24 h mortality and its predictors among road traffic accident victims in a resource limited setting; a multicenter cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of road traffic accidents (RTAs) is on the rise contributing to the global burden of mortality as a major global health threat. It has been estimated that 93% of RTAs and more than 90% of the resulting deaths occur in low and middle income countries. Though death due to RTAs has been occurring at an alarming rate, there is paucity of data relating to incidence and predictors of early mortality. This study was aimed at determining the 24 h mortality and its predictors among RTA patients attending selected hospitals in western Uganda. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort that consecutively enrolled 211 RTA victims admitted and managed in emergency units of 6 hospitals in western Uganda. All patients who presented with a history of trauma were managed according to the advanced trauma life support protocol (ATLS). The outcome regarding death was documented at 24 h from injury. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 for windows. RESULTS: Majority of the participants were male (85.8%) aged 15-45 years (76.3%). The most common road user category was motorcyclists (48.8%). The 24 h mortality was 14.69%. At multivariate analysis, it was observed that a motorcyclist was 5.917 times more likely to die compared to a pedestrian (P = 0.016). It was also observed that a patient with severe injury was 15.625 times more likely to die compared to one with a moderate injury (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of 24 h mortality among road traffic accident victims was high. Being motorcycle rider and severity of injury according to Kampala trauma score II predicted mortality. Motorcyclists should be reminded to be more careful while using the road. Trauma patients should be assessed for severity, and the findings used to guide management since severity predicted mortality.

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.