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Gangrenous bowel in Nigerians.
1Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria.
The Central African Journal of Medicine
|August 7, 2001
Summary
Gangrenous bowel in Nigeria has high mortality, influenced by delayed surgery and extent of bowel necrosis. Early intervention and improved socioeconomic factors are crucial for reducing deaths from this condition.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Public Health
Background:
- Gangrenous bowel presents a significant challenge in developing countries, with limited data on mortality factors.
- Understanding local epidemiology and contributing factors is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically examine gangrenous bowel in a developing country.
- Identify factors associated with mortality.
- Reappraise management challenges in the local context.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 95 patients with gangrenous bowel.
- Data collected over a 10-year period (1986-1995) at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Main Results:
- High prevalence in children (0-5 years) due to intussusception.
- External hernias (42.1%) and intussusception (22.1%) were primary causes.
- Overall mortality was 35.8%, directly correlated with delayed surgery and extent of gangrenous bowel.
Conclusions:
- Late presentation allows for high diagnostic accuracy; elaborate investigations have limited current utility.
- Recommendations include improving socioeconomic status, health education, and promoting early surgical intervention for hernias and gangrenous bowel.