Challenges in the organisation of a microsurgery laboratory in a low resource country.

OBJECTIVES: To highlight the problems encountered in the set up, organisation and operations of a microsurgery laboratory in a low resource tertiary care hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: The basic infrastructural deficiencies of this setting were encountered. Significant administrative, logistic and technical obstacles needed to be overcome. The need for improvisation and flexibility in the organisation and operations of such a laboratory is highlighted. The use of locally available, cheaper variety of instruments and consumables in the microsurgery laboratories of developing countries with limited resources was demonstrated by our experience . CONCLUSION: We conclude that even in the setting of low resource tertiary centres found in many developing countries, challenges could be overcome and standard acceptable patency rates obtained in the microsurgery laboratory .

Burn scar carcinoma: two case reports and review of literature.

The development of carcinoma within a burn scar is an uncommon sequelae. When it does occur, the diagnosis is often delayed and consequently outcome less favourable. We present two cases seen and review existing literature on the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of this problem. Delay in presentation and treatment is often the norm rather than the exception in this part of the world. We recommend early closure of all burn wounds and frequent biopsies of chronic leg ulcers.