Browsing by Author "Muhumuza, Joshua"

Filter results by typing the first few letters
Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression and socio-demographic, clinical, and histopathological characteristics in gastric carcinoma at St Francis Hospital Nsambya, Uganda
    (PubMed Central, 2025-09-26) Wanda, Steven; Nassali, Gorretti; Bbosa, Brian; Basimbe, Francis; Akulu, Joviah; Nsamba, Davis; Nimusiima, Praise; Muhumuza, Joshua; Othieno, Emmanuel; Okuku, Dancan Maxwel
    Gastric carcinoma is a significant global health burden with diverse clinicopathological features and molecular alterations influencing prognosis and treatment. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression is a critical biomarker in gastric carcinoma, guiding targeted therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to assess HER2 expression and its association with clinicopathological characteristics of gastric carcinoma. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using consecutive sampling to retrieve gastric carcinoma tissue blocks that met the inclusion criteria. A total of 136 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks from patients aged 18 years and above (2013–2023) at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya were analyzed. HER2 expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) with a standardized test kit. Associations between HER2 expression and demographic and histopathological characteristics were analyzed. Among 136 patients, the mean age was 59.63 years, with 48.53% aged 48–67 years. Most were male (63.24%) and from the Central region (60.70%). The intestinal subtype was the most common (78.68%), with 52.21% of tumors poorly differentiated, and tumors predominantly located in the antrum (32.35%), cardia (30.15%), and body (24.26%). Regarding HER2 expression, 11.76% were positive (3+), 2.21% equivocal (2+), and 86.03% negative (0 or 1+). HER2 positivity was significantly associated with residence in the Western region (aPR = 3.67; 95% CI: 1.33–10.11; p = 0.02) and with mixed-type tumors (aPR = 3.00; 95% CI: 1.70–5.30; p < 0.001). HER2 overexpression in gastric carcinoma was low. Nevertheless, the findings underscore the importance of routine HER2 testing and access to targeted therapy. Observed associations point to potential high-risk groups warranting further investigation in larger, multicenter studies.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Local anesthesia versus saddle block for open hemorrhoidectomy: cost-analysis from a randomized, double blind controlled trial
    (BMC Springer Nature, 2023-11-22) Sikakulya, Franck Katembo; Ssebuufu, Robinson; Okedi, Francis Xaviour; Baluku, Moris; Lule, Herman; Kiyaka, Sonye Magugu; Muhumuza, Joshua; Molen, Selamo Fabrice; Bassara, Godefroy Nyenke; Waziri, Musa Abbas; Kithinji, Stephen Mbae; Mugisho Munyerenkana, Leocadie; Kagenderezo, Byamungu Pahari; Munihire, Jeannot Baanitse; Vahwere, Bienfait Mumbere; Kiswezi, Ahmed; Kyamanywa, Patrick
    Despite the benefits attributed to the use of local anesthesia (LA) for open hemorrhoidectomy (OH) in developed countries, this technique is still not considered as the first line technique in low-income countries such as Uganda; therefore, we aimed at comparing the cost of OH under LA versus Saddle block among patients with 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. This trial was conducted from December 2021 to May 2022 among patients with primary uncomplicated 3rd or 4th degree hemorrhoids. The operating time, and direct costs in (US$) including medical and non-medical were recorded. We analysed the cost in the two groups (local anesthesia versus saddle block) using SPSS version 23.0. Findings of fifty-eight patients were analysed including 29 participants per group. There was a significant difference in operating time and cost among the two groups (p<0.05). The mean operating time was 15.52±5.34(SD) minutes versus 33.72±11.54 min for OH under LA and SB respectively. The mean cost of OH under LA was 57.42±8.90 US$ compared to 63.38±12.77US$ in SB group. The use of local anesthesia for OH was found to have less operating time with high-cost effectiveness. Being affordable, local anesthesia can help to increase the turnover of patients who would otherwise wait for the availability of anesthesia provider. Policy makers should emphasize its applicability in low-income settings to help in the achievement of 2030 global surgery goals.