Typhoid ileal perforation (TP) is a major problem in developing countries and carries a high mortality. The purpose of this retrospective study from Nigeria was to review the outcome in children less than 15 years of age who underwent surgery for TP from 1984 to 1999. Demographic data, clinical features, results of investigations, findings at surgery, postoperative course, and complications were recorded. There were 55 boys and 51 girls. The median age at presentation was 10 years (range 3-14). The surgically confirmed perforation rate was 11.0%. The clinical features in children older than 5 years were similar to already documented patterns in the literature. In children less than 5 years old the predominant symptoms were fever and vomiting only. Therefore, in the very young a high index of suspicion is required to avoid delay in diagnosis. Ninety eight patients (92.5%) had simple double-layer closure of the perforation. The mean hospital stay among survivors was 23.6 +/- 18.8 days. The commonest postoperative complications were wound infection and enterocutaneous fistula. The overall mortality was 23.8%, increasing to 50% in children aged less than 5 years, although the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). To improve survival in TP, attention should be focused on perioperative resuscitation and early intervention. The provision of potable water, adequate sanitation, and active immunisation are means to eradicate the disease.
This prospective study was designed to assess the safety, cost-effectiveness, and advantages of performing posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) without colostomy on males with intermediate imperforate anus in a developing country. Fifteen consecutive males with intermediate imperforate anus were entered into the study. Chest and abdominal x-rays, skeletal surveys, renal ultrasound scans, and invertograms were done. Patients were resuscitated and Pena's PSARP done in prone positions. A 2-ml syringe vent was inserted into the new anus for 10 days. Babies were nursed prone postoperatively. Cephalosporin and metronidazole were given as perioperative antibiotics. All patients had intermediate anomalies. There were no other major associated congenital anomalies. A urethral catheter could not be inserted in one patient, and one patient who presented with septicemia and jaundice was deemed too ill to withstand a major operation; these two patients therefore had diverting colostomies. There were no problems with PSARP in the other 13 patients. One patient's father discharged him against medical advice on the 5th postoperative day; the mother had had postpartum hemorrhage, so they opted for traditional treatment because they could not provide blood donors. The skin wounds of 10 patients healed completely with removal of stitches; two boys had superficial wound infection. Parents who lived far from the hospital were taught how to dilate the anus. Follow-up has ranged between 3 months and 2 years. This prospective study shows that it is feasible for males with intermediate imperforate anus to have safe PSARP without colostomy. The advantages of one instead of three major operations are many, especially in developing countries. If this result can be reproduced in cases of high anomalies, colostomy may be unnecessary in many cases of anorectal malformations, with many benefits to these children and their families.
Bowel resections are mainly done for intussusception and complications of TIP at our centre. Late presentation, preexisting malnutrition, and nonavailability of parenteral nutrition contributed to unacceptable morbidity and mortality.
A case of dextrogastria associated with multiple jejunal atresia and inverse rotation of the bowel in a neonate is presented. The management of this rare condition is highlighted with a review of the literature.
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