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Otolaryngological practice in developing country: A profile of met and unmet needs
Abstract
Background: There has been a significant advance in the practice of otorhinolaryngologic surgery from the simple excisional surgery to minimally invasive functional endoscopic techniques, reconstruction and the use of laser. In this review we present our experience of the otolaryngologic practice in Nigeria
Methods: A retrospective review of clinical record chart of the spectrum of patients seen in the otorhinolaryngology department in 5 years (2004-2004). We reviewed the 708 patients seen at the outpatient clinic and the 111 surgical procedures done in one of the top otolaryngologic centres in Nigeria.
Results: Chronic suppurative otitis media accounted for 22% outpatient consultation, followed by sensorineural hearing losses 12% and Inflammatory disorders of the sinuses and larynx 16%, head and neck cancers was lowest 1.3%. In contrast to the spectrum in the clinic, laryngologic/head and neck surgery accounted for 47 (42%), rhinologic 31 (28%), otologic 29 (26%) and minimal invasive / endoscopic surgeries 4 (4%).
Conclusion: The contrast between the high prevalence of CSOM and high number of laryngologic surgery suggest the limitations faced by otolaryngolgists in the tropics in terms of unavailability and inability to afford sophisticated diagnostic and operating equipment particularly in otologic practice. This will be useful for formulating exchange of training and fellowship with otolaryngologists in other parts of the globe and improvement of clinical practice.
Methods: A retrospective review of clinical record chart of the spectrum of patients seen in the otorhinolaryngology department in 5 years (2004-2004). We reviewed the 708 patients seen at the outpatient clinic and the 111 surgical procedures done in one of the top otolaryngologic centres in Nigeria.
Results: Chronic suppurative otitis media accounted for 22% outpatient consultation, followed by sensorineural hearing losses 12% and Inflammatory disorders of the sinuses and larynx 16%, head and neck cancers was lowest 1.3%. In contrast to the spectrum in the clinic, laryngologic/head and neck surgery accounted for 47 (42%), rhinologic 31 (28%), otologic 29 (26%) and minimal invasive / endoscopic surgeries 4 (4%).
Conclusion: The contrast between the high prevalence of CSOM and high number of laryngologic surgery suggest the limitations faced by otolaryngolgists in the tropics in terms of unavailability and inability to afford sophisticated diagnostic and operating equipment particularly in otologic practice. This will be useful for formulating exchange of training and fellowship with otolaryngologists in other parts of the globe and improvement of clinical practice.
