Time delays in presentation and treatment of acute scrotal pain in a provincial hospital.

Background: Acute scrotal pain is a urological emergency due to the possibility of testicular torsion and subsequent testicular loss if correction is not carried out in a timely manner.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent surgical exploration for acute scrotal pain in a provincial hospital in New Zealand between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2010.

Results: A total of 91 cases were identified.

Why Taranaki women choose to have a mastectomy when suitable for breast conservation treatment.

Background: Breast conservation treatment (BCT) rate is recognized as a marker of surgical practice. An historically low BCT rate may reflect the requirement for Taranaki women to travel for adjuvant radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the reasons Taranaki women with breast cancer choose mastectomy or BCT.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy experience in Taranaki: a prospective audit in a provincial New Zealand hospital.

Aim: Sentinel lymph node biopsy has been rapidly incorporated into the management of early stage invasive breast cancer. The aim of this study was to review the adoption of sentinel lymph node biopsy at a provincial centre in New Zealand and compare markers of performance against established standards.

Methods: The Taranaki Breast Database was created in 2002 and prospectively records data from all breast cancer patients in the Taranaki area.

Risk-adjusted general surgical audit in octogenarians.

Background: Surgical admissions in patients more than the age of 80 years are increasing. Age-related comorbidities place this group at particular risk of complications and death. The aim of this study was to specifically document our current outcomes in patients more than 80 years old admitted to a surgical unit, in particular, to assess the risk-adjusted scoring tool used to predict outcomes in this patient population for operative and non-operative patients.

Prospective audit of colorectal resections in a peripheral public hospital.

Background: Colorectal disease requiring surgery is common in New Zealand where there is no established national colorectal screening programme. We established an audit to review our current practice in colorectal surgery.

Methods: Prospective audit data were collected on consecutive patients undergoing colorectal resection between April 2003 and December 2004, using a standardized pro forma.