Update on Noma: systematic review on classification, outcomes and follow-up of patients undergoing reconstructive surgery after Noma disease

INTRODUCTION: Noma is a significant yet neglected disease which affects some of the least developed countries in the world. The long-term benefit and safety of Noma surgical reconstructive missions have recently been under scrutiny due to a perceived lack of measurable outcomes and appropriate follow-up. This study analyses and reports on classifications, outcome measurement tools and follow-up for reconstructive surgery after Noma disease.

METHODS: This systematic review was undertaken following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The three medical databases Medline, EMBASE and Web of Sciences were searched, articles published between 1 January 1983 and 15 April 2020 were included. All primary evidence on reconstructive surgery following Noma disease, reporting data on outcome after surgery, follow-up time and complications were included. Extracted data were aggregated to generate overall and population corrected mean outcomes and complication rates.

RESULTS: Out of 1393 identified records, 31 studies including 1110 Noma patients were analysed. NOITULP and Montandon/WHO were the most commonly used classification systems. Mouth opening (MO) and complication rates were the two most often reported outcomes. Overall mean complication rate was 44%, reported by 24 studies. Postoperative MO was reported by eight publications, of which, five reported long-term outcomes (>12 months). Mean MO improved by 20 mm when compared with mean population weighted preoperative MO (7 mm). At long-term follow-up, MO decreased to 20 mm.

CONCLUSIONS: Studies reporting on neglected diseases in developing countries often lack methodological rigour. Surgeons should be mindful during patient examination by using a classification system that allows to compare preoperative versus postoperative state of disease. Short-term mission surgery is a vital part of healthcare delivery to underdeveloped and poor regions. Future missions should aim at sustainable partnerships with local healthcare providers to ensure postoperative care and long-term patient-oriented follow-up. A shift towards a diagonal treatment delivery approach, whereby local surgeons and healthcare staff are educated and empowered, should be actively promoted.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020181931.