The outcomes of peripheral nerve surgeries in Africa: Narrative synthesis from existing literature

• Published in: Clinical neurology and neurosurgery 2024-09, Vol.244, p.108419, Article 108419
• Main Authors: Alare, Kehinde, Salam, Temiloluwa, Abioye, Elishama, Utah, Francisca, Balogun, Opeyemi, Adedokun, Precious, Moradeyo, Abdulrahmon, Adeniran-Yusuf, Abd'Muiz, Soyinka, Ebunoluwa, Egbo, Chisom, Alao, Adedoyin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Africa; AIDS; Complications; Diabetes; Epidemiology; Health care; Health care access; Healthcare infrastructure; HIV; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Industrialized nations; Infectious diseases; Injuries; Literature reviews; Nervous system; Neurosurgical Procedures - methods; Older people; Pathology; Patients; Peripheral nerve surgery; Peripheral nerves; Peripheral Nerves - surgery; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - surgery; Peripheral neuropathy; Postoperative; Postoperative care; Postoperative Complications - epidemiology; Quality of Life; Recovery of Function; Rehabilitation; Surgeons; Surgery; Surgical outcomes; Traffic accidents & safety; Trauma; Treatment Outcome; Tumors; Urban environments
• ISSN: 0303-8467; 1872-6968; 1872-6968
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2024.108419

In Africa, peripheral nerve pathologies are a major source of disability, and the results of surgical therapies differ greatly among countries. The goal of this narrative review is to compile the most recent data on peripheral nerve surgery results in Africa, pinpoint critical variables that affect surgical outcomes, and offer suggestions for enhancing patient care. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on studies published over the past four decades. The sources included peer-reviewed journals, hospital records, and reports from healthcare organizations. The review examined outcomes related to functional recovery, quality of life, and postoperative complications. The outcomes of peripheral nerve surgeries in Africa are influenced by the availability of medical infrastructure, the level of surgeon expertise, and the timeliness of the intervention. Urban centers with better resources tend to report more favorable outcomes, whereas rural areas face significant challenges. Common barriers include limited access to advanced surgical tools, a shortage of specialized surgeons, and inadequate postoperative care and rehabilitation services. Despite these challenges, successful interventions have been reported, particularly in settings where targeted training programs and international collaborations are in place. Enhancing surgeon training programs, building comprehensive postoperative care and rehabilitation facilities, and investing in healthcare infrastructure are critical to improving peripheral nerve surgery results in Africa. International and regional collaborations can be extremely helpful in advancing these initiatives by enabling the sharing of knowledge and granting access to cutting-edge methods. Patients with peripheral nerve injuries across the continent may experience improved functional recovery and overall quality of life if these criteria are met. •Functional Recovery: Peripheral nerve surgeries in Africa often result in significant functional recovery, improving patients' muscle strength and range of motion when intervention is timely and appropriate tehniques are used.•Surgical Technique Success: Techniques such as neurolysis, nerve repair, and tendon transfers vary in success, with neurolysis best for closed injurieseurolysis, nerve repair, and tendon transfers vary in success, with neurolysis best for closed injuries.•Challenges with Certain Nerves: Recovery from surgeries on nerves like the peroneal and ulnar nerves is pa