Mabel Banson
@kbth.gov.gh
Neurosurgeon, Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgery
Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Neuroscience, Oncology, Surgery, Leadership and Management
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Kwadwo Darko, Abigail Jenkins, Sean O'Leary, Umaru Barrie, Donald Detchou, Mabel Banson, and Teddy Totimeh
Elsevier BV
Naa Adzoa Adzeley Boi-Dsane, Pooja Venkatesh, Pearl Tenkorang, Oluwaseun Omoba, Bernice Limann, Amoge Opara, Adurape A. Osunjimi, Umaru Barrie, Teddy Totimeh, Ibironke Emmanuel,et al.
Elsevier BV
Kwadwo Darko, Mina Guirguis, Shravya Kakulamarri, Michael Farid, Pooja Venkatesh, Emmanuel Kwadwo Osei Adjei, Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, Umaru Barrie, Brett Whittemore, Salah G. Aoun,et al.
Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG)
OBJECTIVE The prevalence, management, and outcomes of hydrocephalus remain underexplored in Africa. This study aimed to analyze demographic and clinical features, evaluate treatment strategies, and assess neurological outcomes of pediatric hydrocephalus in Africa. METHODS A systematic review of the literature using the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science electronic databases was completed according to the PRISMA guidelines to identify articles describing pediatric patients in Africa with hydrocephalus. RESULTS Seventy-four retrospective and prospective studies and 33 case reports involving 12,355 patients were included. In 54 retrospective articles reporting patient demographics, 53.8% (3926/7297) were male with a mean age of 12.3 months. Nineteen studies reported macrocephaly (80.2%, 1639/2043) as the most common presentation. The etiology of hydrocephalus was reported as postinfectious (41.0%, 2303/5614) across 27 articles and congenital (48.6%, 1246/2563) in 10 articles. Eleven articles reported 46.7% (609/1305) of patients had communicating hydrocephalus while 53.3% (696/1305) had obstructive hydrocephalus. Diagnostic imaging included CT (76.1%, 2435/3202; n = 29 articles), ultrasonography (72.9%, 2043/2801; n = 15 articles), and MRI (44.8%, 549/1225; n = 11 articles). In 51 articles, 83.1% (7365/8865) of patients had ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) while 33 articles described 54.1% (2795/5169) receiving endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) for hydrocephalus surgical management. Postoperative complications included sepsis (6.9%, 29/421; n = 4 articles), surgical site infections (5.1%, 11/218; n = 4 articles), and CSF leaks (2.0%, 15/748; n = 8 articles). Shunt-related complications included infections (4.3%, 117/2717; n = 21 articles) and blockages (4.1%, 34/829; n = 6 studies). In 15 articles, 9.0% (301/3358) of patients with shunts had revisions. The mean follow-up duration was 18.9 ± 16.7 months with an overall mortality rate of 7.4% (397/5383; n = 29 articles). In the analysis of comparative studies, the 160 patients undergoing ETV demonstrated significantly higher odds of a successful operation (OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.51–4.69; p = 0.03) and neurological improvement at last follow-up (OR 3.36, 95% CI 0.46–24.79; p < 0.01) compared with the 158 who received VPS, but no significant differences were observed for complications and mortality between the two groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This review offers a comprehensive summary of pediatric hydrocephalus in Africa, highlighting shunting as the primary treatment. However, the observed variations across studies highlight the need to establish standardized guidelines for reporting patient characteristics, management strategies, and outcomes to ensure consistency and comparability in articles.
Alexandra Torborg, Heidi Meyer, Mahmoud El Fiky, Maher Fawzy, Muhammed Elhadi, Adesoji O Ademuyiwa, Babatunde Babasola Osinaike, Adam Hewitt-Smith, Mary T Nabukenya, Ronald Bisegerwa,et al.
Elsevier BV
Kwadwo Darko, Pearl Ohenewaa Tenkorang, Olivia Asiedu, W. Elorm Yevudza, Salim Issah, Eyako Dzantor, Marjidah Tahiru, Andrew Awuah Wireko, Sean O'Leary, Umaru Barrie,et al.
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nearly one-third of individuals with epilepsy have drug-resistant epilepsy, treated most effectively with surgery. This study aims to discuss the demographic profile, surgical access, and strategies used in drug-resistant epilepsy in Africa. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. RESULTS: Nine studies encompassing 498 patients from 6 African countries (Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda) were included. The mean Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies score for these articles was 9.6 ± 1.6. The average patient age was 24.9 years (95% CI: 18.9-30.8 years), with a male predominance of 53.4%. The average age of seizure onset was 10.4 years (95% CI: 6.1-14.7 years). Most patients experienced focal onset seizures (73.1%), with head trauma (33.1%) being the most reported risk factor. The predominant etiologies were hippocampal sclerosis (66.8%, 95% CI: 42.7-91), microdysgenesis (26.7%, 95% CI: 20.7-32.7), and brain tumors (22.3%, 95% CI: 6.4-38.2). Lesions were primarily located in the left hemisphere (61.9%, 95% CI: 26.7-97.1), with temporal lobe involvement in 54.8% of cases (95% CI: 28.7-80.8). Temporal lobectomy was the most frequently performed surgery (59.6%), followed by lesionectomy (9.6%). Postoperatively, 80.6% of patients achieved Engel class I outcomes, indicating seizure freedom, and long-term follow-up (1 to 5 years) showed that 70.3% maintained Engel class I outcomes. Surgical complications were reported in 8.8% of cases. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate the efficacy and long-term benefits of epilepsy surgery in Africa, where epilepsy is a significant public health challenge. The high rates of seizure freedom and reduced seizure frequency from surgery highlight its potential to improve the quality of life for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy in Africa.
W Elorm Yevudza, Vincent Buckman, Kwadwo Darko, Mabel Banson, and Teddy Totimeh
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Abstract Background Ensuring equitable access to treatments and therapies in the constantly evolving field of neuro-oncology is an imperative global health issue. With its unique demographic, cultural, socioeconomic, and infrastructure characteristics, Sub-Saharan Africa faces distinct challenges. This literature review highlights specific barriers to neuro-oncology care in the region and explores potential opportunities for enhancing access. Methods Predetermined keyword searches were employed to screen titles and abstracts using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework. Inclusion criteria were studies published between January 1, 2003, and June 20, 2023, specifically addressing the capacity and challenges of neuro-oncology in the Sub-Saharan African region. The data sources queried were PubMed and Google Scholar. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were deliberately excluded. All authors conducted independent screening and structured data extraction meticulously. Results Our paper identified multiple challenges that impede access to quality treatment for brain tumors. These include constrained resources, insufficient training of healthcare professionals, certain cultural beliefs, and a general lack of awareness about brain tumors, all contributing to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the lack of detailed data on the incidence and prevalence of primary central nervous system tumors impairs the accurate assessment of disease burden and precise identification of areas requiring improvement. However, we discovered that ongoing research, advocacy, enhanced training, mentorship, and collaborative efforts present valuable opportunities for substantial progress in neuro-oncology access. Conclusions While we provide a glimpse of the current state, we hope these results will help stimulate dialogue and catalyze initiatives to surmount highlighted obstacles and improve neuro-oncology outcomes across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Shweta Kedia, Mabel Banson, Beverly Cheserem, Bipin Chaurasia, Claire Karekezi, Enoch Uche, Esther Apuahe, James A. Balogun, Lynne Lourdes N. Lucena, Maguette Mbaye,et al.
Elsevier BV
Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, Olaoluwa Ezekiel Dada, Joseline Haizel-Cobbina, Alvan Ukachukwu, Marcus Spann, Kojo Okyere Adu, Mabel Banson, Dickson Bandoh, Kwadwo Sarpong, David Dadey,et al.
Elsevier BV
H. M. Abdullah, T. Dakurah, H. Akoto, B. Abaidoo, J. C. B. Dakubo, A. E. Yawson, G. Wepeba, P. Bankah, J. Boatey, M. Ametefe,et al.
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological condition affecting the elderly with decreased quality of life. Recurrence leads to increase in number of hospital admissions and surgical interventions. Several factors contribute to recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma, and determination of these factors will help institute measures to reduce recurrence of CSDH, cost of care and improved quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma in a cohort of patients presenting in a Sub-Saharan African Teaching Hospital. Methods A prospective hospital-based cohort study of 62 participants who presented with CSDH and underwent burr-hole and drainage at the Neuroscience unit of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital. The primary outcome of this study was the recurrence of CSDH within 3 months after the surgery. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 and exported to International Business Machine (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 for analysis. Predictors of recurrence of CSDH were determined using logistic regression with odds ratio calculated at the 95% confidence level and a p-value less than 0.05 accepted as statistically significant. Results There was a male preponderance of 45 (72.6%), over females of 17 (27.4%). The mean age was 63.1 ± 13.6 years. The recurrence rate of CSDH was 21.0% whilst the mortality rate was 4.8%. Facial palsy and dysphasia were associated with the recurrence of CSDH (p = 0.045, 0.029). Hypertension and bilaterality were associated with recurrence of CSDH from a univariate analysis (p = 0.039, OR = 4.865, CI = 0.975–24.285; p = 0.005, OR = 5.979, CI = 1.585–22.557). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, bilaterality was the only independent predictor of recurrence of CSDH (p = 0.030, AOR = 5.47, CI = 1.18–25.34). Conclusions Both hypertension and bilaterality showed statistically significant association with recurrence of CSDH. However, only bilaterality proved to be an independent predictor of recurrence of CSDH in patient who underwent burr-hole and drainage.
Nancy Abu-Bonsrah, Teddy Totimeh, Ulrick Sidney Kanmounye, Mabel Banson, Dickson Bandoh, Kwadwo Sarpong, David Dadey, Abass Adam, Frank Nketiah-Boakye, Thomas Dakurah,et al.
Elsevier BV
Mabel Banson
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
AbstractChoosing a career path is not straightforward for most people, more so for the neurosurgeon. The decision-making process is influenced by knowledge of the options available, interest, and the pros and cons of the specific career path. Other factors that contribute are: previous education, family influence, exposure to mentors, and socioeconomic and cultural factors.This article is a perspective on becoming a neurosurgeon in Ghana, describing a path of determination, innovation, commitment, frustration, and the joy of making a difference—a career in Neurosurgery!