Tracheostomy without mechanical ventilation in patients with traumatic brain injury at a tertiary referral hospital in Malawi: a cross sectional study.

Background: Tracheostomy alone, without mechanical ventilation, has been advocated to maintain a free airway in patients with traumatic brain injury in low-income settings with minimal critical care capacity. However, no reports exist on the outcomes of this strategy. We examine the results of this practice at a central hospital in Malawi.

The Utility of Local Anesthesia for Neurosurgical Interventions in a Low-Resource Setting: A Case Series.

Introduction: Trauma is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, and injury to the central nervous system is the most common cause of death in these patients. While the provision of surgical services is being recognized as essential to global public health efforts, specialty areas such as neurosurgery remain overlooked.

Method: This is a retrospective case review of patients with operable lesions, such as extra-axial hematomas and unstable depressed skull fractures that underwent neurosurgical interventions under local anesthesia.

Epidemiology, Management, and Functional Outcomes of Traumatic Brain Injury in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: Trauma accounts for 4.7 million deaths each year, with an estimated 90% of these occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Approximately half of trauma-related deaths are caused by central nervous system injury.

Outcomes Following Exploratory Burr Holes for Traumatic Brain Injury in a Resource Poor Setting.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The incidence of TBI in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is disproportionately high, with an associated increased risk of mortality from TBI relative to high-income countries. Although computed tomography is the diagnostic method of choice, this is often unavailable in LMICs.

The effect of anatomic location of injury on mortality risk in a resource-poor setting.

Introduction: Injury is a significant cause of death, with approximately 4.7 million people mortalities each year. By 2030, injury is predicted to be among the top 20 causes of death worldwide.