Infectious ENT Emergencies: A One-Year Experience at the ENT Department of Mamou Regional Hospital

Introduction: ENT infectious emergencies encompass all infectious pathologies affecting the ear, nose, sinuses, throat, and neck. A good understanding of these emergencies is essential for organizing appropriate care. In Guinea, few studies have described ENT infectious pathologies in rural areas. Objective: To study ENT infectious emergencies in the Otorhinolaryngology department of the Mamou Regional Hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective and prospective descriptive study, conducted from August 1, 2021, to July 31, 2022. All patients admitted to the ENT department of the Mamou Regional Hospital for an infectious emergency were included. Results: Among the 1854 recorded consultations, 261 cases involved ENT infectious emergencies, representing a prevalence of 14.07%. The most represented age group was 0 to 10 years (31.03%), with a majority of female patients (59%) and a predominantly urban origin (81.61%). Students accounted for 32.18% of the cases. The main reasons for consultation were odynophagia/dysphagia (32.42%) and otalgia (22.94%). The primary etiologies were tonsillitis (28.73%) and otitis (27.20%). Treatments administered included probabilistic antibiotic therapy (38.80%), analgesics (32.03%), and corticosteroid therapy (10.47%). The outcome was favorable in 98.85% of cases, with only 0.38% lost to follow-up. Conclusion: The results of our study confirm the frequency of ENT infectious pathologies. Their management requires joint actions for population awareness, staff training, and services equipment, particularly in rural areas.

Fishbone-Type Pharyngeal Foreign Body with Cutaneous Migration in the ENT Department of the Mamou Regional Hospital: A Case Report

We report a case of pharyngeal foreign body with cutaneous migration in the form of a fishbone in a 24-year-old rural resident, presented with odynophagia, dysphagia, pain and left antero-latero-cervical swelling fistulated to the skin following ingestion of a fishbone during a meal that had been evolving for 2 weeks. Vital parameters were normal, with an unremarkable psychological examination. Clinical examination revealed a left antero-latero-cervical swelling that was painful to palpation, fistulous to the skin and draining frank pus, revealing a sharp fishbone. A standard X-ray showed that the foreign body had exited the pharynx and was located in the soft tissues of the lower neck. An exploratory cervicotomy was performed, allowing extraction of a serrated fishbone. The post-operative course was favorable.

Assessment of Thyroidectomies in Children at the ENT Department of the Thiès Regional Hospital, about 29 Cases over 16 Years (2003-2018)

Thyroidectomy is a complete or partial surgical removal of the thyroid gland. The aim was to review the particularities of thyroid surgery in children, to review our operative indications and our working method as well as the results by comparing them with the data in the literature. This was a retrospective study covering a sixteen-year period from January 2003 to December 2018. We collated 29 patient records from 3 to 15 years of age. The epidemiological aspect, the indication and the operative gesture, the anatomopathological result were studied. Data were processed using Epi Info version 3.5.4 and Microsoft Excel 2010. Our study shows that thyroid surgery in children accounted for 2% of all thyroidectomies performed (1350 cases). Females were most affected, with a sex ratio of 0.16. The mean age was 12 years, with extremes of 3 and 15 years. Three indication groups: Graves’ disease 62%, heteromulti nodular goiter (HMNG) 28%, thyroid nodule 10%. Thyroid surgery was total in 65.5% of cases;subtotal thyroidectomy in 20.7%. Partial thyroidectomy was performed in 13.7% of cases. We dissected 54 recurrent nerves, and the parathyroids were controlled. Drainage was systematic. We noted one complication (3.4%). It involved immediate postoperative dyspnea requiring a life-saving tracheotomy, and decanulation was performed 48 hours after surgery.

Acute Otitis Media in Children Aged 0-5 Years, Epidemiological Aspects and Management in the Paediatrics Department of the Hospital National Ignace Deen (Conakry)

Introduction: Acute otitis media is an acute inflammation of the mucosa of the middle ear cavities. It is often secondary to nasopharyngitis, which favors the passage of infection through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear. The aim of our study was to improve the management of AOM in the Paediatric Department of the Hospital National Ignace Deen (Conakry). Patients and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months from 01 July to 31 December 2011;the study covered 525 cases out of a total of 6276 children, i.e. a frequency of 8.36%. Results: The most affected age group was 6 to 11 months. Males predominated (69.71%). 82.29% had a history of recurrent rhinopharyngitis. The most frequent reason for consultation was incessant crying (66.29%). Rhinopharyngitis and malaria were the most commonly associated pathologies (87.62% and 39.62% respectively). 72.19% of our patients were admitted with congestive AOM and received medical treatment. We recorded one case of otomastoiditis which was treated surgically. Conclusion: AOM is more common in children aged between 6 and 24 months. Good collaboration between paediatricians and ENT specialists is essential to reduce the morbidity of AOM.

External Otitis: Epidemiological, Clinical, Etiological, and Therapeutic Aspects at the Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Department of Mamou Regional Hospital

Introduction: External otitis (OE) is an acute or chronic inflammation or infection of the external ear resulting from an imbalance in the external auditory canal secondary to microtrauma, maceration, eczema, or a foreign body in the external auditory canal. Objective: To study cases of external otitis at the Mamou Regional Hospital. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted over a period of six (6) months from July 1st to December 31st, 2016. It included all patients admitted to the ENT department of the Mamou Regional Hospital. Results: During the study period, 712 patients were admitted to the department for various pathologies, of which 103 met our selection criteria, representing a frequency of 14.46%. The mean age of the patients was 33.74 years with a range of 1 to 90 years. Males predominated in the sample, accounting for 59.22%. The vast majority of patients resided in urban areas, constituting 61.17% of the sample. In our study, all patients consulted for otalgia (100%), and over half (53.39%) for hypoacusis. We formally identified rhinitis in 66.66% of cases, while diabetes was found in only 4 patients (11.11%). Otomycosis was the most commonly identified condition (53.39%), followed by furuncles (33.98%). Ear drops containing antibiotics were administered to all patients, although 66.60% received antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: External otitis is a relatively common condition, particularly among children and the elderly. Diagnosis can be made based on pain upon traction of the pinna and pressure on the tragus.

Otorhinolaryngological (ORL) and Cervicofacial Injuries Resulting from Road Accidents within the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) Department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou

Introduction: Otorhinolaryngological (ORL) and cervicofacial traumas encompass injuries affecting the neck, face, and ORL region, resulting from external influence. The objective of this study was to conduct an epidemiological and clinical analysis of ORL and cervicofacial injuries observed in victims of road accidents treated at the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou. Materials and Methods: This prospective and descriptive study was conducted over a period of 12 months, from January 1st to December 31st, 2021, within the Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) department of the Regional Hospital of Mamou. It included patients hospitalized for ORL and/or cervicofacial traumas resulting from road accidents during the study period. Results: A total of 348 cases were included, representing 36.22% of all traumas related to road accidents (AVP) within the Regional Hospital of Mamou. The average age of the patients was 26.44 years, with a sex ratio of 3.83, favoring males. The dominant socio-professional category was students, encompassing 32.47% of cases. Road accidents were mainly associated with motorcycle use (31.32% motorcycle-to-motorcycle, 24.43% motorcycle skidding, 13.51% motorcycle-pedestrian). Facial region injuries were the most common, accounting for 69.03% of cases, followed by rhinological injuries (17.28%) and otological injuries (13.69%). Associated injuries were predominantly closed head traumas (52.55%) and lower limb fractures (20.41%). Imaging was underutilized. Regarding surgical interventions, reconstructive surgery was the most predominant, accounting for 52.51% of cases, with a management timeframe of 30 minutes to 12 hours for 99.72% of patients. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents remain a serious public health issue, primarily affecting young males. Emphasis should be placed on road safety measures to reduce the frequency of these accidents.

Thyroidectomy: Frequency and Indications in the General Surgery Department of the Hôpital National Ignace Deen/CHU de Conakry

Introduction: Thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The aim of this study was to report the results of thyroidectomy in the general surgery department of the Hôpital national Ignace Deen/CHU de Conakry. Methodology: This was a retrospective study, of seven (07) years (January 1, 2016 - August 31, 2023), in the General Surgery Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital-CHU in Conakry. We included all records of patients admitted and operated on for thyroidectomy and with up-to-date medical records. The variables were epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic. Results: During the study period, we recorded 3221 cases of surgery, including 40 thyroidectomies (1.24% of cases). The average age was 42.4 years. Women were the most represented, with a sex ratio of 0.16. The reason for consultation was anterior cervical swelling in 86% (n = 25) of cases, followed by signs of cervical compression 21% (n = 6) and signs of thyrotoxicosis 31% (n = 9). Indications for thyroidectomy were dominated by homogeneous goitres in 69% (n = 20) of cases, basedow’s disease in 20.7% (n = 6) and nodular goitres in 6.9% (n = 2) of cases. The surgical procedures were lobo-isthmectomies in 72.4% (n = 21), subtotal thyroidectomies 13.8% (n = 4), total thyroidectomies 10.3% (n = 3). Postoperative follow-up was straightforward in 69% (n = 20). Complications included haemorrhage in 20.7% (n = 6) and recurrence in 6.9% (n = 2). The average hospital stay was 7 days. Conclusion: Thyroidectomy is a relatively frequent surgical procedure in our department. Indications are dominated by homogeneous goitres. Morbidity is related to hemorrhage. Rigorous hemostasis could improve the quality of thyroidectomy.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, prevalence and clinical characteristics in ENT department of a tertiary hospital Tanzania

Background:Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease(LPRD)is a condition with nonspecific symptoms and most of times patients present late with advanced disease which may pre-dispose to malignancy.The magnitude and clinical characteristics of this condition are not well known among patients attending Otorhinolaryngology services in Tanzania.Materials and methods:This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study,conducted in the wards and clinics of Otorhinolaryngology department of Muhimbili National Hospital.Patients with symptoms of Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease were included in the study.Data was collected using questionnaires and clinical examination forms,were processed and analysed by using SPSS.Results presented in frequency tables,cross tabulations and figures.Results:This study recruited 256 participants among them males were 131(51.2%).The mean age was(41.38±13.94)years.Prevalence of Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease was 18.4%without gender predilection.The commonest symptoms were globus sensation,hoarseness of voice and excessive urge to clear the throat with 95.7%,88.1%and 83.0%respectively while the most observed signs were thick endolaryngeal mucus,Vocal cord oedema and partial ventricular obliteration with 90.9%,88.6%and 72.7%respectively.Lying down less than two hours after meal and spices foods consumption were the leading risk factors.Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus type 2 were the most prevalent co morbid conditions associated with Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.Conclusion:The prevalence of Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is high among patients attending Otorhinolaryngology services at Muhimbili national hospital.All patients with Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease related symptoms should get thorough evaluation for early diagnosis and treatment.

Complications of Sinusitis: About 9 Cases in the Ear Nose &Throat (ENT) Department of the University Hospital Gabriel Touréin Bamako

Objective: This study aims to analyze clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic aspects of sinusitis complications in the Otorhinolaryngology department at the teaching hospital of Gabriel Toure in Bamako. Materials and methods: This descriptive and longitudinal study was conducted on 12 months from March 2012 to February 2013 in 9 cases of sinusitis complications in the department of Otorhinolaryngology at the University Hospital Gabriel Toure in Bamako. Results: The average age of patients was 22.7 years;a median of 19 years within 6 men and 3 women with almost 12.9 days of care seeking duration. The factors of risky were the use of nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs NSAID (4 cases), maxillofacial trauma (1 case) and HIV (1 case). Facial pain was the major symptom, such as frontal oedema, rhinorrhea with pus shedding and nasal obstruction. Computer tomography was used for complications specification. Frontal sinusitis was the most encountered with subperiosteal abscess (44.4%). Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified in 3 cases. Medical treatment associated to surgery was conducted on 7 patients. Two cases of death have been registered. Conclusion: The complicated sinusitis is an emergency and dangerous disease requiring specific care by a multidisciplinary staff. Much of complications are commonly encountered despite the antibiotic era.

Indications and Results of Parotidectomies in the Orl Department of the Idrissa Pouye General Hospital in Dakar. Concerning 31 Cases

Introduction: The parotid tumors are benign or malignant, primary or secondary neoformations developed at the expense of the parotid gland. The aim of the present study was to describe the indications and results of parotidectomies in the ENT department of the Idrissa Pouye General Hospital in Dakar. Patients & Methods: We conducted a retrospective study between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2012, including all patients who had been consulted for a parotid tumor with or without histological evidence collected in the otolaryngology and anatomy-pathology department of the Idrissa Pouye General Hospital in Dakar. Results: We collected 31 patient files. The mean age was 47.45 years, with extremes of 16 and 74 years. Females predominated, with a sex ratio of 0.82. Swelling of the parotid region was the main reason for consultation in 100% of cases. Parotidectomy was the most frequently performed procedure, accounting for 41.93%. Benign tumors accounted for 72% of cases, the majority being pleomorphic adenomas (50%). The outcome was favorable in 67.74% of cases. Conclusion: Management of parotid tumors at HOGIP would be improved by informing and educating patients to consult early, and by upgrading the technical platform.

Management of Square Carcinoma of the Lower Lip Using Camille-Bernard Flap under Local Anesthesia: When Constraints Dictate Our Attitude

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinomas of the lip essentially pose a therapeutic management problem. In the West, their treatment is done under general anesthesia and follows the classic rules of oncology. In our context of exercise, we sometimes have a different attitude dictated by various constraints. Observation: 55-year-old patient with no notable history, seen in consultation for a very large ulcerative-budding lesion on the right 2/3 of the lower lip with mucocutaneous involvement without lymph node findings found on examination. Faced with this suspicious lesion and the patient’s financial difficulties, we decided to operate under local anesthesia to remove this tumor. The oncological excision was followed by immediate plasty using a Camille-Bernard flap with a good immediate aesthetic and functional result and postoperative day 7. The patient was unable to take his surgical specimen to anatomy-pathology and was lost to follow-up due to lack of financial resources. On anatomo-pathological analysis of the surgical specimen, the margins were healthy with confirmation of squamous cell carcinoma (anapathological reading made for scientific interest). Discussion: The particular mentality of certain patients and their difficult financial conditions push us to have an unconventional therapeutic attitude in oncology, but which nevertheless makes it possible to resolve certain problems that we often face. Local anesthesia is possible and realistic in cases like ours and the results can be acceptable and life-saving.

Social Effects of Hearing Loss on Patients in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Hearing loss has caused serious social effects among people living with it. Those who relate to patients with hearing loss (PHL) also share some part of the negative effects. Some specifics are communication disability, which impacts speech and language development, academic performance, and social or work life. In previous years, the problem was predicted to be aggravated as the expected life span of the population increased. The study was conducted among PHL and their family members in JUTH and Kazahyet Audiology Service in Jos. 150 PHL were purposively sampled. The study was guided by a Cross-sectional Survey Research Design, and the specific objectives were to (1) identify the social effects of hearing loss on the PHL, (2) determine the implication of social effects on PHL, and (3) determine the extent at which these social effects affect PHL. The outcome of the study shows that the social effects faced by PHL are poor relationships, no secrets, dependence on sign language, frustration, depression, and dependence on lip reading. Some stop schooling, and others feel laughed at and therefore choose the path of isolation. The implication is that hearing loss is expensive to manage. PHL always feel they are not contributing their quarter in life as usual;they feel stigmatized and are not easy to relate with. The study recommends that the government should come up with policies that will check man-made behaviors that exert negative social effects on PHL in our society, subsidize the cost of hearing aids and cochlear implants to be affordable for PHL, formulate a policy on mandatory newborn hearing screening before the infant is discharged from the hospital to help in the early identification of hearing loss. Finally, the early creation of awareness of the dangers or consequences of hearing loss will go a long way in preventing our society from involvement in high-risk behaviors that will cause hearing loss.

Delayed Grafting as a Valid Technique in Burn Management: Experience from a Burn Unit in Oman

Background: Early excision and grafting has been the preferred method of managing major burns around the world since 1970. Considering the advances in health care and the development of new antibiotics over the past 50 years, delayed grafting as a technique for the management of burns over 15%-20% of total body surface area (TBSA) could have comparable results to that of early excision. This study aims to highlight the outcomes of practicing delayed grafting in burn patients. Methods: A case series analysis was performed of 51 patients who were admitted to the burns unit in Sultan Qaboos Hospital Salalah with over 20% TBSA between January 2014 and December 2019. The patients received prophylactic antibiotics and silver sulphadiazine dressing until the burn eschar had completely separated, followed by grafting. Results: Two patients were lost during the entire duration of the study. The mortality rate was comparable to that of early excision, while the rate of hypertrophic scarring was lower than the range reported by other studies. Conclusion: In the management of patients with over 20% TBSA, delayed grafting after complete separation of eschar is still a valid technique.

Treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. A clinical review

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV) is the most frequent episodic vestibular disorder. It is due to otolith rests that are free into the canals or attached to the cupulas. Well over 90% of patients can be successfully treated with manoeuvres that move the particles back to the utriculus. Among the great variety of procedures that have been described, the manoeuvres that are supported by evidenced-based studies or extensive series are commented in this review. Some topics regarding BPPV treatment, such as controlling the accuracy of the procedures or the utility of post-manoeuvre restrictions are also discussed.

Self-reported Taste and Smell Disorders in Patients with COVID-19:Distinct Features in China

Last December 2019,a cluster of viral pneumonia cases identified as coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)was reported in Wuhan,China.We aimed to explore the frequencies of nasal symptoms in patients with COVID-19,including loss of smell and taste,as well as their presentation as the first symptom of the disease and their association with the severity of COVID-19.In this retrospective study,1206 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients were included and followed up by telephone one month after discharged from Tongji Hospital,Wuhan.Demographic data,laboratory values,comorbidities,symptoms,and numerical rating scale scores(0–10)of nasal symptoms were extracted from the hospital medical records,and confirmed or reevaluated by the telephone follow-up.From patients(n=1172)completing follow-up,199(17%)subjects had severe COVID-19 and 342(29.2%)reported nasal symptoms.20.6%COVID-19 patients had loss of taste(median score=6),while 11.4%had loss of smell(median score=5).Loss of taste scores,but not loss of smell scores,were significantly increased in severe vs.nonsevere COVID-19 patients.Interleukin(IL)-6 and lactose dehydrogenase(LDH)serum levels were positively correlated with loss of taste scores.About 80%of COVID-19 patients recovered from smell and taste dysfunction in 2 weeks.In this cohort,only 1 out of 10 hospital admitted patients had loss of smell while 1 out of 5 reported loss of taste which was associated to severity of COVID-19.Most patients recovered smell and taste dysfunctions in 2 weeks.

Otoacoustic emissions value in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Objectives:This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of otoacoustic emissions(OAEs)in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients.Methods:The study included 30 subjects with unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss(ISSNHL).Each patient was evaluated four times:at baseline and after one week,one month,and three months of treatment.During each visit,each patient was subjected to full audiological history,otoscopic examination,basic audiological evaluations,and transiently evoked and distortion product otoacoustic emission(TEOAEs&DEOAEs).Results:The hearing thresholds(frequency range 250e8000 Hz)and word recognition scores of patients with detectable TEOAEs and DPOAEs improved significantly,whereas no significant improvements were observed in those with no response.Conclusion:Hearing improvement is better in patients with detectable TEOAEs and DPOAEs.As a result,TEOAEs and DPOAEs are recommended as routine tests in all SSNHL patients to predict outcomes and monitor treatment as TEOAEs and DPOAEs reflect the cochlear OHCs activity.

Assessment of auditory and vestibular functions in vitiligo patients

Objectives: To evaluate audiological and vestibular functions via basic audiological evaluation. otoacoustic emissions and videonystagmography(VNG) in vitiligo patients.Material and methods: 30 vitiligo patients(8 acrofacial and 22 mixed types) as the study group and 30 normal healthy adults as the control group were included in the study. All participants were submitted to basic audiological evaluation. transient and distortion product otoacoustic emmisions(TEOAEs and DPOAEs), vestibular assessment including history taking, office tests and videonystagmography(VNG) and dermatological assessment to determine type, percent of body surface area involvement and duration of vitiligo.Results: This study showed statistically significant difference between control and study groups in pure tone audiometry(PTA) and otoacoustic emissions results. Fitfty percent of vitiligo patients had peripheral vestibular disorders(10 vestibulhar neuritis and 5 posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.Conclusion: The results in this study showed that 50% of vitiligo patients suffered from peripheral vestibular disorders in addition to auditory affection. Vitiligo patients require routine monitoring for auditory and vestibular functions for early identification and monitoring of changes as the disease progress.

Psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic in France:a national assessment of at-risk populations

Background Lockdowns were implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19.Peritraumatic distress(PD)and post-traumatic stress disorder have been reported after traumatic events,but the specific effect of the pandemic is not well known.Aim The aim of this study was to assess PD in France,a country where C0VID-19 had such a dramatic impact that it required a country-wide lockdown.Methods We recruited patients in four groups of chatbot users followed for breast cancer,asthma,depression and migraine.We used the Psychological Distress Inventory(PDI),a validated scale to measure PD during traumatic events,and correlated PD risk with patients*characteristics in order to better identify the ones who were the most at risk.Results The study included 1771 participants.91.25%(n=1616)were female with a mean age of 32.8(13.71)years and 7.96%(n=141)were male with a mean age of 28.0(8.14)years.In total,38.06%(n=674)of the respondents had psychological distress(PDI>14).An analysis of variance showed that unemployment and depression were significantly associated with a higher PDI score.Patients using their smartphones or computers for more than 1 hour a day also had a higher PDI score(p=0.026).Conclusion Prevalence of PD in at-risk patients is high.These patients are also at an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder.Specific steps should be implemented to monitor and prevent PD through dedicated mental health policies if we want to limit the public health impact of COVID-19 in time.

Child Deafness in Sub-Saharan Africa: Experience of Two ENT Services in Casamance, South of Senegal

Introduction: Hearing impairment is the most common sensory deficit at birth. It is a public health problem because of the repercussions on the communication development, on the education and subsequent social integration of the child. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological, clinical, audiometric and etiological profiles of child deafness in Casamance, South of Senegal. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter study, which extended a period of 7 years from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2019. All children aged between 1 to 18 years old and received during their first ENT consultations at the regional and PEACE hospital in Ziguinchor were included. Results: One hundred and seventy-eight records of children were collected during this period, that is a prevalence of 1.30%. The average age was 9 years old. Conductive hearing loss was found in 68% of patients, followed by reception hearing deafness in 24%. The deafness was acquired in the majority of cases (93%) and the predominant etiology was infectious. However, the cause was unknown in 7.51% of cases. Conclusion: Child deafness is common in Casamance and is most often underdiagnosed. The acquired forms are the most common, hence the importance of early detection after a rigorous family investigation.

TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS WITH HELIUM NEON LASER ON ACUPOINTS

Since 1987,60 cases of allergic rhinitiswere treated by He-Ne laser acupointirradiation with good effect in most cases.These are reported in the following.