Epidemiological, anatomoclinical, and therapeutic profile of obstetric fistula in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: About 1267 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to describe the epidemiological, anatomoclinical and therapeutic profile of obstetric fistula (OF) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive retrospective study that collected 1416 obstetric fistulas in 1267 patients in seven provinces of the DRC, treated between January 2017 and December 2022. The variables studied were epidemiological, anatomoclinical and therapeutic. RESULTS: The mean age of patients at the time of surgical repair was 33.2 years (range: 15 and 77 years) and 32.8% of patients were aged between 20 and 29 years. The mean age of the fistula at repair was 10 years (range: 3.5 months and 56 years). At the time of fistula, 61.7% of patients had delivered vaginally and 28.7% by caesarean section and 8.2% of patients had a haemostasis hysterectomy. Labour lasted at least 3 days in 47.3% of these patients for the fistula birth. Deliveries took place either at home (27.4%) or in a health facility (72.6%); 83.6% of newborns resulting from these births had died. Taken as a whole, urogenital fistulas are more common than genito-digestive fistulas. Urethro-vaginal (26.2%) and vesico-uterine (24.7%) anatomoclinical entities were predominant among urogenital fistulas. A total of 1416 fistulas were surgically repaired in 1267 patients. These repairs were successful for 1226 (86.6%) fistulas. The main surgical route used was transvaginal (68.8%). CONCLUSION: In the DRC, obstetric fistula is common in young adult women. It often results from vaginal delivery, after prolonged labour. Fistula births often result in the death of newborns. Uro-genital obstetric fistulas are the most frequent with predominance of urethro-vaginal and vesico-uterine anatomoclinical entities. Fistulas remain untreated for a long time. Mostly done transvaginally, surgical repair gives a good result.

Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection and associated factors among women of reproductive age attending a rural teaching hospital in western Uganda.

BACKGROUND: High-risk HPV is considered a major risk factor for the development of cervical cancer, the most common malignancy among women in Uganda. However, there is a paucity of updated epidemiological data on the extent of the burden and factors associated with hr-HPV infection among women of reproductive age. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of hr-HPV and associated factors among women of reproductive age attending a rural teaching hospital in western Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study from April to June 2022. A total of 216 women of reproductive age attending the gynecological outpatient clinic were consecutively enrolled. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect participant characteristics, cervical specimens were collected by clinicians, and molecular HPV testing was performed using the Cepheid Xpert HPV DNA test. Descriptive statistics followed by binary logistic regression were conducted using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: The prevalence of hr-HPV was 16.67%. Other hr-HPV types other than HPV 16 and 18 were predominant, with a prevalence of 10.6%; HPV 18/45 (2.31%), HPV 16 (0.46%), and 3.24% of the study participants had more than one hr-HPV genotype. On multivariate logistic regression, an HIV-positive status (aOR = 7.06, CI: 2.77-10.65, p = 0.007), having 3 or more sexual partners in life (aOR = 15.67, CI: 3.77-26.14, p = 0.008) and having an ongoing abnormal vaginal discharge (aOR = 5.37, CI: 2.51-11.49, p = 0.002) were found to be independently associated with hr-HPV infection. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The magnitude of hr-HPV is still high compared to the global prevalence. HIV-positive women and those in multiple sexual relationships should be prioritized in cervical cancer screening programs. The presence of abnormal vaginal discharge in gynecology clinics should prompt HPV testing.

Factors associated with severity and anatomical distribution of diabetic foot ulcer in Uganda: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a devastating complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, amputation rate and economic burden. This study aimed at identifying the anatomical distribution and factors associated with severity of DFU in Uganda. METHODOLOGY: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in seven selected referral hospitals in Uganda. A total of 117 patients with DFU were enrolled in this study between November 2021 and January 2022. Descriptive analysis and modified Poisson regression analysis were performed at 95% confidence interval; factors with p-value < 0.2 at bivariate analysis were considered for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The right foot was affected in 47.9% (n = 56) of patients, 44.4% (n = 52) had the DFU on the plantar region of the foot and 47.9% (n = 56) had an ulcer of > 5 cm in diameter. The majority (50.4%, n = 59) of patients had one ulcer. 59.8% (n = 69) had severe DFU, 61.5% (n = 72) were female and 76.9% had uncontrolled blood sugar. The mean age in years was 57.5 (standard deviation 15.2 years). Primary (p = 0.011) and secondary (p < 0.001) school educational levels, moderate (p = 0.003) and severe visual loss (p = 0.011), 2 ulcers on one foot (p = 0.011), and eating vegetables regularly were protective against developing severe DFU (p = 0.03). Severity of DFU was 3.4 and 2.7 times more prevalent in patients with mild and moderate neuropathies (p < 0.01), respectively. Also, severity was 1.5 and 2.5 higher in patients with DFU of 5-10 cm (p = 0.047) and in those with > 10 cm diameter (p = 0.002), respectively. CONCLUSION: Most DFU were located on the right foot and on the plantar region of the foot. The anatomical location was not associated with DFU severity. Neuropathies and ulcers of > 5 cm diameter were associated with severe DFU but primary and secondary school education level and eating vegetables were protective. Early management of the precipitating factors is important to reduce the burden of DFU.

Local anesthesia versus saddle block for open hemorrhoidectomy: cost-analysis from a randomized, double blind controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the benefits attributed to the use of local anesthesia (LA) for open hemorrhoidectomy (OH) in developed countries, this technique is still not considered as the first line technique in low-income countries such as Uganda; therefore, we aimed at comparing the cost of OH under LA versus Saddle block among patients with 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. METHODS: This trial was conducted from December 2021 to May 2022 among patients with primary uncomplicated 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. The operating time, and direct costs in (US$) including medical and non-medical were recorded. We analysed the cost in the two groups (local anesthesia versus saddle block) using SPSS version 23.0. RESULTS: Findings of fifty-eight patients were analysed including 29 participants per group. There was a significant difference in operating time and cost among the two groups (p < 0.05). The mean operating time was 15.52 ± 5.34(SD) minutes versus 33.72 ± 11.54 min for OH under LA and SB respectively. The mean cost of OH under LA was 57.42 ± 8.90 US$ compared to 63.38 ± 12.77US$ in SB group. CONCLUSION: The use of local anesthesia for OH was found to have less operating time with high-cost effectiveness. Being affordable, local anesthesia can help to increase the turnover of patients who would otherwise wait for the availability of anesthesia provider. Policy makers should emphasize its applicability in low-income settings to help in the achievement of 2030 global surgery goals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR202110667430356. Registered on 08/10/2021.

Pain assessment following open hemorrhoidectomy under local anesthesia versus saddle block: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: There is disparity in evidence on pain assessment post open hemorrhoidectomy (OH) using local anesthesia and its use in developing countries compared to developed countries. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the occurrence of postoperative pain following open hemorrhoidectomy under local anesthesia versus saddle block for uncomplicated 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. METHODS: This was a prospective equivalence randomized, double blind controlled trial conducted from December 2021 to May 2022 among patients with primary uncomplicated 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. Pain severity was assessed at 2, 4 and 6 h post open hemorrhoidectomy using visual analogue scale (VAS). Data was analysed using SPSS version 26 at a p < 0.05 as statically significant using visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: We recruited 58 participants in this study who underwent open hemorrhoidectomy under local anesthesia or saddle block (29 participants per group). The sex ratio was of 1.15 of female to male and a mean age of 39 ± 13. VAS was found to be different at 2 h post OH compare to other time of pain assessment but not statically significant by area under the cover (AUC) (95% CI = 486-0.773: AUC = 0.63; p = 0.09) with a none significance by Kruskal-Wallis's test (p:0.925). CONCLUSION: Local anesthesia was found to be having a similar pain severity occurrence in post operative period among patients undergoing open hemorrhoidectomy for primary uncomplicated 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. Close monitoring of pain in postoperative period is mandatory especially at 2 h to assess need of analgesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR202110667430356. Registered on 8th October, 2021.

Health facilities' readiness for safe surgical care provision in Uganda and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo during Ebola and COVID-19 era.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess health facilities' readiness to provide safe surgical care during Ebola and COVID-19 era in Uganda and in the Eastern DR Congo. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected national, regional referral and general hospital facilities in Uganda and in the eastern part of DR Congo from 1st August 2020 to 30th October 2020. Data was analysed using Stata version 15. RESULTS: The participation rate was of 37.5 % (72/192) for both countries. None of the hospitals fulfilled the readiness criteria for safe surgical care provision in both countries. The mean bed capacity of participating health facilities (HF) was 184 in Eastern DR Congo and 274 in Uganda with an average surgical ward bed capacity of 22.3 % (41/184) and 20.4 % (56/274) respectively. The mean number of operating rooms was 2 and 3 in Eastern DR Congo and Uganda respectively. Nine hospitals (12.5 %) reported being able to test for Ebola and 25 (34.7 %) being able to test for COVID-19. Postponing of elective surgeries was reported by 10 (13.9) participating hospitals. Only 7 (9.7 %) hospitals reported having a specific operating room for suspect or confirmed cases of Ebola or COVID-19. Appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) was reported to be available in 60 (83.3 %) hospitals. Most of the staff had appropriate training on donning and doffing of PPE 40 (55.6 %). Specific teams and protocols for safe surgical care provision were reported to be present in 61 (84.7 %) and 56 (77.8 %) respectively in Uganda and Eastern DR Congo participating hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of readiness to provide safe surgical care during Ebola and COVID-19 era across the participating hospitals in both countries indicate a need for strategies to enhance health facility supplies and readiness for safe surgical provision in resource-limited settings.

Practice of standard monitoring during anaesthesia in hospitals of North Kivu: a survey of health facilities of the health antenna of Butembo.

BACKGROUND: Standard monitoring during anaesthesia is a core element of patient safety and practice of safe anesthesia has reduced morbidity and mortality worldwide. The main objective of this study was to assess the practice of standard monitoring during anaesthesia in the hospitals of North Kivu, so as to establish a baseline overview of the situation, and orientate plans towards safe anaesthesia in the region. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional survey of health facilities of the Health Antenna of Butembo in Democratic Republic of Congo and was conducted from October to December 2018. Questionnaires were brought to anaesthesia providers in the health facilities. The study included 1 answer from the anaesthesia practitioners who accepted to participate. The practices of standard monitoring in the health facilities were compared to WHO-WSFA guidelines. Data was captured and analyzed with Epi Info 7. RESULTS: Forty out of 90 health facilities (44.4%) of 10 health zones responded on the questionnaire. Twenty-three health facilities (57.5%) were from private sector and 17 (42.5%) from public sector. Sixteen health facilities (40.0%) were from the Butembo health zone. The median number of anaesthesia providers was 2 per health facility. Of all the anaesthesia providers, none were physicians, 47.5% were nurses practicing anaesthesia without any training in anaesthesia and 47.5% were nurse anaesthetists. All the health facilities were providing general anaesthesia whereas spinal anaesthesia was provided in 22 out of 40 centers (55%). Seventy percent (28/40) of the facilities were below standard according to WHO-WSFA guidelines. Only 40% (16/40) were using a pulse oximeter and 10% (4/40) declared that ECG was occasionally used. CONCLUSION: The practice of standard monitoring is poor in health facilities of the Health Antenna of Butembo. Efforts should be made to improve monitoring which is a key element of safe anaesthesia.

Iatrogenic enterocutaneous fistula following an incarcerated Richter's femoral hernia misdiagnosed for an inguinal abscess: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: As the Richter's hernia contains anti-mesenteric intestinal wall, patients usually do not present with obstructive symptoms. Consequently, this leads to delays in diagnosis and increased morbidity and mortality. Early detection and surgical treatment are therefore paramount to improving outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old female presented with an incarcerated Richter's femoral hernia misdiagnosed as inguinal abscess that underwent incision and drainage. This developed into an enterocutaneous fistula (EC Fistula) and was eventually complicated by peritonitis, requiring laparotomy and herniorrhaphy. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In advanced stages, Richter's femoral hernia may present with obstructive symptoms as in other incarcerated hernias. Richter's hernias may eventually present with obstructive symptoms in their advanced stages. Their relatively asymptomatic nature increases the risk of complications, such as enterocutaneous fistula. CONCLUSION: This case highlights how an incarcerated Richter's femoral hernia in a female misdiagnosed as an abscess delayed treatment, increased patient morbidity with development of an enterocutaneous fistula and peritonitis, and mandated surgical exploration to control sepsis and repair the hernia.

Breast cancer in adult man treated in a rural hospital: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Breast cancer in a male patient is an uncommon condition known by the general public yet of the same concern as in a female patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old male with a 25 years history of a progressive swelling in the right breast, underwent an ultrasound guided biopsy which revealed a mucinous carcinoma of grade SBR I, right mastectomy with lymph-node dissection were done. His postoperative period was uneventful and patient was a live on 7th post-operative day. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are being considered. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Being rare, breast cancer in males should be fully evaluated and investigated to avoid the associated morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: Male breast cancer though rare exists and its management follows the same principles as in women. There is a need to do genetic tests to identify patients at risk and guide preventive measures in case of any breast swelling despite the gender.

Exceptional Survival of a Buried Alive Newborn: A Case Report.

Introduction: This report details the exceptional survival of a female newborn buried alive by her own mother after a clandestine and unassisted birth. Despite spending over six hours underground, the newborn remarkably survived without exhibiting signs of perinatal asphyxia or major complications, and did not require advanced resuscitation measures. Case Presentation: Rescued following a shocking discovery in a garden and rushed to the hospital, this newborn experienced transient hypothermia, mild to moderate respiratory distress, and scattered skin bruises. After five days of hospital care, she was discharged in clinically stable condition with no infectious complications, displaying age-appropriate normal neurological examination findings and excellent feeding. Conclusion: This case not only defies established expectations but also illuminates perinatal physiological adaptation complexities. It highlights a fortunate and exceptional outcome in dire circumstances, presenting a captivating enigma within scientific realms. This report sheds light on the critical importance of early intervention and timely rescue efforts in cases of neonaticide, emphasizing the significance of raising awareness and implementing prompt measures to safeguard newborns in vulnerable situations and collectively contribute to our understanding of handling similar distressing cases.

Tetralogy of Fallot complicated by multiple cerebral abscesses in a child: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Brain abscesses are rare but potentially fatal condition and can be associated with cyanotic congenital heart disease of which 5-18.7% of these patients that develop cerebral abscess commonly have tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of 3-year-old Muganda male that presented with convulsions, cyanosis and difficulty in breathing. The patient had a combination intervention of medical treatment and surgical drainage of the abscess. Post-operative Computerized tomography scan images and pre-operative brain Computerized tomography scans were compared. The multiple rings enhancing lesions were reduced in number and sizes. The largest measured ring was 44 × 22.5×16mm compared to the previous; 42 × 41×36mm. The mass effect had reduced from 16 mm to 7.5 mm. The periventricular hypodensities persisted. Findings showed radiological improvement with residual abscesses, subacute subdural hematoma and pneumocranium. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone 1 g OD for six weeks and he showed marked improvement and was discharged home after 3 months. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive strategy involving medications, surgical drainage, and early neurosurgical consultation is vital in treating brain abscesses in uncorrected TOF. Early identification of the pathogen, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and vigilant follow-up through clinical assessments and imaging are crucial, potentially spanning a 4-8-week treatment.

Psychosocial impact of surgical complications and the coping mechanisms among surgeons in Uganda and Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

We aimed to assess the psychosocial impact from postoperative complications on the surgical workforce and the coping mechanisms they use following these complications in Uganda and Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This was a cross-sectional multi-center study conducted from first February 2022 to 31st March 2022 in the preselected main teaching hospitals of Uganda and Eastern DRC. We surveyed the surgical workforce (practicing surgeons, Obstetrician-Gynecologists, and residents in surgery/ Obstetrics-Gynecology) who had experienced postoperative complications in their career. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23. One hundred ninety-eight participants responded to the questionnaire. Worry about patient and reputation were the commonest psychological impacts in 54.0% and 45.5% of the participants respectively. Majority of the participants (55.1%) used positive coping mechanisms with a positive impact on their practice (94.4%). Being a female doctor (AOR = 2.637, CI 1.065-6.533, P = 0.036), worrying about reputation (AOR = 3.057, CI = 1.573-5.939, P = 0.001) and guilt after a complication (AOR = 4.417, CI = 2.253-8.659, P = <0.001) were predictors of a negative coping mechanism. Postoperative surgical complications continue to cause a huge psychological impact on the operating doctors in Uganda and the Eastern DRC. Female doctors, those that worry about the reputation and those that feel guilty following a complication should be given more support and guidance by peers when surgical complications occur to their patients.

House advancement flap anoplasty in anal stenosis post hemorrhoids surgery. A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Anal stenosis following hemorrhoids surgery is rare, and very distressing to the patients. It is graded according to its severity namely mild, moderate or severe. Majority of severe cases require surgery. The treatment is complex shown by the multiplicity of flaps and techniques described in the literature. This case report then reminds surgeons about the complications of hemorrhoidectomy and the complexity of their management. In addition, it challenges the surgeons about their practice on hemorrhoids. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old male who presented with difficulty in passing stool with intermittent low abdominal pain for 4 weeks following a surgery for hemorrhoids. A House Advancement Flap was designed to match the transverse incisions and hence the width of the mucosal defect to be replaced. Any intra- or postoperative complications were noted and the patient was discharged on the second postoperative day from the hospital. Patient had no complaints in the post-discharge period. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Overzealous hemorrhoidectomy is one of the primary causes of stenosis of anal canal. Other causes that have been reported include anorectal diseases, other anorectal surgeries and radiotherapy. Physical examination majorly leads to the diagnosis of anal stenosis. Its treatment is conservative in mild cases while in severe anal stenosis a House Advancement Flap is one of the possible surgical management options. CONCLUSION: Anal stenosis is a rare condition which requires good evaluation for its better management. Given its simplicity and successful results, a House Advancement Flap anoplasty is a reliable treatment of severe anal stenosis.

Primary malignant melanoma, an atypical presentation in the cervical spine: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have documented the occurrence of melanoma in the cervical spine. Of all malignant melanoma cases, 1% are primary melanoma of the central nervous system, which makes it extremely uncommon and nonspecific. We aim to report a case of the uncommon presentation of primary melanoma in the cervical spine. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 59-year-old Muganda male who presented with a 2-year history of anterior neck swelling as well as severe pain and a tingling sensation in the left shoulder and arm, which worsened in the recent 6 months. He developed weakness and paresthesia in the upper left arm and progressive gait disturbance of the left leg. A physical examination revealed masses in the left cervical and right submandibular region. Additionally, the upper and lower left extremities revealed hemiparesis and hemihypoesthesia. A magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a hyperintense lesion on TIWI and another hypointense lesion on T2WI, originating from the cervical spine and involving the vertebral bodies and paravertebral soft tissues. The patient underwent surgery, a black tumor was extracted, and histology revealed the tumor to be malignant melanoma. The patient died within 1 month after the diagnosis and surgery. CONCLUSION: This case is presented to highlight the significance and challenges associated with making a pre- and postoperative diagnosis of primary cervical melanoma with atypical radiological characteristics. Patients with extradural lesions that show hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and hypointensity on T2-weighted images should have spinal melanoma examined as a possible differential diagnosis.

A rare case of Demons-Meigs' syndrome with a 7.5 kg giant ovarian fibroma associated with severe dyspnea: case report.

Introduction and importance: Demons-Meigs syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the presence of a benign fibroma of the ovary, ascites, and pleural effusion. It is very uncommon, and the diagnosis is made with difficulty based on symptoms that usually mimic disseminated malignancy or tuberculosis, but imaging may confirm the diagnosis. The definitive treatment is laparotomy, after which the symptoms resolve. Case presentation: We present a 36-year-old female with Demons-Meigs' syndrome with severe dyspnea who underwent an abdominal surgical exploration, which revealed ascites of 1500 ml and an ovarian fibroma weighing 7.5 kg and measuring 12 cm in length. There were no postoperative complications. CA-125 was undetectable at 3 months post-procedure. Clinical discussion: The most common symptoms are dyspnea, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. In low- and middle-income countries, patients usually present with late-stage disease. The treatment of choice for Demons-Meigs' syndrome is exploratory laparotomy. Conclusion: This tumor is often misdiagnosed as a uterine myoma on sonography. The symptoms resolved, and the patient became asymptomatic after laparotomy and thoracocentesis. For this reason, when patients present with effusion and an abdominal mass, a thorough assessment should be done to confirm if it is Demons-Meigs' syndrome, which can be completely cured by the removal of the tumor.

Effect of Chewing Gum on Duration of Postoperative Ileus Following Laparotomy for Gastroduodenal Perforations: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Prolonged post-operative ileus is associated with increased risk of other complications, length of hospital stays and health care related costs. Chewing gum has been shown to reduce duration of ileus in many elective surgeries, but there is a paucity of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on its effect on duration of ileus among patients undergoing emergency surgery, specifically patients with peritonitis. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of chewing gum on duration of postoperative ileus following laparotomy for gastroduodenal perforations. Methods: This will be a randomised controlled trial done in 3 hospitals. Fifty-two patients will be randomised to 2 groups. Group A will receive chewing gum in addition to routine care, whereas group B will receive routine care only. The duration of post-operative ileus in the two groups which is the primary outcome, will be compared using the independent samples t-test in SPSS version 22. The length of hospital stay, in-hospital morbidity and mortality will be the secondary outcomes. This trial has been approved by Kampala International University research and Ethics committee (Ref No. KIU-2021-60) and Uganda national council of science and technology (Ref No. HS1665ES). Retrospective registration with the research registry has also been done (UIN: researchregistry8565). Highlights: Prolonged post-operative ileus significantly contributes to adverse surgical outcomesChewing gum has been shown to reduce duration of ileus in many elective surgeriesThere is paucity of RCTs on role of chewing gum following surgery for peritonitis.

Endometriosis arising in a cesarean section scar: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Scar endometriosis is an uncommon variant of extra pelvic endometriosis, which develops at the scar site of previous abdominopelvic surgery and is seen in women during their reproductive period. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 38-year-old female who presented with a nine-months history of a painful ulcerative mass that developed on a cesarean section scar. The mass was removed by a wide excision and confirmed by histology to be endometriosis. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Wide surgical resection of ectopic endometriosis is the treatment of choice. It is usually curative and ensures the confirmation of the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Cesarean section scar endometriosis can undergo malignant transformation. This case highlights the need for early detection and treatment.

Recurrent Ebola outbreaks in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: A wake-up call to scale up the integrated disease surveillance and response strategy.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a dangerous viral zoonotic hemorrhagic fever caused by a deadly pathogenic filovirus. Frugivorous bats are recognized as being the natural reservoir, playing a pivotal role in the epidemiological dynamics. Since its discovery in 1976, the disease has been shown to be endemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). So far, thirteen outbreaks have occurred, and EVD has been prioritized in the national surveillance system. Additionally, EVD is targeted by the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy in DRC. The IDSR strategy is a collaborative, comprehensive and innovative surveillance approach developed and adopted by WHO's African region member states (WHO/Afro) to strengthen their surveillance capacity at all levels for early detection, response and recovery from priority diseases and public health events. We provide an overview of the IDSR strategy and the issues that can prevent its expected outcome (early detection for timely response) in eastern DRC where there are still delays in EVD outbreaks detection and weaknesses in response capacity and health crisis recovery. Therefore, this paper highlights the advantages linked to the implementation of the IDSR and calls for an urgent need to scale up its materialization against the recurrent Ebola outbreaks in eastern DRC. Consequently, the paper advocates for rapidly addressing the obstacles hindering its operationalization and adapting the approach to the local context using implementation science.

Urethral prolapse mimicking a uterine prolapse in an eight-year-old girl: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: A urethral prolapse is a rare condition occurring most likely in prepubertal girls and post-menopausal women. The cause of this condition is not well known but an under-laying low level of estrogen is thought to have a role. CASE PRESENTATION: This is an 8-year-old girl diagnosed with urethral prolapse, who was successfully managed by excision of the prolapsed urethral mucosa circumferentially. A three-month following up did not notice any particular challenge. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: The most common presenting sign is genital bleeding and the vaginal doughnut sign. Treatment of urethral prolapse should begin with medical therapy in most patients before resorting to surgical management. However, in case of bigger size, severe genital hemorrhage, and prolapsed mucosa with an appearance suggestive of vascular compromise, surgical management is the first-line option. We estimate a severe prolapse mimicking a uterine prolapse must be included in surgical management as a first-line option. CONCLUSION: Surgical excision may be the first-line option in certain urethral prolapses given its association with quick recovery versus the effectiveness of the long-time required for estrogen use, as well as the low likelihood of successful resolution linked to estrogen use.

Synophtalmia on a newborn.

Synophtalmia or cyclopia is a rare presentation of alobar holoprosencephaly. Cases which have been reported are stillborn or dead in post-delivery period. We are presenting a 3000-g live full-term newborn girl delivered by caesarean section with a well-marked cyclopia, but who died 30 min post-delivery. The case did not present with other abnormalities. The literature showed that genetic disorders are associated with cyclopia. A prenatal anomaly scan can help in the early detection of the condition and timely termination of the pregnancy can be conducted.