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Thyroid nodular disease can present in different forms, such as a solitary nodule, multinodular goiter, nodular goiter caused by autoimmune goiter, and nonpalpable thyroid nodules. Among children, thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine cancer. Pediatric thyroid cancer is usually detected as a neck mass without any symptoms, leading to variable stages of progression when diagnosed. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer in children with thyroid nodules. We are presenting a case of an 8-year-old male child who was referred to Jimma Medical Center after he developed swelling on the right side of his neck. On examination, multiple, matted 8 × 6 cm, firm to hard, non-tender right lateral neck masses were found, which moved with swallowing. Thyroid function tests were normal. An ultrasound diagnosis of thyroid carcinoma and a cytologic diagnosis of suspicion for papillary thyroid carcinoma (Bethesda V) was made, and an excisional biopsy was advised. A total thyroidectomy was done. A histopathology diagnosis of Papillary thyroid carcinoma (Classic variant) was made. This is an unusual case of Papillary thyroid carcinoma in an Ethiopian child, with plenty of examples previously recorded in the literature but no such report of its occurrence in our setup to our knowledge. When children under 10 have cervical masses, thyroid cancer should be considered. The evaluation of a palpable thyroid mass typically begins with a blood test to check thyroid function, along with ultrasound and fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Currently, fine-needle aspiration biopsy is the most reliable way to diagnose malignancy and determine the appropriate surgical approach. In most cases, treatment will involve a total thyroidectomy. Lymph node dissection is necessary only if lymph node disease is detected during preoperative evaluation.

Abstract Background Measuring the caregivers' satisfaction is vital for the effectiveness of childcare. Children admitted to pediatric wards require special hospital situations, a bespoke approach from the medical team, and the participation of caregivers. It is important to give attention to the caregivers while planning for child services. The purpose of this study was to assess the caregiver’s satisfaction with the services provided in pediatric wards of Jimma University Medical Center and identify its associated factors. Methods Facility-based cross-sectional study design was done at Jimma University Medical Center. Participants in the study were primary caregivers who spent two or more days in the pediatric ward with their admitted children. Data were collected from 400 selected caregivers. A consecutive sampling method was employed. Principal component analysis was done for all Likert scale instruments to extract factor (s) representing each of the scales and to have factor scores. Variables with the Likert scale were treated as continuous after principal component analysis was employed. Using these factor scores, a multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with caregivers' satisfaction with service in pediatric wards. A significance level of less than 0.05 was used in the final model to determine statistical significance. Result This study showed that caregivers' satisfaction with the services in the pediatric ward was 68%. Level of education (β = -0.24, (95% CI; -.411, -.070)), availability of basic facilities (β = 0.163, (95% CI; .063, .263)), patience to listen to patients' problem (β = 0.431, (95% CI; .324, .537, staff communication with client (β = 0.163, (95% CI; -4.839, -1.610)), availability of laboratory tests and its service (β = -0.964, (95% CI; -1.435, -.493)), availability of drug, imaging and service at radiology (β = 2.907, (95% CI; 1.470, 4.344)) and availability of pathology and its service (β = 1.869, (95% CI; .993, 2.746)) were significant factors associated with caregivers satisfaction with health service in pediatrics ward. Conclusion Caregivers were moderately satisfied. Education level, availability of basic facilities communication with client, and the availability of laboratory tests and drugs were factors that significantly associated with caregiver satisfaction. Hospital should avail laboratory tests and drugs in order to maintain high levels of caregiver satisfaction.

Abstract Background Hypocalcemia is a derangement in serum calcium level due to a vast spectrum of disorders, but the most common cause is surgery, usually thyroid gland surgery. Symptoms of hypocalcemia can be due to increased neuromuscular excitation resulting in tetany, paresthesia or seizure. It can also be because of deposition of calcium in soft tissues producing reduced vision /cataract or calcification of basal ganglia. Cataract is the most common ocular symptom of hypocalcemia. Case report A twenty-six years old Ethiopian female patient presented with painless reduction of vision of both eyes. Five years prior to the reduction of vision she was diagnosed to have hypocalcemia. The serum calcium level was very low (3 mg/dl) due to damage to the parathyroid gland during total thyroidectomy for toxic goiter. She has been on supplemental calcium gluconate twice daily. She had typical bilateral symmetrical posterior sub capsular cataract with punctate iridescent opacities in the anterior and posterior cortex of the lens. Systemic examination revealed horizontal surgical scar on the anterior neck and positive Chvostek sign.

Abstract Background Sigmoid volvulus is the commonest cause of large bowel obstruction in many regions of the world. Its prevalence varies greatly geographically. In Ethiopia, the disease is the commonest cause of emergency admissions due to intestinal obstruction. However, few studies have been conducted discussing the management outcome in Ethiopia and Africa. This research was conducted to assess the pattern & management outcome of acute sigmoid volvulus at a district hospital in South-west Ethiopia. Methods A facility based retrospective cross-sectional review of surgical records was done to identify patients who had acute sigmoid volvulus. Data was collected using structured questionnaire by three pre trained data collectors. The collected data was checked for its completeness, and then entered, edited, cleaned and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. For all statistical significance tests the cut-off value set was P

Introduction: Ethiopia is a rapidly developing country in Eastern Africa. In total, 43.2% of the population are younger than 15. In contrast, until a few years ago, pediatric surgery was only available in Addis Ababa. Now, Ethiopia is making great efforts to improve the care of children who require surgery. JimmaChild was established to set up a pediatric surgery in Jimma. Material and methods: JimmaChild developed from a scientific collaboration between Jimma University (JU) and Ludwig-Maximilians-University. The project was developed and realized by Ethiopian and German colleagues. A curriculum was written for this purpose. The pediatric surgical training of the fellows was carried out on-site by German pediatric surgeons. Results: A new pediatric surgery was established at JU with its own operating room, ward, and staff. After two and a half years, two fellows completed their final examinations as pediatric surgeons. Among others, 850 elective surgeries were performed, 82% assisted by the German colleagues. The German colleagues rated the preparation for the trip, the on-site support, and the professional progress of the fellows mostly as good to very good. Reported problems in the program flow were also recognized and solved in part. Conclusions: The best possible integration of the project into existing structures was achieved by close cooperation of Ethiopian and German colleagues during the project development. Problems were identified and addressed early on by external monitoring. As the project responsibility was mainly with the Ethiopian colleagues, a department was created that now exists independently of external funding and trains its own fellows.

Background: Wilms tumour (WT) is one of the common and curable cancer types targeted by the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. Tumour excision is essential for cure. This analysis focuses on surgical outcomes of patients with WT in sub-Saharan Africa., Methods: We implemented a risk-stratified WT treatment guideline as a multicentre, prospective study across eight hospitals and six countries. Eligibility criteria were age 6 months to 16 years, unilateral WT, surgery performed after preoperative chemotherapy and diagnosed between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2022. Data collection included a specific surgical case report form (CRF)., Results: The study registered 230 patients, among whom 164 (71.3%) had a nephrectomy. Ninety-eight percent of patients had a completed surgical CRF. Out 164 patients, 50 (30.5%) had distant metastases. Median tumour diameter at surgery was 11.0 cm. Lymph node sampling was done in 122 (74.3%) patients, 34 (20.7%) had intraoperative tumour rupture, and for 18 (10.9%), tumour resection involved en bloc resection of another organ. Tumour size at surgery was significantly correlated with tumour rupture (p < .01). With a median follow-up of 17 months (range: 2-33), 23 (14.0%) patients have relapsed. Twenty-two (13.4%) patients abandoned treatment post nephrectomy. Two-year event-free survival was 60.4% ± 4.7% with treatment abandonment as an event., Conclusion: Survival post nephrectomy is challenged by treatment abandonment, treatment-related mortality and relapse. Large tumours after preoperative chemotherapy were associated with a higher risk of tumour rupture. Earlier diagnosis and access to radiotherapy are expected to improve survival., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)