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The aim of this study is to determine the sociodemographic characteristics, as well as the clinical, radiological, histopathological, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of benign non-odontogenic tumours (BNOTs) in the Chadian context. This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted between 2023 and 2025 (3 years) in the Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Renaissance University Hospital in N’Djamena for specimen collection and data gathering, and at the Department of Pathological Anatomy and Cytology at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar for the histological analysis of surgical specimens. The study included patients presenting with a benign non-odontogenic tumour confirmed by histopathological examination and who had received treatment. The variables studied were sociodemographic, clinical, radiological, histopathological, therapeutic and prognostic. Benign non-odontogenic tumours accounted for 26% of all benign maxillomandibular tumours. The mean age was 36.32 ± 21.55 years, with a sex ratio of 1.5. The majority of patients resided in the province of N’Djamena (64%). The middle socio-economic class was affected in 64% of cases. Painless swelling was the predominant symptom (100%). The maxilla was affected in 44% of cases. Mixed forms accounted for 40% of the lesions observed based on radiographic characteristics. Surgical excision of the tumour mass was performed in 56% of patients. Ossifying fibroma was the most common histological type (20%). The outcome was favourable in 92% of cases. One case of death and one case of oro-sinus communication were recorded. The mean follow-up period was 8 ± 5 months. The correlation between clinical and radiological characteristics and histological findings was statistically significant (p=0). This study shows that benign non-odontogenic tumours are relatively common. They are diverse and varied. The diagnostic approach requires a correlation be

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Gastric polyps are mucosal lesions protruding into the lumen of the stomach and are increasingly detected due to the widespread use of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Although most gastric polyps are benign and asymptomatic, certain subtypes possess malignant potential and may progress to gastric adenocarcinoma. Accurate pathological diagnosis is therefore essential for appropriate clinical management and surveillance. This review summarizes the current understanding of gastric polyps, including epidemiology, classification, histopathological characteristics, malignant potential, and diagnostic considerations according to recent pathological classifications.

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Background: Schwannomas are benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors originating from Schwann cells. While they commonly present as solitary, slow-growing masses in the head and neck, the plexiform or multinodular variant involving the vagus nerve is exceedingly rare, particularly in pediatric patients. Case Description: We report the case of an 11-year-old male who presented with a painless, gradually progressive left-sided neck mass measuring 12 cm x 10 cms over a 6-month period, associated with progressive speech disturbances and dysphagia. Computed tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suggested a vagal nerve neurogenic tumor situated within the left parapharyngeal space. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was inconclusive. The patient underwent an en bloc surgical resection of the 10 x 9 cms tumor, which was intraoperatively noted to be continuous with the left vagus nerve. Histopathological examination confirmed a plexiform schwannoma, demonstrating spindle cells arranged in small fascicles with prominent Verocay bodies and nuclear palisading. Transient postoperative left vocal cord paresis and dysphagia occurred but subsequently resolved. Conclusion: Vagal nerve plexiform schwannomas pose significant diagnostic challenges due to their rarity and atypical presentations. Surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment, requiring a delicate balance between complete oncological resection and the preservation of lower cranial nerve function.

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Background: Congenital anterior abdominal wall defects (CAAWDs) are common congenital abnormalities and their management remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to surgeons practicing in resource-limited setting. We aimed to describe the clinical patterns and short term treatment outcomes of CAAWDs at BMC. Methods: This was a longitudinal prospective study that included all patients aged less than 18 years of age, admitted with CAAWDs at BMC during the period of study. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from relevant authorities. Data was collected using a structured, coded and pretested questionnaire and analyzed using STATA version 15. Results: We enrolled a total of 130 patients (M: F ratio= 1.1: 1). The median age at diagnosis was 13.5 months. The majority of patients, 65 (50.0%) were aged ≤ 12 months old. Associated congenital anomalies were reported in 30.4% and 38.5% of cases of omphalocele and gastroschisis respectively. None of the patients had a prenatal diagnosis of CAAWDs. More than half of patients were treated surgically and the remaining were treated non-operatively. Complication rate was 40.8% and sepsis was the most frequent complication in 43% of cases. Prematurity (p = 0.002), low birth weight (p <0.001), gastroschisis (p< 0.001), ASA III (p = 0.005), treatment modality (p < 0.001) and presence of associated congenital anomalies (p = 0.034) were significantly associated with complications. The median length of hospital stay was 15 days and was significantly longer in patients with omphalocele (p < 0.001), associated congenital anomalies (p= 0.001), ASA class III (p= 0.032) and in patients who were treated non-surgically (p < 0.001). The overall mortality rate in this study was 30.0% and it was significantly associated with prematurity (p<0.001), low birth weight (p < 0.001), home delivery (p = 0.025), gastroschisis (p<0.001), treatment modality (p < 0.001), presence of associated congenital anomalies (p < 0.001) and ASA class

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Background: Postoperative complications remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality following emergency digestive surgery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where delayed presentation and limited healthcare resources are common. Evidence regarding predictors of postoperative complications in sub-Saharan Africa remains scarce. This study aimed to determine the incidence, pattern, severity, and predictors of postoperative complications following emergency digestive surgery in three tertiary hospitals in Cameroon. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective analytical study in three referral hospitals in Douala, Cameroon, including the Douala General Hospital, Douala Laquintinie Hospital, and Deido District Hospital. Adult patients undergoing emergency digestive surgery between January 2018 and December 2023 were included. Demographic, clinical, operative, and postoperative data were collected. Complications were graded according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of postoperative complications. Results: We analyzed 1,102 patients undergoing emergency digestive surgery, among whom 361 developed postoperative complications (32.8%). Surgical site infection was the most frequent complication (32.6%). Most complications were classified as minor (73%) according to Clavien–Dindo grading. The overall mortality rate was 7.2%. Multivariate analysis identified age between 50 and 60 years, ASA III status, and Altemeier class III as independent predictors of postoperative complications. Conclusion: Approximately one-third of patients undergoing emergency digestive surgery developed postoperative complications. Advanced age, poor preoperative physical status, and contaminated surgical wounds significantly increased the risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. Early identification of high-risk patients may improve perioperative management and reduce po

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Background: Surgical biliary bypass remains an important palliative option for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer in settings where endoscopic biliary drainage and interventional oncology are not consistently available. However, data on postoperative outcomes and survival after biliodigestive bypass in sub-Saharan Africa remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate surgical procedures, postoperative morbidity, and survival after biliodigestive bypass for pancreatic cancer in two tertiary hospitals in Douala, Cameroon. Methods: We conducted a retrospective bicentric cohort study including patients who underwent surgical biliodigestive bypass for pancreatic cancer at Douala General Hospital and Laquintinie Hospital of Douala between January 2013 and December 2022. Sociodemographic, clinical, biological, radiological, operative, postoperative, and survival data were collected from medical records. Postoperative complications and survival outcomes were analyzed. Overall survival was estimated from the date of surgery to death or last follow-up. Results: Forty patients were included. The mean age was 60.1 ± 12.9 years, and 24 patients (60.0%) were male. All patients presented with stage IV disease. The most frequently performed biliary procedures were choledochoduodenostomy in 18 patients (45.0%) and choledochojejunostomy in 16 patients (40.0%). Gastroenterostomy was associated in all cases. Roux-en-Y double bypass was performed in 17 patients (42.5%), while an omega-loop configuration was used in 2 patients (5.0%). Overall postoperative morbidity within 30 days was 57.5%. The most common complications were surgical site infection in 5 patients (12.5%), biliary fistula in 3 patients (7.5%), and digestive fistula in 3 patients (7.5%). The median overall survival was 2.6 months (78 days). The estimated 1-month and 6-month survival rates were 87.5% and 12.5%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, diabetes mellitus (adjusted HR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.10–6.38; p = 0.030) an

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Background: Malignant bowel obstruction is a severe complication of advanced intra-abdominal and extra-abdominal cancers. In resource-limited settings, delayed presentation, limited access to endoscopic palliation, and reliance on emergency surgery may worsen outcomes. This study aimed to identify factors associated with mortality among patients managed for malignant bowel obstruction in two tertiary hospitals in Douala, Cameroon. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter analytical study in the visceral surgery departments of Douala General Hospital and Laquintinie Hospital of Douala from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2024. All patients managed for confirmed malignant bowel obstruction were included. Patients with benign obstruction or unusable medical records were excluded. Sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, tumor-related, therapeutic, and outcome variables were analyzed. The primary outcome was postoperative mortality. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with mortality, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Among 287 cases of intestinal obstruction, 50 were of malignant origin, corresponding to 17.4% of intestinal obstructions. Malignant bowel obstruction represented 3.7% of acute abdominal emergencies during the study period. The mean age was 53.0 ± 15.0 years, with a male predominance of 68% and a sex ratio of 2.1. The colon was the most frequent tumor site, particularly the rectosigmoid junction. Computed tomography was performed in 64.0% of cases. Laparotomy was performed in 44 patients (88.0%). The most common surgical procedures were resection with stoma formation and resection with anastomosis. The postoperative mortality rate was 22%. Factors associated with mortality included previous abdominal surgery, vomiting, preoperative dehydration, poor performance status, complete bowel obstruction, immediate emergency surgery, and resection with stoma formation.