[Diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of intestinal typhoid perforations in children of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire].

We conducted a retrospective study on 48 children (with a sex ratio of 22 males to 26 females) who had been operated over the preceding 10 years for typhoid perforation on the viscera ward within the paediatric surgery department of Yopougon teaching hospital in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The mean age was 9 years 3 months ranging from 3 to 16 years. Typhoid peritonitis was diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, intestinal injuries and only rarely by way of biological examinations. Medical treatment associated three antibiotics: aminosid, metronidazol and the third generation of cephalosporin. Hydroelectrolytical and haematological resuscitation was performed 3 to 6 hours before laparotomy. Excision-suture was made in 81% of cases. Exclusive parenteral nutrition began 48 hours after the laparotomy. Mortality occurred in 6% of patients and morbidity in 46%. Complications were parietal suppurations, digestive fistula, parietal hernia, early occlusive syndromes and necrosed cholecystisis. Rectorragy and leucocytosis were considered as pejorative signs when associated to the classic typhoid peritonitis.