A LUMP MODEL FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS' CLINICAL EVALUATION.

Introduction: Soft tissue masses are commonly encountered in surgical and general medical practice. The graduating medical student should therefore be competent in the physical examination of a lump. Paucity of real patients makes it paramount that models be used for teaching and evaluation. This study purposed to describe the perception of graduating medical students to the use of a low-cost lump model for Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of final year medical students who participated in a surgery OSCE utilizing an innovative low-cost lump model. Results: One hundred and sixty students undertook the OSCE examination while 130 (81.3%) students completed the survey questionnaire. One hundred and forty students (87.5%) passed (score 3 5) the skills assessment using the lump model. The median age of the students who completed the questionnaire was 25 (range 24-27) years. There were more males N=84 (65.6%) than females N= 44 (34.4%). Two thirds (67.2%; n=84) of the students said the model simulated a true lump. Nearly all the students agreed that the signs of site (97.6%; n=127), size (97.6%; n=127), shape (95.4%; n=124) and transillumination (95.4%; n=124) were clearly demonstrable with the model. A lower proportion of agreements were seen with signs such as tenderness (64.6%; n=82), attachment (77.7%; n=80) and warmth (58.6%; n=75) while more students disagreed with pulsatility (51.5%; n=67). Conclusion: The medical students had a positive perception to the use of the model. However, further refinements would be needed for more signs to be demonstrable.

Outcome and surgical management of symptomatic renal angiomyolipoma in Ibadan, Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: Renal angiomyolipoma is the commonest benign solid kidney neoplasm though rare in clinical practice. The advent of radiological imaging techniques, refinement in surgical approach and techniques and availability of mammalian target of rapamycin have improved the outcome in these cohort of patients. Aim: To report our experience with the surgical management of renal angiomyolipoma in the sub-Saharan Africa. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective review of the records in the operating theatre book of urology division of patients who underwent radical nephrectomy over a 7-year-period (January 2013 to December 2019). The histologically confirmed renal angiomyolipoma information were retrieved from the records in the Department of Pathology. The clinical data were obtained from the patients' case files by identifying the patient with their registration number and not their names. The clinical features, investigations done, treatment offered, and the outcome of management were recorded in an SPSS version 20. The data was analyzed using statistics of central tendency and percentage. Results: Only 3 females with symptomatic renal angiomyolipoma were managed. This represented 4.9% of 61 patients with solid renal masses managed in the study period. The mean age was 51.2 (ranged 40-70) years. The mean tumor size was 18.9 cm. All the patients underwent radical nephrectomy. The pre- and postoperative urea and creatinine remained normal. The median follow-up period was 21 (16.5-30) months and were asymptomatic. Conclusion: The incidence of renal angiomyolipoma among solid renal masses is 4.9% in our environment. Open radical nephrectomy is still the preferred method of treatment with satisfactory outcome.

TESTICULAR ADNEXAL MESENCHYMAL TUMOURS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA: HISTOPATHOLOGIC SPECTRUM AND CHARACTERISTICS.

BACKGROUND: Most testicular adnexal tumours are mesenchymal in origin and have a high tendency to be malignant. An earlier study from our centre found 10 cases, all malignant. The present study reviewed and updated testicular adnexal mesenchymal tumours diagnosed at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To document the histopathologic spectrum and characteristics of testicular adnexal mesenchymal tumours diagnosed in our centre over a 20 year period and to compare these with earlier studies from our center and other parts of the world. STUDY DESIGN: This was a descriptive retrospective study. SETTING OF THE STUDY: This study was carried out at the Departments of Pathology and Surgery (Urology Division), University of Ibadan/ University College Hospital, Ibadan Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All testicular adnexal mesenchymal tumours from the files and records of the Department of Pathology, University College Hospital Ibadan from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2016 were reviewed. Age, tumour size and histopathologic diagnosis were retrieved. The tumours were re-evaluated, immunohistochemistry was applied where appropriate and the tumours were reclassified histologically using the 2016 World Health Organisation classification of mesenchymal tumours of the spermatic cord and testicular adnexa. Descriptive statistics was applied on the data generated using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: Twenty-one cases of testicular adnexal mesenchymal tumours were found over the study period. Three (14.3%) were benign and comprised one case each of lipoma, leiomyoma, and fibrous pseudotumour. The remaining 18 (85.7%) cases were malignant. Rhabdomyosarcoma was the commonest tumour seen accounting for 12 (66.7%) of all the sarcomas followed by liposarcoma 3(16.7%). A case each of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour, fibrosarcoma and giant cell sarcoma were also documented. The overall mean age of the patients was 25.8±15.2 years with a range of 7-71 years, while the mean age of the patients with rhabdomyosarcoma was 22.0±8.7 years (8-42 years). CONCLUSION: The outcome of this study suggests that the incidence of sarcomas of the testicular adnexa might be on the rise compared to previous report from our centre.

HISTOPATHOLOGIC PATTERN OF BLADDER CANCERS IN IBADAN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: AN UPDATE.

BACKGROUND: A study from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Southwest, Nigeria on bladder cancers had described an increase in the frequency of urothelial carcinoma compared to the earlier reported preponderance of squamous-cell carcinoma. AIM: To provide an update on the histopathologic pattern of bladder cancers in our community and to explore its implications for future health system policies. METHODS: The records of the Ibadan Cancer Registry from January 1997 to December 2014 were reviewed and the data analyzed for the histologic subtypes of bladder cancers diagnosed in the hospital. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixteen bladder tumours were recorded during this period with a male to female ratio of 3.2:1. Complete information was available in 195 cases of which 181 (96.8%) were bladder carcinomas whilst 14 were sarcomas. Of the bladder carcinomas, 68.5%, 19.9% and 11.6% were urothelial carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and adenocarcinomas (AC) respectively. Urothelial carcinoma was more common in all age groups and its peak age of occurrence was in the 51-60 year age group. The peak age for squamous cell carcinoma was in the 41-50 year age group. Mean and median age of occurrence was significantly lower in females in the urothelial and squamous cell carcinomas, but lowest in squamous cell carcinoma [P = < 0.0001]. CONCLUSION: This population study has confirmed urothelial carcinoma as the predominant histotype of bladder cancer in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria currently and that both urothelial and squamous cell carcinomas occur earlier in women.

Torsion of the testis and factors that determine the choice of orchidectomy and unilateral orchidopexy.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the age group affected by testicular torsion and the relationship with orchidectomy and unilateral orchidopexy. To determine if seasonal variation affects the incidence of torsion of the testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of confirmed patients with testicular torsion from July 1998 to June 2010 were retrieved. They were divided into two, group I (age<21 years) and group II (age e"21 years). The indices analyzed were the relationship of age group, occupation on orchidectomy and unilateral orchidopexy and seasonal variation and torsion. Cases of acute epididymo-orchitis, torsion of appendix testis, and testicular tumor were excluded from the study. RESULTS: A total of 169 confirmed cases of testicular torsion were analysed.The estimated incidence was 12.1 cases per 100,000 populations. Their age range from 9 months to 45 years and mean age 23.8±7.6 (SD). 62.1% of torsion occurred at e" 21 years. One hundred and twenty patients (71%) had bilateral orchidopexy, 32 (18.9%) had orchidectomy and 17 (10.1%) had unilateral orchidopexy. In group II; unilateral orchidopexy was significant (p<0.03) and there was a correlation between the occupation and orchidectomy (p<0.02). There was no statistical correlation between total torsion and humidity (r=0.321, p=0.309), or ambient temperature (r=0.248, p=0.437). CONCLUSIONS: Testicular torsion was commoner in men age e" 21 years and more students lost their testes. Unilateral orchidopexy should be considered in some cases. There was no relationship between torsion, orchidectomy, ambient temperature and relative humidity. The need for rigorous pre-school and pre-employment health education is advocated.

Benign prostate hyperplasia: average volume in southwestern Nigerians and correlation with anthropometrics.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalent age of symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), the average BPH volume, and the association between BPH volumes and the age, and anthropometrics in our immediate black community. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHOD: Selected patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH with tissue diagnosis, and adult men of similar age group with no irritative or obstructive LUTS were prospectively studied from July 2003 to June 2009. The age, height and weight were recorded, prostate volumes determined with ultrasound, body mass index (bmi) calculated, and correlations determined between the prostate volume and the age, and anthropometrics. RESULTS: 105 patients aged 43-88 yrs (mean=64.4, 8.88 SD) managed for BPH were studied with 93 asymptomatic men aged 43-80 yrs (mean=56.15, 9.89 SD). The mean (SD) prostate volume, height, weight and bmi were 83.8 (37.7) ml, 1.67 (0.07) m, 63.6 (9.32) kg and 22.8 (3.03) kg/m2, and 24.5 (9.2) ml, 1.69 (0.06) m, 68.9 (10.6) kg and 24.2 (3.44) kg/m2 respectively for symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. In the symptomatic group, BPH volume showed significant positive correlation with the age (p=0.030), but no correlation with the weight (p=0.550), height (p=0.375) and bmi (p=0.840). In the asymptomatic group, prostate volume also showed significant positive correlation with the age (p=0.041), but no correlation with the weight (p=0.434), height (p=0.394), and bmi (p=0.203). CONCLUSION: The prevalent age of symptomatic BPH in our community is 43- 88 years with 83.79 (37.66) ml mean (SD) volume in symptomatic patients and 24.45 (9.21) ml in asymptomatic men. BPH volume correlates with age but not with anthropometrics. Lack of correlation with BPH volume suggests that anthropometrics may not be risk factors for development of BPH in our community.

Renal cell carcinoma in Ibadan: a 5-year clinicopathologic review.

BACKGROUND: To review all the cases of the patients with renal cell carcinoma seen during the study period and to determine the pattern of presentation, number of operable cases, histological types and outcome of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of the patients with renal cell carcinoma was retrieved from the Urology division audit book, theatre record books and case files from the health records department and pathology register in the department of pathology. The parameters studied were age, gender, pattern of presentation, number of patients who had surgery, histology types and the outcome of treatment. RESULTS: In total, there were 69 patients with renal cell carcinoma that accounted for 59.5% of all renal masses seen. The male to female ratio was 1:1. Their age ranged from 16 to 88 with a mean of 48 years and median of 50 years. The main clinical feature was loin swelling (100%) and others were loin pain (29%), hematuria (18.8%), weight loss (4%) and paraneoplastic syndrome (anaemia without haematuria) was seen in 2.9%. Ten percent of the cases had the classical triad of hematuria, loin pain and loin swelling. All cases were unilateral disease and 15 (21.7%) had metastasis at presentation. The pre-operative tests were abdominal ultrasound (94%), intravenous urography (45%) and CT-Scan (11.6%). Twenty eight patients (40.6%) had surgery of which 5 were unresectable. 37 of the patients (53.6%) were subsequently lost to follow-up. The 28 operative specimens were histologically confirmed and 85.7% were clear cell carcinoma. The 23 patients whose tumours were resected have remained symptom free, some up to 5 years. However the five patients with unresectable tumours died between 3 to 6 months of exploratory surgery. CONCLUSION: The patients with resectable tumour could remain disease free for a significant period afterwards despite late presentation. However, there is a high loss to follow-up rate.

Benign prostate hyperplasia: average volume in southwestern Nigerians and correlation with anthropometrics.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalent age of symptomatic benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), the average BPH volume, and the association between BPH volumes and the age, and anthropometrics. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Selected patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH with tissue diagnosis, and adult men of similar age group with no irritative or obstructive LUTS were prospectively studied from July 2003 to June 2009. The age, height and weight were recorded; prostate volumes determined with ultrasound, body mass index (BMI) calculated, and correlations determined between the prostate volume, the age and anthropometrics. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients aged 43-88years (mean=64.4, 8.88SD) managed for BPH were studied with 93 asymptomatic men aged 43-80years (mean=56.15, 9.89SD). The mean (SD) prostate volume, height, weight and BMI were 83.8(37.7) ml, 1.67(0.07) m, 63.6(9.32) kg and 22.8(3.03) kg/m2, and 24.5(9.2) ml, 1.69(0.06) m, 68.9(10.6) kg and 24.2(3.44) kg/m2 respectively for symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. In the symptomatic group, BPH volume showed significant positive correlation with the age (p=0.030), but no correlation with the weight (p=0.550), height (p=0.375) and BMI (p=0.840). In the asymptomatic group, prostate volume also showed significant positive correlation with the age (p=0.041), but no correlation with the weight (p=0.434), height (p= 0.394), and BMI (p=0.203). CONCLUSION: The prevalent age of symptomatic BPH in our community is 43-88years with 83.79(37.66) ml mean (SD) volume in symptomatic patients and 24.45(9.21) ml in asymptomatic men. BPH volume correlates with age but not with anthropometrics. Lack of correlation with BPH volume suggests that anthropometrics may not be risk factors for development of BPH.

Testicular schistosomiasis: a case report.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To report a case of testicular Schistosomiasis with a suspicion of testicular cancer. PATIENT AND METHODS: Hospital record of a 16 year old patient with histopathology confirmation of testicular Schistosomiasis was reviewed and summarised. The patient who had painless testicular nodules and ultrasound features of heterogenous echotexture and hypoechoic focus was diagnosed as testicular cancer and treated with radical orchidectomy. Histopathology confirmed testicular Schistosomiasis and the patient had additional praziquantel therapy. RESULTS: Patient was followed up for over 26months post-operative. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular Schistosomiasis can mimick malignant testicular tumour. Hard nodular testicular mass in a patient with recent past history of schistosomiasis should arouse suspicion of testicular Schistosomiasis. Awareness and early presentation will prevent unwarranted orchidectomy.

Hydrocelectomy under local anaesthesia in a Nigerian adult population.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocele is abnormal collection of serous fluid in the tunica vaginalis or a patent processus vaginalis. It is commonly encountered in our practice and often requires surgical treatment. However in our setting and in many underdeveloped countries, availability of general anaesthetic service is poor due to lack of trained personnel and equipment. OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the practicability and acceptability of hydrocelectomy under sedation and local anaesthesia in Nigerian adults with hydrocele PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was carried out over a two year period on patients that had hydrocelectomy at the surgery unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa. Consecutive patients with diagnosis of hydrocele who consented had hydrocelectomy using intramuscular diazepam sedation and spermatic-cord block with 0.5% plane xylocaine and the scrotum infiltrated with same along the line of incision. RESULTS: Fifty adult patients were studied: age range 15-94 years. Eighty percent of the patients had unilateral hydrocele and the commonest type was vaginal hydrocele (94%). All patients had hydrocelectomy, 96% were under local anaesthesia while 4% were converted to general anaesthesia. All patients except one prefer to have future surgery under such local anaesthesia and sedation. CONCLUSION: Hydrocelectomy under local anaesthesia and sedation is practicable and was tolerated and accepted by the adults patients studied.

Attitude of Nigerian surgical residents towards trauma care.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the attitude of some Nigerian surgical residents to trauma care. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Surgical residents from three tertiary care facilities located in South Western Nigeria completed a structured questionnaire, which contained twelve questions directed at eliciting their attitude to trauma care. RESULTS: Fifty-four residents completed the questionnaire. Majority of them were males (88.9%) and aged =30 years (96.3%). Over half (55.6%) were junior residents and one third each had stayed for <2 years, >2-4 years and >4 years respectively in training. Specialties represented included Oral and maxillofacial surgery, General surgery, Orthopaedic surgery, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Urology and Cardio thoracic unit. Only 9.3% and 13.0% of them had received training in the ACLS and ATLS respectively. However, most trainees displayed moderate (42.6%) to major (46.3%) interest in care of the injured judging by the time in future practice hoped to be dedicated to trauma care. Most trainees considered trauma care a rewarding, gratifying and essential aspect of all surgeons practice. At the same time, majority felt it is stressful, time consuming and disrupts a lot of routine activities. CONCLUSION: The studied group displayed a high level of interest in the care of the injured and willingness to devote quality time to this despite the fact that trauma care was considered stressful and time consuming. A need to review our training curriculum to ensure that ATLS and ACLS are incorporated early in the training was observed.