Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa最新文献

{"title":"Patient radiation doses in an angiography suite at a tertiary hospital in Pretoria.","authors":"Mmatlou D Seema, Alireza Dehghan-Dehnavi, Hanyani Lowane","doi":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.279","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rising demand for interventional radiology procedures (IRPs) performed under fluoroscopic guidance increases the risk of harmful radiation effects for patients and staff. Radiation dose optimisation using diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) is necessary to keep radiation 'as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)'. Establishment of DRLs is required for radiation imaging centres; however, only a few have published them in South Africa. This study aimed to establish local diagnostic reference levels (LDRLs) for IRPs and compare them with DRLs of local and international imaging centres.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at a single imaging centre. The IRPs performed on adults between 01 January 2023 and 31 December 2023 were considered. Ethical clearance was obtained before data collection. Data on fluoroscopy time (FT) and kerma air product (KAP) were obtained from a procedure register book. The third quartile (75th percentile) of the dataset for KAP and FT of every IRP indicated the LDRLs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 375 IRPs were analysed. The most frequently performed IRP was cerebral interventions (21%, <i>n</i> = 80). Aortic interventions recorded the highest dose LDRL (KAP = 252.5 Gy/cm²), followed by cerebral interventions (KAP = 211.3 Gy/cm²). Cerebral interventions recorded the longest FT (56.8 min), followed by aortic interventions (36.2 min), both of which exceeded the local centres' DRL ranges. Permanent catheterisation (KAP = 10.7 Gy/cm²) also exceeded the international DRL range.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Established LDRLs for IRPs were mostly within local and international DRL ranges.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The study contributed to the establishment of local, national and regional DRLs, which assisted imaging centres in optimising radiation doses for IRPs.</p>","PeriodicalId":521047,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa","volume":"4 1","pages":"279"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149921/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147871321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Service use and obstetric outcomes in pregnant women attending a Women's Mental Health Clinic.","authors":"Menasia Patterson, Deidré Mason, Juané Voges, Kerry-Ann Louw","doi":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.326","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.326","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Understanding the characteristics of women attending perinatal mental health services, their service utilisation and obstetric outcomes is important to guide planning and improve perinatal mental health services. This study aimed to describe referral patterns, sociodemographic and clinical profiles, mental health service use and obstetric outcomes among pregnant women attending a tertiary Women's Mental Health Clinic at an academic tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive study of all women who attended the Women's Mental Health Clinic service from April 2022 to March 2023 (<i>n</i> = 82). Pregnant women who attended their first appointment during the sampling time frame (<i>n</i> = 67) were then selected for more detailed review.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most referrals received were for managing pre-existing mental illness in pregnancy (72.0%, <i>n</i> = 59), with most women attending their first Women's Mental Health appointment in the second trimester (58.2%, <i>n</i> = 39). Referrals were largely from the hospital's high-risk obstetric clinic (61.0%, <i>n</i> = 50). Mood disorders, including depression (43.3%, <i>n</i> = 29) and bipolar disorder (17.9%, <i>n</i> = 12), were the most common diagnoses. Psychotropic medications were used in 80.6% of the sample (<i>n</i> = 54). The rates of substance use (35.8%, <i>n</i> = 24) were lower compared to other South African studies of pregnant women attending specialised maternal mental health services. Referral to and uptake of allied mental health services were variable.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings underscore the need for earlier identification and referral of women with perinatal mental health conditions, improved service integration and monitoring of obstetric outcomes.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides context-specific knowledge that may inform clinical care, funding and future research directions for pregnant women attending mental health clinics.</p>","PeriodicalId":521047,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa","volume":"4 1","pages":"326"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149899/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147871335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The evidence-informed decision-making process of the National Essential Medicines List Committee and Essential Drugs Programme.","authors":"Amanda Brewer, Janine Jugathpal, Kim MacQuilkan, Marc Blockman, Andrew Gray, Tamara Kredo, Reneé de Waal, Lesley Robertson","doi":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.369","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.369","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":521047,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa","volume":"4 1","pages":"369"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13276619/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148298236","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Human immunodeficiency virus in chronic limb-threatening ischaemia: Risk factors, management, and outcomes: A South African retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Craig Corbett, Helene Louwrens, Tonya M Esterhuizen, Daniel C Germishuys, Reinhard Hayes","doi":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.321","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.321","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) have an increased risk of chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI), yet data from sub-Saharan Africa in the modern antiretroviral era remain limited. We estimated the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence in patients admitted with index CLTI and compared risk factors and outcomes with those of their seronegative counterparts.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Retrospective study of adults admitted with CLTI to Tygerberg Hospital (2016-2022). Patients identified via discharge summaries were corroborated with medical records. Clinical and HIV status data were extracted from medical and laboratory records.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 1205 patients admitted with index CLTI, the estimated prevalence of HIV was 3.5% (95% CI: 2.5% - 4.7%), with 588 confirmed HIV-negative (48.8%) and 575 with unknown HIV status (47.7%). The PLHIV cohort was 69% male compared to 64% in the HIV-negative group (<i>p</i> = 0.511). The mean age of PLHIV with CLTI was 51 years (± 9 years) compared to 62 years (± 11 years) (<i>p</i> < 0.001). People living with human immunodeficiency virus were less than half as likely to undergo endovascular therapy as their definitive management although not statistically significant (7.1% vs 17.8%; odds ratios: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.13-1.93, <i>p</i> = 0.305). A similar proportion of PLHIV and HIV-negative patients underwent open revascularisation (23.8% vs 22.8%, <i>p</i> = 0.652). Surgical management had similar rates of successful outcomes (defined as below ankle amputation or better, 90% vs 95.5%, <i>p</i> = 0.433). We found no difference in in-hospital mortality rates.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>People living with HIV were younger and had fewer risk factors for CLTI than their HIV-negative counterparts. In-hospital revascularisation outcomes, complication rates and mortality were similar.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Further study is needed regarding the district hospital HIV burden and long-term outcomes in these patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":521047,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa","volume":"4 1","pages":"321"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058501/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147648782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A unique case report of bilateral spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak from bilateral sphenoid sinus skull base defects.","authors":"Divya P Ramyead Basant Rai, Lien Deschuytere, Darlene Lubbe","doi":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.271","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.271","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This brief report describes the presentation and management of a rare case of bilateral spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks resulting from skull base dehiscence in the sphenoid sinus lateral recess. A retrospective review of clinical data, including imaging and surgical interventions, was conducted. Informed consent was obtained. A middle-aged, obese woman presented with clear rhinorrhoea. Imaging identified bilateral encephaloceles and skull base defects. She underwent successful endoscopic surgery with fat grafts and septal flap repair, with no CSF leak recurrence at follow-ups.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>To our knowledge, this case is one of the few documented examples of bilateral spontaneous CSF leaks from skull base dehiscence in the sphenoid sinus. Endoscopic sinus surgery provides a minimally invasive, effective repair. Anatomical variations, such as extensive sphenoid sinus pneumatisation and congenital defects, combined with factors such as high body mass index, may predispose patients to spontaneous CSF leaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":521047,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa","volume":"4 1","pages":"271"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058480/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147648761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cigarette smoking habits and attitudes among rheumatoid arthritis patients at a tertiary centre in South Africa.","authors":"Simon J le Roux, Herman Bagula, Richard van Zyl-Smit, Bridget Hodkinson","doi":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.350","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.350","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who smoke cigarettes are known to have worse outcomes with regard to disease control, extra-articular complications and comorbidities. Data regarding this from sub-Saharan Africa is lacking. This study aims to describe the prevalence of cigarette smoking and explore disease control, comorbidities and attitudes of smoking among RA patients in an outpatient clinic at a tertiary hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study of consenting adult outpatients with RA was conducted. Demographic, clinical and patient-reported outcome measures, together with a questionnaire about smoking and Fagerström test for nicotine dependence, were collated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 632 patients (536 female participants), the mean (standard deviation) age and disease duration were 55.4 (13.0) and 10.1 (9.3) years, and 74.1% had two or more comorbidities. Of 218 (34.5%) smokers, more men smoked (<i>p</i> = 0.0002). Compared to non-smokers, smokers had lower body mass index (<i>p</i> = 0.01), higher incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (<i>p</i> < 0.005) and rheumatoid factor positivity (<i>p</i> = 0.006), and higher anxiety scores (<i>p</i> = 0.048) with more impairment in usual activities (<i>p</i> = 0.05). No significant differences in disease activity, extra-articular disease, or in disability, fatigue, depression, or pain scores were observed. The most common reasons for smoking were emotional support (45.8%), nicotine craving (30.5%) and pain control (25.2%). The Fagerström score revealed mild, moderate and severe nicotine dependence in 67.5%, 24.4%, and 7.5%, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>One in three patients with RA actively smoked. Those who smoked had more pain, anxiety, and depression but with low nicotine dependency scores.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>The approach to tobacco cessation should occur in parallel with optimal pain, behavioural support and disease control.</p>","PeriodicalId":521047,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa","volume":"4 1","pages":"350"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058492/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147648720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Educators' knowledge of and attitudes towards attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.","authors":"Lesiba L C Mello, Dennilee Naicker, Deborah van der Westhuizen","doi":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.305","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. Educators play a crucial role in identifying and referring children with ADHD symptoms and integrating them into academic settings. It is important that educators have a positive attitude and adequate knowledge of the condition. This study investigated educators' knowledge and attitudes towards children with ADHD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at mainstream private and public schools in the Tshwane district, Gauteng, South Africa. One hundred educators, comprising 63 from public and 37 from private schools, participated in the study. Each participant completed a modified demographic questionnaire and the ADHD-specific Knowledge and Attitudes of Educators scale, which included the Scale for ADHD-Specific Knowledge (SASK) and the Scale of ADHD-Specific Attitude.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Educators had a high level of knowledge of ADHD (mean SASK score = 70%). Private school educators demonstrated significantly higher knowledge (median SASK score = 75%) than public school educators (median SASK score = 65%). Attitudes towards ADHD-associated behaviours were unfavourable. Attitude did not correlate with knowledge (<i>p</i> = 0.57) or teaching experience (<i>p</i> = 0.21), nor did it differ between public and private school educators (<i>p</i> = 0.62).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this study, educators had adequate knowledge of ADHD and acknowledged it as a valid diagnosis. Despite this, they reported negative personal experiences and challenges in managing ADHD-type behaviours in the classroom. Educators remained committed to supporting learners and highlighted a critical need for effective classroom management strategies and training.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study offers actionable insights for improving support for learners with ADHD and their educators.</p>","PeriodicalId":521047,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa","volume":"4 1","pages":"305"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058497/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147648717","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Waiting time to see a dermatologist in South Africa: A cross-sectional survey.","authors":"Ruan S de Jager, Nicola A Gray, Willem I Visser","doi":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.359","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.359","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Waiting times for specialist consultations influence timely diagnosis and appropriate disease management. Given the high prevalence and morbidity associated with skin diseases, prolonged waiting times to access dermatological care have important public health implications. In South Africa, data describing waiting times for dermatology services are lacking.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This descriptive cross-sectional study assessed waiting times for private-sector dermatology services across South Africa. All dermatology practices listed on Medpages were contacted telephonically on three separate occasions between 01 and 31 August 2023. Using a standardised script, appointment availability was requested for a fictitious patient under three clinical scenarios: a routine skin check, a changing pigmented lesion suggestive of possible melanoma and a cosmetic consultation for neurotoxin injection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 192 dermatologists were included. The national median waiting time was 15 days (interquartile ranges [IQR] 5-48.3 days) for a routine skin check, 5 days (IQR 1-14 days) for suspected melanoma and 12 days (IQR 4-33.8 days) for cosmetic consultation. Waiting times varied widely across provinces, ranging from same-day access to delays exceeding 1 year. The longest median waiting time for routine consultations was observed in the Northern Cape (227 days), while the shortest was in Limpopo (2 days). Consultation fees also showed substantial interprovincial variation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While overall waiting times appear acceptable at a national level, marked provincial disparities exist. Urgent cases are generally prioritised, yet prolonged delays in certain regions may compromise timely care, underscoring the need for targeted, context-specific interventions.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>This study provides the first national overview of private-sector dermatology waiting times in South Africa. It highlights significant geographic disparities in access to care within the private healthcare system and generates evidence to inform health service planning, workforce distribution and strategies to improve equitable access to dermatological services.</p>","PeriodicalId":521047,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa","volume":"4 1","pages":"359"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058494/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147648708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Barriers to airway procurement processes in sub-Saharan Africa: An exploratory qualitative study.","authors":"Nina R Patel, Fiona Kabagenyi, Felicia Tshite, Isaac Barnor, Tagwa Abdalla, Reuel Maina, Josh Wiedermann, Lia Jacobson, Samuel Okerosi, Karthik Balakrishnan, Rolvix H Patterson, Douglas Sidell, Mary Jue Xu, Taseer Din","doi":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.257","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Access to high-quality airway equipment is critical for effective otolaryngological and emergency care. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), challenges in the procurement infrastructure may hinder equipment availability, impacting patient outcomes. Given the paucity of literature investigating equipment procurement in SSA, this study aims to map out the multilevel barriers to procurement of airway equipment in SSA to inform opportunities for improvement.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study design was employed using semi-structured interviews and open-ended survey responses. Participants included otolaryngologists in SSA, manufacturing company representatives and international policymakers, selected through purposive sampling to ensure representation of various roles in the procurement process. Six interviews, one focus group and six survey responses with regional healthcare providers (<i>n</i> = 13), manufacturing representatives (<i>n</i> = 3) and international policymakers (<i>n</i> = 2) explored supply chain dynamics, regulatory challenges, manufacturing capabilities, financial constraints and policy frameworks. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurrent themes and interrelationships.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Systemic barriers exist in the procurement process, including fragmented supply chains, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, limited local manufacturing capacity and insufficient funding mechanisms. Otolaryngologists emphasised frequent delays in equipment availability, while manufacturers reported logistical challenges and regulatory hurdles. Policymakers noted gaps in infrastructure and regional coordination. Emerging themes suggest opportunities for streamlining procurement processes, fostering local production and enhancing collaboration to improve supply chain efficiency.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the multifaceted challenges in airway equipment procurement in SSA and highlights the need for integrated approaches involving stakeholders across the supply chain.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Findings provide actionable insights to inform policy development and capacity-building initiatives with the goal of enhancing access to life-saving airway equipment and improving healthcare outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":521047,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa","volume":"4 ","pages":"257"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058482/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147648768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A retrospective review of spinal masses at a South African tertiary neurosurgery unit in Durban (2020-2024).","authors":"Nikesh Deveduthras, Thalia Govender, Rivona Harricharan, Naseera Omar","doi":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.306","DOIUrl":"10.4102/jcmsa.v4i1.306","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The prevalence of spinal masses is not well documented in South Africa. Understanding their occurrence, distribution and histopathological spectrum is crucial for optimising diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies in clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective, descriptive analysis was conducted for patients who underwent spinal surgery for spinal masses between 01 January 2020, and 31 December 2024. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses were used to assess relationships between demographics, mass type, surgical intervention, and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-eight patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 37.74 years (standard deviation [s.d.] 18.19). The most common tumours were schwannomas (28.6%) and meningiomas (21.4%). Laminectomy was the most common surgical procedure performed (60.7%), followed by laminoplasty (21.4%) and fusion (7.1%). A significant negative correlation was found between age and follow-up duration (<i>r</i> = -0.579, <i>p</i> = 0.001) and between age and tumour type (<i>r</i> = -0.568, <i>p</i> = 0.002). A significant positive correlation between surgical intervention and mass type (<i>r</i> = 0.541, <i>p</i> = 0.003) was also found.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrated that schwannomas and meningiomas were the most predominant types of spinal masses observed within the cohort. Laminectomy was the principal surgical approach utilised.</p><p><strong>Contribution: </strong>Significant associations between patient age, tumour type, and surgical interventions may inform future clinical decisions and research.</p>","PeriodicalId":521047,"journal":{"name":"Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa","volume":"4 1","pages":"306"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13058534/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147648681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}