Watson-Jones Anatomical Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Proximal Femoral Fractures without Image Intensifier in a Low-Resource Setting

Introduction: Standard procedures for surgical fixation of proximal femoral fractures (PFF) require an image intensifier which in developing countries remains a luxury. We hypothesized that, with a well-codified technique, the Watson Jones approach (WJA) without image intensifier nor traction table, can allow open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of PFF using Dynamic hip screw (DHS), with satisfactory outcome. Patients and methods: Forty one consecutive patients (mean age 59.5 ± 21.6 years, 61% males) who were followed in a Teaching Hospital for PFF treated by ORIF using the WJA and DHS from January 2016 to December 2020 were reassessed. The outcome measures were the quality of the reduction, the positioning of the implants, the tip-apex distance (TAD), the rate and delay of consolidation, the functional results using Postel Merle d’Aubigné (PMA) score, the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) and the overall mortality. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with mechanical failure. Results: The mean follow-up period was 33.8 ± 15.0 months. Fracture reduction was good in 31 (75.6%) cases and acceptable in 8(19.5%) cases. Implant position was fair to good in 37 (90.2%) patients. The mean TAD was 26.1 ± 3.9 mm. Three patients developed SSI. Consolidation was achieved in 38 (92.6%) patients. The functional results were good to excellent in 80.5% of patients. The overall mortality rate was 7.3%. There were an association between mechanical failure and osteoporosis (p = 0.04), fracture reduction (p = 0.003), and TAD (p = 0.025). In multivariate logistic regression, no independent factors were predictive of mechanical failure. Conclusion: This study shows that ORIF using DHS for PFF via the Watson-Jones approach without an image intensifier can give satisfactory anatomical and functional outcomes in low-resource settings. It provides and validates a reliable and reproducible technique that deserves to be diffused to surgeons in austere areas over the world.

Evaluation of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy in the Management of Renal and Ureteral Calculi

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal lithotripsy in the management of renal and ureteric calculi in a urology center in Douala, Cameroon. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out over six years, between January 2014 and December 2020. All the patients were treated using a Direx Integra lithotripter, with the number of shockwaves ranging from 1200 to 3500, without anaesthesia and were discharged a few hours after the procedure on the same day. In a majority (63.75%) of the cases, the calculi were incidental findings. A Double-J stent was indicated in two patients and preceded extracorporeal lithotripsy because of renal colic and signs of urinary tract infection. Results: We recruited a total of 122 patients with a mean age of 42.19 ± 13.08. We had 65 (53.3%) males and all patients had at least one calculus confirmed by CT scan with a mean size of 13.84 ± 4.17 mm, 85 (69.7%) patients became completely stone-free after a maximum of four sessions of extracorporeal lithotripsy (ESWL). 21 (17.2%) patients had intermediate results, being asymptomatic and/or having less than three residual fragments that measured less than 4 mm. The failure rate was 13.9%, with 17 patients still having more than three fragments measuring more than 4 mm after 4 ESWL sessions. 1 (0.8%) had septic shock as a post ESWL complication while 6 (4.9%) benefitted from a complimentary medical and/or surgical treatment (double J stent placement). Conclusion: The management of renal and ureteral calculi through extracorporeal lithotripsy in adults seems to be particularly effective for renal calculi measuring less than 20 mm and ureteral calculi measuring less than 15 mm. Extracorporeal lithotripsy, which can be performed on an outpatient basis (and without anaesthesia) is associated with minimal complications, and remains the option of choice for most upper urinary tract calculi.

Chronic Lymphoedema and Bone Infarction: Rare Complications of Multiple Segmental Fractures of the Lower Limb in a Young Adult

Multiple segmental fractures of the lower limbs, common in developing countries, are the prerogative of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) involving two-wheeled vehicles. Their management is difficult, associated with complications, and is most often based on a two-stage strategy: Damage Control Orthopaedics, followed by delayed internal osteosynthesis. The aim is to allow early functional rehabilitation and rapid recovery of patients. We report the case of a 39-year-old man, bike rider, after his RTA, presented with segmental homolateral fractures of the femur and two bones of the left leg. Short-term evolution was marked by the appearance of significant lymphedema and bone infarctions of the lower left limb necessitating a transfemoral amputation. Through this observation, the authors highlight the problems related to the complexity of the management of multiple segmental fractures of the lower limb by emphasizing two post-traumatic complications rarely described but to be feared: chronic lymphedema and bone infarction.

Hystererectomy in a Tertiary Hospital in a Sub-Saharan Setting: A 20-Year Retrospective Review of the Indications, Types and Analysis of Technical Index

Background: Hysterectomy is one of the most performed surgeries through the world, even in Sub Saharan setting where indications are not rare. Objective: To study the frequency, indications, surgical methods, and complications of hysterectomies at the Douala General Hospital. Patients and methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study over a 20-year period, from the 1st January 2000 to 31st December 2019, in the department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of the Douala General Hospital, a tertiary health facility in Cameroon, central Africa. All patients who underwent hysterectomies for gynaecological or obstetrical indications and whose files were complete were retained. Results: Out of a total of 7126 gynaecological and obstetrical surgical cases 1007 were hysterectomies, giving a frequency of 14.21%. Meanwhile, 968 files fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The average age of the patients was 45.75 ± 7.71 years (range 19 to 75 years). The indications included symptomatic fibroids 64.15% (621 cases), gynaecological cancers 13.94% (135 cases), severe cervical dysplasia 11.15% (108 cases), and endometrial hyperplasia with atypia 7.02% (68 cases), haemostatic hysterectomies 2.68% (26 cases), uterine prolapse 0.82% (8 cases), a case of post abortion uterine necrosis (0.10%) and a case of uterine endometriosis (0.10%). Laparotomy was the main surgical approach 86.05% (833 cases), followed by the vaginal route, 10.20% (97 cases) and then laparoscopy 3.92% (38 cases). The average length of hospital stay was 6.07 ± 1.92 days following laparotomy, 3 ± 1.09 days following the vaginal route, and 3.6 ± 1.04 days following laparoscopy. The main intra-operative complications included haemorrhage, 1.75% (17 cases), bladder injuries 0.82% (8 cases) and ureteral injuries 0.72% (7 patients). Post-operative complications mainly included: fever 3.61% (35 cases), anaemia 2.5% (24 cases) and abdominal wall sepsis 0.92% (9 cases). Conclusion: The frequency of hysterectomy was 14.21%. Uterine fibroid, gynaecological cancer and cervical dysplasia were the main indications. Intra-operative haemorrhage, bladder and ureteral injuries were the major complications. Increase in the practice of vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies could contribute to the reduction of peri and post-operative complications and hospital stay. Thus reinforcement of abilities is required.

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.

Cardiac Surgery at Yaoundé General Hospital by a Local Team: Activity Report from September 2022 to January 2024

Introduction: The practice of cardiac surgery (CS) in sub-Saharan Africa faces a number of challenges. We report on the surgical activities of the first 17 months of the program launched at the Yaoundé General Hospital (YGH), describing the types of interventions and the early results. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study including patients who underwent CS from September 2022 to January 2024 at the YGH. Clinical, operative and postoperative data were collected and analysed retrospectively by R software. Results: A total of 37 patients underwent CS during the study period, divided into 23 (62.2%) open-heart and 14 (37.8%) closed-heart cases. Males predominated (sex ratio 1.17). The median age and interquartile range (IQR) were 36 years (9 - 51). Isolated valve surgery, in 15 (40.5%) cases, was the most common procedure in open-heart surgery cases. Closed-heart surgery involved closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in 9 (24.3%) cases, coronary artery bypass grafting in 3 (8.1%) cases, and pericardectomy in 2 (5.4%) cases. The median duration of extracorporeal circulation and aortic cross-clamping was 101 min (IQR 84 - 143) and 74 min (IQR 54 - 112) respectively. The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 2 hours (IQR 2 - 3). The median intensive care unit stay and median hospital stay were 2 days (IQR 2 - 3) and 7 days (IQR 5 - 8) respectively. Operative mortality was 2 (5.4%). Conclusion: Cardiac surgery remains a major challenge for African populations. The early results achieved by the local team are satisfactory. An increase in surgical activity should be strongly encouraged to facilitate local training and ensure the sustainability of the activity.

Primary Post-Partum Haemorrhage Following Vaginal Deliveries at the Douala General Hospital: Prevalence, Causes and Risk Factors

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. It occurs predominantly in developing countries due to poorly developed infrastructures and lack of skilled birth attendants. Objective: To identify the prevalence, causes and risk factors of primary postpartum haemorrhage following vaginal deliveries in a referral hospital (Douala General Hospital-Cameroon). Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical study carried in the Douala General Hospital (DGH) for which socio-demographic, clinical, obstetric and post-partum data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis and logistic regression allowed us to present and discuss our results, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and p value < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of Primary Postpartum Haemorrhage was 1.33%. Quantification of bleeding was reported in only 13.15% of cases. The main causes were: uterine atony (36.18%), placental retention (25.65%), cervical tears (12.50%), perineal tears (10.52%) and cervico-vaginal tears (08.52%). The risk factors were: age between 19 - 35 years aOR = 4.52;95% CI = 2.65 - 7.98;p = 0.021);unemployment (aOR = 4.74;95% CI = 2.91 - 6.02;p = 0.001);being multigravida (aOR = 9.21;95% CI = 6.43 - 12.48;p = 0.035);history of abortion (aOR = 5.11;95% CI = 2.05 - 7.29;p = 0.004);preterm delivery (aOR = 6.88;95% CI = 2.72 - 9.06;p = 0.002);duration of labour > 12 hours (aOR = 4.05;95% CI = 2.46 - 7.98;p = 0.003) and macrosomia (aOR = 3.27;95% CI = 1.03 - 5.68;p = 0.041). Conclusion: Primary postpartum haemorrhage remains a poorly assessed obstetric complication in the maternity ward of the Douala General Hospital (DGH);Training staff on quantifying postpartum blood loss and monitoring the second and third stages of labour can help to better manage and reduce its occurrence.

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.

Electrocardiographic Safety of Daily Hydroxychloroquine 400 mg Plus Azithromycin 250 mg as an Ambulatory Treatment for COVID-19 Patients in Cameroon

Objective: To determine the early electrocardiographic changes in a cohort of ambulatory cameroonian COVID-19 patients treated with hydroxychlo- roquine and Azithromycin. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Treatment centres of the city of Yaounde, Cameroon, from May 7th to 24th 2020. Participants: We enrolled 51 consecutive confirmed COVID-19 on RT-PCR who having mild forms of COVID-19 and treated by hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice daily during seven #days plus Azithromycin 500 mg the first day and 250 mg the remaining 4 days as per national standard. Main Outcomes Measures: The primary end-point was the change in QTc interval between day 0 (D0), day 3 (D3) and day 7 (D7). Secondary endpoints were changes in all other cardiac electrical conductivity patterns and the occurrence of clinical arrhythmic events during the course of treatment. Results: The population (29 men and 22 women) was aged 39 ± 11 years (range 17 to 61 years). Mean Tisdale score was 3.35 ± 0.48. No significant change from baseline (D0) of QTc was observed at D7 (429 ± 27 ms at D0 versus 396 ± 26 ms at D7;p = 0.27). A reduction of heart rate was observed between the D0 and D7 (75 ± 13 bpm versus 70 ± 13 bpm, p = 0.02) with increased QRS duration between D0 and D7 (95 ± 10 ms versus 102 ± 17 ms, p = 0.004). No symptomatic arrhythmic events occurred during the treatment course. Conclusions: No life-threatening modification of the QT interval was observed in non-severe COVID-19 patients treated ambulatory with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin. Studies are needed in critical-ill and older patients.

Nephrectomy in a Patient with Medullary Sponge Kidney Associated with Severe Nephrocalcinosis and Nephrolithiasis: A Rare Condition

Background: Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is a disturbance of renal development characterized by cystic dilation and diffuse precalyceal duct ectasia. The disease affects both genders in equal proportions and is generally diagnosed in adulthood, as a result of recurrent calcium nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. The most frequently encountered manifestations being renal colic, microscopic or macroscopic hematuria, and fever. The intravenous pyelogram is standard for diagnosis and metabolic workup is required to identify the underlying cause. The main goal of treatment is to prevent recurrence and disease progression. Though considered a benign condition, a nephrectomy may often be required in patients presenting late with irreversible complications and end-stage renal disease. Aim: To highlight and discuss the presentation and management of a rare case of nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis secondary to the medullary sponge kidney. Case presentation: We report herein the case of a 56-year-old male with long-standing hematuria in whom a diagnosis of medullary sponge kidney disease was made and he underwent a left total nephrectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusion: Nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis are complications of MSK and can result in irreversible renal damage. A high index of suspicion is necessary for patients presenting with renal colic, recurrent urinary tract infections, or hematuria for prompt diagnosis and management.

Hormone-Naïve Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Presentation of 110 Cases in a Urology Center in the City of Douala, Cameroon

Aim: According to World Health Organization, prostate cancer is one of the increasing malignancies in men worldwide. This paper aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects of patients with early metastatic prostate cancer in a urology center in the city of Douala in Cameroon. Materials and Methods: It is a retrospective and descriptive study of 110 patients with prostate cancer that was immediately metastatic at diagnosis over a period of six years (from January 2014 to December 2020). Results: The average age of patients at diagnosis was 67.5 years (range: 45 years to 88 years) and 53.63% of patients had body mass indexes greater than 25. Disorders of the lower urinary tract were the main presenting complaint in 55.45% of cases, followed by bone and joint pain in 46.36% of cases. Digital rectal examination was suggestive of prostate cancer in 96.36% of cases with an average total prostatic specific antigen (PSAT) level of 676.9 ng/ml (range: 21.8 to 8832 ng/ml). The diagnosis was made through prostate biopsy in 57 (51.81%) patients or after palliative endoscopic resection of the prostate indicated for lower urinary tract symptoms or even acute urinary retention in 53 (48.18%) patients. Adenocarcinoma of the prostate was the main histologic type, and in 47.27% of cases, the tumor was poorly differentiated with a Gleason’s score of greater than 7. The sites of metastasis were mainly the lymph node (87.27%), bone (56.36%), and both (44.54%). The treatment was palliative and dominated by bilateral pulpectomy in 60% of cases and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (Triptorelin 11.25 mg every 3 months) in 44 (40%) of cases. Conclusion: Prostate cancer is a real public health problem in developed countries but also in Africa, especially in Cameroon. It is aggressive cancer that is often diagnosed when metastasis has already occurred. Its management is essentially palliative.

Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Cystoprostatectomy for Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: Results and Oncologic Outcomes in a Single Center in Douala Cameroon

Background and Aim: Radical cystectomy is the treatment of choice for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Although open surgery is currently the gold standard for this procedure, it can also be done via laparoscopy. We aimed to evaluate the oncologic results and the place of laparoscopic cystectomy in the management of bladder cancer in a single urology center in Douala, Cameroon. Patients and Methods: This is a prospective, single-center study carried out from 2015 to 2019. We included 12 patients (ten men and two women) with bladder cancer who underwent total radical laparoscopic transperitoneal cystectomy with ilio-obturator lymph node dissection. Data on patients’ demographic characteristics, pre-operative and postoperative clinical parameters and workup results, and surgical outcomes were collected to determine the overall survival using a Kaplan-Meier curve. Results: We recruited ten men and two women with a median age of 61.5 [52.8 - 68.5] years. The mean tumor diameter was 3.75 ± 1.06 cm. Three (25%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy while eight did not. The mean surgery duration was 242 ± 45.85 minutes. Blood vessels and nerves were preserved in four (33.33%) patients during surgery. Transitional cell carcinoma was found in 10 (83.33%) patients while epidermoid carcinoma was found in two (16.67%) patients. Metastasis occurred in four (33.33%) patients while the tumor recurred in two (16.67%) patients who later died. Bricker’s ileal conduit urinary diversion was performed in 10 (83.33%) patients while the Studer neobladder was used in two (16.67%) patients. The mean duration of hospitalization was 6 ± 1.48 days. Only one patient (8.33%) developed a postoperative complication. Six (50%) of the patients died while six survived. The median overall survival was 486 days and the five-year overall survival rate was 46.47%. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cystectomy is a mini-invasive technique associated with good cancer control. When performed by well-trained staff using specialized equipment, it can be a safe and effective method of managing muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Bladder Cancer in Young Patients: Management and Outcomes

Background and Objective: Bladder cancer frequently occurs between the ages of 50 years and 70 years and rarely occurs before the age of 40 years. It accounts for 1% - 4% of all cases of cancer. This study focuses on the clinical, etiological, histological, therapeutic, and evolutive profiles of patients with bladder cancer aged less than 45 years. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out over seven years (from January 2014 to December 2020) on 15 patients below 45 years of age who were being treated for bladder cancer. The diagnosis was made in all patients via cystoscopy and abdominal computerized tomography, while the nature, grade, and degree of infiltration were determined via endoscopic resection and pathology. Results: The mean age of the 15 patients in this study was 34.4 ± 5.19 years. In 86.6% of cases, the patients had macroscopic hematuria as the main presenting complaint. Twelve patients (80%) had bladder tumors that did not infiltrate the muscle. These patients were followed up clinically. In 86.6% of cases, there was a single tumor with a mean diameter of 2.53 cm. In four patients (26.6%), mitomycin was started early. The overall rates of tumor recurrence and progression were 26.6% and 20%, respectively. Conclusion: Bladder cancer also occurs in young people, with similar clinical and epidemiological profiles as exists in elderly patients. The prognosis of bladder cancer in young people depends on the treatment method chosen by the physician.

Prognostic Value of the Brain CT-Scan in Head Trauma in Yaounde Central Hospital

Introduction: Cranial trauma is a serious medico-surgical pathology that hinders the vital and functional prognosis. The Rotterdam computed tomography (CT) score refined features of the Marshall score. This score was designed to categorize traumatic brain injury (TBI) type and severity in adults. The aim of our research was to evaluate the association between the Rotterdam CT scores of patients after a cranial traumatism in terms of survival. Material and methods: It was a cross-sectional and analytical study from January 2018 to March 2020, using medical records of patients suffering from cranial traumatism, received and taken in charge in the Yaounde central hospital. Results: 100 patients were retained out of 115 recruited patients. The average age was 35.20 with a sex ratio of 4.55. The Rotterdam score was between 1 and 5 with a median of 2. The overall mortality at 6 months and 1 year was 32%. With an equal score compared to European studies, we recorded significantly higher mortality. We found the sequelae in 24% of the patients. GOS ranged from 1 to 5, and survival without sequelae (GOS 1) was the most represented. There was a positive correlation between the Rotterdam score and the GOS with a Pearson correlation coefficient of +0.514. Conclusion: The death rate in Rotterdam score equals is greater in our context compared to European studies.

Correlation between the International Prostate Symptom Score, Ultrasound Features and Maximum Flow Rate in Cameroonian Patients with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Background: Benign prostatic hypertrophy is the non-malignant stromal and epithelial proliferation of the prostate gland, with or without associated anatomical enlargement of the gland and clinical symptoms. Symptomatic Benign prostatic hypertrophy may cause obstructive symptoms, irritative symptoms or both obstructive symptoms include a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, straining to void, urinary hesitancy and weak stream while irritative symptoms include dysuria, nocturia, urinary frequency and urinary urgency. A quantitative measure of the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hypertrophy can be obtained using the International Prostate Symptoms Score. Ultrasonography is useful for helping to determine bladder and prostate size in patients with urinary lower urinary tract symptoms. Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive test that assesses voiding function. It provides valuable data on the voided volume, time is taken to reach maximum flow rate and average flow rate. The goal of this study was to improve the follow up of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy by providing simple, available, affordable and non-invasive that best predict bladder outlet obstruction and the quality of life in these patients. Method: This was a cross-sectional analytic study carried out over a period of five months from May 2020 to September 2020 at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, which is a tertiary hospital in Cameroon. Were included in the study, adult males who presented with lower urinary tract symptoms and prostatic enlargement suggestive of benign prostatic hypertrophy taking into account clinical, uroflowmetry and ultrasound findings. Results: A study population of 103 participants was recruited. The mean age of patients was 63.17 ± 10.26 years. Concerning the International Prostate Symptoms Score, the mean total, voiding (obstructive) and storage (irritative) scores were 14.6 ± 6.2, 8.5 ± 4.1 and 6.05 ± 2.7 respectively. The mean maximum flow rate was 13.44 ± 3.88 mL/s. The mean prostate volume was 53.71 ± 16.46 ml. A majority of patients have an enlarged prostate 1.5 to 2 times (46 to 60 mL) the upper limit for normal value. The intravesical prostatic protrusion was present in eighty-three (80.58%) and absent in 20 (19.42%). Above a prostate volume of 60 mL, 91% to 100% of our patients had intravesical prostatic protrusion. There was strong evidence (p < 0.001) that a change from no intravesical prostatic protrusion to intravesical prostatic protrusion grade 1 increased the chances of having a low maximum flow rate with a crude odds ratio of 7.98. The adjusted odds ratio after multivariate analysis was 5.26 and this remained statistically significant (p = 0.03). Conclusion: the measure of intravesical prostatic protrusion is superior to the prostate volume in the assessment of maximum flow rate and thus the follow up of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy. This measure which is non-invasive, easy to measure, easily accessible, and cost effective may be a useful tool in predicting voiding dysfunction and acute urinary retention.

Laparoscopic Pyelolithotomy: Initial Experience with 62 Patients

Objective: To evaluate the role of the laparoscopic approach in the management of pelvic calculi in a urology centre in Douala, Cameroon. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out from 2014 to 2019 involving 62 patients with calculi at the renal pelvis managed through laparoscopic pyelolithotomy. Results: We recruited 62 patients (38 men and 24 women) with a median age of 36 [25 - 48] years. Nephritic colic was the most frequently encountered presenting complaint (92% of cases). In 56.45% of cases, the stone was on the left side of the body. Twelve patients had kidney acute failure at the time of diagnosis. Five patients received antibiotics for urinary tract infections before the operation. Before surgery, eight double J stents were placed in 8 patients;in five because of urinary tract infection and in three because of nephritic colic. In all the cases, the definitive diagnosis was made using abdominal CT scans. The median size of the calculi was 22 [17 - 28] mm. Dilatation of the pyelocaliceal cavity was noticed in all the patients. The median surgery duration was 100 [90 - 120] minutes. Drainage of the urinary tract using a double J stent was performed in all the patients, whereas percutaneous drainage was performed only in 9.67% of cases. There was no case of conversion to open surgery. Control ultrasound performed one month after the removal of the double J stent did not reveal any residual stones in the pyelocaliceal cavities. Conclusion: Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy is a mini-invasive technique that is adequate for the management of voluminous pelvic calculi.

Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Ureterotomy: A Mini-Invasive Option for Ureteral Stones

Background and Objective: Laparoscopy can be an alternative modality in the management of ureteral stones. We herein present our experience with laparoscopic ureterolithotomy although most ureteral stones are managed using endourologic techniques, open surgery, or shockwave lithotripsy. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was performed from January 2014 to December 2019 on 20 patients with ureteral stones who were treated using transperitoneal laparoscopic access. We collected data on patients’ ages, genders, clinical profiles, relevant medical history, sizes of the calculi, localisation of the calculi as confirmed by imaging, and outcome of lithotripsy. Continuous data were presented as mean values and standard deviations (for normally distributed data) and medians with interquartile ranges (for skewed data). Categorical data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: We included 20 patients (13 males and 7 females) with a mean age of 40.40 ± 13.25 years. The mean stone size was 18.5 ± 3.05 mm and all procedures were completed laparoscopically. The mean operative time was 96 ± 22.34 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was less than 150 ml, and none of the patients received a blood transfusion. There was no intraoperative complication or postoperative complications, except for leakage of urine in the suture area. The mean hospital stay was 2.05 ± 0.69 days and the double J stent was removed after an average of 20 days post-operatively. The stone-free rate was 100% and after a mean follow-up period of 3 months, there was no stone recurrence. Conclusion: Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is an effective and safe technique in the management of ureteric stones. The benefits of this technique include minimal postoperative morbidity, short postoperative hospitalization, a short convalescence period, and remarkable cosmetic results.