ANZ journal of surgery
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ANZ journal of surgery · Nov 2008
Comparative StudyPopulation-based study of age, gender and causes of severe injury in Auckland, 2004.
The burden of severe injury is an important health statistic. When accurate injury data are linked to census population data a reference dataset can be obtained. This information is vital to direct injury prevention and trauma system development. ⋯ Auckland has a severe injury rate that is lower than other similar studies. Contributing factors include: low interpersonal violence rates, the predominantly urban population, the data source and the inclusion of the paediatric age group.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Nov 2008
Comparative StudyRisk-adjusted general surgical audit in octogenarians.
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. ⋯ In all patients more than the age of 80 years admitted to General Surgery, Taranaki Base Hospital, morbidity and mortality results were acceptable when compared with published work. Risk-adjusted prediction of mortality compared favourably with observed outcomes, but more data are required to validate this tool in elective patients.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Nov 2008
Comparative StudyTime for a change in injury and trauma care delivery: a trauma death review analysis.
Safety and error reduction in medical care is crucial to the future of medicine. This study evaluates trauma patients dying at a level 1 trauma centre to determine the adequacy of care. All trauma deaths at a level 1 trauma centre between 1996 and 2003 were reviewed by an eight-member multidisciplinary death review panel. ⋯ Most errors occurred in the resuscitation area. Age, severity of injury, hospital length of stay and care by a non-trauma surgeon are factors associated with avoidable deaths. A new approach to trauma and injury care is required.
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ANZ journal of surgery · Nov 2008
Letter Case ReportsPerforation of Meckel's diverticulum by a fishbone.
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The Australian Safety and Efficacy Register of New Interventional Procedures--Surgical (ASERNIP-S) came into being 10 years ago to provide health technology assessments specifically tailored towards new surgical techniques and technologies. It was and remains the only organisation in the world to focus on this area of research. Most funding has been provided by the Australian Government Department of Health, and assessments have helped inform the introduction of new surgical techniques into Australia. ⋯ Since its inception, the ASERNIP-S program has developed a strong international profile through the production of over 60 reports on evidence-based surgery, surgical technologies and audit. The work undertaken by ASERNIP-S has evolved from assessments of the safety and efficacy of procedures to include guidance on policies and surgical training programs. ASERNIP-S needs to secure funding so that it can continue to play an integral role in the improvement of quality of care both in Australia and internationally.