Research Article
Pattern of Pediatric Musculoskeletal Surgical Admissions to a Tertiary Hospital in a Low-Income Country: A Retrospective Review of Medical Records
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
69-76
Received:
27 May 2025
Accepted:
16 June 2025
Published:
10 July 2025
Abstract: Background: Pediatric musculoskeletal surgical conditions pose a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, similar to other low-middle income countries. There is a dearth of information about a pattern of pediatric musculoskeletal surgical diseases. Understanding the burden of these disorders in children will inform capacity building efforts, resource allocation and training. This study aimed to assess the pattern and magnitude of pediatric orthopedic surgical disorders among patients admitted to Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Clinical records that included the admission and discharge registry data were retrospectively reviewed for pediatric orthopedic patients (0- 15 years) admitted at TASH between September2017 and August 2021. Data recorded were age, sex, diagnosis, treatment and discharge recommendations. Results: A total of 726 children were admitted to the pediatric orthopedic unit during the study period. Of these 482 (66.4%) were male and 244 (33.6%) were female. The most common diagnoses were trauma (n=278, 38.3%, infection (n=161, 22.2%), musculoskeletal tumors (n=95, 13.0%), and congenital anomalies (n=78, 11.0.3%). Conclusions: Findings demonstrate a wide spectrum and pattern of pediatric orthopedic conditions that require surgical admission at TASH. As the largest national specialized teaching and tertiary referral center in the country, these findings give insight into different types of musculoskeletal surgical disorders in children. This highlights the need to increase the capacity to care for specific musculoskeletal conditions in the pediatric population of Ethiopia.
Abstract: Background: Pediatric musculoskeletal surgical conditions pose a major public health challenge in Ethiopia, similar to other low-middle income countries. There is a dearth of information about a pattern of pediatric musculoskeletal surgical diseases. Understanding the burden of these disorders in children will inform capacity building efforts, reso...
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Research Article
Traumatic Perforation of the Colon in the General Surgery Department of the Ignance Deen National Hospital-chu in Conakry (Guinea)
Abdoulaye Yattara*
,
Ansoumane Conde,
Alpha Douno,
Naby Fofana,
Sandaly Diakite,
Labilé Togba Soumaoro,
Houssein Fofana,
Aboubacar Toure
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
77-81
Received:
8 June 2025
Accepted:
1 July 2025
Published:
22 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.js.20251304.12
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Abstract: Aim: To describe the epidemiological, anatomoclinical aspects and management of traumatic colon perforations in general surgery at the Ignace Deen University Hospital in Conakry. Materials and methods: this was a retrospective study, descriptive type, lasting 5 years (September 2018 to September 2023). All successive records of patients operated on for traumatic colon perforation in the department during the study period were included. Results: We collected 70 cases of traumatic colon perforation, representing 5.8% of all operated abdominal traumas. The mean age was 30 ± 14 years, with extremes of 5 and 76 years. Males predominated (78.5%). Average hospital stay was 13.07 ± 6.07 days. The clinical picture was that of a peritoneal irritation syndrome. The etiologies were represented by road accidents (n=52; 47.4%). The transverse colon (32.86%) was the segment most affected. Simple suture repair was performed in 56 patients (80%). Postoperative complications included postoperative peritonitis (n=7; 10%). We noted 8 deaths, representing a mortality rate of 11.43%. Average hospital stay was 13.03±6.07 days. Conclusion: Traumatic perforations of the colon are frequent and occur more often in young male subjects. The transverse colon was the segment most affected. Primary suturing was the preferred method for colonic trauma in our context.
Abstract: Aim: To describe the epidemiological, anatomoclinical aspects and management of traumatic colon perforations in general surgery at the Ignace Deen University Hospital in Conakry. Materials and methods: this was a retrospective study, descriptive type, lasting 5 years (September 2018 to September 2023). All successive records of patients operated on...
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Case Report
A Rare Case of Adult Symptomatic Intestinal Malrotation Treated with Laparoscopic Ladd Procedure: Case Report
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
82-86
Received:
4 June 2025
Accepted:
25 June 2025
Published:
23 July 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.js.20251304.13
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Views:
Abstract: Background: Intestinal malrotation is a congenital condition caused by incomplete or absent rotation of the intestine around the superior mesenteric artery during embryonic development. It is typically presents in the neonatal period. In adults, it is rare (0.2%) and often asymptomatic, discovered incidentally during exams or surgeries. The clinical context in an adult patient can cause chronic symptoms such as intermittent abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting and abdominal swelling. Diagnosis is best achieved with an upper gastrointestinal contrast study, while CT scan or MRI may detect it incidentally. Surgical correction (Ladd’s procedure) involves reducing volvulus (if present), removing Ladd's bands, and broadening the mesenteric base. This case is noteworthy due to the limited number of similar reports documented globally. Case Presentation: A 67-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of weight loss, loss of appetite, and episodes of abdominal pain. An abdominal CT revealed signs of intestinal malrotation, and an MRI confirmed these findings, showing abnormal positioning of intestinal loops and vascular structures. Exploratory laparoscopy was performed, and intraoperative findings confirmed the diagnosis. The entire adhered right colon was released from the sigmoid at the angle of Treitz and was repositioned to the right side of the abdomen with the cecum. The patient recovered well, was discharged on the second postoperative day, and remained asymptomatic during follow-up visits at 8 days, 45 days, 3 months post-surgery and ten years after. Discussion and Conclusion: Identifying intestinal malrotation in adults is challenging because of the broad range and vague nature of the symptoms. Diagnostic delays can result in serious complications and less favorable surgical outcomes. Treatment depends on symptomatology and intraoperative findings. Ladd’s Procedure remains the standard approach, involving repositioning of the intestines and release of abnormal bands. The patient in question underwent successful laparoscopic correction, with complete symptom resolution and no complications during follow-up.
Abstract: Background: Intestinal malrotation is a congenital condition caused by incomplete or absent rotation of the intestine around the superior mesenteric artery during embryonic development. It is typically presents in the neonatal period. In adults, it is rare (0.2%) and often asymptomatic, discovered incidentally during exams or surgeries. The clinica...
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