Regarding the practice of endourology, the report was published in the Société Internationale d’Urologie Journal.1 More recently, it has been published in Urolithiasis.2 The survey was carried out in 46 reference centers. The centers were located in 26 sub-Saharan African countries. The data revealed that urinary lithiasis is one of the main pathologies. Of the 46 centers, 33 have easy access to CT scan. Open surgery is still performed in 69.1% of the centers for stone removal. Among endourological techniques, rigid ureteroscopy is the main technique used by centers. Only 7 centers (15.21%) can perform rigid ureteroscopy, flexible ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Laparoscopy is available in 50% of centers, but none reported performing a laparoscopic lithotomy. These figures point to the alarming state of endourological practice in stone management in most sub-Saharan African centers.
In addition to presenting these figures, Modern Urology For Africa (an association whose main aim is to develop the practice of endourology in Africa) is appealing to various profiles (individuals, training centers, associations, etc.) for collaboration or support. Its activities are focused on training, technical capacity building, and equipping disadvantaged centers.
Written by: Nedjim Saleh, Modern Urology For Africa, Casablanca, Morocco
References:
- Nedjim, S. A., Dieudonné, Z. O. J., Hissein, H., Gebreselassie, K. H., Arthur, D., Salissou, M., ... & Rachid, A. (2023). Status, needs, and perspectives on the practice of endourology in Africa: a continental survey of 21 reference centers. Société Internationale d'Urologie Journal, 4(6), 480-485.
- Nedjim SA, Biyouma MDC, Kifle AT, et al. Place of urolithiasis in the spectrum of urological pathologies, practices and use of endourological procedures in the management of calculi of the upper urinary tract: results of a survey of referral centres in Africa. Urolithiasis. 2024;52(1):26. Published 2024 Jan 12. doi:10.1007/s00240-023-01519-2