The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology
-
Persistent pelvic pain is a common condition, with up to 20% of those affected reporting severe pain. Once end organ disease has been assessed, further investigations should be minimised. Persistent pelvic pain as a hyperalgesic neuropathic pain condition must be considered in the differential diagnosis. A multidisciplinary assessment and management plan, prepared by the co-ordinating gynaecologist in consultation with the general practitioner, physiotherapist and psychologist (with gastroenterological, urological and pain medicine specialist input as deemed appropriate), is strongly recommended.
-
Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Oct 2012
A prospective survey of cases of complications of induced abortion presenting to Goroka Hospital, Papua New Guinea, 2011.
Induced abortion on demand or for socio-economic indications is illegal in Papua New Guinea under the 1974 Criminal Code. Nevertheless, the procedure is known to be widely practised. ⋯ It was noted that abortion was most commonly induced using the synthetic prostaglandin analogue misoprostol. Although illegal induced abortion cannot be condoned, it appears that misoprostol, much safer in this context than mechanical or traditional herbal methods, is now being widely used for the purpose of induced abortion in Papua New Guinea, as it is in other developing countries.
-
Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Oct 2012
Preoperative anaemia is common in patients undergoing major gynaecological surgery and is associated with a fivefold increased risk of transfusion.
To ascertain the incidence of preoperative anaemia in a cohort of patients undergoing major gynaecological surgery in a tertiary Australian hospital over a two-year period and to investigate whether it is associated with an increased rate of transfusion or complications. ⋯ This study demonstrates preoperative anaemia is common in women undergoing elective major gynaecological surgery and is associated with increased red cell transfusions. A system to detect and treat anaemia prior to surgery in these patients should be implemented, and interventions should be evaluated to ensure they are effective.
-
Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Aug 2012
Implementation and audit of 'Fast-Track Surgery' in gynaecological oncology surgery.
Fast-track surgery is a multidisciplinary approach to surgery that results in faster recovery from surgery and decreased length of stay (LOS). ⋯ The development of a fast-track protocol is achievable in a gynaecological oncology unit, with input from a multidisciplinary team. Effective implementation of the protocol can result in a short LOS, with acceptable complication and readmission rates when applied non-selectively to gynaecological oncology patients.
-
Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Aug 2012
Vitamin D levels in pregnant women booking for antenatal care in Far North Queensland.
Serum concentrations of vitamin D were measured in pregnant women booking for antenatal care in Cairns Base Hospital, Queensland. Of 116 women, none was found to be vitamin D deficient. With a threshold of 50 nmol/L, no woman demonstrated vitamin D insufficiency; with a threshold of 75 nmol/L, 6.9% would have mild insufficiency. Further investigation into vitamin D concentrations of women living in northern Australia is required before recommendations are made for universal vitamin D screening of all pregnant women in Australia.