Annals of African Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical and Nursing Students toward Noninvasive Prenatal Testing and Fetal Anomaly Scan.","authors":"Rajani Dube, Taniqsha Bambani, Sahina Saif, Mohamedanas Mohamedfaruk Patni, Subhranshu Sekhar Kar, Shadha Nasser Bahutair, Haider Ali Younus, Swayam Siddha Kar","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_71_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_71_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fetal anomaly scans and Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) have become increasingly important in contemporary prenatal care. These advanced techniques provide valuable insights into fetal health and development, benefiting both healthcare providers and expectant mothers. By offering detailed information about potential anomalies and genetic conditions, they help guide informed decision-making throughout the pregnancy journey.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The purpose of this study is to evaluate medical and nursing students' understanding of and attitudes concerning NIPT and fetal anomaly scans.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>RAK Medical and Health Sciences University's medical and nursing students participated in this survey. Students of all ages, male and female, participated in the study. A Google Form was used to gather the data, and the responses were logged.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 285 students voluntarily participated in this survey. There were 140 nursing students and 145 medical students. Both medical and nursing students had knowledge about fetal anomaly scans (47.37% and 5.26%). There was a notable change in answers and awareness regarding NIPT. The knowledge of medical and nursing students was at 47.02% and 43.22%. Both medical and nursing students had a good attitude about the tests and were optimistic about referring their future patients for fetal anomaly scans.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both the medical and nursing students know about the anomaly scan and NIPT, and they demonstrated a positive attitude and willingness to advise parents about these in their clinical practice. There is a need for continuous reinforcement of training about these modalities to see a difference in attitude and practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198145","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Normotensive Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.","authors":"Harsha Anie Mathew, C A Jayashankar, Sridhar Srinivasan, Hitha Rose Mathew, Nuthan Bhat, G R Manish, Koshy T Sam, K Snigdha Reddy","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_52_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_52_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has been increasing over the years, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a clinical entity independent of coronary artery disease leading to heart failure in diabetic patients. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is an early manifestation of diabetic cardiomyopathy leading to significant morbidity and mortality.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to evaluate LVDD in normotensive patients with type 2 DM and correlate the severity of diastolic dysfunction with glycemic control using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted between January 2018 and June 2020 at a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. A total of 130 patients with type 2 DM without systemic hypertension were selected as the study population. Left ventricular function was assessed by performing a Doppler echocardiogram, and HbA1c was measured. Analysis of the data was done with the help of IBM SPSS statistics software 23.0 version.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred and thirty patients (95 males and 35 females) were enrolled in our study, of which 55.4% (72 patients) had LVDD. Patients with LVDD were noticed to have a higher mean age ( P < 0.001). Comparison of HbA1c levels between the subset of patients with and without LVVD using unpaired t -test was statistically insignificant and did not correlate with LVDD. On the assessment of electrocardiographic parameters, the corrected QT duration (QTc) showed a positive correlation with LVDD which was statistically significant. On the assessment of echocardiographic findings, deceleration time and the ratio of early mitral inflow velocity and mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/e) done using unpaired t -test showed positive correlations with LVDD which were statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>LVDD has a high prevalence in type 2 DM and is a cause of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the detection of diabetic cardiomyopathy at an early stage with Doppler echocardiography has major therapeutic implications to prevent cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, it can aid the development of risk stratification strategies that can improve the quality of life and prevent morbidity.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Stress and Coping Strategies among Parents of Neonates in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Loveleen Kaur, Gopal Singh Charan, Manmeet Kaur, Ravneet Kaur, Gursharan Singh Narang","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_16_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_16_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The admission of a newborn to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a highly emotional and challenging experience for parents, often leading to significant stress, delayed parent-infant bonding, and emotional strain.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital to assess stress levels and coping strategies among 130 parents of neonates admitted to the NICU for more than 2 days. An enumerative sampling technique was used to select participants. Stress was assessed using a three-point Likert scale (25 items) and coping strategies were assessed using a similar three-point Likert scale (30 items). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found that 53.1% of parents reported mild stress, 35.4% experienced moderate stress and 11.5% reported severe stress, with an overall mean stress score of 18.85 ± 8.25. The emotional and socioeconomic domains had the highest stress scores. Regarding coping strategies, 71.5% used partially adaptive strategies, 16.9% used adaptive strategies and 11.5% used maladaptive strategies, with an overall mean score of 28.40 ± 2.5. A significant positive correlation ( r = 0.811, P = 0.001) was found between stress and coping scores. Parental occupation was significantly associated with stress levels and religion was significantly associated with coping strategies at the 0.05 level.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights the stress experienced by NICU parents, with emotional and socioeconomic stressors being most prominent. Emotional and spiritual coping strategies were most common, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions by healthcare professionals.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maternal Filicide and Suicide of the Mother: An Autopsy-based Case Report.","authors":"Arijit Datta, William A Cox, Srushti Shukla, Darshan Galoria, Pradip Rana, Prashant Verma, Arpan Kumar Pan","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_102_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_102_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Filicide refers to an act in which a parent kills their child. It is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon observed globally. Despite widespread occurrence, the psychodynamics of filicides remain largely unexplored. Several aspects of this phenomenon are not always found in medical textbooks or journals. This case report intends to contribute to the patterns and findings of maternal filicides. Herein, we present a case of maternal filicide followed by suicide in a state in India. The mother smothered her son using a pillow before taking her own life. Therefore, the cause of death for both the mother and her child was associated with asphyxiation. This case emphasizes the integration of autopsy findings, crime scene analysis, and psychological evaluation of the deceased mental state before death for determining the cause and manner of death in these cases. Fibers obtained from the child's body on analysis matched with a pillow found at the crime scene. The presence of a suicide note provided a great insight into the mother's psychological state in this case. It is our opinion that reporting these events that occurred within the family leads us to understand the motivations and warning signs of maternal filicide and could prove beneficial in the pursuit of preventive child protection measures, as well as help provide early mental health intervention aside from aiding in the investigation into the cause and manner of such deaths.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Surgical Intervention of Huge Uterine Polyp and its Oncogenic Potential and Clinical Implications.","authors":"Thapasya Reddy Gaddam, Kosuri Kalyan Chakravarthi","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_73_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_73_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Endometrial polyps are common benign growths; however, exceptionally large polyps are rare and may present with severe clinical symptoms. Surgical intervention is often necessary to manage complications, and histopathological evaluation is crucial to assess their oncogenic potential. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical presentation, surgical management, and oncogenic potential of unusually large uterine polyps to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and timely intervention.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This retrospective study analyzed data from 200 patients undergoing hysteroscopic polypectomy for uterine polyps exceeding 3 cm in size. Preoperative assessments included ultrasonography, hysteroscopy, and histopathological evaluation. Surgical outcomes, histopathological findings, and postsurgical follow-up data over 2 years were documented.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 200 patients examined, three cases were identified with unusually large endometrial polyps, each presenting with severe clinical symptoms. Case 1 involved a 35-year-old woman with severe suprapubic pain, anemia, and a protruding vaginal mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an 8.49 cm posterior endometrial polyp extending to the posterior cervical wall. Case 2 was a 32-year-old woman with urinary difficulty, menorrhagia, and anemia. MRI identified two uterine polyps, the largest measuring 11.45 cm × 6.1 cm, extending up to the cervix. Case 3 was a 43-year-old woman with urinary retention, continuous vaginal bleeding, and a massive 21.4 cm × 8.65 cm × 8.0 cm polyp originating from the fundal region. Hysterectomy was performed in all cases, and histopathological evaluation confirmed benign polyps without malignancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The occurrence of massive uterine polyps is rare but can lead to severe symptoms and significant morbidity. While histopathology confirmed benign pathology in these cases, the potential for malignant transformation underscores the need for early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention. MRI plays a crucial role in preoperative assessment, and hysterectomy remains the definitive treatment for large polyps causing severe clinical symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Is Autologous Femoral Head Augmentation Still an Effective Method in the Reconstruction of Complex Acetabular Defects in Patients with Neglected Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip? A Comprehensive Discussion with Radiographic Assessment and Surgical Technique.","authors":"Prem Kotian, Vikram G K Bhat, G N Sudhanva, Malathi S Bhat","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_45_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_45_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a transformative procedure in addressing hip arthritis. However, managing acetabular defects remains challenging, particularly in neglected developmental dysplasia of the hip cases due to altered hip anatomy. A middle-aged female presented with bilateral hip arthritis secondary to dysplasia. She was planned for staged bilateral THA. Intraoperatively, we noted a shallow acetabulum with a posterior superolateral defect and significant uncoverage of the cup. The defect was reconstructed using autologous femoral head graft and screws fixation along with contracture releases. Postoperative bilateral outcome scores showed significant improvement at 6 months and 2 years, with neutral limb length discrepancy. Follow-up radiographs showed successful graft integration and implant stability. This technique offers the advantages of biological integration, improved implant stability, enhanced joint survivorship, and improved quality of life. In situations, where acetabular augments are unavailable or cannot be used owing to financial constraints, this technique proved to be an effective method.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198144","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Artificial Intelligence Integration in Indian Pharmacology: A Survey on Scope, Threats, and Challenges.","authors":"Chaitali A Chindhalore, Bhagyashree Mohod, Snehalata Gajbhiye, Ganesh Natthuji Dakhale, Sanjay Dhal","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_59_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_59_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming pharmacology by enhancing drug discovery, clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, and medical education. However, concerns about data security, job displacement, and ethical implications hinder its widespread adoption. This study assesses the perception of AI's scope, threats, challenges, and acceptance among pharmacologists in India.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>A cross-sectional, survey-based study was conducted among pharmacologists working in academia and the pharmaceutical industry in India between February 2024 and January 2025. A validated self-administered questionnaire was distributed through online platforms, collecting responses on AI awareness, perceived threats, benefits, challenges, and use. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 104 pharmacologists participated, with 64 from academia and 40 from the industry. While 68.26% were familiar with AI tools, industry professionals (82.5%) exhibited higher awareness than academicians (59.37%, P = 0.017). Most respondents recognized AI's significant role in drug discovery (77%), pharmacovigilance (73.07%), and clinical trials (69.23%). Major concerns included job displacement (62.5%), skill loss (63.46%), and algorithmic biases (64.42%). 33.65% pharmacologists never used AI-based tools in their professional careers. This number is significantly higher among academicians as compared to pharma people ( P = 0.03). Limited access to AI tools, expertise, and training (79.8%) and lack of standardized data format/interoperability issues (66.34%) were key barriers to adoption.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>AI is perceived as a valuable tool in pharmacology, but challenges such as skill gaps, ethical concerns, and infrastructural limitations hinder its adoption. Addressing these barriers through targeted training, regulatory frameworks, and interdisciplinary collaborations will be crucial for AI's seamless integration into the Indian pharmacology sector.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gitelman Syndrome in the Sixth Decade: An Atypical Presentation with Severe Electrolyte Abnormalities and Genetic Heterogeneity.","authors":"Sachin Shivnitwar, Sandesh S Raut, Shubhangi Kanitkar, Prasad Chandrakant Bagare","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_86_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_86_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Gitelman syndrome (GS) is a rare autosomal recessive salt-losing tubulopathy characterized by hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, and hypocalciuria. While typically presenting in adolescence or early adulthood, atypical presentations and delayed diagnoses into later adulthood pose significant clinical challenges. We report a case of a 60-year-old female who presented with generalized weakness, lethargy, and severe electrolyte abnormalities, including profound hyponatremia (109 mmol/L), hypokalemia (2.91 mmol/L), hypocalcemia (<6.0 mg/dL), and hypomagnesemia (0.6 mg/dL). Laboratory investigations revealed metabolic alkalosis, hypochloremia, elevated parathyroid hormone (172.90 pg/ml), and inappropriate renal potassium wasting. Urinary studies showed relative hypocalciuria in the context of severe hypocalcemia. Genetic testing revealed no pathogenic variants in the SLC12A3 gene typically associated with GS, though variants of uncertain significance were identified in SLC22A12 and VPS33B genes. Management included aggressive electrolyte replacement, spironolactone, and dietary modifications, resulting in clinical improvement despite incomplete normalization of electrolytes. This case illustrates the complex clinical spectrum of GS, highlighting the importance of considering this diagnosis in older adults with unexplained electrolyte abnormalities. The absence of confirmatory SLC12A3 mutations despite classic biochemical features supports emerging evidence of genetic heterogeneity in GS. This case emphasizes the value of clinical diagnosis when genetic confirmation is lacking and the effectiveness of targeted symptomatic management. GS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of electrolyte abnormalities across all age groups. A high index of clinical suspicion and characteristic biochemical profile can guide diagnosis and management even in the absence of confirmatory genetic findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198142","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of 0.1% Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine Compared to 0.125% Bupivacaine with Dexmedetomidine in Ultrasound-Guided Femoral Nerve Block for Postoperative Analgesia after Total Knee Arthroplasty - A Comparative Observational Study.","authors":"S Manjesh, Sumesh T Rao, Madhusudan Upadya, Kavya Prabhu","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_12_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_12_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for severe knee joint conditions, requiring effective postoperative pain management to improve outcomes and minimize side effects. This study aims to compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of 0.1% ropivacaine versus 0.125% bupivacaine, each combined with dexmedetomidine, for femoral nerve block in TKA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This comparative observational study was conducted at KMC Hospitals, Mangalore, from September 2022 to January 2024. Seventy-two patients undergoing spinal anesthesia for unilateral TKA were included, with 36 in each group. Group R received 0.1% ropivacaine with 0.75 μg/kg dexmedetomidine and Group B received 0.125% bupivacaine with 0.75 μg/kg dexmedetomidine. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at various time points postoperatively. Other outcomes included SPO2 levels, blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and time to rescue analgesia.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Both groups showed comparable pain relief, with no significant differences in VAS scores at rest or during motion at 24 h postoperation. SPO2 levels were similar across groups, with a significant difference only at 10 min postoperation. Blood pressure measurements showed no significant differences. Nausea and vomiting rates were high but similar between groups. The time to first rescue analgesia was slightly longer for the bupivacaine group (318 min vs. 305 min).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.125% bupivacaine, each with dexmedetomidine, provide effective analgesia for TKA with minimal impact on vital signs. Bupivacaine showed a trend toward lower blood pressure, which may benefit cardiovascular patients. Further research with larger cohorts and extended monitoring is recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prophylactic Ilioinguinal Neurectomy: Prevention of Chronic Pain after Open Inguinal Hernioplasty.","authors":"C A Deepika, D Vishal Raj, Rahul R Bhat, Yogesh Kumar, Talha Ahmed","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_81_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_81_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim of the study: </strong>Prophylactic ilioinguinal neurectomy in inguinal hernioplasty is not recommended for routine use in open hernia repair, and the nerve is often preserved despite the risk of nerve entrapment. Chronic postoperative discomfort has been reported in 0.7%-36.7% of patients following open inguinal hernioplasty. Several mechanisms of injury to the ilioinguinal have been identified during elective inguinal hernia repair, including suture entrapment, partial division, crushing, and diathermy injury. There is theoretical advantage to this procedure since nerve excision removes postoperative discomfort brought on by entrapment, inflammation, or fibrotic reaction around the nerve.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>An observational prospective study was done on 31 patients in each group following open inguinal hernia repair with and without prophylactic ilioinguinal neurectomy. Incidence of postoperative pain, postoperative numbness, postoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay were compared.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pain, numbness, complications were recorded at 24 and 48 h after surgery, at the time of discharge, as well as at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months follow-up. The results were better among ilioinguinal neurectomy group and were found to be statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Prophylactic ilioinguinal neurectomy significantly lessens groin discomfort up to 6 months compared to the nerve preservation group. There was a significant reduction in postoperative pain and hospital stay. The incidence of persistent groin pain following open inguinal hernia surgery is considerably reduced by prophylactic ilioinguinal neurectomy, with no additional complications. Adding this step during routine procedures will help the patient outcome significantly.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}