OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of intrawound vancomycin in preventing surgical site infection (SSI) in major cranial surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS:It was a prospective, randomized controlled, interventional study conducted in the neurosurgery department of our institution on all adult patients who had major cranial surgeries over 12 months. The consented patients were randomized into either Vancomycin group or control. A predesigned study pro forma was used to collect patients' clinical data including risk factors for SSIs, clinical presentation, indication for surgery, type of surgical intervention and postoperative wound findings. Patients were followed up for 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS:A total of 104 patients were studied with equal numbers in each group. The incidence of SSI was 10.6% with no significant difference between the two groups. There was however a 17% relative risk reduction in SSI in Vancomycin group. Only two organisms were responsible for SSI: Staphylococcus aureus (91%) and enterococcus (9%). CONCLUSION:This study showed that intrawound vancomycin use does not significantly reduce incidence of SSI post major cranial surgery, however the 17% relative risk reduction suggests a potential clinical utility of topical vancomycin for SSI prophylaxis.
BackgroundChild sexual abuse (CSA) is a major public health concern with long-term physical, psychological, and social consequences. In sub-Saharan Africa, particularly northern Nigeria, evidence on CSA remains limited, and region-specific data are scarce. This cross-sectional study examines the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of CSA among secondary school adolescents in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage sampling technique to recruit 308 adolescents from selected public and private secondary schools. Data were collected using validated, self-administered questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, experiences and forms of CSA, perpetrator profiles, locations of abuse, disclosure patterns, and responses to disclosure.ResultsThe prevalence of CSA was 24.4%. Non-penetrative forms were most common, including exposure to pornography (48%) and fondling (29.3%), while forced sexual intercourse accounted for 14.7% of reported cases. Abuse most frequently occurred at home (44%) and in school settings (26.7%). The majority of perpetrators were male (80%) and known to the victims. Disclosure was low (37.3%), with mothers (39.3%) and friends (28.5%) being the most commonly informed.ConclusionCSA remains highly prevalent among adolescents in Sokoto Metropolis, with girls and adolescents from unstable family environments being particularly vulnerable. Low disclosure rates and negative responses to disclosure further exacerbate the problem. These findings provide important region-specific epidemiological evidence and highlight the urgent need for strengthened child protection policies, improved community awareness, school-based prevention programs, and accessible support systems for survivors.
Abstract Ludwig’s angina is a bilateral infection of the floor of the mouth that involves at least three compartments: the submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces. It is a life-threatening cellulitis that requires urgent intervention due to compromise in the airway. We present a case of a 32-year-old farmer who presented to the accident and emergency unit of our facility about 4 days following a snakebite with bilateral submandibular, sublingual, and submental swelling showing classical features of Ludwig’s angina. In addition, relevant literature on the important aspects of the etiology, presentation, and management has been highlighted.
Abstract Introduction: Trans-alveolar extraction of impacted mandibular third molars (IMTM) is one of the most common procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery clinics. This procedure is frequently associated with post-operative sequelae. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between post-operative sequelae and the degree of surgical difficulty experienced during trans-alveolar extraction of IMTM extraction. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross sectional research involved 77 subjects with a history of IMTM requiring trans-alveolar extraction under local anaesthesia. Surgical difficulty was assessed intraoperatively based on total operation time. Preoperative and post-operative evaluations were conducted to measure pain, facial swelling and interincisal mouth opening. Pearson correlation was utilized to identify relationships between post–operative sequelae and surgical difficulty. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The majority of the respondents were males (46, 59.7%) and the most represented age group being 25-34 years (36, 46.8%). The majority of cases presented a moderate level of surgical difficulty (41, 53.2%). Statistical analysis revealed no correlation between surgical difficulty and mean postoperative pain with ( r = 0.000, p = 0.998). Additionally, there was no correlation found with facial swelling ( r = -0.002, p = 0.988). However, a weak negative correlation was noted with trismus r =0.130, ( p =0.261). Conclusion: This study found no significant correlation between post-operative sequelae (pain and swelling) and surgical difficulty. However, a weak negative correlation was observed with trismus. Dental surgeons should consider that higher levels of surgical difficulty do not necessary correlate with increased levels of pain swelling or trismus.
Background: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of diseases, including low back pain and knee osteoarthritis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted at the surgical outpatient department (SOPD) of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, from October to December 2024. Data collection was conducted through a self-administered questionnaire and a face-to-face interview, following the random selection of patients. Data comprises demographics and variables such as height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), presence or absence of low back pain (LBP), and presence or absence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). The BMI was obtained from the patient’s weight and height, and it was categorised into either normal (< 29.9kg/m2) or obese (> 30kg/m2). Results: The mean age of presentation was 46.49±14.23, and the most frequent age range was 40-59 years (48.2%). The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.02. The majority of the study subjects 78 (46.4%) were unemployed, with 61 (73.5%) being female. There were 73 (43.4%) obese subjects and 95 (56.5%) non-obese subjects. Those who presented with LBP were 75 (44.6%), KOA were 71 (42.3%), and those with both LBP and KOA were 30 (17.9%). Presence of obesity was statistically significant for females (p = 0.002; OR = 2.67), those with LBP (p = 0.007; OR = 2.299), KOA (p = 0.0001; OR = 3.43), and for the presence of both LBP and KOA (p = 0.001; OR = 3.86). Conclusions: The study findings are consistent with a high prevalence of low back pain and knee osteoarthritis among the obese subjects. Weight reduction improves symptoms and reduces the risk of complications.
