[Treatment of patients with extremity traumas occurred during peacekeeping missions in Northern Mali]. / Prise en charge des lésions traumatiques de membres au cours des missions de pacification au Nord du Mali.

In February 2016, the camp of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), in Kidal, was attacked and many people were wounded and killed. This study aims to determine the nature of extremity traumas and to describe their treatment. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study of extremity traumas in the victims of the attack on the camp of MINIUSMA in Kidal. The parameters studied were age, sex, admission delay, seat of the lesions and type of emergency surgical treatment performed. The study involved 60 wounded patients: 57(95%) men and 3(5%) women. The average age of patients was 28.9 years; 127 lesions were identified, of which 109 (85.8%) on the limbs. Clinical and radiological examinations revealed 32 (29.3%) musculocutaneous disruptions, 11 (10.1%) open fractures, 15 (13.7%) burns, 8 (7.3%) vascular and nervous injuries and 7 sprains. Severely wounded patients underwent resuscitation upon admission. Four of them underwent emergency surgery. The remaining wounded patients underwent surgery after restoration of hemodynamic stability with resuscitation. Six patients (10%) were transferred to a Level 3 Hospital for further treatment. Four wounded patients (6.7%) died. Extremity traumas are frequent but not life-threatening when isolated. They have a higher risk of infection and gangrene which can result in amputation.

Scarf pin inhalation: clinical characteristics and surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Scarf pin inhalation is becoming a frequent accident among young Moroccan woman who wears islamic veil. The aim of the study is to highlight indications, principles and challenges of surgical removal of that particular foreign body. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were hospitalized in Thoracic Surgery department of Ibn Sina Hospital at Rabat between January 2008 and June 2013 for surgical removal of a pin scarf after unsuccessful endoscopy. RESULTS: Mean age was 20 years. Inhalation was accidental in all cases. Average interval between inhalation and surgery was 10 days. Penetration syndrome was found in 82% of patients. Pin was located at the left tracheo-bronchial tree in 53.5% of cases and at the right one in 46.4%. All were operated by thoracotomy. Surgery was conservative in all cases, and postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: In case of failure endoscopic treatment, surgery remains the only alternative. It must be as conservative as possible. Short interval between inhalation accident and surgery prevents parenchymal resection.