Haiti

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and Hydrocele Surgery: A 10 Year Follow-up Study

 

LF is a parasitic mosquito borne illness that causes severe lymphedema and scrotal hydrocele. While supportive care can be provided for patients with lymphedema, scrotal hydrocele is amenable to surgical intervention. Since 2008, over 1,500 hydrocelectomies have been performed, but no long term follow-up of these patients have been done to determine if there has been any recurrence. This study will examine hydrocele recurrence rates, post-operative complications, patient satisfaction, and participation in the Haitian National Program to Eliminate LF.

Research Focus

  • Infectious Diseases

    At the EIGH, our researchers work to combat a number of various illnesses, including infectious diseases caused by organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These diseases can also be spread from one person to another and may be transmitted from animals to humans. 

  • Maternal/Child and Community Health

    At the EIGH, our researchers explore multifaceted health issues pertaining to women, pregnancy, breastfeeding, reproduction, and infant and child well-being. Our focus to decrease maternal and infant mortality rates supports a global priority among health practitioners and researchers. Additionally, community-based research on the local and global levels promotes a team effort to protect and improve the health of population groups worldwide. 

  • Vector-borne Diseases

    Vector-borne disease research is a historic strength of the EIGH. Our researchers study multiple parts of the vector-borne disease lifecycle, such as how the parasites, viruses, and bacteria cause these kinds of diseases, how the vectors spread these diseases, and how to improve prevention methods in tropical and subtropical areas, which have the highest burden of vector-borne illnesses. 

Who’s Involved

EIGH Faculty

Global Partners

  • Haitian Ministry of Public Health

University of Notre Dame Partnerships

  • College of Science
  • University of Notre Dame Haiti Program

Additional Information

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