World journal of surgery
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World journal of surgery · Apr 2016
ReviewPrioritisation of Surgery in the National Health Strategic Plans of Africa: A Systematic Review.
Disease amenable to surgical intervention accounts for 11-15 % of world disability and there is increasing interest in surgery as a global public health issue. National Health Strategic Plans (NHSPs) reflect countries' long-term health priorities, plans and targets. These plans were analysed to assess the prioritisation of surgery as a public health issue in Africa. ⋯ NHSPs are the best available measure of health service and planning priorities. It is clear from our findings that surgery is poorly represented and that surgical conditions and surgical treatment are not widely recognised as a public health priority. Greater prioritisation of surgery in national health strategic policies is required to build resilient surgical systems.
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World journal of surgery · Apr 2016
Associations with Perioperative Mortality Rate at a Major Referral Hospital in Rwanda.
Little is known about perioperative mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The perioperative mortality rate (POMR) and associated factors at a major referral hospital in Rwanda were measured. ⋯ The POMR at a large referral hospital in Rwanda is <10 % demonstrating that surgery can save lives even in resource-limited settings. Emergency operations are associated with higher mortality, which could potentially be improved with faster identification and transfer from district hospitals. Nearly half of deaths occurred in the post-operative recovery room. Multidisciplinary audits of operative mortalities could help guide improvements in surgical care.
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World journal of surgery · Apr 2016
Observational StudyThe Role of Magnesium in Post-thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia.
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypomagnesemia in patients undergoing thyroidectomy and evaluate the relationship of hypomagnesemia with transient and severe hypocalcemia. ⋯ Preoperative hypomagnesemia (24 %) was prevalent in this cohort of patients. Postoperative hypomagnesemia is a common event (70 %) following total thyroidectomy, and magnesium levels tend to mimic the calcium levels postoperatively. The cause of hypocalcemia post-thyroidectomy in this study is mainly a factor of parathyroid function and fluid status. Severe hypocalcemia is a rare event, and hypomagnesemia is associated in the majority of these patients. The role of magnesium correction to alleviate severe hypocalcemia needs to be further studied.