Prof. Mark Tettey Shares Insights on Restoring the Swallowing Mechanism After Damage from Ingesting Harmful Chemicals

Prof. Mark Mawutor Tettey, Head of the Department of Surgery at the University of Ghana Medical School (UGMS), has delivered the first inaugural lecture of the 2023/2024 academic year, on the topic, The Scourge of Caustic Burns to the Throat: Challenges of Restoring a Normal Swallowing Mechanism.

Prof. Tettey shared insights from his over 20 years of clinical experience in managing cases of caustic soda ingestion, particularly among children and the complexities involved in restoring the swallowing mechanism.

According to him, about ninety-five percent (95%) of complications of caustic ingestions seen at the National Cardiothoracic Centre from caustic soda and such substances, are more severe compared with acids. Hence, Prof. Tettey seized the occasion to implore stakeholders to work assiduously in formulating policies and laws to regulate the import, packaging and the sale of caustic soda.

He further advocated for the education of end users especially illiterate and semi-illiterate mothers, who engage in local soap/detergent making. He indicated that since caustic soda is the main ingredient for local soap production and is often stored in familiar containers (cups or water bottles) by these mothers, most children drink the substance before they realise that they have taken in poison, especially as it is odourless and colourless.

In his presentation, Prof. Tettey enumerated the various surgical options available for restoring a normal swallowing function. He gave prominence to his innovative technique of restoring the dual function of the throat after a caustic damage. During the Colon-Flap Augmentation Pharyngoesophagoplasty (CFAP) technique, the lecturer explained that the entire pharynx is opened and measured; and a longitudinal incision is made at the antimesenteric border of the colon to correspond with the length of the pharyngeal incision, which is used to reconstruct the throat. According to the lecturer, the most challenging part of this preferred option is performing the surgery without complications, which he has been successful with.

Additionally, Prof. Tettey discussed three benefits of CFAP as creating significant space which allows patients to swallow food, thus, preventing aspiration and reflux and eliminating scar tissue resection, as the scar tissues are used as part of the reconstruction procedure.

At the height of this innovation is the achievement of a zero-mortality rate after using the CFAP on more than twenty (20) patients. “On this note, I must say that Ghana has come of age and the black man is capable of managing throat strictures”, Prof. Tettey said, as he concluded his lecture.

On behalf of the University community, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, as Chairperson, congratulated Prof. Mawutor Tettey and wished him well in his future endeavours. “There are amazing talents at the University of Ghana and Prof. Tettey is an example of that. Right here in Ghana, through efforts from people like him and with adequate resources, we can really build world-class institutions”, Prof. Amfo said.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Registrar of the University, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, noted that inaugural lectures represent an essential component of the University’s public events programming and helps to create a wider awareness of the latest developments in the academic disciplines of the University.

She noted that every academic who achieves the highest rank in his or her career in the University of Ghana, is expected to deliver an inaugural lecture. This, she said, offers the University an opportunity to recognise and showcase the academic achievements of its staff, as well as enable the Professor to celebrate an important personal milestone with family and friends, and share with colleagues within and outside the institution outputs of their research works.

A number of presentations were made by friends, family and members of the University community to celebrate Prof. Mawutor Tettey’s achievements.

The Ghana Dance Ensemble also graced the occasion with exciting cultural performances as well as an appellation to herald the lecturer.

As a prelude to Prof. Tettey’s inaugural lecture, a week-long exhibition of his scholarly works was held at the Balme Library. The exhibition which was opened by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Prof. Julius Fobil, showcased his research on Surgical Pathology and Management, Thoracic Endometriosis, Congenital Heart Diseases, Chest injuries and more.

The lecture was attended by the Pro-Vice-Chancellors, Provosts, Deans, Directors, former officials of the University and members of the University community. Also present were traditional leaders, the clergy, colleagues, students, family members and friends of the distinguished lecturer and the general public.