There are multiple avenues for student communication, including virtual forums, emails, and messengers. Yet, the influence of these technologies on students remains uncertain. While medical students may benefit from utilising technology for virtual and in-person study groups, there is apprehension regarding the potential negative impact on interpersonal interactions. This study seeks to elucidate our utilisation of existing technologies to enhance collaboration among postgraduate medical students.

Introduction: Gangrene of the external genitalia is a rare form of necrotizing fasciitis affecting the external genitalia, perineum, and perianal region. It results from thrombosis of small subcutaneous vessels leading to skin gangrene. Due to its rarity and sometimes atypical presentation, diagnosis and treatment can be delayed. Case Reports: We present two cases of scrotal gangrene in children, aged 6 and 12 years, treated at a rural hospital in Southwestern Benin. Case 1 involved a 6-year-old boy with a 15-day history of scrotal wound from a domestic accident, fever, and significant scrotal swelling with ulceration and foul odor. Case 2 involved a 12-year-old boy with 3 months of scrotal swelling without trauma, showing erythematous-purulent swelling and pus at the perineal base. Both patients received emergency scrotal debridement and necrotizing fasciitis excision, along with a triple antibiotic regimen (Ceftriaxone, Gentamicin, and Metronidazole). They also received tetanus antitoxin and daily wound care. The first case had a favorable outcome, whereas the second required additional debridement and local ciprofloxacin treatment due to persistent necrosis, with eventual favorable recovery after three months. Discussion: Fournier's gangrene is a rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis that requires early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach, including intensive care, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and comprehensive surgical debridement. Imaging can assist in early diagnosis, though it was not initially required in our cases. Prompt and complete debridement is critical for improving prognosis. Conclusion: Fournier's gangrene is rare in children with high morbidity and mortality. Early clinical diagnosis and prompt, effective surgical and antibiotic management are crucial for a favorable outcome.

Background: Burkholderia cepacia, a Gram-negative bacterium within the Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), is notorious for its antibiotic resistance and potential to cause severe nosocomial infections. This pathogen poses significant challenges in hospital settings, particularly in urology and following endourological procedures, due to its biofilm-forming ability and environmental resilience. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, impact, and antibiotic sensitivity of B. cepacia infections among patients at the urology clinic of CNHU HKM in Benin over a 36-month period. Methods: A retrospective and prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2022 to June 2024, involving 69 patients infected with B. cepacia. Data collection focused on patient demographics, surgical history, microbiological culture results, antibiotic use, treatment duration, and clinical outcomes. Results: Out of 711 hospitalized patients, 310 were infected (43%), with 69 cases (9.7%) identified as B. cepacia. The average patient age was 61 years. The infection was detected in 57% of patients upon admission and 43% post-operatively. Antibiotic sensitivity tests showed effectiveness to meropenem (62%), ceftazidime (65%), and cotrimoxazole (78%). Recurrence rates were 21% with meropenem, 5% with cotrimoxazole, and no recurrences with a combination of meropenem and cotrimoxazole over 6 months. The average cost of antibiotic therapy was 112 USD, with an average hospital stay of 16 days and a 51.3% recurrence rate in treated patients. Conclusion: Burkholderia cepacia is a multidrug-resistant pathogen that complicates the treatment of urinary and pulmonary infections, particularly after endoscopic procedures. Effective management requires targeted antibiotic therapy and adherence to strict disinfection protocols. The combination of meropenem and cotrimoxazole proved effective, with no recurrences observed in the study period.

Introduction: The management of uro-genital fistulas of gynecological and obstetrical origin is a common practice in urology. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of these fistulas at the CNHU HKM in Cotonou. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, and cross-sectional study examining the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of uro-genital fistulas of gynecological and obstetrical origin at the CNHU HKM in Cotonou from 2013 to 2023. Results: A total of 94 cases were collected during the study period. The average annual incidence was 12.6 cases, with a range from 1 to 37 cases. The most affected women were primarily traders (24.47%), aged between 25 and 45 years (76.59%), uneducated (43.62%), multiparous (68.09%), and with low financial income (48.94%). Uro-genital fistulas were predominantly vesico-vaginal fistulas (72.34%), mostly secondary to cesarean sections (54.26%), with 52.13% of these procedures performed urgently. Surgical treatment was predominant in 47.87% of cases. The surgical approach included 41.48% of cases treated through vaginal repair and 41.48% through abdominal repair. The success rate of surgical interventions was 87.23%. Conclusion: The management of uro-genital fistulas of gynecological and obstetrical origin remains a challenge for urologists in Africa.

Introduction: Acute obstructive renal failure (AORF) in adults is a severe urological condition caused by obstruction in the urinary tract, leading to impaired renal function. Understanding this condition is crucial for improving patient management. Objectives: General Objective: To study the epidemiological, etiological, and diagnostic aspects of cases of acute obstructive renal failure (AORF) at CNHU-HKM. Specific Objectives: To describe the epidemiological aspects of AORF at CNHU-HKM, to identify the etiological aspects (causes) and to identify the therapeutic and evolutionary aspects. Patients and Methods: This retrospective and descriptive study was conducted on adult patients treated for acute obstructive renal failure at the urology and andrology departments and emergency services of CNHU-HKM from January 1, 2019, to January 1, 2023. Included patients had a sudden increase in serum creatinine exceeding 14 mg/L upon admission, associated with urinary tract obstruction confirmed by imaging. Data were collected and analyzed using Kobocollect and Excel software. Results: 151 cases of acute obstructive renal failure were recorded out of 1720 hospitalizations during this period, representing 8.7%. The mean age of patients was 63 years, with a predominance of males (84.1%), giving a male-to-female ratio of 5.2. The majority of patients were civil servants (48%), followed by artisans and merchants (14% each). Main admission symptoms included lower urinary tract symptoms (55.6%), renal colic (13.6%), and hematuria (10.6%). The most common medical history included hypertension (39.1%) and diabetes (14%). Metabolic disorders observed included hypercreatininemia ranging from 15 to 306 mg/L (mean 64.1 mg/L), hyperuricemia from 0.50 to 1.89 g/L (mean 1.28 g/L); hyperkalemia in 17% of patients versus hypokalemia in 8% (extremes: 2.9 to 8.2 mEq/L); hypernatremia in 0.8% versus hyponatremia in 33.8% (extremes: 115-168 mEq/L); hyperchloremia in 7% and hypochloremia in 17% (extremes: 41-190 mEq/L). The main etiologies were tumors (prostate 59.6%, bladder 9.3%), followed by urinary stones (13.6%). Non-urological causes included cervical tumors in women (3.3%) and colonic tumors (1.3%). The obstruction was mainly subvesical (61%). The most common urinary drainage was urethral catheterization (40%), followed by JJ stent placement (20%). The predominant etiological treatment was transurethral resection of the prostate (15%), with prostatic drilling (14%). Hemodialysis was performed in 6% of patients. Serum creatinine normalized in an average of 10.03 days in 40.3% of patients, serum potassium in 6 days in 75.7%, and serum sodium in 9 days in 84.6%. Progression to chronic obstructive renal failure was observed in 7.9% of patients. Conclusion: Acute obstructive renal failure is a frequent urological emergency at CNHU-HKM in Cotonou. The main causes are prostatic tumors followed by urinary stones. Rapid and appropriate management is essential to prevent progression to chronic renal failure.

Introduction: Indwelling bladder catheters are a common therapeutic method in urology, with indications ranging from complete urinary retention with or without obstruction to routine bladder drainage. This study was conducted to assess the quality of life of patients with indwelling bladder catheters. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive prospective study conducted from April 16 to June 16, 2024. All subjects followed at the University Clinic of Urology and Andrology at the Hubert Koutoukou Maga National Hospital and University Center in Cotonou during this period and who had received an indwelling bladder catheter were included. The quality of life of these patients was evaluated using the Body Image Scale (BIS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression. Results: Thirty subjects participated in the study, including one woman. The average age was 64.04 years, with a range from 36 to 82 years. The average duration of catheter use was 148.23 days, ranging from 14 days to 2520 days. The most frequent indication for indwelling bladder catheter use was complete urinary retention complicating prostatic tumors, affecting 73.34% of patients. The impact of the permanent catheter on daily life was variable, affecting psychological, social, physical, and sexual aspects. Issues included altered body image, job loss, lack of sexual activity, and recurrent urinary infections. 76.67% of patients reported a deterioration in quality of life. Upon learning about the indwelling catheter option, 58.62% of patients were distressed, experiencing sadness, anxiety, disappointment, and sometimes anger. 40% of patients suspended their professional activities, and 56.67% reported a decrease in libido and sexual inactivity. Conclusion: Prolonged use of an indwelling bladder catheter is a traumatic experience for patients. This therapeutic option negatively impacts patients' quality of life and represents a significant burden for both patients and their families. Self-esteem is affected, quality of life is disrupted, and the financial impact is considerable due to regular catheter changes and complications associated with its use. Implementing a psychosocial support system could alleviate much of the distress experienced by these patients.