[Factors associated with the occurrence of acute respiratory distress and death in patients with COVID-19 in Burkina Faso]. / Facteurs associés à la survenue de la détresse respiratoire aiguë et au décès chez des patients atteints de COVID-19 au Burkina Faso.

INTRODUCTION: The development of acute respiratory distress syndrome indicates a serious form of COVID-19. Although there have been several studies on the prognostic factors of its severe form, no such study has been conducted in Burkina Faso. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted from March 9 to June 9, 2020 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso which involved 456 patients with COVID-19. RESULTS: Nearly a quarter of the patients (23.2%) had presented with acute respiratory distress and 44.3% of them died. Being over 65 years old (HR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.5-5.1) and having hypertension (HR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1-3.5) were independently associated with the risk of mortality. However, after adjustment, only age over 65 years (HR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2-4.3) was a risk factor for death. The survival rate for patients over 65 was 38.5% at 7 days and 30.3% at 15 days. CONCLUSIONS: Acute respiratory distress leading to death is mainly found in older people with COVID-19. Close monitoring of these high-risk patients may reduce the risk of death.

[Strangulated umbilical hernia in children (Burkina Faso): differences with developed countries]. / Hernies ombilicales étranglées chez l'enfant au Burkina Faso: différences avec les pays développés.

Umbilical hernias occur frequently in children but complications are rarely reported. This study assesses the incidence of complicated umbilical hernias in our patients, evaluates data for risk factors, and shows dissimilarities with those encountered in developed countries. This study reports all children operated for complications due to strangulated umbilical hernia over a period of 3 years. On the whole, 162 children had umbilical hernias treated during this period. Thirty (18.5%) of these had complicated hernias. The average age of the complicated group was 3(1/2) years. Twenty-nine cases had a painful irreducible umbilical mass. Twenty-four children had bowel obstruction, while stercoral fistula occurred in one child. The average diameter of the hernia ranged between 1 and 1.5 cm. Five patients had ischemic intestine that required resection. One patient died. When active observation and follow-up after 1 year is difficult or not feasible when the wall defect diameter is 1.5 cm or less, and in suspicion of incarceration (unexplained abdominal pain, and irreducibility), umbilical hernia should be operated.

[Primary ileostomy for typhoid-related ileal perforation: a 62-case series in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso]. / Iléostomie première des perforations iléales d'origine typhique: 62 cas à Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this report is to evaluate the efficacy of primary ileostomy for treatment of typhoid-related ileal perforation based on our experience. METHODS: This retrospective study included all cases of typhoid-related ileal perforation treated by primary ileostomy in the Visceral Surgery Department of the Yalgado Ouedraogo Teaching Hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from January 2006 to June 2008. Diagnosis was based mainly on peroperative findings revealing specific anatomical lesions. There were 45 men (72.6%) and 17 women (27.4%) with a mean age of 26 years (range, 14 to 68). Asthenic forms were observed in 41 cases (66.1%) and sthenic forms in 21 (33.9%). The mean delay for seeking treatment was 6 days (range, 1 to 30 days). RESULTS: Primary ileostomy was used for treatment of typhoid-related ileal perforation in 78.5% of cases. Most cases (80.6%) involved single perforations. A temporary ileostomy was performed in 55 cases (88.7%) and terminal ileostomy was performed in 7 (11.3%). Complications were observed in 18 patients (29.03%) including suppuration of wall in 8 cases. The mean duration for re-establishing continuity and of hospital stay was 34 and 41 days respectively. Four deaths occurred due to hypovolemic shock. CONCLUSION: In our department, primary ileostomy for typhoid-related ileal perforation reduced mortality despite high morbidity.

[Prevalence of Chronic Complications of Sickle Cell Disease at the Bobo-Dioulasso Teaching Hospital, Burkina Faso]. / Prévalence des complications chroniques de la drépanocytose au CHU de Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

This is a descriptive cross-sectional unicentric study, with a prospective collection of data on the frequency of chronic complications of sickle cell disease in patients monitored at Souro Sanou University Hospital in Bobo-Dioulasso in the department of medicine conducted from April 1, 2017 to July 31, 2018. Patients with confirmed adult sickle cell disease, at least 16 years of age, who had given oral consent, was seen at least twice in the inter-critical period during the study, and who had performed a biological and / or radiological screening for chronic complications. Out of 144 sickle cell patients seen, 79 met our inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients was 28.8 ± 10.3 years with extremes of 16 and 63 years. Females predominated in 68% of cases (N = 54). Sickle cells were of SC phenotype in 68% of cases, SS in 24%, Sß + in 5% of cases and Sß0 in 3% of cases. The overall prevalence of complications was 54% (43/79), 68% (13/19) in SS individuals and 50% in SC individuals (27/54). The observed chronic complications were ocular, bony, renal, cardiac, cutaneous respectively in 19%, 13%, 6.3%, 5% and 4% of cases, biliary and neurological in 3% each, ENT and pulmonary in 1.3% each. The mean age of patients with at least one chronic complication was 30.9 ± 10.4 years; it was 32.1 ± 10.3 years old in the SC and 25.3 ± 7.8 years old in the SS. Complications were unique in 72%, double in 23% and triple in 5%. The prevalence of chronic complications of sickle cell disease is high in patients with major sickle cell syndrome. Systematic screening and evaluation of organ damage are required to interrupt or delay their evolution.

Il s'est agi d'une étude transversale descriptive unicentrique à collecte prospective des données de la fréquence des complications chroniques de la drépanocytose chez les patients suivis au CHU Sourô-Sanou (CHUSS) de Bobo-Dioulasso dans le département de médecine menée du 1er avril 2017 au 31 juillet 2018. Ont été inclus les patients ayant une drépanocytose majeure confirmée, âgés d'au moins 16 ans, ayant donné un consentement verbal, vus en période intercritique au moins deux fois au cours de l'étude, et ayant réalisé un bilan biologique et/ou radiologique de dépistage des complications chroniques. Sur 144 patients drépanocytaires vus en consultation hématologique, 79 répondaient à nos critères d'inclusion. L'âge moyen des patients était de 28,8 ± 10,3 ans avec des extrêmes de 16 et 63 ans. Le sexe féminin prédominait dans 68 % des cas (n = 54). Les drépanocytaires étaient de phénotype SC dans 68 % des cas, SS dans 24 %, Sß+ dans 5 % des cas et Sß0 dans 3 % des cas. La prévalence globale des complications était de 54 % (43/79). Elle était de 68 % (13/19) chez les drépanocytaires SS et de 50 % chez les drépanocytaires SC (27/54). Les complications chroniques observées étaient oculaires, osseuses, rénales, cardiaques, cutanées, respectivement dans 19, 13, 6,3, 5 et 4 % des cas, biliaires et neurologiques dans 3 % chacune, ORL et pulmonaires dans 1,3 % chacune. L'âge moyen des patients ayant présenté au moins une complication chronique était de 30,9 ± 10,4 ans ; il était de 32,1 ± 10,3 ans chez les SC et de 25,3 ± 8 ans chez les SS. Les complications étaient uniques dans 72 %, doubles dans 23 % et triples dans 5 %. La prévalence des complications chroniques de la drépanocytose est élevée chez les patients porteurs d'un syndrome drépanocytaire majeur au CHUSS. Le dépistage systématique et l'évaluation des dommages aux organes s'imposent pour interrompre ou retarder leur évolution.

[Oncoplasty by the Thorek technique for lower quadrant cancers in a condition of gigantomastia]. / Oncoplastie selon la technique de Thorek pour cancers des quadrants inférieurs en situation de gigantomastie.

OBJECTIVE: Describe our experience of Oncoplasty according to Thorek in gigantomastia with hard and less plastic breasts and a major ptosis. METHODOLOGY: Thirteen cases of breast carcinoma on gigantomastia operated using the Thorek technique between 2014 and 2019 in Burkina Faso were analyzed retrospectively. The operative indications, technique and results were considered. Breast Q was used to assess patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The indication of oncoplasty by the Thorek's technique was breast lower quadrants carcinoma, associated with a major ptosis, gigantomastia. There was a consequence on the spine in 9 over 13 cases. The breasts were hard and less plastic, making the other breast reduction techniques difficult. This technique helped remove the carcinoma, reduce the volume of the breast and address the ptosis. The patients were satisfied with the volume of the remaining breasts and their aesthetic look. The resection margins were safe. Two cases of aerolar dyschromia were noticed. CONCLUSION: The Thorek technique remains an alternative concerning tumours on gigantomastia, with hard and less plastic breasts and a major ptosis. The results combine carcinological and aesthetic requirements.

[Conidiobolomycosis, a rare fungal tumor: a case report in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso]. / Conidiobolomycose, une tumeur fongique rare: un cas a Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Conidiobolomycosis is a deep, rare mycosis, due to Conidiobolus coronatus which is a saprophyte of vegetation in decomposition. We report one case in Burkina Faso. A 17 years old man, shepherd, consulted for tumefactions on the face. It could date back insidiously to a traumatism, one year before. A month later some painless tumefactions appeared on the cheekbone, the right eyelid, the nose with epistaxis. The upper lip then the lower one had swollen. Dermatological exam revealed multiple, painless, hard, sub-cutaneous swellings, affecting the cheekbone, the eyelids, the root and the ala of the nose. This tumefaction sometimes adhered to underlying tissues and to the overlying skin, sometimes mobile; painless and hard swelling of the two lips was also noted. ENT exam showed an inflammation of the nasal mucous without ulceration and the permeability of the nasal tracts was subnormal. The cephalic tomodensitometry showed a thickness of the soft tissues of the lips and the nose with an infectious feature associated to a pansinusitis without bone lesion. Histology was in favour of conidiobolomycosis. The patient was treated with fluconazole and the swelling progressively disappeared. Conidiobolomycosis is a disease generally reported in some humid tropical countries. It begins in the nasal cavities leading then to a nasal obstruction. This case was singular by the fact it happened in a dry Sudano-Sahelian climate and by its clinical features.

So-called "historical" necrotic breast cancers: a terrifying actuality in Africa. The case of Burkina Faso.

Study the epidemiological, diagnostic, and treatment features and outcomes of necrotic breast cancer in women. This observational, longitudinal, and descriptive study covered the period from January, 2011, to the end of May, 2016 at the Surgery and Gynecology Departments of Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital and Schiphra Medical Center. The study included all women with necrotic breast cancers. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan Meier method and survival comparison was possible with the log-rank method. À risk of error of 0.05 was allowed. Necrotic cancer accounted for 9.1% of all breast cancers. The median age of the patients was 46 years old. The median interval before consultation was 12.4 months. The histological type was invasive ductal carcinoma in 90.8% of cases. Surgery was performed in 51 patients (52%). It was a palliative (cleaning) procedure in 92.2% of cases. Chemotherapy was performed in 28 patients. Overall survival was 61.8% at 6 months, 39.5% at 1 year, and 9.2% at 3 years. Median survival was 10 months: 13 months for women with surgery and 6 months for those without it (p<0.001). Necrotic breast cancer is still common in Ouagadougou. Surgery is the mainstay of the treatment. Survival is mediocre. It therefore seems urgent to focus on raising population awareness and organizing screening campaigns.

Determinants of HIV counselling and testing participation in a prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme in rural Burkina Faso.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the factors associated with the uptake of HIV counselling, HIV testing and returning for test results in a rural hospital setting in Nouna, Burkina Faso. METHODS: Cross sectional survey of 435 pregnant women who visited the district hospital for antenatal care, from July to December 2004. Separate multivariate logistic regression analyses including analysis of reported reasons were performed to identify the factors associated with accepting HIV counselling and testing. RESULTS: HIV testing participation was related to discussing HIV screening with the partner (OR 8.36), and the number of antenatal care (ANC) visits already accomplished (OR 2.23). The quality of pre-test counselling was very poor as 42% did not understand the process. The absence of doctors and mismanagement of time for post-test counselling were the main reasons why women did not receive test results. Analysis of participants by discussion status, counselling and test participation revealed that fewer women dropped out at every stage who discussed HIV testing with their partner. CONCLUSION: Communication with the partner plays a vital role in the uptake of HIV testing. Encouraging women to engage in a discussion about testing with their partners may be a viable intervention to improve participation. Quality of service needs to be better.

Acute appendicitis due to schistosomiasis: four cases at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital of Ouagadougou.

Acute appendicitis is a frequent pathology with diverse causes. Although Burkina Faso is a tropical country with endemic schistosomiasis, bilharzial appendicitis remains rare. We report 4 cases of appendicitis due to schistosomiasis that we treated at the university hospital of Yalgado Ouédraogo to call attention to the need for routine review of appendectomy parts. Four male patients, aged 22, 26, 30, and 35 years old, were admitted for abdominal pains. Eosinophilia was observed in one case. The preoperative diagnosis was acute appendicitis in 2 cases and appendiceal peritonitis in 2 others. Appendectomy was performed in all cases. Pathological examination of the appendectomy piece observed acute suppurative appendicitis due to schistosomiasis, specifically, Schistosoma haematobium. All patients received praziquantel for antiparasite treatment. Clinical course was uncomplicated in all cases. Routine antiparasite treatment would make it possible to prevent these cases of bilharzial appendicitis. In addition, routine histologic examination of appendectomy parts would enable us to determine the real frequency of this disease in our country, where bilharziasis is endemic. The treatment is appendectomy and the prognosis is good.

Breast and pleuropulmonary metastasis of multirecurrent scalp dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a rare tumor, representing about 0.1% of skin malignant tumors. It is characterized by local aggressiveness with significant potential for recurrence. Although metastasis is rare, it does occur. We report a case of a Burkinabe woman with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old Burkinabe woman consulted our institution for a recurrent scalp nodule that had been evolving for 13 years. At clinical examination, she was in good condition with a dry cough. An atrophic scarring alopecic plaque of 15-cm diameter in the right parietal region of the scalp, topped by an erythematous firm nodule measuring 3 × 2 × 2 cm, was noted, as well as a mobile nodule located in the axillary tail of the right breast. Cerebral computed tomodensitometry had not objectified the reach of the vault or the brain. A thoracic scan revealed four intrathoracic tissue masses straight to pleural touch. There were no evolutionary lesions in the abdominopelvic region. Histopathologic examination of the biopsy of the scalp nodule showed a proliferation of fibrous background, with fusiform cells carrying a storiform appearance. These cells had dark, elongated nuclei and showed some mitosis without atypia. The cells expressed CD34 intensely and diffusely. The test results were negative for PS100 and smooth muscle actin. The breast nodule showed the same profile as the scalp nodule. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded on the diagnosis of scalp dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with breast metastasis and probable pleuropulmonary metastasis.

[Acute pancreatitis at the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital in Burkina Faso]. / Les pancreatites aigües au centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) Yalgado Ouedraogo au Burkina Faso.

AIMS: To study the epidemiological, diagnostic, etiologic, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of acute pancreatitis in Burkinabe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study referred from records of patients hospitalized for acute pancreatitis in the Department of General and Digestive Surgery of the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital in Burkina Faso from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2012. RESULTS: We noted 30 cases of acute pancreatitis, a frequency of 0.46 % of hospitalizations and an annual incidence of 4.6 cases per year. There were 22 men. The average age was 42.7 years. Alcohol consumption was found in 56.7%. The clinical aspects were dominated by abdominal pain (100%). Lipasemia was more than three times normal values in 66.3% of cases. An abdominal ultrasound was performed in 26.7% of cases and an abdominal CT was carried out in 50% of cases. The Balthazar score was evaluated in 15 patients and was lower in stage C in 9 cases. The treatment was mainly medical. The evolution was marked by the occurrence of systemic complications in 40% of patients and one death was recorded. CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from financial hardships present a major handicap for the diagnosis and early treatment.

BUT: Etudier les aspects épidémiologiques, diagnostiques, étiologiques, thérapeutiques et évolutifs de la pancréatite aiguë dans le contexte Burkinabè. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODE: Il a été mené une étude transversale à visée descriptive à partir des dossiers des patients hospitalisés pour pancréatite aiguë dans le service de chirurgie générale et digestive du CHUYO du 1er Janvier 2007 au 31 décembre 2012. RÉSULTATS: Trente cas de pancréatite aiguë ont été colligé soit une fréquence de 0,46% des hospitalisations et une incidence annuelle de 4,6 cas par an. Il y avait 22 hommes. L'âge moyen était de 42,7 ans. La consommation d'alcool était retrouvée dans 56,7%. Le tableau clinique était dominé par la douleur abdominale (100%). La lipasémie était supérieure à trois fois la normale dans 66,3%. L'échographie abdominale n'a été réalisée que dans 26,7% et le scanner abdominal a été réalisé dans 50%. Le traitement était essentiellement médical. L'évolution a été marquée par la survenue de complications générales dans 40% et un décès a été enregistré. CONCLUSION: Les difficultés financières des patients sont un handicap important pour le diagnostic et la prise en charge précoce.

[Radiographic and ultrasonographic diagnosis of a left thoracic mass]. / Diagnostic radiologique et échographique d'une masse thoracique gauche.

A chest roentgenogram of a 69-year-old man undergoing a check-up before prostate surgery showed a mass in the antero-inferior zone of the lung, just above the diaphragm. At ultrasonography, it was considered to be a thoracic ectopic kidney. This radiological case illustrates the place of this anomaly in the differential diagnosis of lung solitary mass, which can be explored with ultrasonography when retroperitoneal herniation is suspected.

The cephaloceles: A clinical, epidemiological and therapeutic study of 50 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Cephaloceles are congenital malformations characterized by externalization of the meninges and/or brain tissue through a congenital skull bone defect. In developed countries, this malformation is rare but in our developing countries, this pathology remains one of our concerns. OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of the cephaloceles. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted from 2007 to 2013 on all cases of cephalocele supported in the department of neurosurgery of the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Teaching Hospital of Ouagadougou. The malformations were supplemented by CT scan. All patients were operated. The surgical procedure in cephaloceles of the convexity consisted of a direct approach. Sincipital cephaloceles were operated by transcranial approach or combined approach associating transcranial and transnasal approaches. RESULTS: Fifty patients were gathered during the 7-year period. There were 18 boys and 32 girls. The ages ranged from 1 day to 11 years. The cephaloceles were located on the vault of the skull in 78%; the lesion was sincipital in 22%. The malformation was covered with normal skin in 92%; it was pediculated in 78%. CT scan allowed the classification of cases as meningo-encephaloceles in 31 cases (62%) and meningoceles in 18 cases (36%) and one pure encephalocele. The immediate postoperative course was uneventful in 42 cases (84%); 8 postoperative deaths were recorded. At medium and long term, 4 patients (8%) developed complications of psychomotor deficiency in 3 cases and hydrocephalus in 1 case. The main reasons for the poor prognosis were superinfection, hydrocephalus and/or other brain malformations. CONCLUSION: Cephaloceles remain relatively frequent in our practice. After surgery, mental failure and hydrocephalus can occur impairing the prognosis. The most suitable solution is a policy of prevention with folic acid treatment before and during pregnancy and following up adequate pregnancies.

Access and adhering to tuberculosis treatment: barriers faced by patients and communities in Burkina Faso.

SETTING: Three selected districts in Burkina Faso. OBJECTIVES: 1) To explore patients' and community members' perceptions and problems associated with accessing formal tuberculosis (TB) treatment; and 2) to identify patients' and community members' perceptions and problems associated with adhering to formal TB treatment. METHODS: Twenty-eight focus group discussions and 68 in-depth interviews with TB patients, community representatives, members of the health centre management committee, traditional healers and health professionals. RESULTS: Attending the health centre was the last resort for patients with symptoms indicative of TB. When on treatment, patients faced a number of barriers in adhering to care. These related to the centralised nature of direct observation and the problems faced whilst at the treatment unit. CONCLUSION: Patients experience three sets of inextricably linked barriers to successfully treating TB: attending the health centre initially, attending the health centre repeatedly and experiences whilst at the health centre. These barriers are further complicated by geography, poverty and gender. The challenge ahead lies in moving beyond documenting barriers from patients' perspectives to addressing them in resource-poor contexts.

[Male breast cancer in Africa, Apropos of 5 cases at the Ouagadougou University Teaching Hospital (Burkina Faso)]. / Cancer du sein de l'homme en milieu africain. A propos de 5 cas observés au centre hospitalo-universitaire de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

A retrospective study of male breast cancer was undertaken at Ouagadougou University Teaching Hospital over a 3 year period (1993-1996). Authors report 5 cases representing 4.16% of all breast cancers. The patients' mean age was 61 years. The average duration of signs and symptoms before the diagnosis was 13 months. Clinically all the 5 cases presented advanced cancers (4 T4N2M0, 1 T4N2M1 according to UICC TNM System) with size ranging from 5.5, to 11.5 cm. Histology found: 2 medullary infiltrating carcinoma, 1 canalar infiltrating carcinoma, 1 colloid mucous carcinoma and 1 lobular infiltrating carcinoma. All patients had mastectomy associated with axillary clearance in 4 cases. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonotherapy were not associated because unavailable in Burkina Faso. Three patients died: the first, 10 days after surgical treatment and the 2 others respectively after 14 and 17 months. We have lost sight 1 patients. The last one is still alive. Authors find that to get better prognosis, it is important to improve medical and technical means, to increase information and to promote early detection.

[Internal endoscopic urethrotomy for urethral stricture at the hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso: feasibility of the technique in precarious situations and short term results]. / Urétrotomie interne endoscopique pour rétrécissement urétral acquis à l'hôpital de Bobo-Dioulasso: faisabilité de la technique dans des conditions précaires et résultats à court terme.

Internal optical urethrotomy is one of the harmless and less expensive methods in the treatment of urethra stricture. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility, the safety and the short-term results of this method in our urologic department. Seventy patients (age range 17-90 years) treated from 01/01/94 to 31/12/00 were included in this retrospective and descriptive study. Two principal aetiologies were pointed up: infectious strictures (69%) and traumatic strictures (13%). The procedure has been successful in 74% of all cases with 16% of complications. The mortality rate of the procedure was zero. The results were good in 67% of cases at one month and in 44% during a average period of 4.5 months. In conclusion, internal optical urethrotomy in our medical context is feasible with few complications. These ones can be reduced by avoiding unfavourable indications. Since urogenital infection is the predominant aetiology, the best management of urethral stricture is the prevention of these infections.

[Radiography and ultrasonography in the management of bladder tumors: 71 cases at the National Hospital Center of Yalgado Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso)]. / Radiographie et échographie dans la prise en charge des tumeurs de la vessie: à propos de 71 cas au Centre hospitalier national Yalgado Ouedraogo (Burkina Faso).

The bladder's cancer is frequent in West Africa. Urinary schistosomiasis endemicity helps to explain this high incidence. It is a pathology of late diagnosis, little or badly explored by imaging. Through a retrospective survey of 71 patients' files aged in average of 51.7 years, all having a bladder's tumour which is clinically shown by an haematuria, the major symptom, often by a pelvic volume, and who have all gone through an abdominal echography and/or intravenous urography (IVU) and/or retrograde urethrocystography (UCR), we have tried to point out the role of imaging in the caring of this pathology in our working context. Imaging, with a 98.5% sensibility for sonography and 100% for IVU, took part in all the cases to the diagnosis, to the search of urinary signs of reflux, associated signs authorizing a diagnostic orientation, but was excluded from the evolutive follow-up due to the poverty of our populations. So, despite some limits specific to the survey, particularly the absence of historadiological comparison for all the files, echography and IVU with cystography have always led to malignancy diagnosis. Therefore they should be requested for any patient consulting for haematuria.

[Thyroglossal duct cysts. Apropos of 17 cases in the National Hospital Center in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso]. / Les kystes du tractus thyréoglosse. A propos de 17 observations au CHN de Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

The thyroglossal duct cysts originate from thyroglossal duct involution default. The case record of 17 patients admitted for that disease in the ORL department of the national hospital of Ouagadougou during those past 7 years, is reviewed. They represent 1.5% of patients operated in this department during the same period, all diseases concerned. In the present report, the thyroglossal duct cysts are essentially observed in children under 10 years old (13/17 patients). In most of the cases (12/17), our patients have needed medical advice for an anterior cervical tumefaction 7 years after the first symptoms. Between clinical and paraclinical findings we give preference to the first ones that can avoid, in most of the cases, a lot of complementary tests which are of limited interest and too expensive in our countries. In the therapeutic field, the Sistrunk technic has been recognized since 1920 as the best method. Our patients who have been operated according to that technic have no tendency to relapse.

[Results of emergengy colectomy in the management of the colon volvulus in Dakar hospital]. / Résultats de la colectomie en urgence dans le traitement du volvulus du côlon au centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) de Dakar.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of emergency colectomies for the management of colon volvulus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was undertaken on 50 cases of colon volvulus operated in the Surgical Department of the Aristide Le Dantec teaching hospital of Dakar from January 1994 to December 2000. It concerned 42 men and 8 women with an mean age of 42 years. All patients presented an occlusive syndrome suggestive of colon volvulus, which required a laparotomy, through a xypho-pubic incision. The patients were divided into two groups. Group I concerned 13 patients who underwent an ideal colectomy and group II, 37 patients in whom we performed a colectomy associated with a temporary colostomy with either Bouilly-Volkman procedure (n = 23) or Hartman procedure (n = 14) followed one month later by intestinal continuity restoration. Mortality and morbidity were compared in the two groups. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 12% (6/50). The mortality rate was 31% (4/13) in group I and 5 % (2/37) in group II. The overall morbidity rate was 14%. In group I, the morbidity rate was 15 % (2/13) and 13,5% (5/37) in group II. CONCLUSION: In our study the mortality rate was higher after colectomy with primary anastomosis than after colectomy with temporary colostomy followed by secondary anastomosis. We recommend colectomy without anastomosis for the emergency management of the colon volvulus in Africa.

[Etiologies of ocular and eyelid trauma in Burkina Faso]. / Etiologies des traumatismes oculo-palpébraux au Burkina Faso.

PURPOSE: To identify the epidemiological features of ocular traumas in Burkina Faso. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in the eye department of the National Hospital of Ouagadougou, from January 1995 to 31 December 1997. All cases of eye trauma during this period were included. RESULTS: The study showed that ocular traumas represented 9.80% of the reasons for consultation in the unit. 73% of the patients were male. The median age was 21. School children and students were the most frequently involved 25.8%) and 58.9% of the patients came from Ouagadougou while 41.1% came from the rural areas. Public thoroughfare accidents (were the main causes of the trauma (25%). Among the traumatic agents, 26% involved vegetal materials. CONCLUSION: Ocular traumas are a major cause of blindness in Western Africa and concern mostly young people. Prevention strategies based on education and information about road safety could reduce the incidence of ocular traumatisms.