Project Lion Cost Analysis

New Publication: A Prospective, Observational Cost Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Appendicectomy in Three Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria

We are pleased to share our latest publication in the World Journal of Surgery from Project LION, which was led by Dr Adewale Adisa at the NIHR Hub in Nigeria.

This study compared the outcome and cost of conventional open and laparoscopic appendectomy for clinically confirmed, uncomplicated, acute appendicitis in a low resource setting. Although the cost effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery has been investigated previously in high human development index (HDI) countries, similar studies are lacking in low and middle HDI countries.

The publication can be found on the following link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00268-023-07148-5

Studies- GSU - Lion


GSU Research Fellows, Staff Deliver Surgical Research Lectures in Nigeria

Research fellows and staff of the NIHR Global Surgery Unit (GSU) visited Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile Ife, Nigeria on the 14th-15th of September 2023 to deliver a series of lectures to medical students, surgical residents and other health care professionals.

The GSU contingent was composed of Dr Dmitri Nepogodiev- Public Health registrar and Academic Clinical Lecturer; Drs Maria Picciochi and Virginia Ledda- Clinical PhD Fellows; Dr Omar Omar- Senior Statistician and Epidemiologist, and Mr Michael Bahrami-Hessari- Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI) manager.

The first lectures delivered on the afternoon of the 14th were aimed at 4th and final year medical students and included fundamental topics on the purpose of research and identifying a good research problem. This was followed by practical advice on how a research abstract is written and how an effective academic poster is constructed. Highlights of the GSU cluster randomised trial CHEETAH and DRAGON- an upcoming trial aiming to compare reusable versus disposable surgical drapes and gowns, were also presented. The session ended with the GSU visitors sharing practical tips on how to develop a career in research.

On the morning of the 15th, a research forum was held specifically for surgical residents and tackled topics such as generating research ideas, getting patient input and choosing the appropriate study design, research ethics, the basics of statistics, presenting and publishing research and how research can influence health guidelines and practice.

Finally, in the afternoon of the same day, a symposium on global surgery was held with a variety of health professionals in attendance. Topics included the sharing of the highlights of our randomised controlled trials (FALCON, CHEETAH, PENGUIN, DRAGON), cohort studies (COVIDSurg, HIPPO), health economics analysis (LION) and our CEI initiatives most notably the development of our community and patient education toolkit.  

OAU is a spoke within the Nigeria Hub and has been a top recruiter in GSU trials.


Global Surgical Research Skills Module to be Delivered by GSU Research Fellow

Registration now open for Global Frugal Innovation Skills Course – Module 5: Global Surgical Research Skills now open

The online interactive module will be lead by Dr. James Glasbey (NIHR Doctoral Research Fellow) of the NIHR Global Health Resarch on Global Surgery (GSU) and Professor Adesoji Ademuyiwa (Nigeria Hub Director). Both Dr. Glasbey and Professor Ademuyiwa will provide an overview of research skills and how they can be applied to help address challenges within the Global Health arena during the hour long session.

The module, being held in collaboration with the Global Anaesthesia, Surgery & Obstetric Collaboration will also enable participants to interact with additional experienced researchers within Global Surgery who will also be in attendance during the online event.

The mian learning objectives of the module will enable attendees to:

  • Describe different types of clinical research
  • Understand principals of global surgical trial design
  • Describe the evaluation pathway of innovation in global surgery

When: Thursday 17th August 2023 – 7:30PM – 8:30PM UK BST

Where: Online learning module

Registration: Click here to register for the free online course


Nigeria Hub Data Centre Officially Opens in Lagos

Nigeria’s Data Centre draws crowd for it’s official launch day, ahead of formal training beginning for students

The Nigeria Hub officially opened the it’s doors on Tuesday 11th July to an audience of colleagues from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and College of Medicine University of Lagos (CMUL). Other colleagues in attendance were Chief Medical Director, Prof Wasiu Adeyemo, Chief Medical Advisory Committee of LUTH, Prof. Deji Oluwole, Provost of CMUL represented by Deputy Provost, Professor Sunday R.A. Akinbo, Dean of Faculty of Clinical Sciences College of Medicine the University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Akinsola, Head of Department of Surgery College of Medicine University of Lagos, Director Finance of LUTH, Dr. Tajudeen Ibrahim and CMUL, Dr. Simeon Akinade

Following the official launch of the centre, a total number of 11 medical students will be trained by David Akinboyewa – Nigeria Hub’s Data Centre Strategist, as part of a bespoke training package that will enable each student to gain further insight into the various mechanics that are integral to data management research.

The Nigeria Data Centre will join the other existing centres in India and Ghana that will provide a formal training environment for data management, in addition to providing GSU collaborators improved access to datasets collected during international cohort studies. The centre forms an online home for the collection, analysis, evaluation and reporting of data in our Global Surgery projects. A key objective of the Unit is to share data to establish best practice, and ultimately, to improve outcomes for surgical patients worldwide.

David Akinboyewa (Nigeria Hub Data Centre Strategist) discusses data management with the new student cohort

You can read more on the Nigeria Hub by clicking here.


Nigeria Hub Honoured with Plaque for Work Completed to Reduce Surgical Site Infections (SSIs)

Lagos Hub receives plaque during Association of Surgeons of Nigeria event where the team were able to disseminate results from GlobalSurg 2, FALCON and CHEETAH trials

The event that took place at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel between the 24th to the 27th June was attended by a range of stakeholders from across the Nigerian surgical network, with the Nigeria Hub team being led by Professor Adesoji Ademuyiwa and Deputy Hub Director, Professor Adewale Adisa.

The team took part in an hour long session to talk about the outcomes of GlobalSurg 2, FALCON and CHEETAH trials, in addition to hosting a discussion on the need for implementation of the outcomes in Nigeria. During the discussion, the Nigeria Team called for the implementation of the outcomes by Nigeria policymakers as well as Hospital Executives across the country.

During the event, the Nigeria team were also awarded a plaque for the work undertaken by the Hub to recognise their efforts in reducing SSIs and improving patient care across Nigeria. The plaque was received by Professor Adewale Adisa on behalf of the team.

(L to R) Professor Adesoji Ademuyiwa and Professor Adewale Adisa hold plaque

You can view more information on the Nigeria Hub by clicking here.