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Background: Cancrum oris is a serious health and social problem in developing societies. A retrospective review of Cancrum Oris patients seen in ABUTH over a ten-year period was done to determine the predisposing factors and management. Method: Data was obtained from patient's case notes, theatre records and clinic notes. Results: 252 patients were seen during the period under review. The highest incidence occurred in the 3-6 year age group. There was no significant sex difference in presentation. The predisposing factors were large family size, low socioeconomic status, poor nutritional status and childhood diseases especially measles and malaria. There was a seasonal variation, with the disease occurring most often during the dry season. The Hausa-Fulani ethnic groups were more commonly affected. Cancrum oris caused both soft and bony tissue destruction in 90% of patients and affected both mandible and maxilla resulting in bony ankylosis. There is an apparent reduction in mortality due probably to the advent of potent antibiotics. Conclusion: Poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, debilitating diseases (such as HIV/AIDS) and lack of maternal care have been identified as predisposing factors to the development of the disease. Health education and economic empowerment are still required in order to curb the menace of this devastating disease.

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Background: Although anaesthetic deaths are uncommon, most anaesthetists are likely to be involved with an anaesthetic catastrophe at some point in their careers. This experience may have significant psychological impact on the staff concerned. Formal incident reporting accompanies anaesthetic deaths, and in addition involved personnel frequently need professional counseling. Objective: To determine the impact and attitude of Nigerian anaesthetists towards an intra-operative death. Method: A structured-questionnaire survey of 65 Nigerian physician anaesthetists, of all grades, attending a National Anaesthetic Scientific forum, was carried out to collect relevant information using a descriptive study design. Nurse anaesthetists were excluded from the study. Data was analysed using simple mathematical correlates. Results: The response rate was 86%. Out of a total mortality of 77, 48 (62%) were unanticipated. Emergency procedures accounted for 61 (79%) of these mortalities. Only 32 (41%) of the critical incidents were formally reported. Forty-eighty (86%) of the respondents were psychologically affected by the intraoperative catastrophes reported. In order of frequency of incidence, lingering memories of the event accounted for 38%, depression 28% and cardiac dysrhythmias 2% amongst others. Most of the 49 (88%) respondents that were psychological affected did not have any form of debriefing. Conclusion: Critical incident reporting should be encouraged, whilst anaesthetic departments should have departmental guidelines for managing the aftermath of critical incidents, and ensuring psychological support for their practitioners. Trainees should undergo a training module in psychological debriefing following critical incidents as part of their curriculum. Medical Defence Organizations should be established in developing countries with appropriate government legislation.