Histopathology Services to a District Hospital: A Collaborative System

Abstract

Background: In developing countries, few hospitals have direct access to histopathology services for the management of patients. With the advent of the internet, however, such services can be extended even to remote areas. Design: A histopathology services collaborative system. Setting: The histopathology laboratory of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital extends services to the Kolofata District Hospital in Cameroon. Materials and Methods: Once a week, preserved surgical biopsy specimens are sent by courier from Kolofata to our laboratory in Maiduguri. Complementary information such as x-ray films and photographs of gross specimens are sent to us by e-mail. Results: In 91.9% of cases, results of histopathology analysis are communicated by e-mail and received by the requesting physician within 48 hours. Conclusion: We encourage clinicians, especially those in remote areas where histopathology services are not available, to consider embracing this collaborative system.