Acute cholecystitis from typhic origin in children

Background: To evaluate the particularities of typhoid cholecystitis in children. Materials and Methods: This was a 5-year prospective study of typhoid cholecystitis in children under 15 years old at Djougou and Sylvanus Olympio teaching hospital. The diagnosis of typhoid cholecystitis was based on clinical and investigation findings; confirmed by operative findings at cholecystectomy. Results: Six children with typhoid acalculous cholecystitis were treated over a five-year period (4 males and 2 females). Their ages ranged from five to 13 years (median 8.8 years). The mean duration of symptoms was six to 21 days. The clinical signs were fever; abdominal pain; which predominated at the right upper abdominal quadrant; and type II Hackett splenomegaly. The diagnosis was confirmed by a positive Widal's test and Salmonella typhi isolation from the culture in all patients; four patients had ultrasound evidence of acalculous cholecystitis. Open cholecystectomy was successful in the six cases. The operative findings were gangrene (3); perforation (2) and empyema (1). All the patients made an uneventful recovery; and have remained symptom free one and three months on follow-up. Conclusion: Typhoid acalculous cholecystitis is a frequent complication in children. Late presentation and diagnosis is associated with complications. Cholecystectomy in association with antibiotic is the treatment of choice

The paediatric surgeon and his working conditions in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: This study described the current conditions of work of paediatric surgeons in Francophone sub-Saharan Africa (FSSA) and set the debate at the level of the humanist thinking in medicine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a multicentre study from 1 st May to 30 th October 2008. The African Society of paediatric surgeons' directory was used to identify paediatric surgeons in the Francophone's countries in Sub Saharan Africa. The parameters studied were number of surgeons per country, means of training, working conditions, remunerations, needs for continuous training and the research. RESULTS: A total of 41 paediatric surgeons (68.33%) responded. The average number of paediatric surgeons per country was 5. The means of training included government scholarships among 7 paediatric surgeons (17.07%), scholarship from a non-governmental organisations in 14 (34.15%) and self-sponsorships in 20 (48.78%). The average salary was 450 Euros (€) (range: 120-1 400 Euros). Most of the paediatric surgeons (68.29%) had internet services for continuous update courses and research. Thirty six paediatric surgeons (87.80%) had no subscription to specialised scientific journals. CONCLUSION: The paediatric surgeon in FSSA faces many problems related to his working and living conditions that may have a negative impact on their competences.

[The circumcision in newborn and infant in the operating room of the Lomé Teaching Hospital: technique using Gomco clamp versus technique using only the grips]. / La circoncision chez le nouveau-né et le nourrisson au bloc opératoire du CHU de Lomé : technique utilisant le Gomco clamp versus technique utilisant uniquement des pinces.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the various techniques used for the circumcision in newborns and infants in the operating room of the Lomé Teaching Hospital (Togo) and to compare their results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is about a prospective study carried out in the operating room of the Lomé Teaching Hospital from June 15th, 2007 to December 15th, 2008 (18 months). It concerned newborns and infants circumcised according to two techniques: the technique using grips only (group A: n=138; 69%) and the technique using Gomco clamp (group B: n=62; 31%). The Khi(2) test with the threshold 5% was used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: According to the duration of the intervention, 34 newborns and infants (24.6%) were circumcised within less than 15 minutes in the group A and 27 (43.5%) in the group B (p<0.05). According to the importance of the bleeding and to the type of material used, 28 newborns and infants (20.30%) had bled much in the group A and one (1,61%) in the group B (p<0.05). According to the postoperative complications and to the technique used, nine newborns and infants (9.4%) had postoperational complications in the group A and two (3.2%) in the group B. The wound had healed within less than 6 days in one infant (0.7%) in the group A and six (9.7%) in the group B (p<0.05). One hundred penises (72.46%) were considered to be very satisfying in the group A and 55 (88.7%) in the group B (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The technique using Gomco clamp for circumcision had more advantages than that using only the grips. It was much more safe for the child.

[Typhoid intestinal perforation in children: renewed interest in the Veillard technique in tropical zones]. / Les perforations typhiques du grêle chez l'enfant: un regain d'intérêt de la technique de Veillard en milieu tropical.

GOAL: to value the results of the ileo colic intubation of Veillard in relation to the resection anastomosis and the ileostomy. PATIENT AND METHOD: It is about a randomised survey on 12 months (January 1st to December 31st, 2006). This study took place in the St. Jean de Dieu hospital of Afagnan. It was about children aged of less than 15 years having presented more a perforation of bowel. The diagnostic methods of the spindly shackle perforation were clinics and radiographic. It is about an observational randomized study in simple insu for the choice of the technique (resection anastomosis or ileostomy and ileo colic intubation). It was about a choice with two arms: ileo colic intubation versus resection anastomosis and ileostomy. The realization of the resection anastomosis or the ileostomy was left to the choice of the surgeon. Forty patients have been drawn by lot and have been distributed in tow groups: Group A (ileo colic intubation), group B (resection - anastomosis and ileostomy). The patients were distributed in 28 boys (70%) with 20 boys in the group A and 8 in group B and 12 girls (30%) with 8 girls in group A and 4 in group B whose middle age was of 8 years and 5 months (ranges: 4 to 14 years). The middle age were 8 years 10 months (ranges: 4 to 14 years) in group A and 8 years (ranges: 5 to 13 years) in group B. In operative meadow, a standard antibiotherapy was instituted in all patients: Ciprofloxacin and Metronidazole in 24 patients (60%), and Ceftriaxone and Metronidazole in 16 patients (40%). We have used the statistic test of KHI2 with a threshold 5% for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The ileo colic intubation technique has been practiced 22 times (55%), the resection - anastomosis technique has been practiced 15 times (37.5%) and the ileostomy technique has been practiced three times (7.5%). The middle length of hospitalization of the patients was of 15 days (ranges: 10 to 45 days) with 13 days (ranges: 10 to 25 days) in group A and 19 days (ranges: 15 to 45 days in group B. The post operative complications were significantly more frequent with the resection anastomosis (53.3%) than with ileo colic intubation (4.5%). CONCLUSION: The ileo colic intubation still rivets an interest in the intestinal typhoid perforation in tropical environment.

[The circumcision: why and how is it practiced in the newborn and the infant in the Lomé teaching hospital?]. / La circoncision: pourquoi et comment est-elle pratiquée chez le nouveau-né et le nourrisson au CHU de Lomé ?

OBJECTIVE: To identify the different indications, to analyze the conditions of realization of the circumcisions and to evaluate the results. PATIENTS AND METHOD: It is about a prospective survey study done in the operative room of the Tokoin teaching hospital (Lomé) and on a period of 12 months (15th June 2007 to 15th June 2008). It was about newborns and infants circumcised in the operative block by a pediatric surgeon. One hundred and thirty-four newborns and infants were circumcised during the period of our study. The medan of age was of 5.86 months (range: 1 to 27 months). RESULTS: One hundred and seven newborns and infants (79.85%) were circumcised for religious motive, 20 (14.92%) for hygiene motive, one (0.75%) for a lesion of the foreskin (burn of the foreskin by hot water), five (3.73%) for a phimosis and one (0.75%) for a paraphimosis. One hundred newborns and infants (74.63%) were circumcised under anesthesia by the fluothane associated to a caudal block, 29 (21.64%) were under local anesthesia (infiltration of anesthetic to the base of the penis) and five (3.73%) under general anesthesia by fluothane only. One hundred and two children (76.12%) were circumcised by the technique using the clamps and 32 (23.88%) by the technique using the Gomco clamp. CONCLUSION: The circumcision is a surgical act whose indications are variable in our surroundings. It is mainly practiced for a religious motive.

[Acute scrotum in children]. / Les grosses bourses douloureuses de l'enfant.

AIMS: To evaluate the frequency, to identify the aetiologies of the acute scrotum and to describe their treatment in children. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifty seven children treated for acute scrotum in the paediatric surgery department of the Tokoin teaching hospital (Lomé) between January 2003 to December 2007 were studied. RESULTS: The frequency of acute scrotum was 5.80%. The average age was of 4.75 years (range: 7 days to 15 years). The aetiologies were: incarcerated inguino scrotal hernia (49.12%); spermatic cord torsion (29.83%); epididymo-orchitis (17.54%) and testicular trauma (3.51%). The delay of treatment was superior of 72 hours in 49.12%. The pain and the increase of the volume of the scrotum were present in all the patients. The emergency operation was performed in the spermatic cord torsion and the testicular trauma. The medical treatment was performed in the epididymo-orchitis cases. The patients presenting an incarcerated inguino-scrotal hernia benefited from a surgical cure in a delay of eight days after the acute episode. The operative continuations were in any cases simple. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis and the treatment must be precocious in the acute scrotum in order to avoid possible complications.

Les grosses bourses douloureuses de l'enfant

But : Evaluer la frequence; identifier les causes et decrire la prise en charge des grosses bourses douloureuses de l'enfant. Materiel et methode: Il s'agit d'une etude transversale portant sur 57 dossiers d'enfants ages de 0 a 15 ans recus et traites pour grosses bourses douloureuses. Ces enfants ont ete admis dans le service de la chirurgie pediatrique du CHU-Tokoin entre janvier 2003 et decembre 2007. Resultats : Les grosses bourses douloureuses ont represente 5;80des cas de grosse bourse. L'age moyen etait de 4;75 ans (extremes : 7 jours et 15 ans). Les principales etiologies etaient : la hernie inguino-scrotale etranglee (49;12) ; la torsion du cordon spermatique (29;83) ; l'orchi-epididymite (17;54) et le traumatisme testiculaire (3;51). Le delai de prise en charge etait superieur 72 heures dans 49;12des cas. La douleur et l'augmentation du volume de la bourse etaient presentes dans tous les cas. Le traitement avait ete chirurgical d'emblee (torsion du cordon spermatique et traumatisme testiculaire) ou en differe huit jours apres l'episode aigu (hernie inguino-scrotale etranglee); et medical (orchi-epididymites). Les suites operatoires ont ete simples dans tous les cas. Conclusion : Le diagnostic et la prise en charge des grosses bourses douloureuses doivent etre precoces afin d'eviter d'eventuelles complications

[Rectal prolapse of intussusception in infants]. / Invagination intestinale avec boudin prolabé par l'anus chez le nourrisson.

Rectal prolapse is a rare complication of intussusception in infants. This complication is most often secondary to a side by side placing defect of the caecum and a long mesenter. Three cases of rectal prolapse of intussuception are reported herein and the pathologic and therapeutic aspects of the intussucseption complicated by rectal prolapse, as well as the particularities of intussusception diagnosis in an African country, are reviewed.

[Hip septic arthritis in young children with sickle-cell disease]. / L'arthrite septique de hanche chez l'enfant drépanocytaire.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Sickle-cell anemia is an inherited disorder exposing patients to diverse complications, particularly bone and joint disease. Septic arthritis of the hip joint is a frequent infection in sickle-cell anemia. Without early management, there is an important risk of invalidating hip dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of septic arthritis of the hip joint in order to focus on the need for early diagnosis, the best way to improve the prognosis of hip function. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study over a 10 year period (1987-1996) which included nine children (seven boys and two girls), mean age six years who were managed in our hospital for septic arthritis of the hip joint. These children had at least one hemoglobin S: phenotypes SS (n=5), SC (n=2), AS (n=2). RESULTS: In these sickle-cell anemia children, the septic arthritis developed in a non traumatic context with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. One hip was involved in six children and both in three (12 hips). Mean time from symptom onset to consultation was eight days. Salmonella sp. were identified in nine hips (including all of the bilateral cases) and Staphylococcus sp. in three. The treatment included antibiotics for six weeks, puncture-drainage, and immobilization for three to four weeks. Outcome was excellent in nine hips and good in three. DISCUSSION: The diagnosis of septic arthritis of the hip joint must be made early, based on ultrasound or scintigraphic findings. Bacteriological samples of joint fluids are required to adjust the antibiotic regimen. Salmonella sp. were the most common agents in our patients, but other series have reported Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus or Pneumococcus sp. Drainage is preferred, if possible by arthroscopy. Arthrotomy should be reserved for cases with a thick discharge which is difficult to evacuate via puncture drainage. Early diagnosis, careful evacuation of the joint collection, and adapted antibiotic therapy with hip immobilization are the keys to good functional outcome.

[Surgical treatment of the single non traumatic perforation of small bowel: excision-suture or resection-anastomosis]. / Traitement chirurgical des perforations non traumatiques uniques de l'intestin grêle: excision-suture ou résection-anastomose.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate morbidity and mortality following excision-suture and resection-anastomosis for single non traumatic perforations of small bowel (SNTPB). METHODS: From July 2002 to June 2003, a simple blind randomized study comparing excision-suture with resection-anastomosis SNTPB. RESULTS: Of the 125 patients included, 112 were operated by surgeons on training (89.6%). The perforation sat on the antimesenteric edge of the last ileal portion with an average diameter of 0.8 cm (extreme 0.1 and 4 cm). An excision-suture was performed 66 times (52%) including 5 times by an experienced surgeon. 56 patients had simple continuations (45.2%). Morbidity concerned 68 patients (54,8%). 06 patients died of general complications (4.8%). The technique did not influence the mortality. All dead patients were operated by surgeons on training, P=0.25. The complications were significantly more frequent after resection-anastomosis (79.7%) than after excision-suture (32.3%). The difference was significant for the parietal abscesses (P=0,01), the exteriorized fistulas (P=0.04), the septic shocks (P=0.05). CONCLUSION: Whereas mortality was not influenced by the technique, the postoperative course was more complicated after resection-anastomosis (performed in majority by less experienced surgeons). We recommend excision-suture to repair SNTPB.

[Acute osteomyelitis in the child with sickle cell disease in a tropical zone: value of oral fluoroquinolones]. / Ostéomyélites aiguës de l'enfant drépanocytaire en zone tropicale: intérêt de l'utilisation des fluoroquinolones par voie orale.

AIM: This study was designed to assess the efficacy and the safety of fluoroquinolones in their compassionate use for acute osteomyelitis in children with sickle cell disease in a tropical country. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was non comparative, including twelve children (eight SS, three SC and one SEzerothalassemia) treated for acute osteomyelitis with oral ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin because of the following reasons: financial inability to afford conventional parenteral beta-lactams therapy (nine patients), refusal of hospitalization (two patients), and failure of conventional treatment (one patient). RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 9.5 +/- 2.6 years. The long bones were the predominantly site. Salmonella species were present in 75% of cases, followed by other enterobacteriaceae (16.7%), and Staphylococcus aureus (8.3%). Successful outcome occurred in all cases after three to four-weeks of treatment and 45 days of plaster immobilization. Transient bilateral Achilles tendon tendinitis was noted in a five-year-old patient. CONCLUSION: In economically developing countries, oral fluoroquinolones may be a therapeutic alternative for acute osteomyelitis in patients with sickle cell disease particularly in cases of financial hardship or failure with conventional therapy.

[Current profile of hematogenous osteomyelitis in children at the Tokoin University Hospital Center in Lome, Togo. Report of 145 cases]. / Le profil actuel des ostéomyélites hématogènes de l'enfant au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tokoin, Lomé, Togo. A propos de 145 cas.

Bacterial osteomyelitis is still a major health problem in Togo due to frequent association with sickle cell disease and delayed treatment. This report describes a series including 145 patients hospitalized for osteomyelitis in a university hospital center in Lome from 1995 to 1997. Osteomyelitis was acute in 33 cases, in association with sickle cell disease in 14 cases, and chronic in 112 cases including 103 with sequela of acute osteomyelitis. Data showed that the most common infectious agent was Staphylococcus aureus (64 cases) which was isolated or associated with another microorganism. The most valuable finding of this study was the high incidence of salmonella (n = 39) identified in association with sickle cell disease. If salmonella is detected, electrophoretic hemoglobin screening should be performed.

[Intracavernous injections of etilefrin: its efficacy in the treatment of priapism in sickle cell patients]. / Injections intracaverneuses d'étiléfrine: efficacité dans le traitement curatif des épisodes de priapisme chez le drépanocytaire.

OBJECTIVE: To date, the treatment of priapism in sickle-cell patients has relied on measures aimed at lowering blood viscosity and acidosis and reducing the level of circulating hemoglobin S (hyperhydration, alkalinization, or exsanguinotransfusion...) Surgical cavernous-venous shunt may be proposed if conservative treatment fails. We examined the efficacy of intracavernous etilefrin injections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 1996 through October 1997 (20 months) we performed 35 consecutive intracavernous injections of an alphastimulant, etilefrin in 7 sickle-cell patients (6 SS, 1 AS) who had experienced one or several episodes of low-flow priapism lasting 2 to 28 hours. RESULTS: Involution of the tumefaction was rapidly achieved in all cases. Tolerance was satisfactory, although some post-injection undesirable effects were reported by certain patients: moderate transient pain (2-5 min) in the retrosternal area, or intense pain in the penis (more intense than the priapism) which lasted 10 to 30 minutes. This work confirmed the earlier reported efficacy of intracavernous injections of etilefrin and suggests that the autonomous nervous system plays an important role in the genesis of this condition in sickle-cell patients. Patients should be informed about the observed undesirable effects which have not been reported previously in the literature. CONCLUSION: Etilefrin can be proposed as first line treatment for priapism in sickle-cell patients (at least in cases lasting less than 24 h). The pathogenic mechanism could involve neuromuscular dysfunction.

[Posterior urethral polyps in children. A case report]. / Les polypes de l'urètre postérieur chez l'enfant. A propos d'une observation.

Posterior urethral polyps are rare. A case is reported in a 7-year-old boy presenting with pain and burning micturition. Ultrasound and cystography revealed the diagnosis by showing a round solid structure in the bladder neck. Cystoscopy confirmed the diagnosis by showing its implantation base at the summit of the verumontanum. The polyp was removed by endoscopic resection and histological examination of the resection specimen showed a fibrous polyp. A brief review of the clinical features, diagnostic methods, natural history and treatment of this benign tumour is presented.

[Scrotal pseudoabscess revealing congenital diverticulum of the anterior urethra in children]. / Pseudo abcès scrotal révélateur d'un diverticule congénital de l'urètre antérieur chez l'enfant.

The authors report a case of infected congenital diverticulum of the anterior urethra in a 6-week-old infant. This diverticulum presented clinically in the form of a scrotal abscess. Retrograde cystourethrography established the diagnosis. Two-stage treatment was preferred because of the infection: aspiration of the diverticulum and antibiotics, subsequently followed by surgical repair with resection of the diverticulum and immediate urethral reconstruction. The immediate postoperative course was marked by demonstration of hypertrophic pylori stenosis, which had not been previously investigated despite the presence of symptoms predating the diverticulum (repeated vomiting at the age of one month). Treatment was surgical. A brief review of diverticula of the anterior urethra is presented, defining the aetiological factors as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic features.

[Burn-induced contraction cicatrix in children. Review of 79 cases]. / Les cicatrices rétractiles de la main brûlée chez l'enfant. Une revue de 79 cas.

Post-burn flexion contractures of the hands are evaluated in this retrospective study concerning eighty-six hands of seventy-nine children in the pediatric surgery unit of the University hospital of Dakar from 1971 to 1995. A peak frequency was found among 2-months-old males. Fire (flames or embers) is the most frequent etiology (49.5%). The initial treatment of these burns is more often inadequate because it is performed in dispensaries (small clinics) or at home and then causes severe sequelae. Among the methods of treatment, excision with graft gives the best results in short flexion contractures. Isolated Z plasty can be used successfully. Our follow-up is short (6 months) but the results are relatively good. Among the factors influencing the results, the seriousness of the lesions, the type of surgical treatment, immobilization and physiotherapy are the most significant.