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OBJECTIVE: This review was designed as a pilot study to collect data on colorectal cancer surgery which would provide the basis for conducting formal prospective data collection on the patterns of this disease and its clinical presentation. DESIGN AND METHOD: A comprehensive audit of all patients with a diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma was undertaken over a 2 year period (January 1996 to December 1997). RESULTS: A total of seventy-nine patients were studied. There were 47 females and 32 males. The median age was 64.5 years (range 19 to 91 years). The predominant presenting symptoms were abdominal pain in 44 patients (55.7 percent), change in bowel habit in 38 patients (48.1 percent) and rectal bleeding in 37 patients (46.8 percent). The presence of an abdominal mass in 18 patients was the most frequently detected sign. Rectal examination detected the presence of a mass in 14 (17.7 percent) patients. Forty-seven percent of patients present with anaemia. The most common location was the right colon in 21 patients (26.5 percent) followed by sigmoid colon in 15 (18.9 percent) and rectum in 14 (17.7 percent). Left and transverse colon accounted for 7 and 5 cases, respectively. Resection with restorative anastomosis was the most common procedure for primary disease with colostomy being performed infrequently (in 3 cases). Seventeen patients presented with advanced disease. There were 14 deaths, 10 due to metastatic disease and 4 from postoperative complications. Our findings indicate an increased incidence of right-sided colonic carcinomas which has also been reported by other recent series. Although this colorectal audit provides some information about the patterns of disease seen in our unit, further study of a larger group of patients will be necessary before accurate conclusion can be made. CONCLUSION: The detection of early colorectal carcinoma will require screening at a stage when the disease is asymptomatic in order to improve the chance for cure. The data presented here indicate that the majority of patients presented with advanced right sided lesions that could have been detected earlier with an established screening programme.(AU)

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Surgical audit is imperative in modern practice, particularly in the developing world where resources are limited and efficient allocation important. The structure, process and outcome of surgical care can be determined for quality assurance or for research. Improved efficiency and reduction of morbidity and mortality are additional goals which may be accomplished. However, computerization, medical staff cooperation and the availability of dedicated staff are among the hurdles which may be encountered. We report the challenge of designing and establishing a database for auditing surgical inpatients in a developing country and the difficuties which were encountered.(AU)

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An observational cross-sectional survey showed that 21.1 percent of private motor vehicle drivers and 13.5 percent of front seat passengers voluntarily wore seat belts in Kingston, Jamaica, where there is no law requiring this. Rear passenger utilisation was not examined. Compared to males, females were significantly more likely to wear seat belts when driving but not as front seat passengers. Of all motor vehicles examined 10.1 percent were not equipped with seat belts. The oldest group of vehicles were mostly not fitted with seat belts. Drivers of older vehicles were significantly less likely to use seat belts even when the vehicles were equipped with belts. Implementation of legislation can reduce mortality, morbidity and costs from road traffic accidents which are relatively frequent in Jamaica. Male drivers, drivers of older vehicles and all passengers may require specific targeting in an educational and enforcement campaign should legislation, which is highly desirable, be implemented

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An observational cross-sectional survey showed that 21.1 percent of private motor vehicle drivers and 13.5 percent of front seat passengers voluntarily wore seat belts in Kingston, Jamaica, where there is no law requiring this. Rear passenger utilisation was not examined. Compared to males, females were significantly more likely to wear seat belts when driving but not as front seat passengers. Of all motor vehicles examined 10.1 percent were not equipped with seat belts. The oldest group of vehicles were mostly not fitted with seat belts. Drivers of older vehicles were significantly less likely to use seat belts even when the vehicles were equipped with belts. Implementation of legislation can reduce mortality, morbidity and costs from road traffic accidents which are relatively frequent in Jamaica. Male drivers, drivers of older vehicles and all passengers may require specific targeting in an educational and enforcement campaign should legislation, which is highly desirable, be implemented (AU)

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