger who underwent mastectomy for breast cancer at a Nigerian teaching hospital. One-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted using an unstructured interview guide. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed to identify themes and subthemes. RESULTS: The study identified six major themes on the impact of mastectomy on psychosocial lives of women, namely decision for mastectomy, postmastectomy transition, body image changes, relationship with husband and sexual life, coping with life postmastectomy, and social support. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the importance of addressing individual patient's psychosocial needs and preferences when discussing breast cancer treatment with young women. The experiences of women described in this study reveal several useful themes for planning treatment protocols and postmastectomy care.

Collaborative Molecular Epidemiology Study of Metabolic Dysregulation, DNA Methylation, and Breast Cancer Risk Among Nigerian Women: MEND Study Objectives and Design.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the role of metabolic dysregulation and associated DNA methylation changes on breast cancer risk and aggressive subtypes among Nigerian women. We describe the design and methods of a collaborative molecular epidemiology study of breast cancer in Nigerian hospitals. METHODS: The Mechanisms for Novel and Established Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Women of Nigerian Descent (MEND) study was designed as a matched case-control study of 350 patients, age 18 to 75 years, with newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve breast cancer and 350 age-matched healthy controls from surrounding geographic areas. Patients with breast cancer seen for initial diagnosis at four large tertiary hospitals in southwest Nigeria and one affiliated private hospital were recruited. Healthy female controls were selected from a cohort of 4,000 healthy women recruited as part of the Human Heredity and Health (H3) in Africa Chronic Kidney Disease Case-Control Study in Nigeria. Tumor and adjacent normal tissue, and blood and saliva samples were collected for molecular and epigenetic assays. RESULTS: Although recruitment is ongoing, a total of 416 patients have been recruited to date, with tumor and blood samples obtained from at least 310 patients. Data on age-matched (± 6 months) controls have also been obtained and harmonized. Lipid assays for 350 pathologically verified cases and 350 age-matched controls is underway, and pathologic characterization of tumors (including immunohistochemistry for subtyping) is ongoing. Data on DNA methylation for tumors and adjacent normal tissue are expected by the end of the study period. CONCLUSION: The MEND study will provide a unique, high-quality source of data to evaluate the contribution of metabolic dysregulation such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome to the biology of breast cancer among Nigerian women and foster collaborative studies relevant for women of African descent globally.