Profile of molecular subtyping of breast cancer and clinicopathological features in Mankweng Hospital breast oncology clinic, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Background: Breast cancer is recognised as a heterogeneous disorder, comprising a number of subcategories of several cellular compositions, molecular alterations as well as clinical behaviour. Across the world, research has been able to show that the most common molecular subtype is luminal A, followed by triple negative and human epidermal receptor 2 (HER2)-positive (non-luminal) subtype. However, another study found that the most common molecular subtype was HER2/neu amplification, suggesting that subtypes case frequencies differ in different people.

Profile of patients seen at Pietersburg and Mankweng breast cancer clinics in Limpopo.

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women worldwide. It is the most prevalent cancer and leading cause of death among South African (SA) women. The increasing incidence of breast cancer is a major health concern.

Safety and affordability of an elective Saturday list at Pietersburg Hospital, Limpopo, South Africa.

Background: The backlog of patients waiting for operations continues to be a problem in many public hospitals in South Africa (SA), with elective surgery procedures being postponed for up to 2 years.

Objective: To determine the rate of death in hospital or out of hospital within 30 days of an elective procedure performed on a Saturday, and to determine the cost incurred by paying staff members who perform these operations.

Method: A prospective, observational descriptive cohort study of all patients undergoing inpatient general surgery operations during weekdays and weekends between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016 (1 year) at Pietersburg Hospital (PBH), Limpopo, SA.

Provision of an emergency theatre in tertiary hospitals is cost-effective: Audit and cost of cancelled planned elective general surgical operations at Pietersburg Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Background: Cancellations of planned elective surgical operations increase financial cost to the patient and the hospital.

Objectives: To determine the rate and reasons for cancellations, estimate the cost incurred by such cancellations and recommend possible solutions.

Methods: We did a prospective descriptive study of cancellations of elective general surgical operations over the 1-year period January - December 2014 in the main theatre at Pietersburg (PTB) Hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Nodular thyroid disease and thyroid malignancy: Experience at Polokwane Mankweng Hospital Complex, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Background: Nodular thyroid disease is common throughout the world. Numbers of patients with goitre are increasing worldwide, as also noted in Limpopo Province, South Africa (SA). Globally, thyroid nodules have been reported in 4-7% of the population on neck palpation and in 30-50% by ultrasonography.

Impact of 20-day strike in Polokwane Hospital (18 August - 6 September 2010).

Background: Doctors' strikes have a negative effect on hospital performance indicators. Hospital mortality during such strikes is the most important indicator.

Objective: To determine the effects of the 2010 strike on Polokwane Hospital.

Management of sigmoid volvulus in Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of treatment of patients with sigmoid volvulus in the Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital and to identify the best management options for these patients.

Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken of 85 patients with sigmoid volvulus treated in Polokwane-Mankweng Hospital during the period July 1997-May 2004.

Results: In total, 85 patients were evaluated (77 males and 8 females, male/female ratio 9:1).