SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and associated factors among outpatient attendees at health facilities in different provinces in Chad.

Background: Chad with 7,698 confirmed cases of infection and 194 deaths since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, is one of the African countries with the lowest reported case numbers. However, this figure likely underestimates the true spread of the virus due to the low rate of diagnosis. The high rate of asymptomatic infections reflects the reality of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Chad.

Presence of neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic population of N'Djamena, Chad.

Introduction: Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are an important specific defence against viral infections, as these antibodies bind to specific receptor(s) and block the viral entry. NAbs assessments are therefore useful in determining individual or herd immunity to SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to deepen the investigation by assessing the positivity rate of neutralizing anti-spike antibodies to understand the real protection of the studied population against SARS-CoV-2.

Place of urolithiasis in the spectrum of urological pathologies, practices and use of endourological procedures in the management of calculi of the upper urinary tract: results of a survey of referral centres in Africa.

Our aim was to determine the current trend of endourology in the management of upper urinary tract calculi in Africa reference centres. We conducted an online multiple-choice questionnaire survey involving 46 centres from 27 countries using a structured well-designed Google Form (®) questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed to the head of service through their emails.

Adult groin hernia surgery in sub-Saharan Africa: a 20-year systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: To realize a systematic review to evaluate groin hernia surgery for adults in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, the primary objective of which was to determine the surgical techniques used for unilateral groin hernia surgery in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies published in the last 20 years were considered.

[Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of blunt abdominal trauma in patients undergoing surgery at the General Hospital of National Reference of N'Djamena, Chad: about 49 cases].

Introduction: Blunt abdominal traumas are common.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 49 patients with blunt abdominal trauma who underwent surgery at the General Hospital of National Reference of N'Djamena, Chad over a period of 5 years. Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic parameters of patients were studied.

Etiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of acute generalized peritonitis in N'Djamena, Chad.

Our aim was to define the epidemiological profile of acute generalized peritonitis in N'Djamena, Chad. This retrospective study, conducted in the general surgery department of the National Reference General Hospital, examined the files of 492 patients who underwent surgery for acute generalized peritonitis from June 2007 to December 2012. Epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic characteristics were described.

Delay in the diagnosis and outcome of colorectal cancer: a prospective study.

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of the delay in the diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma, possible causes of this delay and its effects on outcome.

Methods: A prospective study was performed on 100 patients affected by colorectal cancer. Duration of symptoms was calculated from the date of onset of symptoms to the date of surgery.

Adenocarcinoma of the colon and rectum: some reflections on the immediate and long-term results of surgery.

Colorectal cancer continues to be a major public health problem in western countries. Although some studies have reported an improvement in disease-free and overall survival, few of the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures proposed have found unanimous consent. We report some reflections on both the immediate and the long-term results of colorectal cancer surgery on the basis of our experience, represented by 1164 patients with histologically proven colorectal carcinoma, admitted to the Institute of General Surgery of Parma University between 1976 and 1993 and operated on by the same surgical team, in order to provide data for scientific discussion.

Curative surgery for colorectal cancer: long-term results and life expectancy in the elderly.

Purpose: The long-term prognosis after curative surgery for colorectal cancer was evaluated in relation to age and life expectancy as a possible basis for assessing the risk to benefit ratios in the elderly.

Methods: Data relating to 1,256 patients operated on from 1976 to 1994 were stored in a computer database prospectively from 1987. Patients were subdivided into four age groups (A = <60 years; B = 60-69; C = 70-79; D = > or =80).

Laparoscopic hernia repair: a prospective comparison of TAPP and IPOM techniques.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two techniques of laparoscopic hernia repair: the transabdominal preperitoneal technique (TAPP) and the intraperitoneal onlay mesh technique (IPOM). In May 1992 a prospective randomized trial was initiated to compare TAPP and IPOM. Until October 1994, 115 patients with 148 hernias took part in the trial (59 TAPP and 56 IPOM).

[Prospective randomized comparative study of laparoscopic hernioplasty and Lichtenstein tension-free hernioplasty].

To compare the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty (TAPP) and the open Lichtenstein technique, in 1992 a prospective randomized trial was initiated. Until 1995 108 patients with 130 hernias took part in the trial: 64 TAPP (group A) and 66 Lichtenstein (group B). 22 patients had simultaneous bilateral repairs.

[Rouxel-Coadou method of ileal neobladder: clinico-functional considerations].

Twelve patients are submitted to orthotopic ileal neobladder, performed using staplers. The simplicity and speed of automatic stapling devices in the Rouxel-Coadou's surgical technique are reported. All patients underwent clinical and urodynamic evaluation at 3, 6, 12 months, after surgery (mean follow-up 6 months).

[Surgery of loco-regional recurrences in colorectal cancer].

By the term of local recurrence (LR), after apparently curative resection of a colorectal cancer, we mean the recurrence of the disease at the site of the original tumor, in correspondence to the regional lymph nodes or to intestinal anastomosis. The frequency of LR, which differs widely from one case to another because of the unhomogenity of the samples under examination, is on average around 16%, although this figure is to be considered an underestimation since it is not supported by routine autopsies. The authors analyse, together with the data in the literature, the results of their personal experience relating to 1164 patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer in the space of 18 years, in order to evaluate the true effectiveness of surgery on patients affected by LR.