[Biomedical waste management in five hospitals in Dakar, Senegal]. / Gestion des déchets biomédicaux au sein de cinq structures hospitalières de Dakar, Sénégal.

Biomedical waste is currently a real health and environmental concern. In this regard, a study was conducted in 5 hospitals in Dakar to review their management of biomedical waste and to formulate recommendations. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from 1 April to 31 July 2010 in five major hospitals of Dakar. A questionnaire administered to hospital managers, heads of departments, residents and heads of hospital hygiene departments as well as interviews conducted with healthcare personnel and operators of waste incinerators made it possible to assess mechanisms and knowledge on biomedical waste management. Content analysis of interviews, observations and a data sheet allowed processing the data thus gathered. Of the 150 questionnaires distributed, 98 responses were obtained representing a response rate of 65.3%. An interview was conducted with 75 employees directly involved in the management of biomedical waste and observations were made on biomedical waste management in 86 hospital services. Sharps as well as blood and liquid waste were found in all services except in pharmacies, pharmaceutical waste in 66 services, infectious waste in 49 services and anatomical waste in 11 services. Sorting of biomedical waste was ill-adapted in 53.5% (N = 46) of services and the use of the colour-coding system effective in 31.4% (N = 27) of services. Containers for the safe disposal of sharps were available in 82.5% (N = 71) of services and were effectively utilized in 51.1% (N = 44) of these services. In most services, an illadapted packaging was observed with the use of plastic bottles and bins for waste collection and overfilled containers. With the exception of Hôpital Principal, the main storage area was in open air, unsecured, with biomedical waste littered on the floor and often mixed with waste similar to household refuse. The transfer of biomedical waste to the main storage area was done using trolleys or carts in 67.4% (N = 58) of services and wheelbarrows in 33.7% (N = 29). Biomedical waste was disposed of in old incinerators or in artisanal ovens with a great deal of smoke emanating from these. Working conditions were deemed poor by 81.3% (N = 61) of employees interviewed and personal protection equipment was available in 45.3% (N = 39) of services. Knowledge about biomedical waste management was deemed satisfactory by 62.6% (N = 47) of interviewees and 80% (N = 60) were aware of the health risks related to biomedical waste. The poor management of biomedical waste is a reality in hospital facilities in Dakar. This can be addressed by increasing the awareness of managers for an effective application of the legislation, implementing realistic management programmes and providing the appropriate on-the-job training to staff members.

[The left gastroepiploic artery: a splenic origin but a variable birthplace]. / L'artère gastro-omentale gauche : une origine splénique mais un niveau de naissance variable.

The left gastroepiploic artery (LGEA) is rarely described. The aim of this study is to report the fashion of its origin considering the greatly surgical interest of the short gastric vessels in the spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with excision of splenic pedicle. About 79 fresh cadaveric pieces we dissect and opacified the LGEA to specify its origin based on the Pinus's classification. We measured the distances between the origin of the LGEA and the terminal division of the splenic artery, the splenic hilus and the great gastric curvature. The LGEA arise from the splenic artery. Dissection underlines a troncular origin (type I) in 20.25% of cases, a distal origin from an inferior polar branch (type II) in 68.35% of cases and an origin from a common spleno-gastroepiploic trunk (type III) in 11.4% of cases. The three distances measured was respectively of 28.7, 25.3 and 31.4mm. The arteriography revealed respectively for the same types 21.21, 51.51 and 27.28%. The vascular disposition of the type III well illustrates the important role of the LGEA for the vascularization of the inferior pole of the spleen. Although the LGEA arise from a polar splenic lower branch in more half of the cases, it is important to know the frequency of the other modalities of its origin. These anatomical variations vascular are to be considered during spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with excision of splenic pedicle as well as for gastric esophagoplasty.

[Actualities in extrinsic allergic alveolities or hypersensitivity pneumonitis]. / Actualités sur les alvéolites allergiques extrinsèques ou pneumopathies d'hypersensibilité.

Significant advances have been noticed in the pathogenesis and the diagnosis of extrinsic allergic alveolitis during the last few years. Indeed the immune mechanism and the enabling conditions have been more precisely defined, the clinical stages and the diagnosis criterias clearly defined, new antigens incriminated and some etiological agents have been reclassified. The present pathogenic explanation insists on the type IV hypersensitivity reaction with sensitization of T lymphocytes, activation macrophages, the formation of IgG type antibodies and immune complexes, activation of complement and secretion of cytokines. The involvement of certain HLA classes (HLA2, DR3, DRB1, DQB1), interaction of genetics and environments factors, the role of infections agents and smoking have been demonstrated in several studies. The development of news clinical and biological diagnosis criteria have led the discovery of new extrinsic allergic alveolitis in the work places, a better knowledge of the prognostic elements and an appropriate adaptation of prevention measures.

[Allergy to latex gloves among healthcare workers in Dakar]. / Allergie aux gants en latex chez les professionnels de la santé à Dakar.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of latex allergy is high (to 17%) among groups at risk such healthcare workers. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and severity of allergy to latex gloves among health workers in Dakar. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in three of the five hospitals in Dakar (Senegal). A randomized sample was constituted. All healthcare workers required to use latex gloves in their work were included. A questionnaire was administered. The analysis was performed using the Epi-info software package (6.0). RESULTS: One hundred and forty cases were included. The median age was 39 years and the sex-ratio was 0.57. Sixty-six (47%) cases had familial atopic dermatitis, 13 (9.6%) had atopic dermatitis, and 4 (2.9%) indicated food allergy (banana, avocado). Irritant dermatitis was found in 40.7% of cases, 112 healthcare workers (81.2%) used bleach and water to clean their hands. Antiseptics were used frequently: 75.5% of those interviewed used them more than three times a day. None of the healthcare workers indicated any allergy to latex condoms. Otherwise surgical procedures and bladder/rectal catheters were noted respectively in 24% and 18% cases. Fifteen healthcare workers (10.7%), of whom 12 were women, indicated appearance of clinical signs when using latex gloves. The clinical manifestations were: contact urticaria or immediate pruritus (8 cases), combined contact dermatitis and contact urticaria (2 cases), allergic conjunctivitis (1 case), allergic rhinitis (2 cases) and asthma (2 cases). We also noted 6 cases of contact dermatitis. Rechallenge tests were performed in 7 cases and were positive, 2/3 prick-tests and 1/4 patch-tests (standard European battery). The statistical analysis shows that allergy to latex gloves was significantly associated with atopy and irritant dermatitis (p<0.03). DISCUSSION: We found a prevalence of allergy to latex gloves of 11% among healthcare workers in Dakar, reflecting reports in the literature. The classical risk factors such atopic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis were found. The correlation between irritant dermatitis and frequent use of bleach and water mean that these practices should be eradicated since they play an important role in the development of contact urticaria and anaphylactic reactions.

[Permanent disability and the insurance estimation process]. / Estimation de l'incapacite partielle permanente et du pretium doloris dans le cadre judiciaire et dans le cadre des procedures conseil d'assurances.

INTRODUCTION: The casualties are indemnified according to two processes. First by transaction on rate proposition of insurance physicians, and the second process on rate proposition by a medical expert assigned by law-court. Indemnification scale failure justifies the Interafrican Conference of insurance Markets code adoption. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Six insurance societies and the Automotive Guarantee Fund were debtors. Only 627 victims had been indemnified between 1986 and 2003. Expert valuations done at forensic medicine service were the support of the investigation. Inquired parameters were insurance societies, regulation type, aftermaths and the retained prejudices. The data collected on computer card have been analyzed by software Epi Info. RESULTS: The partial permanent inabilities fixed since its adoption differ to inabilities fixed before this adoption. Transaction process concerned 567 victims (90.4%). Sixty victims were indemnified by judicial way. According to process type, the rates fixed in judicial process were 61.6% middle permanent partial inabilities. After 1997, there have observed a decrease in the high and middle permanent partial inabilities in the two processes. The appreciation of the pretium doloris is more subjective but must repair the aftermaths. The middle pretium was majority in the two processes, before and after 1997 with a high decrease of the middle pretium in the transaction process (-15.07) and a small pretium increase of 10.98 points. CONCLUSION: A common scale code has decreased the judicial litigation concerning casualties in spite of scales' limits. Only the patients with important aftermaths arrive in the judicial process since 1997.

[Cadaveric topography and morphometry of the vermiform appendix]. / Topographie et morphométrie cadavériques de l'appendice vermiculaire.

Our study justified by the frequency of acute appendicitis and the possibility of anatomic variations of the caecoappendicular area attempt to index the topographic variations of the vermiform appendix (v.a.). On 80 fresh native cadavers (62 men and 18 women) without surgical antecedent whose mean age was 36 years (range between 16 and 78 years) we note the morphotype and the height. More over we study the intraperitoneal projection of the Mac Burney point, topography and shape of the cecum and the situation, shape and dimensions of the v.a. We note also the level of implantation of this latter on the cecum, appearance of the mesoappendix and the distance separating the base of the appendix to the ileo-caecal junction. Mac Burney's point permitted to localize appendix in 66%; the cecum has more often than not the form of a bulb (98.7%) and sited in right fossa iliaca. We noted 7 types of topographic disposition; front varieties were more frequent (68.7%) notably the pelvic direction (51.2%) with a medial (72.5%) or a posteromedial (27.5%) establishment on the cecum. The v.a. was more often in the form of worm with a long mesoappendix; his mean length was 106.4 mm (between 65 and 160 mm) and the mean diameter 6.77 mm (range between 4 and 10 mm). The distance which separated the base of the appendix to the ileo-cecal junction varied between 15 to 40 mm with a mean distance of 24.2 mm. Thus in this study, dimensions of the v.a. were very variables. Located in right fossa iliaca he adopted a front topography with pelvic direction and medial establishment on bulbar cecum. In spite of scarcity of ectopic situation of the appendix for which laparoscopic approach is salutary, a similar topographic study during surgical treatment of acute appendicitis will be interesting.

[Sexual child abuse: correlation between medical certificates' conclusions and judiciary sanctions]. / Sevices sexuels sur les enfants: correlations entre les conclusions medicales et les peines prononcees.

Sexual child abuse, comprises of indecency attitudes and physical misbehaviours, directed towards children are dominated by rape. The objective of our study was to assess in sexual child abuse the relation between the conclusion of medical certificates and court decision. It is a retrospective study carried out from 1994 to 1998 on the clerk's office correctional repertories in Dakar regional court. An overall number of 79 cases of child abuse were collected in 5 years period. Children under 18 years old of of both sex, were concerned. Data found were correlated with a review of requisition cases received by the of gynaecology and obstetrics clinic of Aristide Dantec Hospital. This facilitates the establishement of the relationship between the offences and the pronounced sanctions, as well as the initial medical certificate and these sanctions. The sanctions were severe whenever rape had been retained. Some cases were disqualified in indecent assault and were judged as such. The judge decision, which follow the medical certificate conclusions in 11 cases out of 14 shows the importance and reliability of this medical document. All files reviewed at the medical and legal level were incomplete. The difficulty of the materiality of the rape and the psychological consequences in the long run and especially HIV infection should invite to a multidisciplinary, specialized and organized management of sexual child abuse. This study has shown the importance of a correct and complete drafting of the medical certificate, to enable the establishment by the judge the materiality of the facts.

[Comparative review of the Senegalese and French deontology codes]. / Revue comparative des codes de déontologie sénégalais et français.

The medical deontology regroups duties of the physicians and regulate the exercise of medicine. The code of medical deontology of Senegal inspired of the French medical deontology code, has not been revised since its institution whereas the French deontology code knew three revisions. Comparing the two codes of deontology titles by title and article by article, this work beyond a parallel between the two codes puts in inscription the progress in bioethics that are to the basis of the revisions of the French medical deontology code. This article will permit an advocacy of the health professionals, in favor of a setting to level of the of Senegalese medical deontology code. Because legal litigation, that is important in the developed countries, intensify in our developing countries. It is inherent to the technological progress and to the awareness of the patients of their rights.

[About the tributaries of the arch of great saphenous vein. Concerning 40 dissections]. / Les affluents de la crosse de la veine grande saphène. A propos de quarante dissections.

The arch of the great saphenous vein cross receives numerous tributaries from the abdominal wall, male external genitalia and pelvic limbs. These collaterals present many variations relating to their number and mode of anastomosis. Their misappreciation may lead to post operative recurrences after surgical treatment of varices. For a last study of these variations, we dissected 40 inguinofemoral regions in fresh black african corpes. The conventional type in a "vein strar" shape was present in 4 cases. An abdominal common vein produced through the merging of the superficial epigastric and superficial circumflex iliac veins was found in 5 cases. A genital common vein summarising the external pudendal veins was present in 19 cases. In 8 cases the abdominal and genital common vein was simultaneously present. An anterior saphenous vein was found in 15 cases, and a posterior saphenous vein in 5 cases. These results, confirm the importance of anatomic variations. Their knowledge is necessary to avoid recurrences after surgery of varicose veins.

Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and increased specific IgE levels in West-African workers exposed to isocyanates.

Respiratory symptoms and immunological effects from chronic exposure to isocyanates (toluene diisocyanate) were studied in a cross survey of workers from West African factories producing paints and polyurethane foam. A questionnaire, a pulmonary function test, immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and an atmospheric sample to quantify isocyanate exposures were carried out in the workplace for each worker. Ninety-six workers, of whom 44 had occupational isocyanate-induced asthma, were included in the study. Twenty-four viral-infected subjects were excluded from the immunological study. Specific antibodies to isocyanates were detected in two of the symptomatic individuals. This low proportion appeared to be a common feature of this disease. The prevalence of isocyanate-induced asthma in a West African working population appears to be significant in the context of chronic human exposure, as current data are based on excessive acute exposure due to an accident as seen in India.

[Anatomic pitfalls of vagotomies]. / Les pièges anatomiques des vagotomies.

In order to minimise relapses and functional problems after vagotomies, an anatomic study of the vagus nerve at the base of the esophagus and stomach was carried out. Fifty stomachs of adult black African corpses were collected, placed in a formaldehyde solution and then dissected. At the level of the esophageal hiatus, the trunks of the vagus nerve were found in 46% of the cases for the anterior vagus and 24% for the posterior. At the level of the abdominal esophagus there was a single anterior vagus in 68% of cases and single posterior vagus in 64% of cases. At the level of the greater curvature, a recurrent anterior branch was found. At the level of the lesser curvature, the main nerves had a plexiform appearance in 8% of cases for the anterior nerve and 6% of cases for the posterior nerve. The classical arrangement was found in 60% of cases for the main anterior nerve and 64% of the cases for the posterior nerve. At the level of the angulus, the classical crowsfeet was found in 20% of cases for the anterior vagus and in 32% of cases for the posterior vagus. The anterior vagus was plexiform in 54% of cases and 46% of cases for the posterior. This study confirms the extreme variability of the vagus in the stomach. A better knowledge of the variations should lead to more successful vagotomy regardless of its forms.

[Occupational asthma in a Senegalese car sprayer. Diagnostic and medico-legal problems]. / Asthme professionnel chez un peintre sénégalais. Problèmes diagnostiques et médico-légaux.

The industrial development policy adopted by African countries since their independence has contrasted with the relative rarity of occupational asthma in workers exposed to different situations and substances known to generate occupational asthma. Asthma occurring in a Senegalese car sprayer had persisted for twenty years before the its work-related nature was recognized. This observation demonstrates the need for: 1. Education to make health care personnel, as well as workers and employers, more aware of the clinical aspects of asthma. Educational programs should include diagnostic and preventive measures for respiratory occupational diseases including occupational asthma. 2. A registration system for occupational diseases so the occupational nature of diseases can acquire legal recognition. 3. Cooperative efforts between general practitioners, occupational physicians, physiologists and lung specialists in order to create reference laboratories where tests can be performed to confirm the diagnosis of occupational asthma, a disease which has not yet been included on the list of occupational diseases.

[Anatomical features concerning the spinal accessory nerve. Apropos of 106 dissections of the neck in cadavers]. / Considérations anatomiques concernant le nerf spinal accessoire. A propos de 106 dissections du cou chez le cadavre.

Surgical treatment of cervical metastases from head and neck cancer involves different techniques as a function of indication. An anatomical structure of major importance during this surgery is the spinal accessory nerve, and 106 dissections were performed to examine relations of this nerve with cervical plexus, jugular vein, sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle and mastoid tip. Interesting conclusions were drawn with regard to technical procedures of value to surgeons involved in cervicofacial cancerology.

[Sciatic nerve in gluteal portion: application of sciatic nerve post injection lesion]. / Le nerf ischiatique à la fesse: application à la "névrite" ischiatique post-injection.

In our regions malaria is endemic and intraguteal injection is a common procedure. One unfortunate complication of that procedure appeared to be a sciatic nerve injury. The purpose of our study was to set up the anatomical feature and basis of this post injection lesion. We performed sciatic nerve gluteal dissection on 10 adults black African fresh cadavers on both side. The pathway of the nerve was 19 times in the subpiriformis canal. Only in one cadaver, the outlet of the nerve was above the piriformis muscle. In each case the pathway is identical with an oblique and vertical portion running down through the ischio-trochanteric channel. The nerve was crossed between its two portions by an arteriole coming from the inferior gluteal artery. The cutaneous projection of the sciatic nerve is distant from the upper lateral quadrant of the buttock. Intra-gluteal injections in this area doesn't damage the nerve. The anatomical variations of this nerve pathway are almost nonexistent. So, other hypothesis of sciatic nerve post injection lesion should be considered. We think that the local toxicity of quinine and its diffusion in the neurovascular gluteal area might explain the nerve lesion. Thus, the intramuscular injections should be replaced by the intravenous or rectal administration in children.

[Topographic anatomy of the tibial nerve in the medial malleolus: application to the effect of nerve block anesthesia]. / Etude de l'anatomie topographique du nerf tibial dans le sillon malléolaire médial: application à la réalisation des blocs anesthésiques.

To better understand the anatomical variations and pathogeny of tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve were dissected in 20 ankles of fresh black African cadavers. The tibial nerve located to 1.75 cm on average from the posterior side of the malleolus and to 2 cm from medial side of the calcaneus tendon. The nerve always ended according to dichotomic method. 90% cases of bifurcation were noted under the flexor retinaculum at 1 cm from the malléolo_calcaneus line; in 10% of dissections, we found proximal bifurcation at 5 cm from this line. The medal calcaneus branch which is a collateral branch of tibial nerve was constant, unique in 80% of cases and double in 20% of cases. The anatomical constatations allow a more precise anesthesia of tibial nerve block. We use constant anatomical marks formed by calcaneus tendon and internal malleolus tip. Olso we more understand the possibility of lesion of tibial nerve at the ankle during the synovites, or ossifications of flexor rétinaculum.

[Emergence and course of the ilioinguinal nerve of the groin]. / Emergence et trajet du nerf ilio-inguinal à l'aine.

The aim of our study was to find a way of preserving the ilioinguinal nerve during surgical procedures for the repair of inguinal hernias. 40 inguinal regions were dissected, 37 ilio-inguinal nerves studied. The emergence of the nerve was at 4.21 cm of the anterior superior iliac spine, at 0.78 cm of the inguinal ligament on average. Its course was parallel to the inguinal ligament, always lay under the aponevrosis of the external oblique abdominal muscle, it passed through the superficial abdominal ring in 67.56% before proceeding on anterior side of spermatic cord. This result allowed us to examine the possibility of the nerve course variation's, of anastomosis with iliohypogastric nerve and particularly the best way to identify it when surgical procedures are performed in the lower portion of the abdomen.

[Anatomic study via dissection of the common fibular nerve: etiopathogenic consideration]. / Etude anatomique par dissection du nerf fibulaire commun: considérations éthiopathogéniques.

In order to understand and prevent the particular rate of the common fibular nerve palsy during the traumatisms of the main stem of the sciatic nerve; the authors have studied through dissection the osteomuscular and aponeurotic relationships of 38 common fibular nerves. They blame it on the relations between the nerve and the proximal ends of the fibula; the nerve can be stretched on and mainly on its fixation on the crural fascia by fibrous tracts seen in 78.94 of the cases.

[The superficial temporal artery: anatomical type and clinical application to the flap of the fascia temporal superficialis]. / Artère temporale superficielle: typologie et application au lambeau de fascia temporal superficialis.

The goal of our study is to assess the anatomical type of the superficial temporal artery (STA) in the black population using the classification of Ricbourg et al.. Forty-seven fresh cadavers and three extracted and frozen heads were included in this study. The external carotid artery was isolated in the neck and injected by Rhodopas stained with Congo Red. The superficial temporal artery was dissected using a Y-shaped skin incision. The last step of the procedure was to remove the flap of the fascia superficialis temporis. The third segment of the superficial temporal artery and its terminal branches were studied. This segment courses cephalad and wraps the zygomatic arcade. It splits into two terminal branches: the temporo-frontal and the temporo-parietal ones. The most important of its collaterals, the zygomato-maleus artery, plays a crucial role for distinguishing the subtypes of STA according to the classification of Ricbourg et al.. Indeed, this branch can be subdivided into two types: --type I: the zygomato-malar artery arises from the trunk of the STA; it courses perpendicular and with a slightly ascending direction; this type accounts for 93% of the cases. --type II: the zygomato-malar artery originates from the branch of the temporo-frontal artery. Its course is either horizontal or caudad. This type accounts for 3% of the cases. Our results confirm those of Ricbourg et al.. Thus, we could not CONFIRM the notion of a racial predominance of typology of the STA in our context. We did not study the dimensions of STA and also the level of its bifurcation. Indeed, it has been largely reported in the literature. These elements constitute the anatomic basis of the surgical use of temporal flaps. The vessel-containing tissue in which travels the STA forms the so-called fascia temporalis superficialis whose plasticity and polyvalency are critical during the procedures of plastic and reconstructive surgeries.

[Intestinal obstruction caused by postoperative adhesion. 79 cases]. / Les occlusions intestinales par brides post-opératoires. 79 observations.

The intestinal post-operative bridle represents the third most important etiology of obstructions at the clinic of the University Hospital of Dakar, behind hernia strangulations and the volvulus of the digestive tube. Between 1970 and 1989, a retrospective study has led to a sample of 79 patients with post-operative bridle obstructions. The group was made of 47 women and 32 men between 17 and 84 years of age. Stomach ache was by far the most common functional symptomatology, followed by the stoppage of the transit and vomiting. In most cases palpation revealed the presence of tympanism. For almost all the patients, the abdomen without preparation revealed either a hydroaeric level or a diffuse grey area. The initial intervention concerned mainly gynecological affections or pathologies of appendicular type. The resection of the bridles was carried out in most cases. There were 10 deaths. The intestinal obstructions by post-operative bridles continue to be a surgical emergency still characterized by a high mortality rate. The late consultation of the patients, often received when presenting considerable visceral deficiency, is one of the main causes of the high rate of fatalities.

[Regulations on tuberculosis risk in workplaces in Senegal]. / Analyse des données disponibles en vue de la mise en place d'une réglementation sur le risque tuberculeux sur le lieu de travail au Sénégal.

National immunization and control programs have not brought about a significant decline in tuberculosis, which remains a real public health concern in our regions. Prevention in the working environment should be part of an overall prevention program for the general population. Nevertheless, companies should play a leading role because they have the necessary structure and assets. We analyzed the epidemiology of tuberculosis in the working environment using demographic data on employees in Senegal, current medicolegal data on tuberculosis in Senegal and data on prevention of tuberculosis. Our analysis led to a proposed strategy for controlling tuberculosis spread and its prevention in the working environment in Senegal.