[Surgical therapy in African mycetoma. Indications a propos of 160 cases]

The authors treated 160 cases of African mycetoma in Mauritania and then in Niger from september 1978 to june 1985. They here underline some guidance in the application of the utilizable surgical techniques, according to environment. The localizations met are described as well as criteria of diagnosis, pathological aspects, and responsible agents. It is important to scrutinize the extension of the lesions, and to carry out a socio-economic survey, prior to take any decision to operate. After a short commentary on the medical treatment, the authors recalled the classical surgical techniques. They explicit the criteria they selected to decide the type of intervention, along their serie. If surgery has still a preponderant position in the treatment of African mycetoma, hopes are in the discovery of a more efficient medical therapy, and the early diagnosis leading to a limited surgical therapy.