Proximal hypospadias repair using the koyanagi-hayashi technique. A review of 15 cases.

BACKGROUND: Several surgical approaches or modifications of existing techniques have been described for the repair of hypospadias. In Sub-Saharan Africa, a two-stage approach is the preferred option in proximal cases with severe penile curvature. OBJECTIVE: The authors describe their experience with one-stage repair of proximal hypospadias with severe penile curvature using the Koyanagi-Hayashi technique. METHODOLOGY: Three hundred and ten patients were seen at the outpatient clinic from November 2009 to November 2015. All patients aged between 2 and 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of proximal hypospadias and operated according to the Koyanagi-Hashashi technique were included in the study. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 6.7 ± 4.35 years (81 months). The level of the hypospadias was penile in 60%, scrotal 33.5%, and posterior in 6.6% of cases. The most common complications after primary repair were partial breakdown of the urethroplasty (44.8%), urethra-cutaneous fistula (3.3%), dehiscence of the glanuloplasty (22.2%), and recurrent penile curvature (11.1%). DISCUSSION: The high psychological implication of this condition in children and adolescents at the time of diagnosis in our context was a major weakness of our study. However, it turned out to be an advantage as the patients could be involved in the decision-making in as much as the previous gender was taken into consideration. CONCLUSION: A one-stage repair approach as described by Koyanagi-Hayashi also provides good aesthetic and functional outcome. It thus stands out as an alternative even in our African setting.

[Management Of Undescended Testis In Children In Yaounde. A Report On 71 Cases]. / Prise En Charge Du Testicule Non Descendu Chez L'Enfant A Yaounde: A Propos De 71 Cas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of undescended testicle in the of Pediatric Surgery service of the Yaoundé gyneco-obstetric and pediatric hospital. METHOD: Our study was retrospective, descriptive and analytical from June 2008 to December 2016; a period of 8 years and 6 months. Included in this study were records of pediatric patients aged 0 - 15 years who had been managed for an undescended testis in the Pediatric Surgery service of the Yaoundé gyneco-obstetric and pediatric hospital and followed up at our outpatient clinic. Data recorded included age, term of pregnancy at birth, time to presentation, presenting complaint, symptoms, location of the testis, surgical approach and procedure, complications and follow up. Open orchidopexy according to Surraco was the standard operation carried out for all our patients, a scrotal doppler ultrasound was systematic 30 days after the surgery and the child was scheduled for follow-up visits at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were managed during the study period, giving a hospital frequency of 10 cases per annum. The average age of our patients was 5.8 years [1 day and 15 years]. The mean time to consultation was 4.5 years [1 day and 15 years]. Most patients consulted for absence of the testis (n = 62). All patients were full term births. Clinically, the undescended testis was categorized as: cryptorchidism (n = 45), ectopia testis (n = 2), intra-abdominal testis (n = 24), retractile testis (n = 7), vanishing testis (n = 4). The position of the undescended testis was: inguinal (n = 64), pelvic (n = 2) and abdominal (n = 5). Single stage open orchidopexy according to Surraco using an incision in the lower inguinal crease was performed in 66 cases (93%). Laparoscopy was used in 7% of cases for location of non-palpable testis. With a mean follow-up of 3 months, testicular atrophy was found in 5.6% of cases in our series.

BUT: Le but de ce travail était de décrire les aspects épidémiologiques, diagnostiques et thérapeutiques du testicule non descendu dans le Service de Chirurgie Pédiatrique de l'hôpital gynéco-obstétrique et pédiatrique de Yaoundé (HGOPY). PATIENTS ET MÉTHODE: Notre étude a été rétrospective et descriptive de Juin 2008 à Décembre 2016; soit une période de 8 ans et 6 mois dans le Service de Chirurgie Pédiatrique de l'hôpital gynéco-obstétrique et pédiatrique de Yaoundé. Ont été inclus dans cette étude, les dossiers des patients pédiatriques d'âge 10 ­ 15 ans ayant présenté un testicule non descendu pris en charge à HGOPY et revus en consultation.Les paramètres étudiés étaient: âge, terme, délai de consultation, motif de consultation, tableau clinique, topographie du testicule, voie d'abord, geste réalisé, morbidité, recul. L'abaissement testiculaire selon Surraco avait été de mise chez tous nos patients, une échographie doppler scrotale était systématique à J 30 post opératoire et l'enfant était revu en consultation de contrôle à 3 mois, 6 mois, 9 mois et 12 mois. RÉSULTATS: Soixante-onze patients ont été colligés et traités pendant la période d'étude, soit une fréquence annuelle de 10 cas. L'âge moyen de nos patients était de 5,8 ans [1 jour et 15 ans]. Le délai moyen de consultation était de 4,5 ans [1 jour et 15 ans]. L'absence de testicule était le principal motif de consultation (n=62). Tous les patients étaient nés à terme. Les tableaux cliniques étaient les suivant: testicule cryptorchide (n=45), testicule ectopique (n=2), testicule intra-abdominal (n=24), testicule oscillant (n=7), testicule évanescent ou « vanishing testis ¼ (n=4). La topographie du testicule non descendu a été: inguinale (n=64), pelvienne (n=2), abdominal (n=5). La voie d'abord a été inguinale dans un pli abdominal inférieur dans 66 cas (93%) et coelioscopique dans 7% des cas. Les gestes réalisés ont été dominés par l'abaissement testiculaire avec orchidopexie. Avec un recul moyen de 3 mois l'atrophie testiculaire a représenté 5,6% de notre série.

Mixed gonadal dysgenesis in Yaoundé: A preliminary experience about three cases.

UNLABELLED: Mixed gonadal dysgenesis is characterised by unilateral chromosomal abnormality, which is probably the result of anaphase lag during mitosis. The 45, XO/46, XY karyotype is the most common form of mosaicism involving the Y chromosome. It is a rare clinical entity with a worldwide incidence of 1.5/10,000 live births. Its epidemiology in Sub-Saharan Africa is not known. This study reports experience in the management of 3 cases at the Yaounde Gynecologic-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital. From November 2009 to November 2014, 3 cases were successfully managed at our institution. RESULTS: All patients presented with asymmetrical gonadal differentiation. On one side of the body, a poorly-developed testicular gonad and on the other side a gonadal streak. A persistent Mόllerian remnant was equally found in the 3 cases. Management of mixed gonadal dysgenesis should be done in tertiary health care centres. A multidisciplinary team approach is recommended.

A case report of Cowper's syringocele in an 18-months old infant at the Yaoundé Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital.

Syringocele or dilatation of the duct of the bulbo-urethral (Cowper's) gland is usually of congenital origin but can be acquired. It is a very rare deformity, <10 cases have been reported in literature. The main objective is to describe an additional case of syringocele of Cowper's glands and review the literature. An 18-month-old infant presented with a history of acute urinary retention 3 days after birth and a cystostomy was done. Voiding cystourethrogram was normal and cystourethroscopy showed a syringocele. Endoscopic incision was performed in our patient with satisfactory results. No complications were noted. Syringocele or cystic dilatation of Cowper's gland duct usually has a congenital aetiology. Diagnosis is confirmed by endoscopy. Treatment is by marsupialisation in the urethra by endoscopy. Syringocele is a rare pathology usually congenital. It should be suspected in all case of lower urinary tract obstruction in children.

Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Acquired Nontraumatic Urethral Strictures in Boys in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Introduction. Urethral strictures in boys denote narrowing of the urethra which can be congenital or acquired. In case of acquired strictures, the etiology is iatrogenic or traumatic and rarely infectious or inflammatory. The aim of this study was to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties of acquired nontraumatic urethral strictures in boys in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Methodology. The authors report five cases of nontraumatic urethral strictures managed at the Pediatric Surgery Department of the YGOPH over a two-year period (November 2012-November 2014). In order to confirm the diagnosis of urethral stricture, all patients were assessed with both cystourethrography and urethrocystoscopy. Results. In all the cases the urethra was inflammatory with either a single or multiple strictures. The surgical management included internal urethrotomy (n = 1), urethral dilatation (n = 1), vesicostomy (n = 2), and urethral catheterization (n = 3). With a median follow-up of 8.2 months (4-16 months) all patients remained symptoms-free. Conclusion. The authors report the difficulties encountered in the diagnosis and management of nontraumatic urethral strictures in boys at a tertiary hospital in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The existence of an inflammatory etiology of urethral strictures in boys deserves to be considered.

Our experience of proximal hypospadias repair using the Cloutier-Bracka technique at the Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, Yaounde-Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: In parts of Africa, routine circumcision is practised and sometimes even on children with hypospadias. The lack of preputial foreskin renders urethroplasty more difficult and often requires to use of a mucosal graft as described by Bracka. OBJECTIVE: The authors describe their experience of hypospadias repair using Bracka's technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a period of 5 years, 100 cases of proximal hypospadias were operated in our institution. All patients aged 0-18 years who had already been circumcised were included in this study. RESULTS: The outcome of the 12 cases operated according to Bracka's technique was analysed. The mean age was 11.5 years. The ectopic meatus was penoscrotal in three cases, scrotal in one case and perineal in eight cases. After reconstruction, the new meatus was sutured at the top of the glans in one case, at the prepuce in seven cases and at the penile midshaft in one case. The main complications noted were surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, residual chordee and urethrocutaneous fistula. No neourethral stenosis nor uretrocele was recorded. DISCUSSION: The buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty as described by Bracka is associated with a lower risk of meatal strictures compared to other free mucosal grafts. The buccal mucosa is easier to harvest and causes less scarring than bladder mucosa. CONCLUSION: Repair of severe hypospadias remains a challenge for paediatric surgeons. The functional and cosmetic outcomes depend on the choice of the donor site for the graft and objective assessment of successful reconstruction criteria during follow-up.

The role of surgery in the management of Pott's disease in Yaoundé. A review of 43 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Pott's disease is a common entity in our hospital. The authors report their experience in the surgical treatment of Pott disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study including all patients who underwent surgery for Pott's disease in our institution between November 1999 and November 2004. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were included, including 23 men and 20 women (ratio 1.15). Location of the disease was cervical (2 cases), dorsal (19 cases), dorsolumbar (2 cases) lumbar (16 cases) and sacrolumbar (4 cases). Ten patients were HIV positive (24%). The surgical indication was sometimes diagnostic, but predominantly therapeutic (medullary compression, instability or deformity). Spinal decompression alone was performed in 23 cases, associated with internal fixation of the spine (17 cases) or external immobilization (Halo Vest) in two cases. The anterior approach was used in four cases and a posterior approach in 38 cases. Decompression by posterior approach included 1 or 2 level laminectomy alone or associated with internal plate fixation (4 pedicle screws and 2 plates). There was no functional recovery in patients with a complete neurological deficit (Frankel A); those with a severe deficit (Frankel B) partially recovered, while those with more moderate deficits (Frankel C and D) recovered completely. Fusion was obtained (graft integration) regardless of the surgical approach used, progression of the deformity was stopped and early mobilization was possible. CONCLUSION: Surgery definitely plays a role in the diagnosis and treatment of Pott's disease, especially in countries where patients are seen at a late stage of the disease when complications have developed. Surgical decompression should not be delayed until lesions become ischemic and irreversible (Frankel A). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Retrospective study.

[Mortality of neonatal surgical emergencies at the Gynecology-Obstetric and Pediatric hospital of Yaounde, Cameroon]. / Mortalité des urgences chirurgicales néonatates à l'hôpital gynéco-obstétrique et pédiatrique de Yaoundé, Cameroun.

From July 2005 to November 2009, 38 neonates with surgical emergencies died in the neonatal unit of the Gyneco Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital Yaounde. The mortality rate of these emergencies was 43.1%, and those within the age group of 1 to 7 days were the most affected with a sex ratio of 1.2. The mean delay before consultation was 3.7 days. Half of the neonates had a birth weight of less than 2,500 g and 7 cases (18.4%) were premature. A medicalised ambulance was used for transfer to our unit in only half of the neonates. The main disorders were those affecting the digestive tract in 42.1% of our series. In 50% of our cases, there were associated malformations and 28 cases (73.7%) did not undergo surgery. Malnutrition and infection were the main complications in 60% of the cases. The authors discuss this deplorable situation and suggest recommendations for improvement.

[Difficulties in the management of esophageal atresia in developing countries]. / Problematique de la prise en charge de l'atresie de l'œsophageen pays sous medicalises.

Oesophageal atresia is an extreme surgical emergency of the first week of birth. Authors report 10 cases treated in 5 years in two hospitals of Yaounde in Cameroon. This study high line: Difficulties of oesophageal atresia management in less medicalised countries. Possible solutions in this context.

Problematique de la prise en charge de l'atresie de l'oesophage en pays sous medicalises

L'atresie de l'oesophage est une extreme urgence chirurgicale de la 1ere semaine de vie. Les auteurs en rapportent 10 cas colliges et traites en 5 ans dans deux hopitaux de la ville de Yaounde au Cameroun. Cette etude met en relief : - les difficultes de la prise en charge de l'Atresie de l'oesophage en pays sous medicalises - les solutions possibles dans ce contexte

[Acute intestinal invagination in infants and children in the African setting: role of early diagnosis]. / Les invaginations intestinales aigues du nourrisson et de l'enfant en milieu Africain: interet d'un diagnostic precoce.

AIM: To improve the diagnosis of intussusceptions on infants and children in the African milieu. TOOLS AND METHOD: Within a period of 3 years, a retrospective study was carried out on 10 cases of intussusceptions noticed and treated in the paediatric surgical unit of GOPHY. RESULTS: We noticed a peak in frequency between the ages of 3 to 12 months with pre- dominance in the female gender 70% of cases. In average most cases consulted in a hospital 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. We however recorded delays between 24 hours and 7 days. 50% of parents saw treatment initiated on their children after a delay of 48 hours. All cases were treated surgically with good prognosis. The authors identify a delay in diagnoses in the African milieu and thus the treatment that follows. Literature is reviewed and solutions are proposed to improve the diagnosis of intussusceptions.