Authors
Callistus B. Kuubiere, Victor Mogre, Saeed F. Majeed and Abass Alhassan
Abstract
Background: Typhoid intestinal perforation (TIP) is a global health concern, with high incidence of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study examined the pattern of TIP and its associated factors in the Northern Region of Ghana.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from January 2010 to December 2013 in patients treated for TIP at the Tania Specialist Hospital, Tamale, Ghana. All relevant data were retrieved using a standardized data collection form.
Results: Out of the 150 patients presenting with typhoid fever, 65 patients had TIP giving a prevalence rate of 43.3% of which, 61.5% (n = 40) were males and 38.5% (n =25) were males. Patients aged 11-20 years recorded the highest number of TIPs (36.9%, n=24) followed by those aged 1-10 years (23.1%, n= 15)). The most common presenting symptom at the out-patient department were severe abdominal pains (56.7%, n=87), abdominal pains with abdominal distension (43.3%, n= 28) and abdominal distension (49.3%, n=32). Intra-operatively, 41 (63%) had single terminal ileal perforation, 19 (29.2%) had 2-3 perforations within the ileum, 2 (3.1%) had caecal perforation and the rest 3 (4.7%) had perforations in the jejunum. Fifty-three (81.5%) patients recovered fully, whilst 12 (18.5%) of them died due to post-operative complications.
Conclusion: The prevalence rate of TIP was 43.3% and higher among males and those aged 10-20 years. The role of prevention, early reporting, and detection coupled with appropriate management cannot be overemphasized.
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