Purpose: To design a “low-cost” tele-imaging method allowing real-time tele-ultrasound expertise, delayed tele-ultrasound diagnosis, and tele-radiology between remote peripherals hospitals and clinics (patient centers) and university hospital centers (expert center).Materials and methods: A system of communication via internet (IP camera and remote access software) enabling transfer of ultrasound videos and images between two centers allows a real-time tele-radiology expertise in the presence of a junior sonographer or radiologist at the patient center. In the absence of a sonographer or radiologist at the patient center, a 3D reconstruction program allows a delayed tele-ultrasound diagnosis with images acquired by a lay operator (e.g., midwife, nurse, technician). The system was tested both with high and low bandwidth. The system can further accommodate non-ultrasound tele-radiology (conventional radiography, mammography, and computer tomography for example). The system was tested on 50 patients between CHR Tsevie in Togo (40 km from Lomé-Togo and 4500 km from Tours-France) and CHU Campus at Lomé and CHU Trousseau in Tours.Results: A real-time tele-expertise was successfully performed with a delay of approximately 1.5 s with an internet bandwidth of around 1 Mbps (IP Camera) and 512 kbps (remote access software). A delayed tele-ultrasound diagnosis was also performed with satisfactory results. The transmission of radiological images from the patient center to the expert center was of adequate quality. Delayed tele-ultrasound and tele-radiology was possible even in the presence of a low-bandwidth internet connection.Conclusion: This tele-imaging method, requiring nothing by readily available and inexpensive technology and equipment, offers a major opportunity for telemedicine in developing countries.
Background: "Gossypiboma" or "textiloma" refers to accidental retention of textile material in an operated area of the body. Abdominal surgery is most often responsible for this complication. The purpose of our study was to describe the appearance of abdominal gossypibomas on computed tomography (CT) scan images. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study over ten years (from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018) at the Teaching University Hospital of Lomé. We collected all surgically confirmed cases of abdominal gossypibomas with abdominal CT scans. Results: Fifteen cases were compiled, with a sex-ratio of 0.36. The average age of the patients was 34 years. The initial surgery was emergent in nine of 15 cases, 11 of which consisted of gynecological interventions. The gossypiboma symptom incubation period was between 3 days and 3 years. A radiopaque marker was observed via CT scans in three of 15 cases. The gossypiboma appeared encapsulated and spongiform in six cases and cystic in seven cases. There were two cases where the gossypiboma migrated into hollow organs. Conclusion: Abdominal gossypibomas appear polymorphic on CT scans and should be considered in patients who present with an abdominal mass and a history of abdominal surgery, even for absent radiopaque markers.
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