Results of Surgical Management of Malignant Obstruction of the Common Bile Duct in Yaoundé

Introduction: In Cameroon, surgery remains the only approach in malignant obstructions of the common bile duct (MOCBD) even in palliative situations. The aim of this work was to describe the modalities of surgical treatment of MOCBD, evaluate the results and detect the factors associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Patients and Methods: We conducted an analytical observational study, with retrospective data collection from the files of patients operated upon for MOCBD. This was done in four referral hospitals in the city of Yaoundé for a 42-month period spanning from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023. Demographic data, clinical presentation, surgical data, and 30-day postoperative outcomes were collected. Results: We collected 71 files. The sex ratio was 1.4 and the mean age was 56 ± 11 years. Fifty-three (53) patients (74.6%) were overweight or obese and 10 patients (14.1%) were hypertensive. A clinical cholestasis syndrome was present in 69 patients (97.2%). Fifty-five (55) patients (77.5%) had a cancer of the head of the pancreas, 8 patients (11.3%) had an extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma and 8 patients (11.3%) had an ampullary adenocarcinoma. Eight (8) resections (11.3%) with curative intent had been carried out and in 63 cases (88.7%), surgery was palliative. Postoperative morbidity was 55.7%, influenced by advanced WHO stage (p = 0.02). Postoperative mortality was 25.7%, associated with a high ASA score (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Pancreatic head cancer is the main etiology of malignant obstructions of the common bile duct in Cameroon. Surgical treatment is most often palliative. Postoperative morbidity and mortality are high, influenced by high WHO and ASA scores.

Clinical Epidemiology and Surgical Treatment of Spontaneous Perforations of the Terminal Ileum: A Multicentre Study in Cameroon

Background: Perforations of the terminal ileum are a frequent clinical situation and a therapeutic challenge. Surgical treatment is controversial. Several surgical modalities have been proposed and postoperative morbidity and mortality remain high. The aim of this study was to review our experience in the surgical management of perforations of the terminal ileum. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021, in five hospitals in Cameroon. Patients’ demographic, clinical presentation, surgical findings and 30-days postoperative outcomes data were collected. Results: We collected 34 files. The sex ratio was 1.4 and the average age was 20.28 years. The average consultation time was 9.1 days. Abdominal pain was present in all our patients. Peritoneal irritation was present in 46 cases (88.5%). The mean time to treatment after admission was 17.5 hours. The perforation was unique in 40 cases (76.9%) and located between 6 and 10 cm from the ileocecal valve in 29 cases (55.8%). Typhoid was the most suspected etiology intraoperatively in 38 cases (73.1%). A simple suture was performed in 18 patients (34.6%), resection with anastomosis in 11 patients (21.2%) and an ileostomy in 5 patients (9.6%). The average length of hospitalization was 21.74 days. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 32.7% and 17.3% respectively. Conclusion: Perforations of the terminal ileum are common and affect young people. Surgical procedures are varied. Reducing consultation and care times and respecting treatment principles could improve postoperative morbidity and mortality, which remain high.

Surgical Management of Perforated Colon Tumours in Yaoundé: A Multicentre Retrospective Review of 30-Day Postoperative Outcome

Introduction: Colon cancer is often diagnosed late in our context and there is a high prevalence of complicated forms, this including perforation. The optimal surgical treatment remains controversial. The aim of this study was to improve the short-term postoperative outcomes of patients operated upon for perforated colon cancer, by identifying factors associated with complications occurring within 30 days after surgery. Patients and methods: We carried out an analytical observational study, with a retrospective collection of data from the files of patients operated upon for an in situ tumoral colon perforation. This was done in four referral hospitals in the city of Yaoundé. The period was from the 1st of January, 2012 to the 31st of December, 2021. Cox regression identified the factors associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Results: We collected files of 46 patients. The mean age was 54.7 ± 19.9 years with a sex ratio of 1.4. The clinical presentation on admission was dominated by the presence of signs of peritoneal irritation (91.3%) and bowel obstruction (28.3%). The diagnosis was made preoperatively in 16 cases (34.8%). The surgical procedures consisted of colectomy with anastomosis in 28 cases (60.9%) and without anastomosis in 14 cases (30.4%). Postoperative morbidity was 60.9% dominated by surgical site infection (37%). Postoperative mortality was 39.1%. The existence of generalized peritonitis was associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications (p = 0.019). The main factors associated with postoperative mortality were resection with primary anastomosis (p = 0.027), enterocutaneous fistula (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Colic resection with primary anastomosis or ideal colectomy is associated with an increased risk of mortality and should therefore not be performed in this setting.

Laparoscopic Surgery of Incisional Hernia: Technique and Short-Term Results in Three Surgical Units in Cameroon

Introduction: Incisional hernia is a common medical situation and its treatment has always been a challenge for general surgeons. If laparoscopic repair has become a gold standard elsewhere, it is increasingly done in our milieu, but no data has been found. The aim of this study was to review this surgery done in our country so far, to describe the operative technique and to evaluate the postoperative outcomes. Patients and Methods: We conducted an observational descriptive study with retrospective collection of data from the 1st of July 2018 to 30th of June 2022, in three hospitals in Cameroon. Data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, surgical technique and postoperative outcomes of patients who had a laparoscopic repair of their incisional hernia were collected. Results: We reviewed 20 files. There were 14 women with an average age of 54.6 years. The average BMI was 32.8 kg/m2. Thirteen patients had a moderate size hernia and the hernia was localized at the midline in 18 cases. Only composite biface meshes were used with dimensions chosen to obtain at least 5 cm overlap. Spiral tacks were the only fixation means used. We registered 3 complications. One case of generalized peritonitis secondary to missed digestive perforation, one case of seroma and one case of postoperative ileus. We registered no death. Conclusion: Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernias is feasible in a resource-limited setting like ours. Compliance with the operative technique and recommendations is important to obtain short-term results closed to that put forward by literature.

Thoracoscopy in Cameroon: Indications, Technics and Short Term Results

Introduction: Thoracoscopy is a video-assisted surgical approach that mirrors the techniques used in thoracotomy. Our aim is to map the current state of thoracoscopy practice in Cameroon’s hospitals. Methods: This was a descriptive study that collected both retrospective and prospective data over 57 months across four hospitals in Cameroon. It included 13 patients and focused on variables such as socio-demographic factors, clinical profiles, surgical procedures, and postoperative follow-up. Results: Thirteen patients, predominantly male (84.6%, n = 11), with a mean age of 37.5 ± 16 years, were enrolled. Alcohol use (61.5%) and smoking (38.5%) were the most common past histories. The major complaints were dyspnea (84.6%) and chest pain (58.3%). The primary surgical procedure was clot-free thoracoscopy in 30.8% of cases, mainly for persistent hemothorax (41.8%). Most surgeries were elective (76.9%) and performed under general anesthesia with selective intubation (61.5%). The most common approach was single-port thoracoscopy (U-VATS) (76.9%), with no reported difficulties;however, one intraoperative incident occurred and was successfully treated. Drainage was performed systematically in all patients, and one case required conversion to open surgery. Postoperative complications were minor (Clavien-Dindo grade I) and mainly consisted of pain, with a mortality rate of 15.4%. No significant association was found between risk factors and the occurrence of complications or postoperative mortality. Conclusion: Thoracoscopy, a novel approach in our context, primarily focuses on minor thoracic surgeries.

Incidental Finding of Pyeloureteral Junction Syndrome during Extension Workup for Prostatic Adenocarcinoma

Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. In cases of suspected locally advanced disease or lymph node or bone metastases, thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT is still useful for detecting visceral metastases. In the course of this extension work-up, other abnormalities may be discovered by chance, which had previously remained silent, and which could be diagnosed and managed in childhood, hence the interest of presenting a case of incidental finding of pyeloureteral junction syndrome during extension workup for prostatic adenocarcinoma at Yaounde Central Hospital. Observation: A 72-year-old patient presented to the department with acute urinary retention. The clinical examination, with an empty bladder, and in particular the digital rectal exam (DRE), was in favor of malignant prostatic hypertrophy. A workup was ordered, including a total PSA returned to 61.3 ng/ml (PSA performed one week after the episode of acute urinary retention) with cytobacteriological examination of sterile urine. Renal function was slightly impaired, with creatinemia at 14 ng/ml. Renal and vesico-prostatic ultrasound revealed a 57 g prostate with regular, clean contours and a polycystic right kidney. A prostate biopsy was indicated, which revealed a histopathological aspect in favor of a prostatic adenocarcinoma ISUP 1. An extension work-up including a thoraco-abdomino-pelvic CT scan revealed no signs of local or distant secondary localization, but a pyeloureteral junction syndrome with significant hydronephrosis, parenchymal destruction and compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney was found. Conclusion: The prostate cancer extension work-up revealed a pathology that can be diagnosed early. It is therefore important to reinforce prenatal and natal screening, which will enable malformative uropathies to be identified early and corrected in time to preserve patients’ renal function. Furthermore, we must be careful in the ultrasound diagnosis of pyeloureteral junction syndrome.

Rib Osteosynthesis for Sub-Acute Management of a Flail Chest in a Tertiary Centre in a Low-Middle Income Country of Sub-Saharan Africa: Case Report at Douala Laquintinie Hospital

Background: Costal fracture surgical is still a debate, therefore we shall select between early and delay surgical management. Case Report: We are reporting two cases of post road traffic clash delay ribs fractures osteosynthesis involving a 63-year-old man with multistage fractures on the left and pulmonary pinning of one of the costal arches, complicated by a homolateral haemothorax and a 41-year-old man with a bilateral flail chest. Conclusion: The simple postoperative course and the immediate postoperative improvement in the patient’s clinical respiratory condition enabled us to discuss the time frame for management, in this case the indication for early or later surgery.

Prevalence, Management and Outcomes of Enterocutaneous Fistulas in Buea Regional Hospital and Laquintinie Hospital of Douala. A Five Years Retrospective Study

Background: An Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal connection between the intestinal tracts or stomach and the skin. They are a major catastrophe to the patient and surgeons and still have a high incidence of morbidity and mortality which varies between 6% - 33%;their management remains a big challenge. These patients frequently face complications, and a well-organized multidisciplinary approach must be implemented in their management to improve outcomes. Objectives: Our study aims to assess the prevalence, management and outcomes of enterocutaneous fistulas in Buea regional hospital and Laquintinie hospital of Douala over the past 5 years. Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective study in Buea regional hospital and Laquintinie hospital of Douala. Records of patients who had enterocutaneous fistulas within the period of 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2020 in the surgical departments. Data included demographics, pre-operative diagnosis, comorbidities, type of fistula, management modality and means, the indication of operative treatment, length of stay in the hospital and outcomes. Data was analysed using SPSSv26. Results: The study constituted 1343 medical records of which 83 medical records of patients with enterocutaneous fistulas, giving a prevalence of 6.2%, female predominance at 59% (n = 49), 42.2% (n = 35) were referred cases from the periphery for better management. A vast majority (96.4%) occurred as post-operative complications with appendectomy the most common indication (18.8%). High output fistulas were predominant (43.4%). 59% (n = 47) were managed medically, 6% (n = 5) received both conservative and surgical modalities while 35% (n = 5) were managed surgically. 64.1% (n = 50) were placed on enteral nutrition while 35.9% (n = 28) were placed on parenteral nutrition. Peritonitis/infection 50% (n = 18) was the commonest indication of surgical treatment, followed by failure of medical treatment 25% (n = 9) then high output fistulas 16.7% (n = 6). Resection with end-to-end anastomosis was the preferred repaired work at 61% (n = 22). The mortality rate was 38.5% (n = 32), 29% (n = 24) healed after conservative treatment, 21.7% (n = 18) healed after surgery, 7.2% (n = 6) persisted after surgery while 3.6% (n = 3) persisted after conservative treatment. Anaemia, sepsis, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration and malnutrition were the commonest complications. Conclusion: The prevalence of enterocutaneous fistulas was high, with a female predominance and a mean age of 38 years. Most cases were seen as a referral from the periphery for better management. The greatest majority of fistulas occurred as a postoperative complications. Conservative management with enteral feedings was preferred, they had better outcomes and gave more chances of healing. The commonest indication of surgical treatment was an infection. Resection with end-to-end anastomosis was the preferred repaired work. The mortality rate was high, and anaemia, sepsis and electrolyte imbalance were the commonest complications.

Prevalence, Aetiology, and Clinical Profile of Acute Abdomen in Pregnancy in Southwest Cameroon: A 5-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Acute abdomen is one of the commonest reasons for presentation at the emergency department. The physiologic changes of pregnancy increase the chances of developing acute abdomen. The global incidence of acute abdomen in pregnancy range from 1 in 500 to 1 in 635 pregnant women. In 2018, a study in Azerbaijan reported a prevalence of 25%. However, to the best of our knowledge, very few studies have been carried out on this subject in Cameroon. Objectives: To determine the prevalence, assess the aetiologies, and review clinical profile of acute abdomen in pregnancy in the Southwest Cameroon. Methods: We conducted a 5-year retrospective study at the Obst/Gyn and Surgical units of Kumba, Buea, and Limbe Regional Hospitals. We included all files of pregnant women that were admitted for acute abdomen within the study period (1st Jan 2017 to 31st Dec 2021). Data was collected using a structured checklist adapted from previous studies. Descriptive statistics and statistical testing was done using SPSS version 25.0. Chi-square was used to compare categorical variables. p Results: Over 14,106 pregnant women were admitted to the aforementioned hospitals within the study period. 335 (2.4%) met our inclusion criteria. The patients’ age ranged from 17 to 43 years. The mean age was 27 years. Acute abdomen was more frequent (65%) in the first trimester. Ectopic pregnancy was the commonest obstetric aetiology while appendicitis was the commonest non obstetric surgical aetiology. Abdominal pain and tenderness were the most common presentation. Conclusion: The prevalence of acute abdomen in pregnancy in the Southwest Cameroon is 10 times higher than the global prevalence. Our study also confirmed the numerous aetiologies and varied clinical presentations of acute abdomen in pregnancy. Hence a wake-up call for primary care physicians.

Internal Lateral Sphincterotomy in Yaounde: Comparative Short-Term Results of Open versus Closed Techniques

Background: Chronic anal fissure is a benign disorder which is associated with considerable discomfort. Aim of the Work: The aim of this study was to compare the post-operative results of open and closed internal lateral sphincterotomies in the short and medium term. Patient and Methods: We carried out a prospective randomized comparative study in the digestive and visceral surgery departments of Central Hospital of Yaounde over a period of 15 months. Patients were evaluated for each technique by several variables, including duration of surgery, post-operative pain, recurrence, surgical wound infection, gas and/or stool incontinence, and healing time with follow-up up to 12 months postoperatively. Results: A total of 63 patients underwent surgery within them we had 32 open lateral internal sphincterotomies (group 1) and 31 closed lateral internal sphincterotomies (group 2). There were 35 men and 28 women with a sex ratio of 1.25. The mean age was 35.36 ± 10.16 years with extremes ranging from 19 to 62 years. The typical presentation was pain on defecation. The majority of fissures were located at the posterior commissure. The average duration of the procedure was longer in patients in group 1 (15.34 minutes) compared to 5.22 minutes in patients in group 2. We found 3.12% of surgical wound infections in patients in group 1 and neither patient in group 2. Gas incontinence was 6.45% in group 2 patients and 28.12% in group 1. The mean intensity of pain at 24 hours post-operative was between 4 and 6 on the visual analogue scale in patients in group 2 and between 7 and 10 in group 1. Wound healing time was 8.9 days in group 1 and 4 days in group 2 patients. The hospital stay was 24 hours for both groups of patients. No recurrence was noted during the 6-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Closed lateral internal anal sphincterotomy is the treatment of choice for chronic anal fissures because it is effective and associated with a lower complication rate than the open sphincterotomy technique.

Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Traject with Placement of a Prosthesis: A New Technique in the Treatment of Fistula-in-Ano at Yaounde Central Hospital (Cameroon)

Background: Ligation of the inter-sphincter fistula tract associated with anal plug (LIFT-Plug) is a new anal fistula treatment procedure at the Yaoundé Central Hospital. A two-sided prosthesis piece bent in the shape of a cone is used here as an anal plug. The aim of this work was to evaluate the therapeutic results and the safety of this device. Patients and Methods: The clinical data of patients operated by the LIFT-Plug technique from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 for a high anal fistula were analyzed prospectively. The variables evaluated were operative time, cure rate, postoperative complications and recurrence rate. Results: We included 28 patients with a mean age of 42 years. The sex ratio was 1.15. No patient presented preoperative continence disorder. The fistula was high trans-sphincteric in 89.3% of cases. The average duration of surgery was 55.2 minutes (45 to 66 minutes). The postoperative course was straightforward, although 60.7% of the patients had experienced tingling that resolved spontaneously. Three patients (10.7%) presented with transient gas incontinence (WIS of 4) which completely resolved after one month. All patients healed within a mean of 63.21 days (25 to 95 days). At the end of the 6-month follow-up, no case of recurrence had been recorded. Conclusion: The LIFT-Plug is a simple, safe and effective technique for the treatment of upper anal fistula without major impairment of continence despite delayed healing. The adapted two-sided prosthesis is a good alternative to the conventional anal plug.

Emergency Digestive Oncological Surgery in Yaounde (Cameroon): Indications and Short-Term Results

Background: Data on emergency digestive oncology surgery are limited in Cameroon. The aim of this work was to give the short-term results of emergency digestive carcinological surgery in our context. Patients and Methods: We conducted a descriptive and analytical observational study with retrospective data collection in four reference hospitals in the city of Yaoundé. Files of patients who had emergency digestive oncological surgery, for an acute complication, from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020, were included. The outcomes of the patients in the 30 days following the surgery had to be known. Results: We collected 41 patients, representing 20% of the digestive oncological surgery activity. Their average age was 51.76 ± 16.59 years with a male predominance (63.4%). The cancer complication was inaugural in 27 patients. The main tumor sites were colic (56.1%), rectal (19.5%), and gastric (9.7%). The indications for surgery were: acute bowel obstruction (60.9%), acute generalized peritonitis (29.3%), and gastrointestinal bleeding (4.9%). The tumor was diagnosed intraoperatively in 10 patients (24.4%). The main operative procedures were left colectomy (21.9%) and Hartmann’s intervention (19.5%). The morbidity and mortality rates were 60.9% and 43.9%, respectively. Preoperative anemia (p = 0.019), peritonitis as indication for surgery (p = 0.039) and TNM stage 4 (p = 0.015) were identified as associated with an increased risk of death. Conclusion: In our context, one-fifth of digestive oncological surgery is done urgently in front of an acute complication which is inaugural for cancer in nearly two-thirds of patients. Postoperative morbidity and mortality are significant.

Traumatic Rupture of the Diaphragm: Retrospective Study of 27 Cases Operated in Three Hospitals in Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Background: Traumatic ruptures of the diaphragm (TRD) are serious lesions that are often part of polytrauma. They pose a real diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in a disadvantaged environment such as ours. Methods: We conducted a descriptive observational study covering a period of 11 years in 3 referral hospitals in the city of Yaound&#233 (Cameroon). All patients who had undergone surgery for a traumatic rupture of the diaphragm between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2020, and whose outcome within 30 days of surgery was known were included. Results: A total of 27 patients were collected. Their mean age was 36.4 ± 19.7 years. There was a strong male predominance with 22 cases (81.5%). The TRD occurred mainly after an assault (n = 9, 33.3%), was mainly on the left side (n = 25, 92.6%) and was most often part of a polytrauma (n = 17, 62.9%). The lesions associated with TRD were mainly visceral (n = 11) and bony (n = 6). The diagnosis was made preoperatively in only 13 patients (48.1%). The average length of the diaphragmatic breach was 6.4 ± 4.5 cm and a simple suture was most often used for the repair (26 cases or 96.3%). Four osteosynthesis procedures were performed at the same time as the diaphragmatic repair. The morbidity rate was 51.9%, with surgical site infection as the main complication. Six deaths (22.2%) were recorded;septic shock was the main etiology (n = 4). Conclusion: The hospital incidence of TRD remains low in our context. These lesions remain associated with significant morbidity and mortality and require a multidisciplinary approach.

Survival and Quality of Life of Patients after Rectal Cancer Surgery in a Low-Income Country: A Study in Cameroon, Sub-Saharan African Region

Background: Survival of patients after rectal cancer surgery as well as their quality of life (QoL) has been little studied in Africa and never in our country in particular. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional multicentre study in Yaoundé (Cameroon). We reviewed operating reports of the selected departments to identify patients operated from January 2010 to December 2019 for a rectal cancer. The outcome of patients enrolled had to be known until December 2020. Patients who were alive were contacted to evaluate their QoL using the EORTC QLQ C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL questionnaire). Results: During the study period, rectal cancer was ranked 4th within the digestive cancers. We included 68 patients;their mean age was 49.74 years and 41.18% were under 45. The sex ratio was 1.19 in favour of males. The tumour was mainly located in the lower rectum (45.6%). The main surgical procedure implemented was abdomino-perineal resection (42.6%). Forty-one patients died, giving a mortality rate of 60.29%. The mean survival time was 13 months. The 5-year survival rate for the 32 patients operated from January 2010 to December 2015 was 21.87%. The overall QoL of the 27 living patients was good with a mean of 62.346 ± 15.907. Sexual complications and urinary disorders were found in 40.74% and 14.81% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: There is a low hospital incidence of rectal cancer in our context. The 5-year survival after rectal cancer surgery is poor while the QoL of living patients is good.

Results of Adults Laparoscopic Varicocelectomy in a Limited Setting: A Study in Yaoundé(Cameroon)

Background: Varicocele is an abnormal dilation and tortuosity of the internal spermatic veins within the pampiniform plexus veins draining the testicle. The principle of varicocele treatment is to block the reflux in the internal spermatic vein while preserving the internal spermatic artery, lymphatics and vas deferens. Treatment can be performed through percutaneous venous embolization or surgical correction, either open or laparoscopic approach. The purpose of the study was to review our experience in the management of laparoscopic varicocele repair and to assess the outcomes after operation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed files of patients who underwent laparoscopic varicocelectomy from January 2010 to December 2009 in three health center of Yaoundé (Cameroon). Clinical and diagnosis features of varicocele, indication for surgery, operative procedure and outcomes, as well as long-term follow-up of were analyzed. Results: A total of 74 file of patients were collected. The average age of patients was 36.93 years old. Among them, 43 (58.11%) had varicocele grade 1, 21 (28.38%) grade 2, and 2 (2.70%) grade 3. Fifty-four (72.97%) cases had bilateral varicocele, 17 (22.97%) and 3 (4.05%) patients had left and right varicocele respectively. 42(56.7%) patients complained for fertility problem. Scrotal pain was found in 26 (35.13%) cases. The pneumoperitoneum was achieved in all cases through a supra-umbilical open coelioscopy with the insertion of a 10 mm-optic port. Two 5 mm working ports were used in all cases. Dilated veins were clipped without section simple in 56 cases (75.68%). the mean operative time was 31.9 min ± 8.6 min. With a mean follow-up period of 27 months, we recorded 4.05% of recurrence and hydrocele in 1 case (1.35%), symptoms’ regression in 87% of cases and pregnancy in 65.9% of cases of infertility. Conclusion: Laparoscopic varicocelectomy is feasible and safe in our setting, with good results. We emphasize this approach in even in low setting like our own.

Injury Patterns and Treatment Outcome of Road Traffic Crash Victims at the Emergency Department of the Regional Hospital Limbe, Cameroon

Background: Traumatic injuries constitute a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide with a global burden that is on the rise. The aim of this study is to analyse preliminary data of the Limbe trauma registry, to describe the injury patterns and determine the outcome of care of the injured who were treated in the emergency department of the regional hospital Limbe in Cameroon. Methodology: This was a descriptive secondary analysis of prospective data collected on injury at Limbe Regional Hospital in two years, between October 2008 and October 2010. All cases of injury presenting to the emergency department of Limbe Regional Hospital were included in a prospective trauma registry. Data was collected with a pre-tested data entry form and included the age, sex, mechanism of injury, delay before arrival to hospital, body part injured, description of lesions and outcome at the emergency. Descriptive analyses were done using STATA 14. Comparisons between groups were evaluated using Chi-squared test or Kruskal-Wallis and p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 2400 cases of injury were recorded during the study period with more males (68%) than females. The ages ranged from 0 to 90 years with a peak between 20 to 39 years. Road traffic crash was the most common cause of injury representing 60.81% of the population (n = 1434);other causes were burns, falls, domestic injuries, assaults, and labour accidents. The accidents mostly involved motor cycle alone (42.03%). Concerning the outcome of care at the emergency department, 88.73% (n = 1260) were discharged. Conclusion: The burden of road traffic injuries in south west Cameroon is high. Motorcycles are mostly involved alone or with pedestrians and/or cars.

The Epidemiological Profil of Digestive Cancers in Secondary and Tertiary Health Care Facilities in Cameroon

Background: Cancers have been a major public health problem in developing countries in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of digestive cancers in secondary and tertiary health care facilities in Cameroon. Methodology: This was a cross sectional and descriptive study conducted over a period of 12 months in 14 health structures over the national territory. Included in our study were patients aged 15 and above with a histologically proven digestive cancer, patients with a clinical, biological and morphologic evidence of a digestive cancer. Socio-demographic (age, gender, region of origin, profession), clinical (symptoms on diagnosis, personal and family past history, consumption habits, tumour location) and paraclinical data were recorded on a pretested questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Quantitative data was expressed as means with their corresponding standard deviations. Chi square was used for correlation between variables. A P value 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Five hundred and eighty-two cases of digestive cancers were recorded out of 37,780 consultations/admissions during the study period giving a prevalence of 1.5% with a male predominance (58.1%). The mean age was 53.11 ± 17.26 years (15 - 99) with 33.8% of them below 45 years of age. Tumours were predominantly localized in the liver (43.5%) and colon (24.9%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type in 44.5% of all cases. Alcohol consumption was found to be associated with colorectal cancer (p = 0.028) while tobacco consumption was found to be significantly associated with oesophageal cancer (p ≤ 0.001) and gastric cancer (p = 0.0047). Conclusion: A third of patients with digestive cancers were aged less than 45 years suggesting an early onset of these cancers in our setting. Relatively low prevalence with the liver being the most common site of localisation in our setting.

Outcomes and Quality of Life of Patients with a Digestive Stoma in Sub-Saharan Africa: Case of the Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon

Introduction: The installation of a digestive stoma involves changes affecting all aspects of the patients’ lives. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a digestive stoma on the quality of life of patients operated on at the Yaounde Central Hospital (YCH). Patients and Methodology: We conducted a prospective descriptive study over a period of 12 months from June 2018 to May 2019 in all patients with a digestive stoma for at least 3 months operated on at the YCH. The follow-up was done within 12 months. Quality of life was assessed using the stoma QOL (quality of life) and self-image using the BIS (Body Image Scale). Results: We collected a total of 34 patients, of whom 22 were male, giving an M/F sex ratio of 1.8. The average age of the patients was 42.8 years. The indications were tumoral in 44.11% of cases (n = 15) and non-tumoral in 55.88% of cases (n = 19). The colon was the most frequently ablated organ (n = 26) with 76.5% of colostomies. The complication rate was 67.6%. Stomal oedema was the most common early complication with 38.2% of cases. All patients used colostomy bags. The average time to return to sexual activity was 8 months for men and 9 months for women. 85.3% of the patients had an average impairment of quality of life according to the Stoma Quality of Life Scale. According to the Body Image Scale, 73.5% of the patients had a moderate dissatisfaction with their self-image. Conclusion: The realization of a digestive stoma imposes a long-term follow-up especially on the psychological level in order to allow the empowerment of the patients who all have a modification of their quality of life and their self-image.