46 SAJS VOL. 51 NO. 2 MAY 2013 The diagnosis or exclusion of cancer in the thyroid nodule remains a clinical dilemma for general surgeons and endocrinologists. Nodular disease of the thyroid is very common, while cancer is rare; a definite diagnosis of either is difficult to make. The general prevalence of thyroid nodules is very high. They are detectable in 5% of the normal population on clini...

36 SAJS VOL. 52 NO. 2 JUNE 2014 The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) classification has been developed for both ultrasound and mammography.[1] ‘BIRADS 2 lesions are described as benign findings inclu­ ding intramammary nodes and breast implants. BIRADS 3 lesions are probably benign lesions including non calcified circumscribed lesions.’[2] Lesions classified as BIRADS 3 and 4 r...

VOL. 52 NO. 2 JUNE 2014 SAJS 41 Lymphoedema is the substantial effusion of protein into the interstitial areas resulting from a failure in lymph drainage. Symptoms of this chronic condition may include swelling, fibrosis, restricted joint mobility and pain. In addition, the presence of protein in the interstitial area increases the risk of infection.[1] The prevalence of secondary lymphoedema i...

W. J. Stewart McKay, M.B., M.Ch., B.Sc. Pp. xx.,. 651. London: Bailliere, Tindall & Cox. 1905. On taking up this book the chief thought one has is that it is unduly lengthy, and inasmuch as the first 183 pages contain a great deal that can be found in any work on general surgery this seems to some extent unnecessary. The author's justification is partly to be found in the fact that he desires t...

96 SAJS VOL. 52 NO. 4 NOVEMBER 2014 Logbooks that document surgical procedures to which a specialist general surgical trainee has been exposed have been a prerequisite to enter the final examination of the Fellowship of the College of Surgeons of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) since 2002. The requirement that this exposure be documented in a consolidated and standardised format...

116 SAJS VOL. 51 NO. 4 NOVEMBER 2013 Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred and most widely used method of removal of the gallbladder in patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis. Although the technique was introduced more than 20 years ago, bile duct injuries occurring as a consequence of the procedure remain a major problem in surgical practice. Bile leaks after laparoscopic cholecystec...

36 SAJS VOL. 52 NO. 2 JUNE 2014 The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) classification has been developed for both ultrasound and mammography.[1] ‘BIRADS 2 lesions are described as benign findings inclu­ ding intramammary nodes and breast implants. BIRADS 3 lesions are probably benign lesions including non calcified circumscribed lesions.’[2] Lesions classified as BIRADS 3 and 4 r...

The paradigm introduced by William Halsted for surgical residency training has been considered the most appropriate educational system to acquire the knowledge and surgical skills required to become a competent general surgeon. Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery is considered an important part of general surgery training because of its high prevalence and complexity. Nowadays, we are faced ...