6.7.1: 1. AfHNS Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hypopharyngeal Cancers in Developing Countries and Limited Resource Settings

Without resource appropriate guidelines for hypopharyngeal cancers, both resident and volunteer surgeons from developed countries have little to guide them about best practice when working in resource limited settings. This might lead to inappropriate investigations, inappropriate treatment, and may compromise patients.

The AfHNS Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hypopharyngeal Cancers in Developing Countries and Limited Resource Settings tailor management of hypopharyngeal cancers according to diagnostic and therapeutic resources available to physicians and to their patients.

Methodology

The AfHNS convened a task force to enumerate resource appropriate guidelines for management of hypopharyngeal cancers in poorly resourced settings. This collaboration between physicians from African and developed countries included members of the AfHNS, American, and European colleagues. International guidelines were referenced and adapted for limited resources. Due to paucity of literature about management of hypopharyngeal cancers in low resource settings, much of the recommendations represents expert opinion.

Contributors to AfHNS Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hypopharyngeal Cancers in Developing Countries and Limited Resource Settings were: Johan Fagan (South Africa), Paul Onakoya (Nigeria), Anna Konney (Ghana), Mohammed Garba (Nigeria), Innocent Kundiona (Zimbabwe), Melesse Biadgelign (Ethiopia), Kenneth Baidoo (Ghana), Khaled Twier (Libya), Joyce Aswani (Kenya), Rajab Mugabo (Rwanda), Victor Mashamba (Tanzania), Marco Faniriko (Madagascar), Jeff Otiti (Uganda), Chege Macharia (Kenya), Patrick Bradley (UK), Mark Zafereo (USA), and Wayne Koch (USA).

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