Factors affecting patient satisfaction at a plastic surgery outpatient department at a tertiary centre in South Africa.

Background: The main purpose of a medical facility is to improve the welfare of patients, and user satisfaction is one of its primary goals. This study aimed to identify variables influencing patient satisfaction at the Plastic Surgery Outpatient Department of Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Gauteng, South Africa. By identifying factors affecting patient satisfaction, the services provided to patients may be improved.

Building a national hernia registry in South Africa: initial ventral hernia repair results from a diverse healthcare sector.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to introduce a new registry in a developing country by describing the demographics, management and 30-day outcomes of patients undergoing ventral hernia repair in the public and private healthcare sectors of South Africa.

Methods: This study was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained hernia registry from the 1st of February 2019 to 29th of February 2020.

Results: 353 ventral hernia repair cases were recorded of which 47% were incisional hernias and the remainder were primary hernias.

The deltopectoral flap in the management of tracheostomal stenosis post laryngectomy and radiotherapy.

Background: Tracheostomal stenosis is a distressing complication with a high incidence rate post laryngectomy. We aimed to assess the deltopectoral flap (DPF) for tracheostomal stenosis correction in irradiated patients.

Methods: Six patients with tracheostomal stenosis, 3 of whom developed restenosis after prior use of local flaps, were managed using a DPF to reconstruct the defect following a vertical incision release of the stenotic band down to the inferior tracheal cartilaginous ring.

Seasonal Variation of Orofacial Clefts.

Background: Orofacial clefts represent the most common craniofacial malformation diagnosed at birth and may be divided into isolated cleft lip (CL), cleft lip and palate (CL/P), or isolated cleft palate (CP). The causes of orofacial clefts have long been understood to be multifactorial; however, research into the genetic and environmental factors underpinning these disorders in African populations is scant. Seasonal variation in the occurrence of orofacial clefts was investigated.

A delayed presentation of ameloblastic fibrosarcoma in an African patient.

A 24-year-old womanpresented with ameloblastic fibrosarcoma arising from ameloblastic fibroma. The delayed presentation accounted for the extensive destruction of the mandible and complete occlusion of her oral cavity. This resulted in an inability to eat and maintain oral hygiene.