Scalp reconstruction following excision of malignant tumors in Southeastern Nigeria

Background: Malignant scalp tumors are not common and constitute a small percentage of all scalp tumors. Reconstruction of the scalp defects following oncological resection presents peculiar challenges. Aim: The aim of the study is to report our experience in reconstructing scalp defect of varying sizes after the excision of malignant tumours using a variety of techniques. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients who had scalp reconstruction after oncological resections from June 2010 to May 2014 (four years) at our teaching hospital in the South-east of Nigeria. Data on the demographics, nature of the scalp tumors, site, size of the defects, mode of scalp reconstruction, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: Of the 17 patients who had scalp reconstruction, 29.4% of them were men and 70.6% were women (M:F = 5:2). The mean age of the patients was 41.2 ± 4.98 years (range: 19–85 years). The majority of the patients (47.1%) were young adults between 20 and 40 years, and the least involved age group (11.8%) was 13–19 years. The most common etiology of malignant scalp tumors was squamous cell carcinoma (52.9%). The temporal region was the most common site (41.2%) affected. Most of the defects were between 6.1 and 9.0 cm in diameter, followed by defects that were <3 cm in diameter. Neurosurgical assistance was required in 5 (29.4%) patients where the tumor had involved the skull bone. Tumor recurrence was noted in 3 (17.6%) patients within one year of follow-up. Conclusion: Scalp reconstruction after oncological resection presents a peculiar esthetic challenge due to the hair-bearing skin of the scalp and the need to maintain the hairline. The use of local flaps from the scalp remains the first and the best option. For very large scalp defects, free flap through microvascular surgery is the preferred option

Civilian Penetrating Gunshot Injury to the Neurocranium in Enugu

Introduction: Civilian penetrating gunshot injuries to the neurocranium are no longer uncommon in Nigeria. Such injuries are however poorly reported. They are associated with poor outcome and, at close range, are frequently fatal, especially when inflicted by high‑velocity weapons. Prompt transfer to neurosurgical service and urgent intervention may improve outcome in those that are not mortally wounded. Materials and Methods: Fifty‑two patients with civilian penetrating gunshot wounds seen over a 10‑year period (2004–2014) at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery Enugu were reviewed retrospectively, and their data were analyzed to evaluate factors that impacted on outcome. Only patients with clinical and imaging evidence of cranial gunshot injuries who reached hospital alive were included in the study. The overall mortality and Glasgow outcome score were analyzed. Results: Fifty‑two patients with isolated civilian penetrating gunshot wounds were identified (M:F = 7.7:1); mean (standard deviation) age was 32.8 (11.9) years.  There was a high correlation (0.983) between the sex of the patients and the  outcome. The overall mortality was 30.8%, whereas the mortality for patients with postresuscitation Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score ≤8 was 57%, as against 12.9% in those in whom postresuscitation GCS was &gt;8; meaning that 87.1% of patients in whom postresuscitation GCS was &gt;8 survived. Thirty‑one patients (59.6%) had papillary abnormalities. Majority of patients with monohemispheric lesions survived while all those with diencephalic, transventricular, and posterior fossa involvement had 100% mortality.Conclusions: Admitting GCS and bullet trajectory were predictive of outcome.Keywords: Glasgow coma score, Glasgow outcome score, Penetrating gunshot injur