Background : In African settings the treatment results of Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) seem to be less favourable compared with Western settings. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse some factors that affect the treatment of BL. Patients and Methods : Over a 16 year period, data were extracted of 80 patients. Results : Complete remission 5%, very good partial response 35%, partial response 16%, no response 10%, data missing 34%. Of all patients, 56% did have a positive response to treatment. However, 51% of this subgroup of patients did not finish treatment. There was no difference in completion of treatment between patients living in Katete district finishing treatment vs. living outside Katete district (respectively 25% vs. 32%, P = 0.7148). Conclusion: There is potential for higher cure rates for BL in tropical settings if full effort is put into compliance since a majority of patients, even while having a good prognosis, abandon treatment. Large distance to hospital makes no difference in completing the chemotherapy course.

Background: Childhood cancer is fast becoming an important paediatric problem in Nigeria and several parts of Africa, with the progressive decline of infectious and nutritional diseases. The following study was a 5-year retrospective review of paediatric solid tumours as seen at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Objective: To determine the relative frequencies of childhood solid malignant tumours in Jos, Central Nigeria and compare with reports of previous studies both locally and abroad. Materials and Methods: Cancer registers and medical records of patients were used to extract demographic data, specimen number and/or codes. Archival materials were retrieved from the histopathology laboratory and sections were made from paraffin embedded blocks of these specimens. Slides of these histological sections were reviewed and reclassified where necessary. The relative frequencies were then determined. Results: One hundred and eighty one solid tumours of children were diagnosed within the study period. Ninety-four (51%) were benign and 87 (49%) malignant. Male: Female ratio was 1.3:1. The commonest malignant tumour diagnosed was rhabdomyosarcoma which accounted for 27 (31%), comprising of 15 (55.6%), 11 (40.7%) and 1 (3.7%) embryonal, alveolar and pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcomas, respectively. Non Hodgkin lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma accounted for 17 (19.5%) and 12 (13.8%), respectively. Conclusion: Based on the result of our study, we conclude that the commonest solid malignancy of childhood in Jos, Nigeria is rhabdomyosarcoma. This has implications for diagnosis, management and prognosis of theses soft tissue sarcomas in our paediatric population.

Background: Neonatal intestinal obstruction (NIO) is a common cause of mortality. This study determined the causes of mortality in patients with NIO at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile Ife. Patients and Methods: Records of all cases of NIO managed at OAUTHC between January 1996 and December 2005 were retrospectively reviewed and the possible factors that may result in mortality were analysed. Results: Sixty-three neonates with intestinal obstruction were managed, representing 24.3% of the neonatal admissions during the study period. Forty-two were males and 21 were females (M:F = 2:1). The majority (71.4%) of the patients presented within the first week of life. Anorectal malformation constituted 57.1% of the causes of NIO. Other causes included Hirschsprung's disease, duodenal atresia, intestinal malrotation with midgut volvulus and jejunal atresia. There were 18 deaths, with a mortality rate of 28.6%. Reoperation, postoperative bleeding and peroperative sepsis were significant determinants of mortality. Conclusion: NIO is associated with significant mortality in our centre. Repeat surgery, postoperative bleeding and sepsis were the significant factors that contributed to mortality in NIO.

Background: Ambiguous genitalia are a major cause of parental anxiety and can create social problems if not properly managed. Diagnosis and management can however be challenging. The aim of this study is to highlight some of the challenges in management of ambiguous genitalia in our environment. Patients and Methods: All cases of ambiguous genitalia managed at the Paediatric surgical unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching hospital, Ile Ife, Nigeria, between January 1993 and October 2007 were analysed for age, sex at presentation, investigation modality, and final sex of rearing and outcome of surgery. Result: Nine patients had surgical reconstruction for ambiguous genitalia during the study period. Their age ranges from 5 weeks to 19 years at presentation. The causes of genital ambiguity in the patients was congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in 6, true hermaphroditism in 2 and male pseudo-hermaphroditism in 1. Seven patients were reconstructed as females while 2 were raised as males. Change of sex of raring was necessary in 2 patients. Conclusion: The diagnosis and management of ambiguous genitalia is a challenging problem in our environment. Early presentation and treatment is necessary to avoid psychological and social embarrassment.

Background: The increased prevalence of hitherto uncommon tumours in children in our geographic setting formed the basis for this study. This study aimed to determine the current histopathologic distribution pattern of paediatric malignancies in Zaria. Materials and Methods : An eight year (2000-2007) consecutive analysis of malignant tumours in children ages 0 to 15 years in a referral University laboratory. All tissue biopsies were fixed in 10% formalin and processed in wax. Tumours were characterised histologically into tissues of origin and categorised into three age groups; <1 year, 1-5 years and 6-15 years. Result : 189 children with malignant tumours were analysed. They showed a male preponderance (M: F; 1.2: 1.0) and their ages ranged from 5 days to 15 years. Tumours of mesenchymal origin were the commonest (115: 60.8%) while epithelial tumours including germ cell tumours accounted for 74 (39.2%) cases. The age group 1-5 years had the highest epithelial tumours while age group 6-15 years had the most tumours with 102 (54%) cases overall. The five commonest tumours over-all were rhabdomyosarcoma, Burkitt lymphoma, retinoblastoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and nephroblastoma. Germ cell tumours affected the ovary predominantly and two of the endodermal sinus tumour cases were seen in the testis of an eighteen month child and sacrococcygeum of a 5 year old girl, respectively. Of the six immature teratoma cases, four were cutaneous in distribution. The vascular tumours included epithelioid haemangioendothelioma, haemangioblastoma and Dabska tumour and they accounted for (5.8%) of all tumours seen. The commonest sites of occurrence of these tumours were the oculo-orbital, jaw, head and neck regions with 82 cases (43.4%) while lymph nodes were involved in 31 (16.4%) cases. Conclusion : The distribution and occurrence of malignant tumours in children is age related. Lymphomas were the commonest tumours overall while retinoblastoma and Burkitt lymphoma were the commonest tumours affecting children below 5 years and 6-10 years old, respectively, in our centre. The head region and lymph nodes were the sites of predilection for majority of these tumours.

Background: Burns injuries are recognized as a major health problem worldwide. In children and, particularly, in our environment where poverty, ignorance and disease are still high, they constitute significant morbidity and mortality. Previous studies on this topic in parts of Nigeria either lumped adults and children together or were retrospective. We, therefore, prospectively studied the current trends in burns in children. Patients and Methods: This prospective study of burns spanned over a period of 18 months (June 2006-December 2007) at the Paediatric Surgery Units of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu, and the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Imo State. Data were collected and analysed for age, sex, cause/type of burn, place of burn, presence or absence of adult/s, initial prehospital intervention, interval between injury and presentation, surface area and depth of burn and treatment and outcome. Results: Fifty-three patients were studied, 31 (58.4%) were male and 22 (41.6%) were female (M:F = 1.4:1). Patients mostly affected were aged 2 years and below. The most common cause of burns was hot water in 31 (58.5%) patients. The vast majority of these injuries happened in a domestic environment (92.5%) and in the presence of competent adult/s (88.7%). Outcome of treatment was good: there were two (3.8%) deaths and 46 (86%) patients had complete recovery. Conclusion: Burns is still a major health problem among children in south eastern Nigeria. Fortunately, outcome of appropriate treatment is good. However, we think that poor safety consciousness among parents is a major predisposing factor. Public enlightenment on measures to ensure safe home environment may be necessary to avoid or limit childhood burns.

Background: There is paucity of information on the prevalence of birth defects in Nigeria, particularly in our setting. This study determined the epidemiology of external congenital anomalies in Southwest Nigerian children. Patients and Methods: This was a stratified, randomized study of neonates presenting with external birth defects in Ife-Ijesha in Southwestern Nigeria, from August 2003 to July 2004. The neonates were screened for obvious congenital malformations by thorough physical examination. Results: A total of 624 neonates were screened, 43 (6.9%) of whom had external birth defects (prevalence: 3.7 ± 0.8% SD). There was a slight male preponderance (M: F= 1.4: 0.9). The overall prevalence rates of external congenital and major anomalies in Ife-Ijesa are 6.9 and 3.7% respectively. A higher prevalence for major malformations, 6.3%, was also found within the minority ethnic groups in these communities compared to the native majority. Musculoskeletal abnormalities are the most common anomaly, followed by those of abnormal external genitalia and head defects. Conclusion: Major malformations are more common amongst the minority settlers in this study, and musculoskeletal abnormalities were the most prevalent.

Background: Abdominal wounds following surgery for typhoid perforation are classified as dirty, with an infection rate of over 40%. To date, the optimal method for closure of these wounds remains controversial. Delayed primary closure which was conventionally recommended as standard practice, is now considered to be of no value in preventing surgical site infection (SSI). This study evaluates the outcome of primary closure of this class of wounds in children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and advocates a multidisciplinary wound management protocol. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study of children aged < 1-15 years who had had surgery for typhoid perforation in a teaching hospital in south western Nigeria, over a period of ten years. Results: Thirty-two patients, 18 males and 14 females, in the ratio of 1.3:1 were managed for typhoid perforation during the ten year period. All 32 patients had primary closure of their abdominal wounds. There was primary wound healing in six (18.8%) patients, while 19 (59.4%) patients had surgical site infections. Wound dehiscence, intraabdominal abscess, and faecal fistulas were the other complications documented in the study. Conclusion: Abdominal wounds of typhoid perforation, though classified as being dirty, can be closed primarily with good healing outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach to wound management will reduce the incidence of wound sepsis and its associated morbidity and costs.

Aim: Vascular trauma in children is uncommon. Considering the complexity of these injuries, we have tried to determine their demographic data, the different factors changing their outcome, the different modalities of management, and their outcomes. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 52 pediatric patients of less than 15 years f age for about ten years (1996 to 2006) .The review was followed by physical examination done by two surgeons. Vascular injuries included blunt and penetrating injuries to the neck and extremities. Their management included conservative management, primary closure, end-to-end anastomosis, graft interpositioning, and fasciotomy. Results: The patients included 41 males and 11 females and their mean age was 9.7 years (ranging from 3 to 14 years). Males were significantly more (78%) involved. Penetrating upper extremity injuries were the most common cause of vascular injury in the paediatric population (65% on the right side). The most common mechanism was cutting the hand by glass (most of them on the ulnar side). These vascular injuries per se did not cause any disability in the upper extremities. The outcome of these injuries depended more on simultaneous nervous injury and to a lesser extent, on tendon injury. There was no significant long-term difference between ligation and anastomosis of the radial and ulnar arteries. Lower extremity vascular injuries had significantly higher mortality and morbidity. Conclusion: As the reconstructive procedures to manage vascular injuries are technically difficult, we suggest conservative managements to be applied first. Prompt surgical intervention is necessary if there are any critical signs of ischaemia or unsuccessful conservative management.

Objective: To review our experience with the use of transverse preputial island flap in the repair of hypospadias in the paediatric surgical unit of our University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the cases of hypospadias managed by transverse preputial island flap repair over a ten year period (1996 and 2006) in the paediatric surgical unit of our institution. Data was retrieved from the case notes and analysed. Results: Fifty-one patients had hypospadias repair during the period, 22 of whom were by transverse preputial island flap repair. Hypospadisas were in penile shaft in 16 (72.7%), penoscrotal in 5 (22.7%) and perineal in 1 (4.55%). All the patients had intact prepuce at presentation and chordee was present in 18 (81.8%). The commonest complication was urethrocutaneous fistula in five patients, which closed spontaneously in three leaving 2 patients (9.1%) with persistent urethrocutaneous fistular. Conclusion: Transverse preputial island flap urethroplasty remains aviable option in the management of hypospadias especially when the meatal opening is proximal, with associated chordee limiting the options in the repair.

This is a report of a rerecurrence of extensive lymphangioma involving the neck, chest and both breasts of a female. The patient has had recurrence of the lesion twice following surgical excision. Surgery alone seemed to be insufficient in this case. Could adjunct of sclerotherapy have made a difference at the first surgery? Faced with a third recurrence, what other options are left? We report this case to highlight the difficulties and dilemma in managing extensive lymphangiomas.

Congenital urethral polyps area rare anomaly of the male urethra that may present with features of voiding dysfunction or obstruction. Although the exact incidence is unknown, they are important in the differential diagnosis of lower urethral obstruction in male children. Their diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion because of the variability of presentation. We present our experience with four cases of male urethral polyps in boys with discussion on the related literature.

Infantile myofibromatosis is a rare mesenchymal disorder of infancy and childhood characterised by the formation of tumours in the soft tissues, muscles, bones and viscera. Only 61 cases have been reported in the literature. This paper describes the management of a 3 year-old boy with extensive IMF of the right leg.

Acute gastric dilatation in a newborn is a rarely encountered clinical entity. Such dilatation without any obstruction is furthermore rare. The authors hereby present a rare case of acute gastric dilatation that developed in a two-days old child who was born premature and was suffering from septicaemia and respiratory distress. The causes and the differential diagnosis of the rare condition are discussed.

Primary omental cysts are rare intra-abdominal pathology, which are difficult to diagnose preoperatively; as such a high index of suspicion is required for accurate preoperative diagnosis. We present a case of primary omental cyst in an eight-year-old girl who presented with huge abdominal distension mimicking ascites. She was operated and cyst was extirpated completely. Histological examination revealed an omental cyst with endothelial lining and haemorrhagic fluid inside. Patient was followed up for a period of one year and had no post operative complication or recurrence of the disease. This case is reported to emphasise the inclusion of huge omental cyst in the differential diagnosis of ascites especially in the paediatric age group.

Choledochal cyst and biliary atresia are rare but important causes of neonatal jaundice. Both present with jaundice and acholic stool in neonatal period. Treatment and prognosis of both entities are very different. We are presenting a case in which choledochal cyst co-existed with biliary atresia; the antenatal diagnosis was that of choledochal cyst. Patient had cyst excision with hepatojejnostomy, but ultimately required portoenterostomy because of associated biliary atresia. We conclude that choledochal cyst and biliary atresia are two entities with similar antenatal and postnatal presentation; they should be differentiated as management and prognosis are different.

Bloody nipple discharge is described as an extremely rare clinical entity in a 7-month-old infant managed conservatively. The authors discuss the management protocol of this rare clinical presentation along with the pertinent literature.

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is rare in children, except for a few sporadic reports there is not much information about it in the literature. It is important for pediatricians and paediatric surgeons to be aware that CRC does occur in children, and it should not be excluded only on the basis of the patient's age. Its rarity in children has meant a poor understanding of its biological nature and the treatment modalities to be followed.