Patient perceptions of surgical training in the private sector in South Africa - a single centre survey.

Background: As the worldwide demand for specialist surgeons increases, and to complement surgical training provided through governmental institutions, private hospitals are increasingly hosting trainees. Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC) is a private academic hospital in Johannesburg with a Colorectal Unit (CRU) that hosts several trainees. While published studies demonstrate that the involvement of trainees in surgery does not adversely impact outcomes, private patients' perceptions of the role of trainees in their care have not been as widely researched.

The 'ins and outs' of colonoscopy at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, South Africa: A practice audit of the outpatient endoscopy unit.

Background: In South Africa, there are no national guidelines for the conduct or quality assessment of colonoscopy, the gold standard for investigation and diagnosis of bowel pathology.

Objectives: To describe the clinical profile of patients and evaluate the practice of colonoscopy using procedural quality indicators at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC) outpatient endoscopy unit (OEU).

Methods: We conducted a prospective, clinical practice audit of colonoscopies performed on adults (≥18 years of age).

It's contrary - comorbidity does not affect survival of South Africans with colorectal cancer: An analysis from the Colorectal Cancer in South Africa cohort.

Background: The Colorectal Cancer South Africa (CRCSA) study is an observational cohort of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) in Johannesburg, South Africa (SA). We found that the mean age at the time of CRC diagnosis was 56.6 years, consistent with studies from SA and sub-Saharan Africa.

Use of the OVESCO OTSC Proctology Clip for closure of fistula-in-ano at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre - a single centre experience.

Background: Definitive closure of fistula-in-ano poses an ongoing surgical challenge. The OVESCO OTSC Proctology Clip (proctology clip) purports to offer improved preservation of the anal sphincter whilst at the same time curing the fistula by closure.

Methods: A retrospective record review was conducted for patients who received the proctology clip as part of the management of fistula-in-ano in the Colorectal Unit at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC).