Prognostic Factors in the Management of Empyema Thoracis in Northern Nigeria.

Background: Empyema thoracis portrays pleural effusion with demonstrable actively multiplying bacteria. It is a significant cause of morbidity, and commonly complicates parapneumonic effusions. It is important to identify those factors that can be used to prognosticate the outcome of its management in our locality so that those that are modifiable could be applied to improve management outcomes.

Initial Experience with Central Venous Line Insertion in a Tertiary Health Institution in Nigeria.

Background: Central venous catheterization is an uncommon procedure in most hospitals in the West African subregion. This article presents our initial experience with central line insertion.

Materials And Methods: Catheter sizes ranged from 5 fr for children and 7 fr for adult for intravenous therapy, while size 7 fr polyurethane catheters were used for children requiring hemodialysis and sizes 12-14 fr silicone catheters for adolescents and adults requiring hemodialysis'.

Sensitivity of Computed Tomography-guided Transthoracic Biopsies in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution.

Introduction: The indications for open biopsies for intrathoracic lesions have become almost negligible. This development was made possible by less invasive maneuvers such as computed tomography-guided (CT-guided) biopsy, thoracoscopy or video-assisted thoracoscopy, and bronchoscopy. CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy was first reported in 1976.

Zaria universal oxygenator holder phase I.

Introduction: The conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery requires the use of equipment and devices like the oxygenator. The oxygenator comes in different makes and each manufacturer customizes the carrier or 'holder' of this device specific to their design.

Aim: This paper presents an innovation designed to overcome the need to purchase a different holder for every oxygenator thereby cutting the cost.