Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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This study is a review of our experience of using the cell saver in obstetrics. The main aim was to determine its role in decreasing the need for homologous blood transfusion. A retrospective study of patients identified as being at high risk of massive obstetric haemorrhage at the time of caesarean section during the period between July 2005 and August 2008, was undertaken. ⋯ A total of 13 units of salvaged blood were transfused successfully, saving approximately GB£1,800. Cell salvage in our practice has not been very effective due to non-availability of trained staff in emergencies and unfamiliarity of techniques, leading to poor salvage via suction. Most of our blood loss is swabbed not suctioned and lack of salvaging blood from swabs is a contributory factor.
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The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the different referral pathways to accessing abortion services. It was a retrospective observational study comparing abortion referral processes in two district hospitals. The results showed that 149 patients self-accessed the NHS abortion service in group A compared with group B of 365 formally referred patients. ⋯ However, 74% of patients in group A had their termination request met within 7 days of the initial appointment, compared with only 37% in group B (p = 0.0011). A total of 70% of terminations performed in group A were undertaken at less than 10 weeks' gestation, compared with only 31% in group B (p < 0.0001). It was concluded that the open referral pathway to accessing NHS abortion services, where available, appears to be effective in allowing more abortions to be undertaken at an early gestation.