Te Ara Pokanga o te Kiri – Patient Experiences of Apronectomy for Excess Skin Removal following significant Weight Loss in Te Tairāwhiti

Project Summary 

Te Tairāwhiti offers publicly funded apronectomy surgery to remove excess skin on the tummy however, this resource is limited. Most operations performed so far have been for Māori in Te Tairāwhiti and this research seeks to explore whether this surgery has conferred benefits to the quality of life of whānau. 

Underpinned by a Kaupapa Māori methodological stance, the project team is undertaking research at the interface of mātauranga Māori and surgery to produce resources that will practically improve care for whānau who have an apronectomy. Despite being a major surgery, there are no resources available in the public sector for this surgery and the post-operative recovery activities required to ensure best outcomes after surgery. 

This research will audit this surgical service by investigating post-operative complications and then subsequently undertaking semi-structured in-depth interviews with whānau who have had an apronectomy in Te Tairāwhiti. 

The research team will design two resources:

1. a one-page digital information sheet depicting the surgery, how it is done, and its risks and;
2. a postoperative recovery survey tool to aid in better follow up for whānau. 

Lead Researcher

Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, University of Auckland 

Research Team

Associate Professor Matire Harwood, Ngāpuhi, University of Auckland

Dr Samantha Grace, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāpuhi, Te Whatu Ora

Ms Atareta Mangu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Hine, Te Puni Kōkiri