ABSTRACT
Introduction: Macromastia is a major reason why women seek for breast reduction especially when there are symptoms. Breast reduction is an uncommon procedure in our environment and this is a report of our experience with inferior pedicle with an inverted-T skin resection. Materials and Methods: This is a report of breast reductions using the inferior pedicle with an inverted-T skin resection approach that were carried out between 2004 and 2022. The information that was retrieved from the case notes were age, marital status, parity, last child birth, family history of breast enlargement, presenting features, height, weight, the weight of tissue excised, and complications. The data obtained were then entered into the SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp.) software and analysed. Results: Seventeen women were managed with an age range of 16-50 years and a mean of 31.06 ± 9.66 years. The most common features at presentation were heavy weight around the chest, backache, shoulder pain, no appropriate brassiere with low self-esteem and self-confidence. Ten had skin changes and recurrent rashes over the breast, whereas four complained of grooves with skin changes. The weight of excised breast tissue ranged from 0.2 to 5.5 kg with an average of 2.18 ± 1.28 kg for the right and 2.05 ± 1.00 kg for the left breast. All except one patient had blood transfusion. The common complications were delayed wound healing (47%) followed by partial wound dehiscence (17.6%), and flap necrosis (11.8%). Except for those with flap necrosis the wounds healed with some having broad scars. Conclusions: Patients for breast reduction are mainly due to the symptoms and signs with the associated large breast. The inferior pedicle with inverted-T skin resection is a valuable technique with a very good outcome. To improve access to breast reduction, there is the need to enhance awareness through advocacy using women groups and health education.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Neonatal burn injuries are rare in clinical practice. This explains the many case reports of such injuries. This is a report of our experience in the management of neonatal burn injuries in our centre. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of neonatal burn injuries that were managed over an eight year period (2014-2022). The information that was retrieved from the case notes included the socio-demographic data, birth weight, weight at admission, type of injury, total burn surface area (TBSA), depth of burn injury, type of treatment, length of hospital stay and outcome of care. The data were then entered into the SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., United States) software and analysed. Results: We managed 11 neonates, five males and six females with a male: female (M: F) ratio of 1:1.2. Their age ranged from zero to 25 days with a median (IQR) of 2 (1 -15) days. Eight (72.7%) of them were one to two days old and eight (72.7%) were admitted as out born. Majority (81.8%) of the mothers were primiparous women. Nine (81.8%) of the injuries were as a result of hot water bath. Most (66.6%) of these baths were done by the grandmothers or mothers of the babies. The total burn surface area (TBSA) ranged from 1% to 62%, with a median (IQR) of 11 (7.5 - 19.0). None of the babies had skin grafting. The length of stay (LOS) ranged from six days to 25 days with a median (IQR) of 11.0 (7.0 - 16.0) days. Only one baby died giving a hospital mortality rate of 9.1%. Conclusions: The commonest cause of neonatal burn injury in this series is scald injuries from hot water bath. Providing education about safe bathing to caregivers should be included in routine antenatal and postnatal instructions in order to prevent burns.
