Thoracoscopic Repair of Type C Oesophageal Atresia in a Nigerian Hospital: A Report of Two Cases.

ABSTRACT: Management of oesophageal atresia (OA) with tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF) in Nigeria and the West African subregion has no doubt been a very demanding task for paediatric surgeons, not necessarily due to lack of skills, but due to the significant demand on neonatal intensive care, which in our region, is often fitted with the poor infrastructure needed to make this a success. Furthermore, the use of open thoracotomy has increased this demand resulting in a significant number having severe morbidities and significant mortality rates. Hence, in our subregion, there is still a slow progression to meet up with the evolving trend of the management of this complex condition in the developed world. Following the first documented successful thoracoscopic repair of OA with TOF since 2000, there has been a progressive evolution and refinement of this technique, such that thoracoscopic repair is fast becoming the gold standard for the repair of all types of OAs, including long-gap anomalies. This article reports our experience with the first two cases of thoracoscopic repair of OA with TOF in the West African subregion.

Comparison of dorsal penile nerve block alone and in combination with lidocaine-prilocaine cream in neonates undergoing circumcision: a randomized controlled study.

Background: Suboptimal neonatal circumcision analgesia causes a significant stress response. There is continued search for more effective analgesia for neonatal circumcision. We aimed to determine whether lidocaine-prilocaine cream (LPC) prior to dorsal penile nerve block (DPNB) offers better analgesia than DPNB alone. Methods: A prospective randomized study of 72 neonates undergoing plastibell circumcision was randomized into two groups of 36 each. Group I received DPNB alone with 4 mg/kg plain lidocaine. Group II had 1 g LPC applied to the phallus 1 hour before DPNB. Serum cortisol levels were measured 30 min preoperatively and 30 min postoperatively. Heart rate (HR) and peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) were noted at 30 min preoperatively, after DPNB injection, after excising the prepuce, and at 30 min thereafter. The primary outcome measure was change in serum cortisol levels, while secondary outcomes were changes in HR and SpO2. Results: Both groups had increased mean serum cortisol levels, decreased mean SpO2 and increased mean HR from baseline. The rise in mean serum cortisol level was significantly lower in group II (8.09±4.53 µg/dL) than that in group I (11.42±7.83 µg/dL) (p=0.034). Changes in SpO2 and HR were significantly less in group II than that in group I patients (p<0.05), except for HR changes at 30 min after excision of the prepuce (p=0.086). Conclusion: These data suggest that neonates who received LPC prior to DPNB experienced significantly less pain from plastibell circumcision than those who had DPNB alone. Trial registration number: PACTR201906554747665.

Mitigating the challenges of laparoscopic paediatric surgery in Ile Ife: The trend so far and lessons learnt.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric laparoscopic surgery is fast growing worldwide, with many pathologies now being treated even in the youngest of patients. We hereby report our experience with the first 114 cases. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to highlight our progress and lessons learnt practicing laparoscopic paediatric surgery in our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the first 114 children who underwent laparoscopic surgery in our hospital. We focussed on demographics, indications, procedures performed, rate of conversion to open and complications. Records were retrieved from January 2011 to December 2019. Data were analysed using the SPSS software version 23 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). RESULTS: There were 83 males and 31 females (ratio of 3:1). Age groups included infants (13.2%), 1-5 years (21.9%), 5-10 years (33.3%) and > 10 years (31.6%). There was a remarkable increase in the frequency and complexity of cases performed from an average of 5 per year between 2011 and 2015 to an average of 23.5 per year between 2016 and 2019. The conversion rate was 6%, 5 appendectomies, 1 Swenson pull-through, 1 diagnostic laparoscopy and 1 Ladd's procedure. Four complications were noted; one recurrent adhesive intestinal obstruction, one residual intra-abdominal abscess, one port site abscess and one excessive bleeding from liver biopsy requiring conversion to open surgery. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated that the routine use of laparoscopy in children is feasible and safe in our environment. However, the need for training, endurance through a steep learning curve and the willingness to battle the technical challenges are necessary for success.

Comparative Study of Laparoscopic and Open Inguinal Herniotomy in Children in Ile Ife, Nigeria: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

Background: Inguinal hernia in children is currently treated through a groin incision with access to the inguinal canal and handling of the spermatic cord. In the face of the growing utilization of laparoscopic surgery in Nigeria, it was important to compare the outcome of laparoscopic and open herniotomy (OH) in our local teaching hospital to create a basis for recommendation. Objectives: We compared OH with laparoscopic needle assisted hernia repair (LNAR) in children in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile Ife. Methodology: A prospective study involving children who presented with uncomplicated inguinal hernia, carried out within the period of 1 year in our center. Results: In the LNAR group, there were 24 (75%) males and 8 (25%) females, while in the OH group, there were 29 (90.6%) males and 3 (9.4%) females. The age range for LNAR was 2-156 (median = 44) months and OH was 2-168 (median = 36) months. Higher complication rate for OH was found to be statistically significant (P = .001). The total operating time was found to be similar between the two groups for both unilateral and bilateral hernias (P = .636 and P = .334, respectively). Two contralateral patent processus vaginalis (PPV) were identified during laparoscopy and were repaired at the same sitting. Conclusion: Postoperative complications are significantly lower with LNAR. Duration of surgery for LNAR is similar to OH. Incidence of contralateral PPV seen following unilateral LNAR is low.

A 10-year retrospective review of perioperative mortality in pediatric general surgery at Ile-Ife Hospital, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The analysis of perioperative mortality as well as surgery- and anesthesia-related death in pediatric patients may serve as a potential tool to improve outcome. The aim of this study is to report the 24-h and 30-day overall, and surgery and anesthesia-related, mortality in a tertiary hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of perioperative mortality in children ≤15years at a general pediatric surgery unit. All pediatric general surgery cases operated under general anesthesia between January 2007 and December 2016 were included in the study and data analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 4108 surgical procedures were performed in 4040 patients. The age was 1day to 15years with a median age of 2years. The all cause 24-h mortality was 34 per 10,000 procedures and the all cause 30-day mortality was 156 per 10,000 procedures. Septicemia was the most common cause of death. The determinants of mortality were neonatal age group (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR)=0.033, 95% CI=0.015-0.070, p=0.001), emergency surgery (AOR=90.91, 95% CI=27.78-333.33, p=0.001), higher ASA status (AOR=0.014, 95% CI=0.005-0.041, p=0.001) and multiple operative procedures (AOR=38.46, 95% CI=10.64-142.85, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal age group, children with poorer ASA status, emergency and multiple surgeries were predictors of perioperative mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective study.