Thoracoscopy in a country with limited resources in sub-Saharan Africa: a first series of cases from Togo
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objectives: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is experiencing significant growth nowadays. However, in Africa, it is slow to develop. The objectives of this study were to describe the indications and results of thoracoscopy in low and incomes country as Togo.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who underwent exploration and therapeutic procedures by video-assisted surgery from June 2019 to November 2020 and from January 2022 to September 2023 (39 months) in Lomé.
Results: Sixteen patients underwent thoracoscopy during the study period. The mean age was 46.06 +/- 23 years. Patients over 45 years old represented 56.2%. The male-to-female ratio was 2.2. Six patients underwent preoperative pleural biopsies. Videothoracoscopy was diagnostic in 10 patients and therapeutic in 6 patients. It was performed under general anesthesia with or without selective intubation in the majority of cases (14/16). Two ports were used in the majority of cases (8/16). Biopsies were performed in 11 patients and intraoperative pleural talc pleurodesis in 4 patients. Pleural debridement was performed in 2 patients. Conversion to thoracotomy was done in 5 patients. The average drainage duration was 4 days. The average length of hospital stay was 5 days. Morbidity and mortality were marked by one case of bronchopleural fistula.
Conclusion: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is in its early stages in Togo. Preliminary results are encouraging for its development in Togo.
Article Details
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