TITLE:
Glioblastoma Management in Togo: Challenges and Neurosurgical Perspectives
AUTHORS:
Agbéko Komlan Doléagbénou, Ablavi Adani-Ifè, Ben Ousmane Djoubairou, Essossinam Kpelao
KEYWORDS:
Glioblastoma, Neurosurgery, Togo, Resource-Limited Settings
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Modern Neurosurgery,
Vol.16 No.2,
February
14,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary malignant brain tumor in adults. In Togo, its management is challenged by late diagnosis, limited neurosurgical resources, and scarce access to adjuvant therapies. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with histologically confirmed glioblastoma managed at Sylvanus Olympio University Teaching Hospital, Lomé, between 2018 and 2022. Clinical, radiological, surgical, and therapeutic data were analyzed. Results: Forty-three patients were included (mean age 48 years; male-to-female ratio 1.3). Most presented late, after more than three months of symptoms. Seizures (65%) and intracranial hypertension (46%) were common. Surgery consisted of biopsy (35%), subtotal resection (46%), or gross total resection (19%). Postoperative complications included seizures (25%) and intracranial hypertension (13%). Only one patient received the full Stupp protocol. Conclusion: Glioblastoma management in Togo remains limited, with poor access to adjuvant therapy. Expanding neurosurgical capacity and radiotherapy availability is crucial for improving outcomes.