The New Zealand medical journal
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Liver resection has historically been regarded as difficult and dangerous surgery associated with significant perioperative mortality and morbidity rates. Partly as a result of this, adequate training in hepatic surgery has been difficult to obtain with most surgical trainees exposed only to hepatic trauma and damage control scenarios. This report describes the first 100 liver resections undertaken as a surgical consultant. ⋯ Hepatic resection can be undertaken safely, and increasing experience as a hepatic surgeon is associated with greater utilisation of parenchymal sparing and extended resections (without the routine use of in-flow occlusion).
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To predict differences in prostate cancer rates between New Zealand's major ethnic groups using community-based levels of elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). ⋯ The prevalence of elevated PSA in New Zealand men is lower than found in other community-based studies, and not significantly different between the three New Zealand ethnic groups. However, levels of elevated PSA may be useful for predicting prostate cancer incidence rates in ethnic groups. Available incidence data show New Zealand European men to have a higher prostate cancer incidence rate than both Maori and Pacific Islands men; however, this study found that prostate cancer incidence ratios between these groups are more likely to be closer to 1. Findings may indicate cultural barriers in the health system for Maori and Pacific Islands men; highlighting the need for clinicians to further consider cultural appropriateness in practice, and to target prostate health promotion for these groups.
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To establish the effectiveness of early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of scaphoid fracture in patients with suggestive clinical findings (but a normal initial X-ray) in an Australian major-referral emergency department ⋯ In an Australian tertiary hospital with MRI facility, the early use of MRI is a sensitive and practical way to diagnose occult scaphoid fractures and saves unnecessary immobilisation.
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To examine demographic, morbidity, and mortality findings in a population of mountain climbers in New Zealand. ⋯ Mountain climbing is associated with a high risk of serious injury and mortality.