Medical consent for a minor – an alternative proposal

No Abstract. South African Medical Journal Vol. 96(6) 2006: 505-50

Basic Principles in the Management of Thermal Injuries

Although this article focuses predominantly on the management of paediatric burns, many of the principles and management protocols are universal and can be used for adults. Burns are defined as the coagulate destruction of tissue by thermal, chemical or electrical injury. This simplistic definition does, however, fail to incorporate the significant short- and long-term sequelae of these injuries, and the devastating social, functional and cosmetic consequences resulting from burn wounds. South African Family Practice Vol. 50 (3) 2008: pp. 24-3

Appendicitis - pitfalls and medicolegal implications

No Abstract. South African Medical Journal Vol. 96(9) (Part 2) 2006: 866-87

Paediatric surgery for childhood cancer: Lasting experiences and needs of children and parents

Objective: Surgery for paediatric cancer presents many stresses on patients and families. The authors aimed to understand the long-term impact of childhood cancer surgery on survivors and parents. Methods: The study recruited participants from 11 Australia/New Zealand hospitals for telephone interviews. The authors used descriptive statistics to analyse participants’ quantitative distress ratings and conducted thematic analysis of shared surgical experiences and needs. Results: Of 32 participants (n = 17 survivors, n = 15 parents), survivors’ mean age at surgery was 6.9 (SD = 5.17) and parents’ children were 2.1 years old (SD = 1.41) at time of surgery. Survivors had surgery on average 15.2 years ago (SD = 6.72) and parents’ children 11.5 years ago (SD = 3.94). Parents and survivors rated surgery as highly distressing. Pre-operatively, survivors recalled experiencing fear and pain mainly associated with pre-operative procedures. Post-operatively, survivors reported immobility and some lasting behavioural disturbances. Parents described pre- and intra-operative anxiety and stress and some lasting post-operative psychological disturbances. Experiences appeared to improve with clear/consistent communication from hospital staff, proximity to hospital, and with support for parents and children post-operatively. Conclusions: Surgical treatment for childhood cancer can have a lasting impact for survivors and parents. Better information provision may improve families’ surgical experience whilst reducing anxiety, distress and physical discomfort