Adult surgical admissions at a Botswana tertiary teaching hospital - spectrum, comorbidity profile, and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Documentation on the spectrum, comorbidities, profile, and outcomes of adult surgical admissions in Botswana is limited. This information may guide manpower distribution for proposed rotations in the new general surgery training programmes.

METHODS

The medical records of adult surgical admissions for a period of one year (August 2017 - July 2018) were reviewed retrospectively. Demographics, types of admissions, dates of admission and discharge, and known comorbidities were captured and the outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

Of the 2610 admissions the mean age was 44.4 years and 60.8% were male. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT), neurosurgical, and cardiothoracic admissions constituted 60.7%. Emergency admissions constituted 50.1%. Comorbidities were found in 45.6% of the admissions, and HIV-prevalence was 697/1822 (38.3%) among known HIV-status patients. Elective admissions underwent more surgical procedures, 776/1303 (59.6%), p = 0.001 (COR 1.9, 95% CI:1.7-2.3). A total of 220/2610 complications (8.4%) were documented, including 42/1355 (3.1%) superficial surgical site infections and 159/2610 deaths (6.1%). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were associated with higher mortality, p = 0.002 (COR 1.8,95% CI:1.2-2.6) and p = 0.031 (COR 1.9, 95% CI:1.1-3.4) respectively. HIV-positive patients had longer hospital stays than HIV-negative patients, p = 0.001 (COR 1.03, 95% CI:1.02-1.04). HIV-positive admissions with CD4 count < 200 had significantly higher composite complication and mortality rate than those with ≥ 200, p = 0.002 (COR 3.03, 95% CI:1.52-6.04) and p = 0.001 (COR 4.34, 95% CI:2.08-9.05) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Contributions of emergency and elective admissions were even. A higher burden of diseases was found in gastroenterology. The higher mortalities associated with hypertension, diabetes, and CD4 count < 200 warrant further study.

The impact of HIV infection on surgical gastrointestinal diseases at the Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

various gastrointestinal diseases affect surgical patients. Literature on the burden and outcomes of surgical gastrointestinal diseases in a high HIV infection prevalence is scares. This study aimed to investigate this topic at the Princess Marina Hospital.

Methods

medical records of patients admitted with surgical gastrointestinal diseases to adult surgical wards were reviewed from August 2017 to July 2018. Demographics, date of admission and discharge, HIV status, CD4 count, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

six-hundred and ninety-eight (698) patients with known HIV infection status and surgical gastrointestinal diseases were admitted. HIV+ patients contributed 274 (39.3%). Among HIV+, females contributed 147 (53.6%). Symptomatic gallbladder stone disease was significantly higher in HIV- patients, p=0.008; while anal cancers, p=0.001, anal warts, p=0.001, and perianal infections and fistulae, p=0.010 were significantly higher in HIV+ patients. Overall, surgical site infections were recorded in 15 (2.1%) and mortalities in 43 (6.2%). The mortality rate was higher in HIV+ than in HIV- patients, p=0.048. The total number of surgical procedures and median hospital stays among HIV- and HIV+ patients were not statistically significant, p=0.868 and p=0.249 respectively. The total number of complications, p=0.338, mortality, p=0.149, and median hospital stay, p=0.181, among HIV+ patients based on CD4 count, < 200 vs. > 200, were not significantly different.

Conclusion

symptomatic gallbladder stone diseases were significantly higher in HIV- patients; while anal cancer, anal warts, and perianal infections and perianal fistulae were significantly higher in HIV+ patients. HIV+ patients had a significantly higher mortality rate than HIV- patients, and this needs further investigation.

Correction: Academic global surgical competencies: A modified Delphi consensus study

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002102.].

Academic global surgical competencies: A modified Delphi consensus study

Academic global surgery is a rapidly growing field that aims to improve access to safe surgical care worldwide. However, no universally accepted competencies exist to inform this developing field. A consensus-based approach, with input from a diverse group of experts, is needed to identify essential competencies that will lead to standardization in this field. A task force was set up using snowball sampling to recruit a broad group of content and context experts in global surgical and perioperative care. A draft set of competencies was revised through the modified Delphi process with two rounds of anonymous input. A threshold of 80% consensus was used to determine whether a competency or sub-competency learning objective was relevant to the skillset needed within academic global surgery and perioperative care. A diverse task force recruited experts from 22 countries to participate in both rounds of the Delphi process. Of the n = 59 respondents completing both rounds of iterative polling, 63% were from low- or middle-income countries. After two rounds of anonymous feedback, participants reached consensus on nine core competencies and 31 sub-competency objectives. The greatest consensus pertained to competency in ethics and professionalism in global surgery (100%) with emphasis on justice, equity, and decolonization across multiple competencies. This Delphi process, with input from experts worldwide, identified nine competencies which can be used to develop standardized academic global surgery and perioperative care curricula worldwide. Further work needs to be done to validate these competencies and establish assessments to ensure that they are taught effectively.

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

BACKGROUND

Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres.

METHODS

This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low-middle-income countries.

RESULTS

In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of 'single-use' consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low-middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia.

CONCLUSION

This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high- and low-middle-income countries.

The clinical characteristics and outcomes of appendicitis in a population with a high HIV-infection prevalence

•

Many African countries have a high HIV-infection prevalence. Appendicitis is one of the common emergencies and its incidence is increasing in Africa.

•

Literatures documenting the comparative demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of appendicitis between HIV-infected and non-infected patients are limited in Africa.

•

This study, conducted in an African country, informs the stakeholders in Botswana and other African countries with a similar setup on the demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of appendicitis patients with HIV-infection, and it helps to design a relevant research and approach to patient management.

Introduction

Method

Results

Conclusion

Pathology for Thoracic Conditions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Pulmonary disease in low- and middle-income countries is highly diverse and dependent on the population, background epidemiology, environmental exposures, and smoking status. Credible evaluation of lung diseases requires skilled clinicians, imaging infrastructure, microbiology, and pathologic diagnostics, including imaging-guided cytology and biopsy. When these tools are available, improvement in patient outcomes is feasible. Pathologic diagnostics of lung lesions, including histology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing, are critical to properly stratify patient risk and determine exact therapies for each patient. A critical focus on research and directed interventions in lung cancer treatment specifically is needed to downstage this disease and improve patient outcome.

Surgical Simulation Training for Medical Students: Strategies and Implications in Botswana

BACKGROUND

The role of simulation in teaching technical skills to medical students is not yet well defined. Strategies for its use may be especially relevant where teachers, time, and resources are limited, especially in low-middle-income countries.

METHODS

Sixty-seven third-year and 67 fifth-year medical students at the University of Botswana were taught surgical skills by a trained peer medical student, a medical officer with no specialty training or a staff surgeon. Pre- and post-intervention performance of two basic tasks (simple interrupted suture (SIS) and laparoscopic peg transfer (LPT)) and one complex task (laparoscopic intracorporeal suture (LIS)) were assessed. Subjective measures of self-perceived performance, preparedness for internship, and interest in surgery were also measured.

RESULTS

The simulation program decreased the time to complete the two basic tasks and improved the objective score for the complex task. Performance of the basic skills improved regardless of the seniority of the instructor while performance of the advanced skill improved more when taught by a staff surgeon. All students had similar improvements in their self-reported confidence to perform the skills, preparedness to assist in an operation and preparedness for internship, regardless of the seniority of their instructor. Students taught by a staff surgeon felt better prepared to assist in laparoscopic procedures.

CONCLUSION

Simulation-based teaching of defined surgical skills can be effectively conducted by peers and near-peers. The implications are widespread and may be most relevant where time and resources are limited, and where experienced teachers are scarce.

The characteristics and outcomes of trauma admissions to an adult general surgery ward in a tertiary teaching hospital

Background

Traumatic injuries are proportionally higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than high-income counties. Data on trauma epidemiology and patients' outcomes are limited in LMICs.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records was performed for trauma admissions to the Princess Marina Hospital general surgical (GS) wards from August 2017 to July 2018. Data on demographics, mechanisms of injury, body parts injured, Revised Trauma Score, surgical procedures, hospital stay, and outcomes were analysed.

Results

During the study period, 2610 patients were admitted to GS wards, 1307 were emergency admissions. Trauma contributed 22.1% (576) of the total and 44.1% of the emergency admissions. Among the trauma admissions, 79.3% (457) were male. The median[interquartile range(IQR)](range) age in years was 30[24–40](13–97). The main mechanisms of injury were interpersonal violence (IPV), 53.1% and road traffic crashes (RTCs), 23.1%. More females than males suffered animal bites (5.9% vs. 0.9%), and burns (8.4% vs. 4.2%), while more males than females were affected by IPV (57.8% vs. 35.3%) and self-harm (5.5% vs. 3.4%). Multiple body parts were injured in 6.6%, mainly by RTCs. Interpersonal violence (IPV) and RTCs resulted in significant numbers of head and neck injuries, 57.3% and 22.2% respectively. More females than males had multiple body-parts injury 34.5% vs. 18.5%. Revised Trauma Score (RTS) of ≤11 was recorded in IPV, 38.4% and RTCs, 33.6%. Surgical procedures were performed on 44.4% patients. The most common surgical procedures were laparotomy (27.8%), insertion of chest tube (27.8%), and craniotomy/burr hole(25.1%). Complications were recorded in 10.1% of the patients(58) including 39 deaths, 6.8% of the 576.

Conclusion

Trauma contributed significantly to the total GS and emergency admissions. The most common mechanism of injury was IPV with head and neck the most frequently injured body part. Further studies on IPV and trauma admissions involving paediatric and orthopaedic patients are warranted.

Global variation in postoperative mortality and complications after cancer surgery: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 82 countries

BACKGROUND

80% of individuals with cancer will require a surgical procedure, yet little comparative data exist on early outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared postoperative outcomes in breast, colorectal, and gastric cancer surgery in hospitals worldwide, focusing on the effect of disease stage and complications on postoperative mortality.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for primary breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer requiring a skin incision done under general or neuraxial anaesthesia. The primary outcome was death or major complication within 30 days of surgery. Multilevel logistic regression determined relationships within three-level nested models of patients within hospitals and countries. Hospital-level infrastructure effects were explored with three-way mediation analyses. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03471494.

FINDINGS

Between April 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2019, we enrolled 15 958 patients from 428 hospitals in 82 countries (high income 9106 patients, 31 countries; upper-middle income 2721 patients, 23 countries; or lower-middle income 4131 patients, 28 countries). Patients in LMICs presented with more advanced disease compared with patients in high-income countries. 30-day mortality was higher for gastric cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (adjusted odds ratio 3·72, 95% CI 1·70-8·16) and for colorectal cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (4·59, 2·39-8·80) and upper-middle-income countries (2·06, 1·11-3·83). No difference in 30-day mortality was seen in breast cancer. The proportion of patients who died after a major complication was greatest in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (6·15, 3·26-11·59) and upper-middle-income countries (3·89, 2·08-7·29). Postoperative death after complications was partly explained by patient factors (60%) and partly by hospital or country (40%). The absence of consistently available postoperative care facilities was associated with seven to 10 more deaths per 100 major complications in LMICs. Cancer stage alone explained little of the early variation in mortality or postoperative complications.

INTERPRETATION

Higher levels of mortality after cancer surgery in LMICs was not fully explained by later presentation of disease. The capacity to rescue patients from surgical complications is a tangible opportunity for meaningful intervention. Early death after cancer surgery might be reduced by policies focusing on strengthening perioperative care systems to detect and intervene in common complications.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit.

Sustaining a laparoscopic program in resource-limited environments: results and lessons learned over 13 years in Botswana

BACKGROUND

Metrics of sustainability and frank descriptions of the unique challenges, successes, failures, and lessons learned from a longitudinal laparoscopic program in resource-limited environments are lacking. We set out to evaluate the safety and sustainability of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy program at Princess Marina Hospital, the largest tertiary and teaching hospital in Botswana.

METHODS

We assessed the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, comparing them with patients who underwent open cholecystectomy from January 2013 to December 2018. Technical independence and sustainability factors were measured and discussed.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty-six laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LC) and 39 open cholecystectomies (OC) were performed. Four surgeons who trained as part of the inaugural laparoscopic program performed 48.2% of LC. Eleven surgeons who trained elsewhere performed the remainder. Overall, 94.2% of LC were performed without expatriate surgeons. The conversion rate was 25/226 (11.1%). There were 3 bile duct injuries in the LC group (3/226, 1.3%) and none in the OC group. There was one mortality in the OC group (1/39, 2.6%) and none in the LC group. Fostering a trusting relationship among all stakeholder was identified as the major key to success, while the development of a system-based strategy was identified as the most significant ongoing challenge.

CONCLUSION

The laparoscopic cholecystectomy program in Botswana initially established between 2006 and 2012 has moved into its sustainability phase, characterized by increased usage of laparoscopy and greater independent operating by local surgeons, all while maintaining patient safety. Sustaining a laparoscopic program in resource-limited environments has particular challenges which may differ from country to country.

Successful spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section in an African patient with Takayasu's arteritis

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is a rare chronic inflammatory disease affecting mainly the aorta and its main branches. We report a case of a 24-year-old primigravida, an African patient, with TA planned for caesarean section at 37 weeks of gestation. Clinically, she has involvement of aortic arch and its branches and abdominal aorta. She underwent caesarean section and delivered an alive baby boy under successful spinal anaesthesia with insignificant complications. Although it is rare in the African continent, anesthesiologists should be up-to-date with the knowledge of perioperative anesthetic management of TA in pregnant cases requiring operative delivery.

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world.

METHODS

This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231.

FINDINGS

Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p<0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05-2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p<0·001).

INTERPRETATION

Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication.

FUNDING

DFID-MRC-Wellcome Trust Joint Global Health Trial Development Grant, National Institute of Health Research Global Health Research Unit Grant.

An International Surgical Rotation as a Systems-Based Elective: The Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Surgical Experience

OBJECTIVE

There is a growing need to address the global burden of surgical disease along with increasing interest in international surgical practice, necessitating an understanding of the challenges and issues that arise on a systems level when practicing abroad.

DESIGN

This elective is a month-long rotation in which senior surgical residents participate in patient care as part of a surgical team in the main tertiary and teaching hospital in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. Clinical experience is combined with formal readings and educational sessions, with the attending surgeon supervising the program to develop a systems-based curriculum that contextualizes the clinical experience. A formal debriefing and written reflections by the residents at the conclusion of the rotation are used to qualitatively assess resident development and insight into systems-based international surgical practice.

SETTING

Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana.

PARTICIPANTS

General surgery residents in their fourth clinical year of training.

RESULTS

Our elective met important requirements outlined in the literature for foreign practice, including adequate supervision of the American trainees and care to not detract from local trainees' educational experience. Residents' debriefing and written reflections demonstrated an increased understanding of systems-based practice and awareness of issues important to successful international surgical practice and collaboration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our global surgery elective with a focus on systems-based practice sensitizes residents to the challenges and issues they must be aware of when practicing internationally.

Surgery in global health delivery

Surgical conditions account for a significant portion of the global burden of disease and have a substantial impact on public health in low- and middle-income countries. This article reviews the significance of surgical conditions within the context of public health in these settings, and describes selected approaches to global surgery delivery in specific contexts. The discussion includes programs in global trauma care, surgical care in conflict and disaster, and anesthesia and perioperative care. Programs to develop surgical training in Botswana and pediatric surgery through international partnership are also described, with a final review of broader approaches to training for global surgical delivery. In each instance, innovative solutions, as well as lessons learned and reasons for program failure, are highlighted.