| Autor: |
Montes K; Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri., Angoa G; Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire., Bjerum CM; Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio., Guira A; Department of Surgery, Hopital Saint Camille, Nanoro, Burkina Faso., Kouadio OK; Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.; Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire., Ouattara AF; Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.; Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire., Weil GJ; Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri., Fischer PU; Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri., Meite A; National Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program, Ministry of Public Health and Hygiene, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire., Koudou BG; Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.; Université Nangui Abrogoua, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire., Budge PJ; Infectious Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri. |
| Abstrakt: |
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease that can cause hydrocele and its associated stigma, loss of economic productivity, and depression. Hydrocele surgery is an essential part of LF morbidity management but can be difficult for national programs to implement. To improve access to hydrocele surgeries in Côte d'Ivoire, we provided a WHO-certified surgical training for six surgical teams from five health districts in Côte d'Ivoire. We then evaluated the surgical outcomes and assessed the impact of hydrocele surgery on quality of life of hydrocelectomy patients. Preoperative and operative records were reviewed to describe baseline hydrocele characteristics and operative details. Postoperative interviews were conducted 4 to 6 months after surgical correction using a standardized questionnaire. Seventeen men underwent surgery during the training and were available for an interview at the 6-month visit. At the time of 6-month follow-up, 11/17 (64.7%) reported improvement in activities of daily living and reduction in difficulties with work, 8/17 (47.1%) reported an improved economic situation, 15/17 (88.2%) reported improved social interactions, and 15/16 (93.8%) reported improved sex life after surgical correction. Three patients (17.6%) had minor postoperative complications, but none required hospitalization. All 17 patients who were available for an interview were satisfied with their surgery. Surgical hydrocelectomy training in Côte d'Ivoire was well received and provided life-altering health improvements for participating patients across multiple domains of life. Support to scale up surgical capacity for this neglected problem is needed. |
