Journal of the West African College of Surgeons最新文献

{"title":"How Black is Black?: The Curious Case of Lower Extremity Reconstruction with Free Anterolateral Thigh Flaps with a Phenomenon of Complete Dermal Necrosis but Viable Sub-Dermal Components.","authors":"Jiten Kumar Mishra, Shamendra Anand Sahu, Jalaz Joezer Rahmi, Abhijith Valsalan","doi":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_35_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_35_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Microsurgery and free tissue transfer remain a valuable option in the reconstruction of lower extremity trauma for coverage of exposed vital structures, when options for local or regional soft tissue cover are limited. The success rate, however, is relatively less for lower extremity-free flap reconstructions as compared to other locations. Vascular insufficiency, especially venous thrombosis, contributes to this. Late venous insufficiency affects the distal part of flap vasculature, causing small vessel thrombosis. Herein, we describe three cases where free tissue transfer done for lower extremity trauma and burns showed delayed venous insufficiency, with complete skin necrosis of the entire flap. After initial re-exploration, where the anastomosis was found to be patent, the sub-dermal components of the flap were salvaged in its entirety through watchful waiting, anticoagulation therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, and subsequent skin grafting. The remaining flap served the purpose of coverage for the exposed vital structures of the foot.</p>","PeriodicalId":73993,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the West African College of Surgeons","volume":"16 2","pages":"223-227"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13120800/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147790999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Chlamydia Trachomatis Sero-Positivity with Male Infertility in the Niger-Delta Region of Nigeria: A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Newton Asaboro, Lawrence Omo-Aghoja, Ayotunde Adeyinka","doi":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_178_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_178_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The role of chlamydia infection in the causation of male infertility has not been conclusively evaluated, especially in the developing countries of sub-Saharan Africa that are worst affected by infertility. Understanding the relationship between the two will guide the deployment of preventive efforts and investigative approaches more scientifically.</p><p><strong>Patients materials and methods: </strong>This was a case-control study of two groups of males: 68 male partners of infertile couples with abnormal semen parameters attending a fertility clinic and 68 age-matched male partners (with normal semen parameters) of females attending the family planning clinic as controls at two tertiary hospitals in Delta State. The prevalence of chlamydial sero-positivity, the socio-demographic characteristics, sexual and reproductive characteristics, and chlamydial serology of all the participants were determined and compared using appropriate statistical tools.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most (41.2%) of the participants were in the 35-39 years age category; they were all married and were mostly (66.2%) skilled workers. The overall prevalence of chlamydia sero-positivity in this study was 11.8%. The prevalence of chlamydia sero-positivity was significantly higher amongst the study group (19.1%) compared with controls (4.4%) (<i>P</i> < 001). Chlamydial sero-positivity was significantly associated with oligospermia and teratozoospermia. On bivariate analysis, being in the infertile group (crude OR: 5.12, <i>P</i> = 0.008), history of a genital ulcer (crude OR: 0.124, <i>P</i> = 0.042), and history of dysuria (<i>P</i> = 0.008) were significantly associated with chlamydial trachomatis sero-positivity. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, none of these covariates were found to be independent predictors of chlamydia trachomatis sero-positivity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was a significant association between chlamydia trachomatis infection and abnormal semen parameters. There were no identified independent predictors of chlamydia trachomatis sero-positivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":73993,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the West African College of Surgeons","volume":"16 2","pages":"193-198"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13120801/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of Early Percutaneous Drainage of Symptomatic Acute Fluid Collections in Moderately Severe and Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Randomised Study.","authors":"Madhuri Gautam, Apoorva Mardi, Atul Jain, Revanth Kumar Reddy Pothapi, Manoj Kumar Dokania, Nitin Agarwal","doi":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_184_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_184_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The step-up approach for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has gained considerable traction. However, there is no consensus on percutaneous drainage (PCD) of early (<4 weeks) acute fluid collections (AFCs), some of which may produce mass effects and worsening inflammation. We designed a prospective randomised study to determine the role of PCD in symptomatic AFCs in SAP.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Our prospective randomised study divided patients of moderately SAP (MSAP) and SAP with symptomatic (mass effect, fever, anorexia, and poor organ scores) AFCs into two groups:- Group 1 for conservative management (CM) and Group 2 for PCD. Requisite ethics and scientific clearances were obtained. The primary outcome variable was hospital stay; some other recorded variables included mortality, organ scores, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 78 patients with acute pancreatitis in 18 months, 38 (49%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Group 1 or CM had 20, and Group 2 or PCD had 18 patients; 16 from each group were eventually compared. No significant differences were observed in any clinical or outcome parameter except better day 7 SOFA scores and IAP in Group 2 (SOFA: 1.69 ± 1.55 vs. 3.33 ± 1.35, <i>P</i> = 0.013; IAP in mm Hg: 9.29 ± 1.82 vs. 13.81 ± 2.71, <i>P</i> < 0.001). Overall, four patients (10.5%) underwent necrosectomy, while mortality and hospital stay did not differ significantly between the groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PCD in appropriately selected patients of MSAP and SAP with AFCs can hasten recovery, slow down organ damage, and decrease IAP significantly. More studies with a larger sample are needed in this area.</p>","PeriodicalId":73993,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the West African College of Surgeons","volume":"16 1","pages":"35-42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12959872/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147367585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Haematuria, Acute Urinary Retention, and Hydronephrosis Due to a Ureteral Polyp: A Case Report and Literature Review.","authors":"Mohammad E Rahman, Jacques Roux, Alexander Polson","doi":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_183_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_183_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ureteral fibroepithelial polyps are quite rare in acute urology emergencies, and their management typically relies on an evidence-based approach. This report describes a unique case involving a 49-year-old woman who presented with flank pain, bleeding, left-sided hydronephrosis, and acute urinary retention. The diagnostic process involved CT scans, catheter insertion, and cystoscopy-leading to the removal of a large foreign body, which was confirmed as an autolysed infarcted ureteral polyp on histology. No recurrence or kidney obstruction was observed at follow-up. We have included a supplementary review of previously published cases and related literature.</p>","PeriodicalId":73993,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the West African College of Surgeons","volume":"16 2","pages":"216-218"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13120802/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Flexible Laryngoscopy Findings in Patients Undergoing Thyroidectomy in North-Central Nigeria.","authors":"Chukwuma I Okoye, Moses A Adamgbe, Tonye Chuks-Okoye, Chukwunonso Okoye, Abambah Ossai, Iorwuese J Agbatse, Onome C Nnorom","doi":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_166_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_166_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Thyroidectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in Africa and indeed globally. Although the prevalence of vocal cord paralysis (VCP) and incidental laryngopharyngeal pathologies (LPPs) is reported to be low, the rate of occurrence is not known in our environment. Therefore, preoperative laryngeal examination provides not only a more accurate assessment of operative risks but also additional information that may help avoid legal problems with undetected preoperative voice disorders.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the flexible laryngoscopy findings and determine the prevalence of VCP and incidental LPPs in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study among patients with goitre who were being planned for thyroidectomy using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained. Flexible laryngoscopy was performed, and data was analyzed using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 28.0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eighty-two patients were evaluated. Preoperative flexible laryngoscopy showed VCP in 4 (4.9%) patients, incidental LPPs in 7 (8.5%), and both conditions in 1 (1.2%). Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) was found in most (three of the eight patients). Other incidental LPPs were right vocal cord nodule in 2 (2/8), bilateral vocal cord nodule in 1 (1/8), right arytenoid mass in 1 (1/8), and left arytenoid subluxation in 1 (1/8).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study showed VCP's prevalence to be 6.1% and 9.8% for incidental LPPs in patients with goitre undergoing thyroidectomy. LPRD was the most commonly identified pathology.</p>","PeriodicalId":73993,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the West African College of Surgeons","volume":"16 2","pages":"113-118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13120805/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147790638","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Outcome of the Use of an Improvised Chest Tube Drainage System in a Resource-Poor Centre.","authors":"Emmanuel Louis Mba, Mohammed Ibrahim Guduf, Chidiebere Peter Echieh, Felix Markus Wina, Nuhu Musa Mshelia, Clement Chukwudi Udeh, Ibrahim Salihu","doi":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_163_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_163_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chest tube drainage is often a life-saving procedure, especially in trauma. The ideal drainage system is not readily available in our environment and sometimes, if available, it is not affordable. The use of an improvised chest tube drain is a common practice, simple to construct, cheap, and readily available. However, its outcome has not been studied in our environment.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine the outcome of an improvised chest tube drainage system.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This was an observational study over an 18-month period, conducted at a Federal Teaching Hospital in Northeast Nigeria. The improvisation was by an appropriate-sized Foley catheter, tubing of two urine bags constructed, and a 1.5 L bottled water as the underwater seal. The patients who met the indications were counselled and recruited for the study. The data were analysed using SPSS Version 20.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 35 patients were recruited with a mean age of 37 (±16) years; females were 37%, and males were 63%. The most frequent indication was trauma (42.9%), and others were infective causes (31.4%), malignant (22.9%), and one (2.9%) was due to congestive cardiac failure. The size of the catheter used ranged from 16 to 24 Fr. The Registrars performed 60.0% of the procedure; the Senior Registrars did 25.7%, the Consultants 8.6%, and the House Officers did 5.7%. The mean duration of drainage was 9 (±6) days, 74.3% was the resolution rate, and the complication rate was 65.7%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>An improvised chest tube drainage has a favourable outcome and can be safely used in the absence of the ideal.</p>","PeriodicalId":73993,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the West African College of Surgeons","volume":"16 2","pages":"135-138"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13120795/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"To Evaluate and Compare the Effectiveness of Topical Amlexanox, Curcuma Longa Extract, and Clobetasol Propionate in the Treatment of Oral Lichen Planus: An Original Research.","authors":"Reva Bembi, Arpit Sikri, Jyotsana Sikri, Neha Vaid, Anjali Saigal, Deepak Samdani","doi":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_40_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_40_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lichen planus is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory mucocutaneous disease affecting the skin and oral mucosa.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objectives of the study were to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of topical Amlexanox, Curcuma longa extract, and clobetasol propionate in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 45 patients with OLP were randomly divided into three groups: Group I (Amlexanox), Group II (Curcuma longa extract), and Group III (Clobetasol propionate). Baseline recordings of pain and burning sensation were conducted using the visual analog scale (VAS) and numeric rating scale (NRS). Clinical signs of erythema, ulceration, and lesion size were evaluated and recorded. All patients were evaluated at weekly intervals during the 2-month therapy period, as well as during follow-up for 3 months (at 15-day intervals).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Amlexanox showed a significant reduction in pain and burning sensation, along with a decrease in clinical signs of OLP. However, complete remission was not achieved, and mild reappearance of erythema was observed. Curcuma longa extract also showed a significant reduction in pain and burning sensation, with a considerable reduction in clinical signs to a tolerable level. This reduction remained static during the follow-up period. Clobetasol propionate demonstrated higher efficacy in reducing pain, burning sensation, and clinical signs of OLP. Although complete remission was achieved during the therapy period, the reappearance of pain, burning sensation, and clinical signs was noted during follow-up visits.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Amlexanox and Curcuma longa extract reduce the signs and symptoms of OLP to a tolerable level, with improvement remaining static after the cessation of therapy. Clobetasol propionate causes complete remission of signs and symptoms of OLP, but there is a higher chance of recurrence.</p>","PeriodicalId":73993,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the West African College of Surgeons","volume":"16 3","pages":"255-261"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13362953/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148439279","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Patients in Southwestern Nigeria: Presentation Patterns and Outcome.","authors":"Jennifer Okei, Omotayo A Ojo, OyinOluwa G Adaramola, Bruno Arekhandia, Olajide Shakiru, Chukwudi Akubueze","doi":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_158_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_158_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is less common in children than in adults but is a leading cause of mortality in children globally. The study aimed to explore the prevalence, etiological factors, management, and outcomes of pediatric TBI at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), a major referral center in Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This prospective study included children under 18 diagnosed with TBI from January 1 to December 31, 2022. Ethical clearance was obtained, and informed consent was collected from caregivers. Data were gathered using a pre-designed proforma covering socio-demographics, injury mechanisms, pre-hospital management, clinical findings, and outcomes. Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics(v28).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-six patients with a mean age of 9.0 ± 5.99 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1 were enrolled. Only two (7.7%) had health insurance. Pediatric TBI accounted for 0.03% of all surgical emergencies at LUTH. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the cause for TBI in 11 (42.3%) of cases, whereas falls (7, 26.9%) and household accidents (5, 19.2%) were leading non-RTA causes. Only one patient (3.8%) was selected by skilled personnel and received immediate C-spine stabilization. Only 15 (57.7%) had a CT scan, constrained by financial issues. Four (15.4%) required surgery, but only half of them could undergo surgery due to financial constraints. Only one patient needed ICU admission, and three patients (11.5%) died. Mortality was only seen in severe TBI cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study found a low prevalence of pediatric TBI but highlighted significant mortality, especially in severe cases. Poverty and lack of health insurance were major factors affecting outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":73993,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the West African College of Surgeons","volume":"16 1","pages":"18-22"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12959873/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147367539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Histomorphological Spectrum and Diagnostic Utility of S100, SOX10, CD34, Calretinin, and Ki67 in the Evaluation of Schwannomas: A Retrospective Study of 26 Cases in a Tertiary Health Institute, Zaria-Nigeria.","authors":"Zainab Ali Adamu, Mikhail O Buhari, Abdullahi Mohammed","doi":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_177_24","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_177_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Schwannomas, also known as neurilemmomas, are benign nerve sheath tumours derived from Schwann cells. Schwannomas are truly encapsulated, slow-growing tumours with a very wide anatomical distribution but with a predilection for the extremities and head and neck regions. The study aimed to analyse the histomorphological spectrum and diagnostic utility of immunohistochemistry in schwannomas. The frequency distribution and demographic characteristics of these tumours were also determined.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This was a 10-year hospital-based retrospective study of all cases of schwannomas that strictly met the inclusion criteria. Patients' records and tissue blocks were retrieved from archives. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were subjected to histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis following standard protocols, and the slides produced were reviewed and interpreted. Collated data were analysed and depicted using statistical charts and tables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-six cases were seen which occurred more in females with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.2. The most frequent decade of occurrence was the fourth decade of life, and the upper limb was the most frequent anatomical site of occurrence with few cases seen in unusual sites. The most frequent histological variant seen was the conventional type, constituting 14 cases (53.8%). SOX10 showed 96% immunopositivity, calretinin showed 96% immunopositivity, and S100 showed 81% immunopositivity with varying staining intensities. CD34 antibody showed 73% immunopositivity which was mainly seen in the Antoni B areas. Ki67 antibody was not expressed in any of the cases subjected to it.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Histomorphology and immunohistochemistry are valuable tools in the definitive diagnosis of schwannomas.</p>","PeriodicalId":73993,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the West African College of Surgeons","volume":"16 2","pages":"119-134"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13120804/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791037","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of Pectoral Nerve Block Type-II versus Rhomboid Intercoastal Nerve Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Breast Surgeries.","authors":"Purvashree Deshmukh, Shaik Aisha, K Priyanka, Ravi Kerur","doi":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_27_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/jwas.jwas_27_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Interfascial plane blocks are found to be effective in providing long-lasting analgesia in breast surgery. This study aims to compare the efficacy of two interfascial blocks: pectoral nerve block type-II (PEC II) and rhomboid intercostal block (RIB).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this randomised prospective comparative study, 60 patients were subdivided equally into Group P (PEC II block) and Group R (RIB block). Group P was administered 15 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine between pectoralis minor and serratus anterior muscles, and Group R was injected with 15 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine between rhomboideus major and intercostal muscles by placing the needle in cephalad to caudal direction. Outcome measures of the study were preoperative and postoperative measurements of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at time intervals of 0 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean HR, and systolic and diastolic BP were found to be higher immediately postoperatively in both groups. At different time intervals, Group P patients had comparatively higher BP, HR, and VAS pain scores than RIB block patients. Except at time intervals of 0 min and 1 h, where VAS scores were <i>P</i> < 0.05, no significant correlation was observed with other parameters.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both PEC and RIB were found to be effective in providing long-lasting analgesic effects. Clinicians can use either PEC or RIB for effective analgesia in breast surgeries based on their prior experience.</p>","PeriodicalId":73993,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the West African College of Surgeons","volume":"16 2","pages":"207-211"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13120796/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147791450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}