Challenges around COVID-19 at a tertiary-level healthcare facility in South Africa and strategies implemented for improvement

SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in a global pandemic within months following its initial detection. South Africa (SA), like many other countries, was not prepared for the impact this novel infection would have on the healthcare system. In this paper, the authors discuss the challenges experienced while facing COVID-19 at a tertiary-level institution in Gauteng province, SA, and the dynamic strategies implemented to deal with the epidemic

Peri-mortem laparotomy in a patient with a ruptured intra-abdominal pregnancy

Introduction :Intra-abdominal pregnancies can present at an advanced stage of pregnancy and can have the potential for life-threatening rupture and haemorrhage. The purpose of this case report was to discuss the early recognition and prompt management options of a patient with a life threatening ruptured intra-abdominal pregnancy.Case report:We report what we believe to be the first case of a patient who presented with an intra-abdominal pregnancy who underwent a peri-mortem laparotomy in the Emergency Centre following a cardiac arrest; and who exhibited a return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC).Conclusion: Peri-mortem laparotomy/thoracotomy coupled with high quality CPR and resuscitation may be lifesaving in a patient with a life threatening ruptured intra-abdominal pregnancy