Types of and reasons for postoperative complications after routine tooth extractions in Lagos: a pilot study

Tooth extraction also called exodontia is one of the most common surgical procedures. This study was to assess the reasons and the types of wound healing complications arising after routine (intra alveolar dental extraction) in a General hospital in Lagos. Consecutive recruitment (convenient sampling) method was used to recruit all subjects who met the inclusion criteria. Intra alveolar extractions were done for all subjects and each placed on Amoxicillin and Metronidazole for 5 days postoperatively. Postoperative socket healing complications, pain and compliance to post-operative instructions were assessed in all the patients. Results were analyzed using SPSS and descriptive statistics in form of percentages were used for the studies' parameter. Healing was uneventful in 63 patients (84%). Twelve patients (16%) developed complications. The general pattern of postoperative pain revealed that pain decreased from 1st through 7th day postoperatively. Non -compliance to instructions and post-operative medication as well as pain on 3rd postoperative day were found to be significantly associated with wound healing complications. Dry socket was the most common of the alveolus wound healing complications constituting 8% (6 patients), and all complications occurred on or before the 3rd postoperative day.Keywords: dental extraction, wound healing complication

Emerging Trends in the Epidemiological Pattern of Head and Neck Cancers in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Unfortunately, despite an increase in medical knowledge, survival rates of head and neck cancers (HNCs) have not been observed to improve greatly. This is true, especially in tumors located in obscure primary sites or late presentation. Aim: The purpose of this study is to assess the epidemiologic pattern of HNCs and to evaluate its emerging trends and patterns in Lagos state. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from 2003 to 2013 that analyzed histologically diagnosed cases of HNC at the Pathology Departments of  he two tertiary teaching hospitals in Lagos. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 20) statistical software. Results: One thousand and eighty‑three cases of head and neck malignancies were recorded. A female: male ratio of 1.01:1 was reported with mean age of 39.6 (standard deviation 21.1) years. The oral cavity was the most affected anatomic site (21.2%, 230/1083) in the period under review. Malignant epithelial tumors accounted for 72% (779/1083) of cases seen. Carcinomas were the most common histological variant seen (67%, 726/1083) and squamous cell carcinoma accounted for 58% (421/726) of carcinomas recorded. Oral cavity malignancies (21.8%, 118/540) were the most common in males while thyroid malignancies (28.5%, 155/543) were the most seen in females. In children (≤15 years), the most common histologic findings were carcinomas (42.3%; 77/182) and retinoblastomas (23.6%; 43/182). Conclusion: Epithelial malignancies were the most common malignancy in the study, and the oral cavity appears to be the increasingly predominant site for HNCs. A changing pattern in gender predominance, age distribution, and frequency with  histological variants and anatomical sites was also observed in this study.Keywords: Epidemiology, Head and neck cancer, Prevalenc

A new La –Co –CE Mandibular Segmental Defect Classification System with a Surgical Reconstructive Difficulty Ladder

This paper reviewed the unique anatomy of the mandible in relation to reconstruction of segmental mandibular defects with non  vascularized bone grafts. The three distinct surgical - anatomic - reconstructive zones of the mandible and the etiology of the defects were briefly highlighted. A new La-Co-CE mandibular segmental defect classification system was proposed along with a surgical reconstructive difficulty ladder. The advantages and limitations of such a defect classification system were discussed. Further research will explore the relationship between the La-Co-CE defect classification, the surgical reconstructive difficulty ladder, and surgeon and patient reported outcomes