Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour: A rare tumour of the breast

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour is a rare tumour of the breast and this report highlights the radiological and histological features and the difficulties in making a diagnosis. A high index of suspicion when dealing with a breast lesion that has both cystic and solid components in a background of von Recklingausen’s neurofibromatosis will make the diagnosis easie

Fear of prostate biopsy: a limitation in the management of prostate cance

The incidence of prostate cancer is increasing in the country and now constitutes 11% of allmale cancers. For diagnosis of prostate cancer, a histological diagnosis is necessary and this requires that a prostate biopsy be performed but patientsmay not readily accept this invasive procedure. A 2-year retrospective study was carried out in Baptist Medical Centre, Eku, Delta State from January1 2004 toDecember 31 2005; datawere collected from case notes of patientswho had serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) done to review the response of patients to the offer of prostate biopsy after an elevated serumprostate specific antigen result. There were 65 patients aged between 48years to 97years, mean age was 71years. 45 patients were offered prostate biopsy based on elevated serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) and/or findings on digital rectal examination (DRE). Only 12 (26.67%) accepted and of these, 4 (33.33%) had a histological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the prostrate. Our study has shown that majority of symptomatic prostate cancer patients refuse biopsy regardless of adequate counseling.Keywords: Prostate biopsy, digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen, prostate cance

Work-Life Balance and Performance of Female Medical Practitioners of Federal Government owned Medical Centres in Edo State, Nigeria

The broad objective of this paper is to determine the effect of work-life balance on performance of female medical practitioners of federal government owned medical centres in Edo state. Specifically, this study seeks to ascertain the effect of employee support on the commitment of married female medical practitioners of university of Benin teaching hospital and Irrua specialist teaching hospital. Survey research design was adopted for the study, a sample size of two hundred and eighty (280) was used for the study, Krejcie and Morgan, (1970) sampling technique was used for the study, the data collection tool employed by the researchers was the questionnaire, while the analysis of the data was done using the linear regression analysis. The findings revealed that employee support impacts the commitment of married female medical practitioners of university of Benin teaching hospital and Irrua specialist teaching hospital, Edo state since (F = 964.986; R2 = 0.836; P <.05). The researchers therefore concluded that work-life balance impacts employee performance of the institutions in focus. Based on the foregoing, the researchers recommended the enactment of favourable work-life balance policies by the institutions in focus and the approval of emergency leave for female (married) medical practitioners of the institutions in focus because of their role in the family

Physico-chemical properties and energy potential of wood wastes from sawmills in Benin metropolis, Nigeria

The physico-chemical properties and energy potential of wood wastes were evaluated in this study. Wood wastes from five tropical species: Ekki (Lophira alata); Ohia (Celtis sp); Danta (Nesogordonia papaverifera); Omah (Cordia millenii) and Black Afara (Terminalia ivorensis) collected from sawmills across Benin Metropolis, the capital of Edo State, in South Western Nigeria were used as feedstock. Calorific values, moisture contents as well as proximate and ultimate analyses were performed to assess the energy characteristics of the collected wood wastes in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials: ASTM E872-82 and ASTM D4442-07. Results from the laboratory experiments and energy calculations revealed that the wood wastes used in this study contain relatively low moisture and ash contents, high proportions of volatile matter and carbon, high calorific values, low levels of sulphur and nitrogen as well as a sufficiently high value of thermal energy potential. The results are indications that the wood wastes are suitable as feedstock for renewable energy generation with little or no threat to the environment.Keywords: Benin Metropolis; Bio-energy; Calorific value; Energy potential; Physico-chemical properties; Wood waste

Benign Breast Masses in Nigeria

A 5-year retrospective review of all benign breast masses was carried out at the Baptist Medical Center, Eku, Delta State between January 1st 2001 and December 31st 2005. Benign breast masses made up 72.64% of breast biopsies, 96.10% were females; with age ranged between 13 and 66years (mean 28.8years). Fibroadenoma was most common (68.83%) and the sizes ranged from 1cm to 14cm with mean of 3.66cm. This study shows that benign breast masses are common in this environment and encourages self-breast examination and clinical breast examination. Keywords: Benign, Breast Masses, Fibroadenoma, NigeriaNigerian Journal of Surgical Sciences Vol. 17 (2) 2007: pp. 105-10

Pattern Of Lower Limb Amputations In Eku

Amputation is a psychological, social and economic tragedy for the patient and his/her family. The lack of rehabilitation facilities in our environment makes the operation a dreaded procedure. This study aims to ascertain the pattern of lower limb amputation in Baptist Medical Center, Eku, with regards to socio biological variables of the patients and indications for surgery. A 5-year retrospective review of all cases of lower limb amputations was done in Baptist Medical Center, Eku, Delta State between January 1st 2001 and December 31st 2005. There were 54 cases available for study; with an age range of 6 to 85 years, mean age of 41.2 + 10.6 years and 72.2% of the cases were males. Below knee amputation constituted 57.4% of the cases and above knee amputation constituted 35.2%, with diabetic foot gangrene being the most common indication for amputation. The pattern of lower limb amputation in Eku is different from what is seen in other parts of the country. Continuing Medical Education for all doctors and health education of the populace in regards to appropriate management of diabetes and lower limb lesions and provision of facilities for lower limb prosthesis is recommended. Keywords: Lower limb; amputation; diabetics; trauma; Eku. Ebonyi Medical Journal Vol. 6 (1) 2007 pp. 18-2

Pattern of Gunshot Injuries – Experience from Baptist Medical Centre, Eku, Nigeria

Background: Gunshots injuries following communal clashes, youth restiveness and armed violence have reached epidemic proportions in Nigeria.Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the pattern of injuries and management of gunshot wounds in a referral centre in Delta State.Methods: This is a retrospective review of gunshot injuries seen in Baptist Medical Centre, Eku (BMCE), Delta State between January 1st 2004 and December 31st 2005. Results: There were 99 patients identified for study. Eighty-five (85.9%) of the patients were males and 14.1% (14) were females. The mean age of the male patients was 33.03 years and 30.29 years for female patients. The assailants were identified as armed robbers in 82.9% of the cases. The mean injury-arrival time was 6.02 hours. The lower limb (32.3%) was the most commonly involved single region and 23patients (23.2%) had involvement of multiple regions. There were four (4.04%) fatalities and were directly related to prolonged injury to arrival time and 18 (18.18%) patients had complications mostly wound infection.Conclusion: Gunshot wounds are common in Delta state. Access to prompt medical care will reduce mortality and morbidity associated with gunshot injuries. Poverty eradication and firearm restriction are recommended preventive measures.Keywords: Gunshot injuries, pattern, Eku, Nigeria

Sigmoid volvulus in mid western Nigeria

A review of 9 cases of sigmoid volvulus presenting in Baptist Medical Center, Eku from December 1st 2003 to November 30th 2005 was done to evaluate the mode of presentation and the treatment offered and the subsequent results. They presented with features of intestinal obstruction, and plain abdominal X-rays also showed features of intestinal obstruction and the majority had resection and primary anastomosis. Nigerian Journal of Surgical Sciences Vol. 17 (1) 2007: pp. 59-6