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Background Aims Materials and Methods Results Conclusions Vaginal swab microbiological testing is commonly performed as routine clinical management for various obstetric and gynaecological presentations. The clinical utility and cost‐effectiveness of vaginal swab microscopy, culture and susceptibilities (MCS) in altering empirical management is ill‐defined.To describe the clinical use of vaginal swabs in a tertiary women's hospital emergency department (ED), measure the impact of vaginal swabs on altering empirical clinical management, and to determine the economic cost of vaginal swab MCS.Retrospective case‐series of vaginal swabs collected at a single, tertiary women's ED between January 2021 and July 2021. Symptomatology, clinical diagnosis, test results, and pre‐swab and post‐swab clinical management were determined upon medical record review. Economic costs of vaginal swab MCS were retrospectively determined via internal accounting records, permitting unit‐level activity‐based costing.A total of 660 vaginal swabs from 584 clinical episodes were included. Vulvovaginitis was the most common indication for swab collection (34.5%, 167 samples). Altered empirical management was observed in 9.8% of all swabs (95% CI 7.4–12.2%), with marked variability between clinical indications. Antimicrobial initiation was the most common alteration in management (8.9%, 95% CI 8.7–9.1%). The estimated cost of vaginal swab MCS was $29.71 AUD; labour, consumables and disposal costs accounted for 69.3, 29.8 and 0.9%, respectively.The impact of vaginal swab MCS on empirical clinical management is context‐specific and variable. The majority of swabs performed do not impact upon empirical management. Antimicrobial initiation is appreciably more common than antimicrobial cessation with vaginal swab results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) and the European Network of Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ENTOG) express their concerns on the effect of climate change and environmental pollution. This paper reviews the impact on reproductive health and the contribution to climate change by the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. It concludes that its contributors and the effects of climate change cause definite adverse consequences to fertility and adverse obstetric outcomes. Mankind, and obstetrics and gynaecology personnel as well, must be aware and responsible of its contribution to climate change and consider the impact of their actions and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic in the past few years led to major adjustments in the provision of healthcare. This study aimed to investigate trainees’ perception of impact of the pandemic on specialty training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G) in Hong Kong. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was performed on all the O&G trainees and the young fellows of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (HKCOG). The questionnaires included 5 parts: demographic data, impact on clinical activities, redeployment, educational activities and career progression. Results A total of 104 questionnaires (92.9%) were received for final analysis. The majority of the participants had reductions in elective and emergency operations, as well as exposure to in-patient admissions and out-patient clinics in both obstetrics and gynaecology. The reduction was most significant in elective gynaecology operations. One-third (34.6%) of the participants had been redeployed to other departments, and educational activities were reduced during the pandemic. Around 58% of the trainees were concerned with the reduction in clinical exposure, and 78% worried they would not be able to log sufficient number of surgical procedures. Basic trainees were significantly more worried than higher trainees. Around half of the trainees had doubts or regrets about choosing to undergo O&G specialty training. Conclusion The O&G trainees in Hong Kong perceived that the COVID-19 pandemic had significant negative impacts on their training. Many trainees were worried they would not be able to attain the required level of competence when they complete their specialist training.

Chronic endometritis (CE) in humans is asymptomatic inflammation of the endometrium, associated with poor reproductive outcomes. Similarly, asymptomatic endometrial inflammation in cows, termed subclinical endometritis (SCE), is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. While the pathophysiology and treatment options for CE in humans remain poorly defined, the well-known financial implications of SCE in dairy cows have attracted intensive research. We performed a systematic review to determine potential areas of interest in human CE research, by analysing emergent themes that arose in studies of SCE in cows. A literature search for studies of subclinical endometritis in cows published between 1990 and November 2021 was performed across Embase, Medline, Scopus and CINAHL. Studies of symptomatic or clinical endometritis were excluded. A thematic analysis across two broad themes was explored: i) diagnostic methods of SCE and ii) pathophysiology of SCE. In total, 51 bovine studies were included. Twelve studies reported on diagnostic methodology. The primary emergent theme was the use of cytology for the diagnosis of SCE. Cytological analysis has a lower sensitivity than histopathology but is less invasive and more specific than alternative techniques such as ultrasound, vaginoscopy or metabolic markers. The subthemes related to pathophysiology were identified as the type of endometritis, metabolic stress, artificial insemination, infective causes and altered cellular pathways. Despite the lack of symptoms, cellular pathways of inflammation including NF-κB, MAPK and inflammasomes were found to be activated. The key themes related to the diagnosis and pathophysiology of SCE in cows identified in this systematic review highlight potential areas for future research into human CE.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic in the past few years led to major adjustments in the provision of healthcare. This study aimed to investigate trainees' perception of impact of the pandemic on specialty training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G) in Hong Kong. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was performed on all the O&G trainees and the young fellows of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (HKCOG). The questionnaires included 5 parts: demographic data, impact on clinical activities, redeployment, educational activities and career progression. Results: A total of 104 questionnaires (92.9%) were received for final analysis. The majority of the participants had reductions in elective and emergency operations, as well as exposure to in-patient admissions and out-patient clinics in both obstetrics and gynaecology. The reduction was most significant in elective gynaecology operations. One-third (34.6%) of the participants had been redeployed to other departments, and educational activities were reduced during the pandemic. Around 58% of the trainees were concerned with the reduction in clinical exposure, and 78% worried they would not be able to log sufficient number of surgical procedures. Basic trainees were significantly more worried than higher trainees. Around half of the trainees had doubts or regrets about choosing to undergo O&G specialty training. Conclusion: The O&G trainees in Hong Kong perceived that the COVID-19 pandemic had significant negative impacts on their training. Many trainees were worried they would not be able to attain the required level of competence when they complete their specialist training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Voynich manuscript is a famous European enciphered manuscript of the early fifteenth century featuring herbal, pharmaceutical, astrological and anatomical illustrations, including hundreds of naked women. Some hold objects adjacent to or unambiguously pointed towards their genitalia. This paper therefore investigates the culture of self-censorship, erasure and encipherment of women's secrets, with a focus on Dr Johannes Hartlieb (c. 1410–68). Hartlieb had enduring apprehensions about the propagation of women's secrets in vernacular Bavarian, which culminated in a call for 'secret letters' to hide recipes for abortifacients and contraceptives. Other cases of encipherment relating to sexual intercourse and genitalia will be described. On the basis of this evidence, we propose that the Rosettes, the largest and most complex illustration in the Voynich manuscript, represents coitus and conception. This hypothesis explains many of the illustration's features and establishes a variety of future research possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As can be seen from research, 44% of oncological problems disclose problems in relationships with a partner. About 80% of oncological patients report deterioration of the quality of their sexual life. Although the situation improves, a significant majority of ill persons do not obtain assistance in the scope of sexuality during oncological treatment. Intimacy is an important sphere of life and can support the process of recovery. Intimacy plays special role in the difficult period of the fight against disease. Independently of the applied method of oncological treatment, side effects of therapy can influence one's sexual life. This means that an increasing number of persons who are healed from cancerous disease are exposed to the long-term undesirable influence of treatment. The process of oncological treatment has an essential impact on the intimate life of those who suffer from oncological diseases. To a great extent, this process and the disease itself contribute to a decrease of the quality of life due to the appearance of symptoms caused by earlier menopause, they negatively influence the feeling desire and sexual performance. Unfortunately, despite the development of oncosexology, sexual problems of oncologically ill persons are not noticed, and sometimes they are played down or overlooked due to everyday problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Time fixed follow-up appointments can lead to reduced flexibility and reflexivity for patients with deteriorating/improving symptoms and conditions. • Patient initiated follow-up in gynaecology can create a follow-up process which could better suit patients needs and make outpatient departments more efficient. • This study shows that patients and clinicians are overwhelmingly positive about the benefits of patient initiated follow-up. • Patient initiated follow-up requires robust symptoms to ensure safety and high-quality information for patients put on such pathways, which should also ensure equity of access for those with additional needs. Follow-up appointments in the UK National Health Service account for up to two thirds of outpatient activity, but there is a significant resource impact in providing time fixed follow-up appointments. Increasingly patient initiated follow-up is being used, to make follow-up appointments work better for patients both in terms of timing and necessity, and to reduce unnecessary outpatient activity. The objective of this study was to use a modified questionnaire to evaluate patient and clinician views regarding Patient-Initiated Follow-Up (PIFU) in gynaecology services and identify subgroups suited to this pathway of care. Participants including both patients and clinicians were recruited from a gynaecology outpatient department. Patients who have poorer access healthcare (with disabilities and black and ethnic minority background) were purposively targeted so their experiences could be included. Value and burden scores were evaluated using patient and clinician surveys based on a modified QQ-10 questionnaire which assessed perceived value and burden of patient initiated follow-up in gynaecology. Free text comments regarding PIFU were also collected. 305 patients and 30 clinicians were surveyed. Overall response to patient initiated follow-up was positive. Patients and clinicians attributed high value (77.4 % and 81.4 %) and low burden scores (37.5 % and 44.7 %) to PIFU. Patient autonomy was cited as a reason for this by 84.6 % of patients and 93.3 % of clinicians. Patients attending benign gynaecological sub-specialties including endometriosis (84.2), general gynaecology (82.5) and vulval clinics (81.4) attributed the highest value scores. Gynaecology oncology patients attributed the lowest value (64.0) and highest burden score (51.3) of all subgroups. Younger adults (<60) were more likely to express a preference for PIFU (52.9 %) than older adults (≥60) (28.6 %). In this study, both patients and clinicians are in favour of selected use of PIFU in gynaecology services. Both questionnaires found younger patients with benign gynaecological conditions were perceived as best suited PIFU. We recommend offering PIFU to select patients who are confident in self-monitoring, factoring patient choice so patients are not disadvantaged by this system. Further evaluation of PIFU in practice is needed before widespread implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aims Materials and Methods Results Conclusions Adverse events (AEs) during health care are common and may have long‐term consequences for patients. Although there is a tradition of reviewing morbidity and mortality in gynaecology, there is no recommended system for reporting contributory factors and potential avoidability.To identify factors that contributed to AEs in the gynaecology service at National Women's Health at Auckland District Health Board and to determine potential avoidability, with the use of a multidisciplinary morbidity review.Contributory factors from a review of AEs in gynaecology services were identified and classified as organisational and/or management factors, personnel factors and barriers to patients accessing and engaging with care. Potential avoidability of the AE was also considered. A descriptive analysis of the morbidity review of patients who had an AE from 2019 to 2022 was undertaken.One hundred and fifty‐three cases of AEs were reviewed and 77 (50.3%) were associated with contributory factors. Of all cases, 45 (29.4%) had organisational factors, 54 (35.3%) had personnel factors and patient factors resulting in barriers to care contributing to 11 (7.2%) cases. Sixty‐five cases (42.5%) were classified as potentially avoidable. Of these 65 cases, 38 (58.5%) had organisational factors, 48 (73.8%) had personnel factors and nine (13.9%) had barriers to care.The AE review process reported 50.3% of AEs had contributory factors that were classified as organisational, personnel and barriers to patients accessing care and that 42.5% of the AEs were potentially avoidable. These reviews can be used for making recommendations that potentially lead to improvements in gynaecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent research within the context of Obstetrics shows the added value of patient participation in in-hospital patient safety. Notwithstanding these benefits, recent research within an Obstetrics department shows that four different negative effects of patient participation in patient safety have emerged. However, the approach to addressing these negative effects within the perspective of patient participation in patient safety is currently lacking. For this reason, the aim of this study is to generate an overview of actions that could be taken to mitigate the negative effects of patient participation in patient safety within an Obstetrics department. Methods: This study was conducted in the Obstetrics Department of a tertiary academic center. An explorative qualitative interview study included sixteen interviews with professionals (N = 8) and patients (N = 8). The actions to mitigate the negative effects of patient participation in patient safety, were analyzed and classified using a deductive approach. Results: Eighteen actions were identified that mitigated the negative effects of patient participation in patient safety within an Obstetrics department. These actions were categorized into five themes: ‘structure’, ‘culture’, ‘education’, ‘emotional’, and ‘physical and technology’. These five categories reflect the current approach to improving patient safety which is primarily viewed from the perspective of professionals rather than of patients. Conclusions: Most of the identified actions are linked to changing the culture to generate more patient-centered care and change the current reality, which looks predominantly from the perspective of the professionals and too little from that of the patients. Furthermore, none of the suggested actions fit within a sixth anticipated category, namely, ‘politics’. Future research should explore ways to implement a patient-centered care approach based on these actions. By doing so, space, money and time have to be created to elaborate on these actions and integrate them into the organizations’ structure, culture and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gynaecological conditions (e.g., endometriosis, PCOS) result in bodily changes that negatively impact body image. Psychological interventions (e.g., CBT, psychoeducation) have shown promise in reviews with the general population for alleviating body image concerns. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide asynthesis of the impact of psychological interventions for reducing body image concerns for individuals with gynaecological conditions. Electronic databases were searched for relevant psychological intervention studies with body image outcomes. Twenty-one eligible studies were included in the systematic review (ten were included in a random-effects meta-analysis). Studies included participants (N = 1483, M = 71.85, SD = 52.79) with a range of gynaecological conditions, ages (Mage = 35.08, SD = 12.17) and cultural backgrounds. Most included studies reported at least one positive effect with the meta-analysis indicating psychological interventions were moderately superior to control conditions for reducing body image concerns (SMD -.41, 95% CI [−0.20 −0.62]). However, there was a high risk of bias and moderate heterogeneity. Results suggest psychological interventions may hold promise for reducing body image concerns among individuals gynaecological conditions in the short term. Further, preliminary support was found for the use of theory-guided psychological interventions delivered in group settings in particular, with further research needed on optimal intervention length and particular psychotherapeutic approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Endometriosis is a common but often underdiagnosed chronic gynaecological disease. Endometriosis mimics other diagnoses both clinically and radiographically, presenting a diagnostic challenge. Endometriosis can be categorised as superficial pelvic endometriosis, deep invasive endometriosis (DIE) or endometrioma. Endometrioma and DIE, including polypoid endometriosis, can masquerade as invasive neoplasms. Endometriosis can be misdiagnosed in less common locations or during pregnancy. Ultrasound is the initial investigation for endometriosis; however, MRI is advantageous in providing a larger field of view for increased detection of nodules as well as distinguishing malignancy with greater certainty. This review highlights endometriosis mimics, pitfalls and atypical cases on MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The language Luke uses to depict conception in his infancy narrative calls upon established medical discourse for fertilisation. My argument in this philological study is that ancient gynaecology prompts us to give full weight to the literal meaning of Gabriel’s term sullambanein (“to conceive/grasp”) and to ask what grammatical and material object, other than a son, Mary might have “grasped” in her uterus.

• Thirty-three plant species were analysed for mutagenicity and toxicity. • A. villicaulis, G. occidentalis and G. senegalensis were not toxic nor mutagenic. • Three plant combinations were found to be non-toxic in the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay. • Toxicity was more frequently observed than expected. Medicinal plants play an important role in the primary healthcare of lay people around the world, including the rural community of Maputaland, South Africa. According to an ethnobotanical survey conducted in 2014, the lay people in northern Maputaland use plant species independently and in combination to treat gynaecology and obstetric ailments. These plant species were generally regarded as safe by the lay people except for one plant species, Trichilia dregeana Harv. & Sond. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of 16 plant combinations using the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) for toxicity and Ames test using S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains for mutagenicity. Toxicity studies on 33 medicinal plant species independently needed to be analysed first in order to make a comparison of combined with single use. The aqueous and organic (1:1 methanol-dichloromethane) extracts were prepared from 51 plant samples (including leaf samples collected as a substitution for the roots). There were three plant species (Acalypha villicaulis Horchst. Ex A.Rich. root , Grewia occidentalis L. root and Gymnosporia senegalensis Loes. leaves) indicated neither toxicity nor mutagenicity when tested at 1 and 5 mg/ml using the BSLA and Ames test, respectively. Hermannia boraginiflora Hook. , Sapium integerrimum (Hochst. ex Krauss) , Scadoxus puniceus (L.) Friis Nordal and Tabernaemontana elegans Stapf demonstrated toxicity even after dilution to the lowest concentration of 0.031 mg/ml. The three plant combinations which were found to be non-toxic in the BSLA (both aqueous and organic extracts) were Euphobia tirucalli L. (root) with Ozoroa engleri R.Fern & A.Fern. (bark), S. puniceus (bulb) and Senecio serratuloides DC. (whole plant); Bridelia cathartica G.Bertol. (root) with Opuntia stricta Haw. (stem) with Searsia nebulosa (Schoenland) Moffett (bark); and B. cathartica (root) with Erythrina humeana Spreng (root). In the Ames test, the plant samples which appeared to be non-mutagenic against both S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains were A. villicaulis root , Cyperus natalensis Hochst. ex Krauss root, Euclea natalensis A.DC. leaves, G. occidentalis root , Ochna natalitia Walp. leaves , S. integerrimum leaves and S. puniceus bulb. This study indicated that medicinal plant species (independently and in combination) may have toxic and/ or mutagenic effects, even without any obvious signs after consumption. More importantly, it was determined that toxicity can be reduced by carefully managing the dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer continues to be a public health concern, as it remains the second most common cancer despite screening programs. It is the third most common cause of cancer-related death for women, and the majority of cases happen in developing nations. The standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer involves the use of external beam radiation therapy, along with concurrent chemotherapy, followed by an image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) boost. The five-year relative survival rate for European women diagnosed with cervical cancer was 62% between 2000 and 2007. Updated cervical cancer treatment guidelines based on IGABT have been developed by the Gynecological working group, which is composed of the Group Européen de Curiethérapie–European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. The therapeutic strategy makes use of three-dimensional imaging, which can be tailored to the target volume and at-risk organs through the use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Under anaesthesia, the brachytherapy implantation is carried out. Ultrasonography is utilised to assess the depth of the uterine cavity and to facilitate the dilation of the uterine canal during the application insertion. In this study, we examine data from the international literature regarding the application of ultrasound in cervical cancer brachytherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The healthcare sector is responsible for 4%–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Considering the broad range of care that obstetricians and gynaecologists provide, mitigation strategies within this specialty could result in significant reductions of the environmental footprint across the whole healthcare industry. Objectives: The aim of this review was to identify for what services, procedures and products within obstetric and gynaecological care the environmental impact has been studied, to assess the magnitude of such impact and to identify mitigation strategies to diminish it. Search strategy: The search strategy combined terms related to environmental impact, sustainability, climate change or carbon footprint, with the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. Selection criteria: Articles reporting on the environmental impact of any service, procedure or product within the field of obstetrics and gynaecology were included. Included outcomes covered midpoint impact categories, CO2 emissions, waste generation and energy consumption. Data collection and analysis: A systematic literature search was conducted in the databases of MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid) and Scopus, and a grey literature search was performed on Google Scholar and two websites of gynaecological associations. Main results: The scope of the investigated studies encompassed vaginal births, obstetric and gynaecological surgical procedures, menstrual products, vaginal specula and transportation to gynaecological oncologic consultations. Among the highest yielding mitigation strategies were displacing disposable with reusable materials and minimising content of surgical custom packs. The lowest yielding mitigation strategy was waste optimisation, including recycling. Conclusions: This systematic review highlights opportunities for obstetricians and gynaecologists to decrease their environmental footprint in many ways. More high‐quality studies are needed to investigate the environmental impact of other aspects of women's and reproductive health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the performance of the abdominal handheld point-of-care ultrasonography (POcus) Butterfly-iQ to gold standard transvaginal ultrasonography (Us) in identifying the position of intrauterine devices (lUDs) in the hands of a medical doctor specialised in ultrasonography. Methods: in this diagnostic accuracy study, a single operator conducted abdominal POCUS followed by conventional transvaginal US. Seventy patients utilising copper or hormonal iUDs were assessed between June 2021 and October 2022. iUDs were categorised as entirely within the uterine cavity or malpositioned. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated for detecting malpositioned iUDs, with conventional US results serving as the reference standard. Concordance rate and Kappa coefficient were computed to assess the agreement between the two ultrasound modalities. Results: among the 70 patients, 46 (65.7%) used copper iUDs, and 24 (34.3%) used hormonal iUDs. Conventional transvaginal US showed iUDs entirely within the uterine cavity in 56 (80%) patients and 14 (20%) iUDs were malpositioned. Of the 14 malpositioned iUDs seen by conventional US, POCUS identified 13 demonstrating a sensitivity of 92.9% (66.1-99.8). Of the 56 iUDs entirely within the uterine cavity shown by conventional US, only two cases were considered malpositioned by POCUS demonstrating a specificity of 96.4% (87.7-99.6). The concordance rate was 95.7%, and the Kappa value was 0.87 in differentiating between iUDs entirely within the uterine cavity and those that were malpositioned. Conclusion: Abdominal POCUS using Butterfly-iQ, when administered by an imaging specialist, exhibited excellent performance in confirming iUDs entirely within the uterine cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic clinical practice in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) underwent swift and dramatic changes, some transient, others permanent. Training, continuous professional development, educational supervision, and other non-patient facing roles were initially paused. Trainees and trainers saw unprecedented changes to their working patterns. With these changes it is unsurprising there was a significant effect on training in O&G. For the majority obstetric training was unaffected. However, most trainees reported a reduction to their gynaecological training. Furthermore, three quarters of trainees reported COVID had negatively impacted on both their physical and mental well-being. Training recovery has been proactively managed and the impact on progression for many mitigated. There is no doubt the COVID-19 impacted training in O&G. The pandemic has had a greater impact on gynaecological training than obstetric training. The impact on gynaecological operative training persists. The long-term effects on trainees remain to be seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveillance is an acknowledged method to decrease nosocomial infections, such as surgical site infections (SSIs). Electronic healthcare records create the opportunity for automated surveillance. While approaches for different types of surgeries and indicators already exist, there are very few for obstetrics and gynaecology. To analyse the sensitivity and workload reduction of semi-automated surveillance in obstetrics and gynaecology. In this retrospective, single-centre study at a 1438-bed tertiary care hospital in Germany, semi-automated SSI surveillance using the indicators 'antibiotic prescription', 'microbiological data' and 'administrative data' (diagnosis codes, readmission, post-hospitalization care) was compared with manual analysis and categorization of all patient files. Breast surgeries (BSs) conducted in 2018 and caesarean sections (CSs) that met the inclusion criteria between May 2013 and December 2019 were included. Indicators were analysed for sensitivity, number of analysed procedures needed to identify one case, and potential workload reduction in detecting SSIs in comparison with the control group. The reference standard showed nine SSIs in 416 BSs (2.2%). Sensitivities for the indicators 'antibiotic prescription', 'diagnosis code', 'microbiological sample taken', and the combination 'diagnosis code or microbiological sample' were 100%, 88.9%, 66.7% and 100%, respectively. The reference standard showed 54 SSIs in 3438 CSs (1.6%). Sensitivities for the indicators 'collection of microbiological samples', 'diagnosis codes', 'readmission/post-hospitalization care', and the combination of all indicators were 38.9%, 27.8%, 85.2% and 94.4%, respectively. Semi-automated surveillance systems may reduce workload by maintaining high sensitivity depending on the type of surgery, local circumstances and thorough digitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathologies of the vagina are important causes of symptoms related to the genital tract in women. They can be missed on transabdominal ultrasonography (USG), which is the baseline modality used for evaluation of gynaecological complaints. Transperineal USG and MRI are the imaging modalities of choice for evaluation of the vagina. Diseases of the vagina can be grouped depending upon the age group in which they occur. In children and young adults, congenital anomalies like longitudinal or transverse vaginal septum, imperforate hymen, vaginal aplasia or atresia, and rectovaginal fistula can be seen. Malignant tumours can rarely occur in children, rhabdomyosarcoma being the most common one. Common diseases affecting adults include benign lesions like epidermoid, Gartner duct, and Bartholin cysts, and urogenital fistulas involving the vagina. Endometriosis and other benign tumours of vagina including leiomyoma, fibroepithelial polyp, and angiomyxoma are occasionally seen. Malignant tumours can be primary, the most common one being squamous cell carcinoma, or secondary, due to direct extension from cancers involving the adjacent organs. Characteristic morphological changes occur in the vagina after radiotherapy, which can be identified on imaging. Knowledge about the imaging appearances of these diseases is crucial in guiding appropriate management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate gynaecological patients' preferences and satisfaction regarding information provision, exploring enablers and barriers to information access. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used. Methods: A total of 293 women accessing gynaecological services responded to the survey. Quantitative analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Content analysis was conducted on qualitative data. Results: Health professionals were the most common and preferred sources of gynaecological health information. Enablers to information provision included positive communication strategies by health professionals, participants having prior knowledge and doing their own research. Despite its widespread availability, only 24.2% of women preferred the internet as an information source. Poor communication and inadequate information provision were identified as barriers to information access. Statistically significant associations were identified between location of residence, education level, year of birth, diagnostic group and health information preferences. Recommendations from women included improved communication strategies, system changes and provision of individualized information. Conclusion: Health professionals are central to women accessing information about gynaecological diagnoses. Areas for improvement include communication strategies, facilitating access to internet-based resources for information and consideration of women's preferences when providing health information. Implications for the Profession and Patient Care: Consumer co-design of gynaecological health information and communication training for health professionals is recommended. Improved communication and facilitated use of internet-based resources may improve women's understanding of information. Impact: • This study explored gynaecological patients' preferences and satisfaction regarding information provision, exploring enablers and barriers to information access. • It was found that gynaecological patients preferred individualized information provided to them directly by health professionals and despite its widespread availability, the internet is an underutilized health information resource. • These findings are applicable to health professionals and patients utilizing tertiary gynaecological health services in Australia but may be generalized if demographic data aligns with other jurisdictions. Reporting Method: The STROBE reporting method was used in the preparation of the manuscript. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal is the property of World Health Organization and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction. Sexology is defi ned as the scientifi c study of human sexuality, including its development, behaviour, functions and preferences. A lot of gynaecological problems are linked to sexual development. Development of the sexual organs is strictly associated with the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Conclusion. The aim of the study was to emphasize the importance of nursing care in sexual education on the example of masturbation of children. Paediatric and adolescent gynaecology is a multidisciplinary fi eld. Gynaecological problems among children and adolescents are often complex, both in terms of medicine and psychology, and require an interdisciplinary approach, including nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy in women with a high mortality rate, necessitating effective preventive measures. The American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, in their newer guidelines, suggest that patients undergoing tubectomy have an opportunity for the prevention of ovarian carcinoma by undergoing Prophylactic Bilateral Salpingectomy (PBS) instead of tubectomy in average-risk women. However, salpingectomy is not widely accepted as a method of sterilisation over tubectomy during caesarean section due to concerns about its potentially detrimental effect on ovarian reserve. Aim: To determine the effect of Bilateral Salpingectomy (BLS) and Bilateral Tubectomy (BLT) on ovarian reserve over a period of six months from surgery and to compare salpingectomy and tubectomy for their intraoperative and postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: The study is a hospital-based prospective cohort study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital (FAAMCH), Barpeta, Assam, India, from Sept 2020 to Aug 2021, over a period of one year, involving women between 32-35 years undergoing sterilisation during caesarean section. Mean Antimullerian Hormone estimation was done preoperatively, at the 3rd month, and at the 6th month to assess changes in ovarian reserve following salpingectomy and tubectomy. Intraoperative blood loss, surgery time, surgical complications, postoperative complications, recovery period, histopathological study of the fallopian tube, etc., were analysed and compared between the two groups. All data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. A p-value 0.05). However, in each group, the preoperative mean AMH was lower than its 3rd month and 6th month values, which were in the normal range. This was attributed to ovarian suppression during pregnancy, which normalised following delivery and showed an increasing trend thereafter. However, on average, salpingectomy required approximately 10 minutes more than tubectomy. Conclusion: Salpingectomy does not affect ovarian reserve in the short-term of six months. Other than being more timeconsuming compared to tubectomy, salpingectomy is on par with traditional tubectomy. Therefore, it may be adopted as a routine sterilisation method considering its role in the prevention of ovarian cancers.

Background: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual/aromantic (LGBTQA+) people, assigned female at birth (AFAB), experience disproportionately poorer gynaecological healthcare outcomes compared to their cisgender, heterosexual peers. The barriers to gynaecological care remain poorly understood. In a step toward bridging this gap, the current study explored the lived gynaecological healthcare experiences of Australian LGBTQA+ AFAB people and the barriers they experience in accessing care. Materials and Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 22 LGBTQA+ AFAB people. An inductive thematic qualitative design was used to explore the lived experiences and identify themes associated with the reported experiences. Results: Thematic analysis identified seven themes related to experiences in accessing gynaecological healthcare, including discrimination, fear, perceived provider or cultural incompetency, accessibility, and gender identity. Several sub‐themes were also identified such as refusal of care, microaggression, misgendering, and patient as educator. Conclusions: Participants suggested that barriers to care could be alleviated by the integration of LGBTQA+ specific healthcare training into the university‐level medical curriculum and professional development programs that address cultural competency and inclusive healthcare. These preliminary findings inform the necessity for the development of evidence‐based practice guidelines that specifically address the unique and diverse needs of the LGBTQA+ AFAB population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) in gynaecology has undergone exponential growth in recent decades, with utility in treating both benign and malignant gynaecological conditions. The technological complexities and amended theatre dynamics that RAS demands mean that effective non-technical skills (NTS) are vitally important to overcome these unique challenges. However, NTS have been neglected in RAS-training programmes with focus placed instead on the exclusive acquisition of technical skills (TS). NTS include teamwork, communication, leadership, situational awareness, decision-making and stress management. Communication is the most frequently cited NTS impacted during RAS, as the physical limitations imposed by the robotic hardware make communication exchange difficult. The full immersion that RAS enables can contribute to situational awareness deficits. However, RAS can complement communication and teamwork when multidisciplinary (MDT) surgeries (such as complex endometriosis excisions) are undertaken; dual-console capabilities facilitate the involvement of specialties such as general surgery and urology. The development of NTS in RAS cannot be achieved with in-situ experience alone, and current training is poorly standardised. RAS-training programmes and curricula for gynaecology do exist, however the integration of NTS remain limited. Simulation is a viable tool to facilitate enhanced-NTS integration, yet cost implications form a barrier to its wider implementation. However, given that RAS will continue to occupy a greater proportion of the gynaecological caseload, integration of NTS within gynaecological RAS training curricula is necessary. Patients undergoing gynaecological RAS would benefit from the improved safety standards and enhanced surgical outcomes that would result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human-centric artificial intelligence (HCAI) aims to provide support systems that can act as peer companions to an expert in a specific domain, by simulating their way of thinking and decision-making in solving real-life problems. The gynaecological artificial intelligence diagnostics (GAID) assistant is such a system. Based on artificial intelligence (AI) argumentation technology, it was developed to incorporate, as much as possible, a complete representation of the medical knowledge in gynaecology and to become a real-life tool that will practically enhance the quality of healthcare services and reduce stress for the clinician. Our study aimed to evaluate GAIDS' efficacy and accuracy in assisting the working expert gynaecologist during day-to-day clinical practice. Methods: Knowledge-based systems utilize a knowledge base (theory) which holds evidence-based rules ("IF-THEN" statements) that are used to prove whether a conclusion (such as a disease, medication or treatment) is possible or not, given a set of input data. This approach uses argumentation frameworks, where rules act as claims that support a specific decision (arguments) and argue for its dominance over others. The result is a set of admissible arguments which support the final decision and explain its cause. Results: Based on seven different subcategories of gynaecological presentations—bleeding, endocrinology, cancer, pelvic pain, urogynaecology, sexually transmitted infections and vulva pathology in fifty patients—GAID demonstrates an average overall closeness accuracy of zero point eighty-seven. Since the system provides explanations for supporting a diagnosis against other possible diseases, this evaluation process further allowed for a learning process of modular improvement in the system of the diagnostic discrepancies between the system and the specialist. Conclusions: GAID successfully demonstrates an average accuracy of zero point eighty-seven when measuring the closeness of the system's diagnosis to that of the senior consultant. The system further provides meaningful and helpful explanations for its diagnoses that can help clinicians to develop an increasing level of trust towards the system. It also provides a practical database, which can be used as a structured history-taking assistant and a friendly, patient record-keeper, while improving precision by providing a full list of differential diagnoses. Importantly, the design and implementation of the system facilitates its continuous development with a set methodology that allows minimal revision of the system in the face of new information. Further large-scale studies are required to evaluate GAID more thoroughly and to identify its limiting boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Caesarean section is necessary to save the lives of mothers and newborns at times, but it is important to perform it only when it is essential due to all the risks involved. This study aimed to examine the rate of caesarean sections performed at a tertiary hospital using the Robson classification to detect methods for the detection of and/or reduction in these caesarean section rates. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of a retrospective database was carried out. Results: A total of 10,317 births were assessed. The Robson classification was used to assess these interventions and verify whether the indication for performed caesarean sections was appropriate. In total, 2036 births by caesarean section were performed in the whole sample. The annual caesarean section rate varied between 18.67% and 21.18%. Conclusions: Caesarean sections increased by about 20% in 2021 compared to 2020 even though the trend over the years of study was decreasing. Vaginal delivery after caesarean section is a reasonable and safe option. Caesarean section rates could be improved, mostly in Robson's Group 2. The Robson classification facilitated progress in the implementation of measures aimed at improving care and adjusting caesarean section rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the relationship between post-COVID-19 stress, subjective well-being, and quality of life (QOL) experienced by gynic patients and factors affecting quality of life. Also, essential data was collected to formulate strategies for enhancing their quality of life (QOL) amid any future pandemic. Data were collected from January 1 to February 28, 2022. It was conducted with the consent of the subjects, and the questionnaire used in the final analysis was 170 copies. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between stress, subjective well-being, and QOL of gynic patients. Through regression analysis, the factors affecting the QOL of gynic patients were identified. It was found that males were more stressed than females and in the group with higher age and grade level. Subjective well-being was higher in the 23-25-year-old group than in the 31-year-old group, and the proportion of the satisfied group was higher than the dissatisfied group, and the positive personality was higher than the negative personality. Quality of life was higher in the group who was satisfied with the department than in the dissatisfied group, and the positive personality group was higher than the negative personality group. Stress caused by COVID-19 was found to have a significant negative correlation with social relations, a sub)factor of QOL. Subjective well-being showed a statistically significant positive correlation with quality of life. QOL showed a positive correlation with life satisfaction and positive emotion, which are sub-factors of subjective well-being, and a negative correlation with negative emotion. As for the factors influencing the QOL, subject satisfaction, personality, and subjective well-being showed significant results. Therefore, to improve the quality of life of PG gynic patients in gynaecology, it is necessary to establish various measures to reduce stress and strengthen measures to increase subjective well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute abdominal pain is common and accounts for 5%–10% of all emergency department admissions. The extensive nature of the differentials can make the definitive diagnosis challenging, particularly in women of childbearing age. There is often a conundrum as to whether the emergency is of gynaecological or surgical origin: delay in diagnosis can result in significant morbidity and mortality. This article explores the history, examination and investigation of women presenting with acute abdominal pain. It considers common gynaecological causes, including those found in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous plasma containing platelets prepared from fresh whole blood drawn from a peripheral vein. Through processing, it can be prepared to contain supraphysiologic levels of platelets at three to five times greater than the level of normal plasma. PRP has been explored both in vivo and ex vivo in the human endometrium model in its ability to harness the intrinsic regenerative capacity of the endometrium. Intrauterine autologous PRP infusions have been shown to increase endometrial thickness and reduce the rate of intrauterine adhesions. In the setting of recurrent implantation failure, intrauterine infusion of PRP has been shown to increase clinical pregnancy rate. PRP also appears to hold a potential role in select patients with premature ovarian insufficiency, poor ovarian responders and in improving outcomes following frozen–thawed transplantation of autologous ovarian tissue. Further studies are required to explore the potential role of PRP in reproductive medicine further, to help standardise PRP protocols and evaluate which routes of administration are most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy in women with a high mortality rate, necessitating effective preventive measures. The American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, in their newer guidelines, suggest that patients undergoing tubectomy have an opportunity for the prevention of ovarian carcinoma by undergoing Prophylactic Bilateral Salpingectomy (PBS) instead of tubectomy in average-risk women. However, salpingectomy is not widely accepted as a method of sterilisation over tubectomy during caesarean section due to concerns about its potentially detrimental effect on ovarian reserve. Aim: To determine the effect of Bilateral Salpingectomy (BLS) and Bilateral Tubectomy (BLT) on ovarian reserve over a period of six months from surgery and to compare salpingectomy and tubectomy for their intraoperative and postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: The study is a hospital-based prospective cohort study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital (FAAMCH), Barpeta, Assam, India, from Sept 2020 to Aug 2021, over a period of one year, involving women between 32-35 years undergoing sterilisation during caesarean section. Mean Antimullerian Hormone estimation was done preoperatively, at the 3rd month, and at the 6th month to assess changes in ovarian reserve following salpingectomy and tubectomy. Intraoperative blood loss, surgery time, surgical complications, postoperative complications, recovery period, histopathological study of the fallopian tube, etc., were analysed and compared between the two groups. All data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 5% confidence level. Results: A total of 114 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 9.64% dropped out midway, while the remaining 103 (90.36%) patients were part of the study until its completion. The mean age of the participants was 33 years and six months. There was no significant intergroup variation in preoperative, 3rd month, and 6th month mean Antimullerian Hormone (AMH) values (p>0.05). However, in each group, the preoperative mean AMH was lower than its 3rd month and 6th month values, which were in the normal range. This was attributed to ovarian suppression during pregnancy, which normalised following delivery and showed an increasing trend thereafter. However, on average, salpingectomy required approximately 10 minutes more than tubectomy. Conclusion: Salpingectomy does not affect ovarian reserve in the short-term of six months. Other than being more timeconsuming compared to tubectomy, salpingectomy is on par with traditional tubectomy. Therefore, it may be adopted as a routine sterilisation method considering its role in the prevention of ovarian cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are significant differences in the densities of resident specialists in gynaecology (RSGs) in various regions of Denmark. It is unclear whether this disparity affects gynaecological patients' experience of the referral process and whether it differs in terms of their socioeconomic status (SES). Objective: To examine gynaecological patients' experiences of the referral process to an RSG concerning RSG density and patients' SES. Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire and registry-based study. Setting: In Denmark, general practitioners (GPs) serve as gatekeepers of secondary care and are responsible for referrals to resident specialists as well as inpatient and outpatient hospital care. Subjects: A total of 2917 patients who consulted an RSG participated in this study. Main outcome measurements: Patients' experiences of referral to an RSG, waiting times, involvement, and how they experienced the referral process. Results: Patients who lived in the highest density RSG region were referred to an RSG more promptly after the onset of symptoms, had to visit their GP less frequently to obtain a referral to the RSG, and rarely received a gynaecological examination by their GP compared with those living in regions with lower RSG densities. Moreover, their waiting times were shorter, and more often, the patients themselves proposed to be referred to an RSG. The findings show that RSG density had a greater impact on women's experiences than SES. Conclusion: To allow equal access to specialist care, RSG density must be equal across all regions in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Delonix regia is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the sedge family.It is a type of blossoming plant near Madagascar. It is renowned for its plant-like leaves and heavenly presentation of orange-red leaves in the summer. It grows as a decorative tree along roadsides and in many tropical areas of the world. It is used to produce bee fodder. In English, it's called Royal Poinciana, Flamboyant, or Flame Tree. In many areas, it is additionally recognized as a forest. Traditionally, it is the repository of natural medicine. Various components of the Delonix regia plant are used to treat a number of ailments, like inflammation, bronchitis, joint pain, diabetes, anaemia, fever, and pneumonia. Delonix regia can also be used as a treatment for gynaecological problems. Delonix regia additionally has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, anticancer, antihelminthic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, gastroprotective, wound healing, hypoglycaemic and antifeedant activities.This work mainly provides support for research work on Delonix regia description, traditional uses, economic importance, phytochemical and pharmacological activities. In about 102 articles, quantitative and subjective information was taken from several articles. The quest for this review was completed in the accompanying data sets: Google Scholar, ResearchGate, PubMed, and other applicable distributed materials.The literature review of Delonix regia indicates that it has extensive pharmacological properties that really help treat a few disorders.Delonix regia plant parts are used as traditional medicine around the world. All parts of a plant, mainly the leaf, flower, bark, and roots, have active and inactive chemical compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following an introductory section, this text takes the format of a reworked script that I originally delivered as part of a live broadcast during the 2016 Liverpool Biennale. Titled The Truncheon and the Speculum, it is one element of In the Shadow of the State, a collaborative work by the artists Jesse Jones and Sarah Browne. The text presented here focuses on scenes from the development, design and use of a specific medical instrument—the vaginal speculum—in relation to regimes of innovation, reputation and regulation. Through researching the material and bodily culture of the speculum, certain themes emerged, including paradigms of discovery, visuality, legal aesthetics, use and affordance. The script and images are largely drawn from primary research into medical texts, memoirs, political tracts and commercial literature. Extracts from these sources have been reproduced verbatim save for sections that were edited to avoid the most violent accounts of human suffering.

Abstract Objective To investigate if earlier and repeated postpartum care visits (PPCVs) (3 and 7 weeks) compared to a standard visit (7 weeks) would increase early initiation of contraception and contraceptive use at 1‐year postpartum. Design Comparative clinical trial. Setting Six maternity clinics in Gothenburg, Sweden. Population There were 447 women in the intervention group and 511 in the standard group. Methods Comparing standard postpartum care with an intervention model of care. Main Outcome Measures Initiation of contraception and method used. Results From January 2019 to June 2020, 1159, participants were enrolled. Analyses included 958 subjects where the intervention group had higher use of contraception (55.5%) compared to the standard group (48.5%), (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4–13.5), p = 0.037. Long‐acting reversible contraceptives were higher among users in the intervention group (56.9%) compared to the standard group (48%), (95% CI: −0.3 to 18.0), p = 0.059. Condom use was higher in the standard group (19%) compared to the intervention group (12.1%), (95% CI: 0.1–13.6), p = 0.047. Contraceptive use 1‐year postpartum was higher in the intervention group (55.7%) compared to the standard group (47.2%), (95% CI: 1.2–15.9), p = 0.023 and more pregnancies were reported in the standard group (7.8%) compared to the intervention group (4.1%), (95% CI: 0.5–7.0), p = 0.040. Conclusion These results indicate the importance of earlier and additional PPCVs to increase early start‐up of contraception and to obtain a higher frequency of contraceptive use 1‐year postpartum to reduce pregnancies close to delivery.

Introduction: Periodontal medicine indicates a strong relationship between Periodontal Health (PH) or disease and ‘systemic health.’ Although Periodontal Disease (PD) is quite distant from the area affected by endometriosis, both conditions share a similar pathogenesis. Both endometriosis and PD are chronic inflammatory diseases that occur more commonly in patients with systemic disorders. Moreover, significant alterations in immune modulators have been shown to occur in both diseases. Need for the Study: The research is to evaluate the correlation between endometriosis and PH for early diagnosis, treatment planning, and prevention of long-term sequelae. Aim: To evaluate the PH status in female patients with endometriosis. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study will be carried out in the Department of Periodontics, Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Sawangi (M), Wardha, Maharashtra, India from September 2023 to March 2024, involving 384 participants (192 patients diagnosed with endometriosis and 192 controls). Assessment of oral hygiene, plaque accumulation, gingival status, Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Gingival Recession (GR), and other factors will be measured to evaluate the PH of the patients.

AbstractBackground There are significant differences in the densities of resident specialists in gynaecology (RSGs) in various regions of Denmark. It is unclear whether this disparity affects gynaecological patients’ experience of the referral process and whether it differs in terms of their socioeconomic status (SES).Objective To examine gynaecological patients’ experiences of the referral process to an RSG concerning RSG density and patients’ SES.Design Cross-sectional questionnaire and registry-based study.Setting In Denmark, general practitioners (GPs) serve as gatekeepers of secondary care and are responsible for referrals to resident specialists as well as inpatient and outpatient hospital care.Subjects A total of 2917 patients who consulted an RSG participated in this study.Main outcome measurements Patients’ experiences of referral to an RSG, waiting times, involvement, and how they experienced the referral process.Results Patients who lived in the highest density RSG region were referred to an RSG more promptly after the onset of symptoms, had to visit their GP less frequently to obtain a referral to the RSG, and rarely received a gynaecological examination by their GP compared with those living in regions with lower RSG densities. Moreover, their waiting times were shorter, and more often, the patients themselves proposed to be referred to an RSG. The findings show that RSG density had a greater impact on women’s experiences than SES.Conclusion To allow equal access to specialist care, RSG density must be equal across all regions in the country.

Robotic-assisted surgery is an advanced surgical technique that combines the skill of a surgeon with the precision and capabilities of robotic systems. This approach has revolutionised the field of medicine by providing enhanced visualisation, improved dexterity, and greater control during surgical procedures.The most widely used robotic system is the da Vinci surgical System, which allows surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgeries with smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery time for patients. Robotic-assisted surgery has been successfully applied in various specialities, including gynaecology, urology, general surgery, and thoracic surgery. It offers benefits such as enhanced surgical precision, better outcomes, and improved postoperative quality of life. However, the decision to use robotic-assisted surgery depends on factors such as patient suitability, surgeon expertise, and the availability of robotic systems. Ongoing advancements in robotic technology continue to shape the future of surgical practice, with the potential for further improvements in surgical techniques and patient care. Overall, robotic-assisted surgery represents a significant milestone in surgical innovation, providing a promising approach to improve surgical outcomes and patient well-being. The present narrative review describes the effect of robotic surgery in different disciplines and its effects on surgical outcomes.

Naa-Korkor Allotey,1,2 Samuel Adolf Bosoka3,4 1Ethics and Research Management Department, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana; 2Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana; 3Disease Surveillance Unit, Volta Regional Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Ho, Ghana; 4Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, GhanaCorrespondence: Naa-Korkor Allotey, Email naa.korkorallotey@ghs.gov.gh; korkorallotey@gmail.com

Sabrina Shahid, Mahdi Sadeghi, Yusuf Alghabra Medical Education, King’s College London, London, UKCorrespondence: Mahdi Sadeghi, King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 1UL, UK, Email Mahdi.Sadeghi@kcl.ac.uk

Abstract Aim Risk assessment models for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) used worldwide are based on multidisciplinary data from Western countries. We aimed to establish a DVT risk assessment model that is applicable to Chinese patients with gynaecological conditions. Design A risk assessment tool for DVT in gynaecology using the Delphi method. Methods A three‐round Delphi study was conducted among experts who were asked to rate the importance of each risk factor in the Caprini scale. The consensus for each item was defined as a mean rating of >3 and a coefficient of variation (CV) of

Abstract Background Challenges in recruiting appropriately trained obstetricians and gynaecologists have been identified across the world. Given well documented staff shortages within obstetrics and gynaecology in Ireland, it is increasingly important to understand the factors which influence medical students to choose or reject a career in the speciality. The aim of this study was to ascertain the perceptions of final year graduate entry medical students of obstetrics and gynaecology, including the factors which may influence a student’s decision to pursue in a career in the speciality. Methods Paper-based surveys of graduate entry medical students (n = 146) were conducted at the beginning and end of a six week rotation in obstetrics and gynaecology in Ireland. Responses to the surveys pre- and post-rotation were matched and changes in career choices, merits and demerits over time were analysed. All analysis was conducted using SPSS for Windows version 25. Results The responses of 72 students to both questionnaires could be matched (response rate of 49.3%). No male students expressed an interest in obstetrics, gynaecology or both as a first choice of career in the pre rotation survey. Obstetrics as a first choice of career increased from 6.9% pre rotation to 19.4% post rotation (p = 0.04) and this increase was seen in male and female students. Gynaecology as a first choice increased slightly from 1.4 to 4.2% (p = 0.50) and the dual speciality increased from 6.9 to 13.9% (p = 0.23). Students identified many merits of obstetrics pre-rotation with more than 60% identifying it as exciting, interesting fulfilling and challenging. However, incompatibility with family life was cited as a demerit by 72% of respondents and 68.1% identified fear of litigation as a demerit. Participants were less positive overall about the merits of a career in gynaecology with less than 40% viewing it as exciting, fulfilling, and varied. Conclusions While respondents were positive about the merits of a career in obstetrics and gynecology, concerns remain about work-life balance, career opportunities, and the high-risk nature of the specialty. These concerns should be addressed by the profession and policy makers if they wish to attract sufficient numbers to address anticipated need in the coming years. Gender differences in speciality choice were also evident. If males are to be recruited into obstetrics and gynaecology, consideration should be given to the positive impact of internship.

Abstract This commentary analysis evaluated the size and prevalence of financial conflicts of interest among authors of Japanese obstetrics and gynaecology clinical practice guidelines. Our analysis found that 66% of all authors received personal payments totalling US$1.2 million during the guideline development period. Furthermore, the guideline chairpersons received much larger payments than those to other authors.

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of menstrual disorders and the perceived effect of menstrual cycles upon performance in elite athletes.MethodologyA longitudinal survey in the form of a questionnaire was sent to female track and field athletes at British Athletics every 6 months, over a five-year period between 1st October 2014 and 1st October 2019 in the United Kingdom (UK).Results128 athletes completed an average of 4.2 ± 2.9 questionnaires across the study period. The mean age of menarche was 14.2 ± 1.4 years, 13.4 ± 1.3 years and 12.8 ± 1.4 years in endurance, power, and thrower athletes respectively (p

Background Despite high reported prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), women report difficulties accessing evidence-based and reliable information about the condition. Many rely on social media and other popular and highly visible internet platforms which have been found to contain poor quality information that is difficult for the average patient to understand. The aim of the study is to co-design an information website for premenopausal women with POP. The website design will be based on the Website Developmental Model for the Healthcare Consumer (WDMHC) framework. Methods A four phase process will be utilised as per the WDMHC framework: 1) User, task and environmental analysis; 2) Functional and representational analysis; 3) Cognitive walkthrough, keystroke level model, heuristic testing; 4) Content based testing, expert testing and user-based testing. Ethics approval has been obtained (LS-23-19-Carroll-Ful). Two groups of stakeholders will be recruited (i) patient group (ii) healthcare professional (HCP) group. Patient participants will be recruited from an online pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) support group (n=950 members). A website designer and HCP stakeholders involved in the multidisciplinary team caring for women with POP will be invited to participate. Both groups will participate in separate co-design online workshops. Focus group workshops will be video-recorded, transcribed and imported into NVivo. Themes and subthemes will be developed. The website will be designed and disseminated to all participants for feedback. Cognitive walkthrough and heuristic testing will be undertaken. Following this, necessary modifications will be made to the website. Participants will then complete a modified System Usability Scale (SUS) and the eHealth Impact Questionnaire, while five HCPs will complete the DISCERN instrument. Conclusion This study will inform the design and testing of an information website for women with POP. The website design and content will be informed by patient and HCP stakeholder voices and the health literacy literature.

A recent editorial in this Journal argued that increasing surgical complexity coupled with more limited training calls for separating obstetrics from gynaecology. The speciality suffers manpower challenges and high attrition rates. There is an apparent gulf in approach between researchers focussing on the views of UK graduates or trainees and workforce planners who address the problem through overseas recruitment. Whilst available literature provides scant, if any, indication as to how to address current challenges, it is important that advocates for women’s health assess and mitigate potential drawbacks when exploring the way forward.