Hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery in West Africa: a timely capacity assessment.

ABSTRACT:

Background

West Africa has among the highest rates of hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) malignancies in the world. Although surgery is critical for treatment, the availability of HPB surgery in Africa is unknown. This cross-sectional study investigated the current HPB surgical capacity of West African hospitals.

Method

The Surgeons OverSeas Personnel, Infrastructure, Procedure, Equipment, and Supplies (PIPES) survey was modified to include HPB-specific parameters and quantify capacity. The survey was completed by consultant surgeons from West Africa. A PIPES index was calculated, and a higher score corresponded to greater HPB surgical capacity.

Results

The HPB PIPES survey was completed by 35 institutions from The Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. Most institution

SUBMITTER: Alatise OI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11923760 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature