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Among patients seeking abortion are a group who request concurrent sterilization. This study compared three combinations of abortion and sterilization techniques. Suction termination with laparoscopic tubal ligation appears to be the combination of choice, for the mean hospital stay of patients undergoing this procedure was two days and the operative morbidity was 3.1%. For suction termination with tubal ligation at laparotomy, and hysterotomy with tubal ligation the mean hospital stays were 6 and 5.7 days respectively and the operative morbidity was four to five times greater.

This article describes the functions of the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic at the Montreal Children's Hospital. Most of the problems treated there are pregnancy in the adolescent, vulvo-vaginitis, dysfunctional bleeding, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea and lower abdominal pain. Treatment for these complaints is described, stress being laid on reassurance and careful explanation.

This article describes the history of prostaglandins and the current status of research into their applications in gynecology. Studies of their use in inducing menstruation, labor and abortion are described.

In six years in London, Ontario, the use of continuous lumbar epidural analgesia in deliveries increased from 5% to over 50%. Its effect was assessed in 1000 consecutive cases, all vertex presentations. In established labour, epidural analgesia was started for pain relief and was maintained with intermittent injections until delivery; in 34% the duration exceeded four hours. Labour was not retarded, but there was an inadvertent selection of patients with slow and painful progress. Forceps delivery was used in 89%, mid-forceps in 11.8% and forceps rotation in 17.7%; 2.4% required Cesarean section. Fetal condition was excellent (Apgar rating of 7 or greater in 96.7%). Postpartum complications could not be directly related to the technique. Continuous epidural analgesia gives superior relief of pain but calls for experienced anesthetists and adjustments in obstetrical management and nursing care.

A study was carried out at the Adolescent Unit of The Montreal Children's Hospital from September 1970 to December 1972, the focus of which evolved from the pregnant teenager in general to the short- and long-term effects of her abortion. Answers to a questionnaire administered to 65 pregnant girls to determine the psychosocial characteristics of the pregnant teenager indicated that these girls are not socially or emotionally abnormal.A follow-up study of 50 girls who had an abortion determined that the girls do not change their life styles or become emotionally unstable up to one year post-abortion, although most have a mild, normal reaction to the crisis.During the study period the clinic services evolved from mainly prenatal care to mainly abortion counselling, and then to providing the abortion with less counselling, placing emphasis on those cases which require other than medical services.