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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

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 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 Background Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in recent years with serious health ramifications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the strength and validity of associations between diabetes and anti-diabetic interventions and the risk of any type of gynaecological or obstetric conditions. Methods Design: Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Data sources: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, manual screening of references. Eligibility criteria: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational and interventional studies investigating the relationship between diabetes and anti-diabetic interventions with gynaecological or obstetric outcomes. Meta-analyses that did not include complete data from individual studies, such as relative risk, 95% confidence intervals, number of cases/controls, or total population were excluded. Data analysis: The evidence from meta-analyses of observational studies was graded as strong, highly suggestive, suggestive or weak according to criteria comprising the random effects estimate of meta-analyses and their largest study, the number of cases, 95% prediction intervals, I 2 heterogeneity index between studies, excess significance bias, small study effect and sensitivity analysis using credibility ceilings. Interventional meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials were assessed separately based on the statistical significance of reported associations, the risk of bias and quality of evidence (GRADE) of included meta-analyses. Results A total of 117 meta-analyses of observational cohort studies and 200 meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials that evaluated 317 outcomes were included. Strong or highly suggestive evidence only supported a positive association between gestational diabetes and caesarean section, large for gestational age babies, major congenital malformations and heart defects and an inverse relationship between metformin use and ovarian cancer incidence. Only a fifth of the randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of anti-diabetic interventions on women’s health reached statistical significance and highlighted metformin as a more effective agent than insulin on risk reduction of adverse obstetric outcomes in both gestational and pre-gestational diabetes. Conclusions Gestational diabetes appears to be strongly associated with a high risk of caesarean section and large for gestational age babies. Weaker associations were demonstrated between diabetes and anti-diabetic interventions with other obstetric and gynaecological outcomes. Trial registration Open Science Framework (OSF) (Registration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9G6AB ).

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.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect a female’s reproductive system and comes with associated complications to the endocrine system of the affected individual. The diagnosis success of the condition varies depending on the stage of the disease. Thus, there is a need for investment in additional technologies that can help bolster the overall diagnosis success of the condition and to cue in prompt care strategies. A substantial amount of work has been done on this, where artificial intelligence technology has been investigated around the exploitation of patient medical health records towards predicting whether a patient is carrying the PCOS condition. The shortcomings associated with this related literature are based on the use of an unbalanced dataset towards the training of the candidate models, which can induce a form of model bias and approach the problem as a binary-based prediction exercise. This study aims at providing a solution to this apparent gap in knowledge by designing a prediction model using the Kaggle PCOS dataset, which is initially balanced using a synthetic sample generation algorithm. Next, a probability-based inference system is designed to estimate and stage the degree of the PCOS condition in the patient.

BACKGROUND Endometriosis remains a poorly understood disease, despite its high prevalence and debilitating symptoms. The overlap in symptoms and the increased risk of multiple other traits in women with endometriosis is becoming increasingly apparent through epidemiological data. Genetic studies offer a method of investigating these comorbid relationships through the assessment of causal relationships with Mendelian randomization (MR), as well as identification of shared genetic variants and genes involved across traits. This has the capacity to identify risk factors for endometriosis as well as provide insight into the aetiology of disease. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We aim to review the current literature assessing the relationship between endometriosis and other traits using genomic data, primarily through the methods of MR and genetic correlation. We critically examine the limitations of these studies in accordance with the assumptions of the utilized methods. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database was used to search for peer-reviewed original research articles using the terms 'Mendelian randomization endometriosis' and '"genetic correlation" endometriosis'. Additionally, a Google Scholar search using the terms '"endometriosis" "mendelian randomization" "genetic correlation"' was performed. All relevant publications (n = 21) published up until 7 October 2022 were included in this review. Upon compilation of all traits with published MR and/or genetic correlation with endometriosis, additional epidemiological and genetic information on their comorbidity with endometriosis was sourced by searching for the trait in conjunction with 'endometriosis' on Google Scholar. OUTCOMES The association between endometriosis and multiple pain, gynaecological, cancer, inflammatory, gastrointestinal, psychological, and anthropometric traits has been assessed using MR analysis and genetic correlation analysis. Genetic correlation analyses provide evidence that genetic factors contributing to endometriosis are shared with multiple traits: migraine, uterine fibroids, subtypes of ovarian cancer, melanoma, asthma, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, gastritis/duodenitis, and depression, suggesting the involvement of multiple biological mechanisms in endometriosis. The assessment of causality with MR has revealed several potential causes (e.g. depression) and outcomes (e.g. ovarian cancer and uterine fibroids) of a genetic predisposition to endometriosis; however, interpretation of these results requires consideration of potential violations of the MR assumptions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Genomic studies have demonstrated that there is a molecular basis for the co-occurrence of endometriosis with other traits. Dissection of this overlap has identified shared genes and pathways, which provide insight into the biology of endometriosis. Thoughtful MR studies are necessary to ascertain causality of the comorbidities of endometriosis. Given the significant diagnostic delay of endometriosis of 7–11 years, determining risk factors is necessary to aid diagnosis and reduce the disease burden. Identification of traits for which endometriosis is a risk factor is important for holistic treatment and counselling of the patient. The use of genomic data to disentangle the overlap of endometriosis with other traits has provided insights into the aetiology of endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient perspectives have an important role in improving the quality of outpatient hysteroscopy (OPH) services. Understanding women's experiences can help provide important insights regarding the OPH journey. The purpose of this paper is to share perspectives and reflect on the experiences of women that participated in a national benchmarking OPH survey. In addition, we explore the correlation between women's experience of OPH and reported pain scores. Over a two-month period, 5151 women took part in the national OPH survey. Free text comments relating to women's OPH experience, collected as part of the survey, were subjected to qualitative analysis using NVivo 12 software to provide a better understanding of the OPH journey. In addition, correlations were drawn between the qualitative and quantitative data collected for pain scores and satisfaction using SPSS software. 1720 (33.3%) women provided comments on their OPH experience. Qualitative thematic analysis generated themes that were divided into positive (82%) and negative (7%) experiences of care. Potential areas of improvement in relation to the OPH service were highlighted in 11% of themes. Most women regarded OPH as a safe, tolerable, and well delivered outpatient service. Quantitative analysis showed that 1829 (35.5%) women reported procedural pain between 70 and 100 mm. These women reported equivalent quality of care on a 10 cm visual analogue scale (9.71 [SD1.04] vs. 9.76 [0.73]; P = 0.06) but were more likely to decline having the procedure done in the same way again (19.4% vs. 3.1%; RR 6.30, 95% CI 5.06 to 7.83) compared to women with pain scores < 70 mm. Qualitative data supports the usefulness, safety, tolerability, and acceptance of hysteroscopy in an outpatient setting by most women. However, the reasons for high procedural pain, poor tolerability and negative experiences warrant review and exploration of both individual patient and relevant institutional factors including training, equipment, and local processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Adult obesity is a strong risk factor for endometrial cancer (EC); however, associations of early life obesity with EC are inconclusive. We evaluated associations of young adulthood (18–21 years) and adulthood (at enrolment) body mass index (BMI) and weight change with EC risk in the Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium (E2C2). Methods We pooled data from nine case-control and 11 cohort studies in E2C2. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for BMI (kg/m2) in young adulthood and adulthood, with adjustment for BMI in adulthood and young adulthood, respectively. We evaluated categorical changes in weight (5-kg increments) and BMI from young adulthood to adulthood, and stratified analyses by histology, menopausal status, race and ethnicity, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use and diabetes. Results We included 14 859 cases and 40 859 controls. Obesity in adulthood (OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 2.47–3.29) and young adulthood (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.06–1.50) were positively associated with EC risk. Weight gain and BMI gain were positively associated with EC; weight loss was inversely associated with EC. Young adulthood obesity was more strongly associated with EC among cases diagnosed with endometrioid histology, those who were pre/perimenopausal, non-Hispanic White and non-Hispanic Black, among never HRT users and non-diabetics. Conclusions Young adulthood obesity is associated with EC risk, even after accounting for BMI in adulthood. Weight gain is also associated with EC risk, whereas weight loss is inversely associated. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight over the life course is important for EC prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laparotomic or hysteroscopic myomectomy, and high-intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU), can be used in the treatment of Type 2 myomas with a > 50% intramural component. Hysteroscopic electroresection may damage the remaining endometrium and complete ablation of myomas may not be realised via HIFU treatment. We report and examine the results of 1 case of HIFU treatment, accompanied with the hysteroscopy endo-operative system (HEOS) cold device procedure. These were used for treating a > 4cm diameter Type 2 uterine myoma and ensuring successful pregnancy. HIFU treatment of uterine myomas can achieve point-by-point ablation of lesions as far as possible without damaging the endometrium. The HEOS cold device procedure was implemented 3 months after HIFU treatment. The patient got pregnant naturally in the third month after receiving treatment, with no complications during her pregnancy. The patient gave birth to a healthy male via full-term cesarean section. HIFU treatment, accompanied with the HEOS cold device procedure, ensured complete myoma removal. It also preserved the integrity of the myometrium and prevented uterine perforation during surgery. For the patient who had a large uterine myoma and wanted to achieve pregnancy soon, HIFU accompanied with the HEOS cold device procedure could ensure complete myoma removal, whilst preserving the integrity of myometrium and preventing uterine perforation during surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the value of three-dimensional reconstruction technology in the surgical treatment of gynecological malignant tumors. Methods From January 2018 to January 2021, A total of 80 patients with ovarian cancer admitted to this hospital were divided into the experimental group and the control group by random number table method, with 40 cases in each group. The control group was treated with transabdominal radical resection of ovarian cancer, and the experimental group was treated with transabdominal radical resection of ovarian cancer combined with three-dimensional reconstruction technology. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was observed. Results The operation time of the experimental group was longer than that of the control group. The amount of intraoperative blood loss, the number of lymph nodes dissected and length of hospital stay in the experimental group were less/shorter than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9(MMP- 9), human epididymal protein 4(HE4) and chitinase protein 40(YKL-40) in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group at seven days after operation, with statistical significance (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion In radical resection of gynecological ovarian cancer, the application of three-dimensional reconstruction technology for surgical treatment has a good surgical effect, rapid postoperative recovery, and can significantly reduce the level of serum tumor factors, and reduce the postoperative complications and recurrence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Technological advancements extend the range of indications for gynecological laparoscopy. We are presenting the outcome of our experiences with gynaecological laparoscopies and assessed rate, indications, complications and its benefits in a teaching hospital. Study Design: Retrospective Observational study. Setting: MTI Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. Period: January 2021 to December 2021. Material & Methods: we performed laparoscopic procedure for a total of 222 patients and all were included in the study. Laparoscopic surgeries were performed under general anesthesia. Successful creation of the pneumoperitoneum was done with the help of Veress needle, mostly by closed access technique and occasionally with the open method. Secondary ports were introduced under direct vision. After completing the surgery laparoscope and secondary ports were removed under direct vision to minimize any iatrogenic insult. Results: During the study period, 908 major gynaecological operations including 222 laparoscopies were performed. This gave the rate of 24.45% laparoscopies per 100 operations. Diagnostic laparoscopies were performed in 195 (87.84%) cases and operative were in 27 (12.16%) cases. Complications were only in 5 of the cases, two being of major nature. A ureteric ligation occurred during laparoscopic hysterectomy resulting in conversion of laparoscopic surgeries into open surgery and another was during cystectomy due to excessive bleeding. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery propounds unique benefits including definite diagnosis, mobilization and speedy recovery, minimal complications, less cost and shorter hospital stay. In young patients, laparoscopy helps in preserving their fertility with better prognosis in contrast to open surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests a limited contribution to the total research output in leading obstetrics and gynaecology journals by researchers from the developing world. Editorial bias, quality of scientific research produced and language barriers have been attributed as possible causes for this phenomenon. The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence of editorial board members based out of low and lower-middle income countries in leading journals in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. The top 21 journals in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology were selected based on their impact factor, SCImago ranking and literature search. The composition of the editorial boards of these journals was studied based on World Bank Income Criteria to understand the representation status of researchers from low and lower-middle income countries. A total of 1315 board members make up the editorial composition of leading obstetrics and gynaecology journals. The majority of these editors belong to high-income countries (n = 1148; 87.3%). Low (n = 6; 0.45%) and lower-middle income (n = 55; 4.18%) countries make up for a very minuscule proportion of editorial board members. Only a meagre 9 out of 21 journals have editorial board members from these countries (42.85%). Low and low-middle countries have poor representation in the editorial boards of leading obstetrics and gynaecology journals. Poor representation in research from these countries has grave consequences for a large proportion of the global population and multidisciplinary collaborative efforts must be taken to rapidly change this statistic with immediate effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of obesity is rising worldwide. This is contributing to an increase in complexity around perioperative care in all surgical specialties including gynaecology. A holistic approach is essential when managing obese women requiring surgery. A multidisciplinary team is strongly advised in the process of selecting women for surgery. Careful emphasis must be placed on pre-operative and postoperative care with focus on prevention of additional complications associated with obesity. Weight management clinics may have an important role in the pre-operative planning stage. It may be safer to defer surgery in selected cases whilst conditions are optimised or cancel surgical options altogether when surgery is deemed too high risk. This may include women with gynaecological cancers who would otherwise be advised surgery. We aim to outline the challenges encountered in the management of obesity in gynaecology and discuss various methods to optimise care when surgery is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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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 <0.5 in the first round, as CV <0.3 in the second round. Results: Eleven experts participated in the Delphi method, with a response rate of 100%. Kendall's coefficients of concordance (W) were 0.264 and 0.322 in the first and second rounds, respectively (p < 0.001). The DVT risk assessment scale includes 8 dimensions and 34 items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare intra- and post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing benign gynaecologic surgery before and after the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. Introduction: ERAS is a multidisciplinary teamwork with the aim to reduce the body's reaction to surgical stress. The key components of ERAS include pre-operative counselling, avoiding prolonged fasting, standardised analgesic and anaesthetic regimes, early mobilisation and early discharge. Materials and Methods: Women undergoing hysterectomy and myomectomy were included in the study. The pre-ERAS group had 100 cases and the ERAS group had 104. Demographic data of both the groups were compared. Duration of surgery, amount of blood loss, intra-abdominal drain, oral feed, catheter removal, ambulation, passage of flatus and length of stay were compared. Results: The demographic profiles of both the groups were comparable. Time taken to intake of liquids (P < 0.001), solid food (P < 0.001), passage of flatus (P = 0.001), removal of Foley's catheter (P = 0.023), ambulation (P = 0.007), pain score (P = 0.001) and length of stay in hospital (P < 0.001) were statistically significantly shorter in the ERAS group when compared to the pre-ERAS group. A significant difference was seen in the use of intraperitoneal drains in the ERAS group (81% vs. 23.1%), and if used, drains were removed early in the ERAS group (66.66% vs. 28.39%) within 40 h. Both the groups had similar intra- and immediate post-operative complications. Conclusion: ERAS helps in reducing length of stay with early feeding and ambulation, leading to early discharge without increase in intra- and post-operative complications in women undergoing benign gynaecological surgeries.

AbstractBackground There are large differences in the density of Resident Specialists in Gynaecology (RSG) in the various regions of Denmark. It is unknown if this inequality affects the General Practitioner (GP) referral patterns of gynaecological patients.Objective To investigate the GP referral patterns of gynaecological patients to the RSG or to the Hospital/Outpatient Clinic (HOC) in specific situations according to the regional density of RSGs. Moreover, to examine whether GPs prefer to refer to the HOC or to the RSG, or whether they were treated by the GP depending on the density of RSGs, specifically, in six benign gynaecological diagnoses.Design A cross-sectional questionnaire survey.Setting In Denmark, GPs serve as gatekeepers to secondary care, being responsible for referrals to resident specialists and in- and outpatient hospital care.Subjects Five hundred Danish GPs were randomly selected and invited to take part in the questionnaire study. Main outcome measurements: Referral patterns: Own treatment, RSG, or HOC.Results GPs prefer to refer their gynaecologic patients to RSGs rather than to HOCs. In addition, the study shows the higher the density of RSGs, the more gynaecological patients are referred to the RSG. This also applies to the six diagnoses examined.Conclusion To allow patients’ equal access to specialist care, the density of RSGs must be equal all over the country.

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.

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 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.

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 FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the placenta is of great importance, not only in the attempt to understand the etiopathogenesis of various maternal-fetal pathologies, but also in the attempt to understand whether it is possible to find the cause of pathological neonatal outcomes. On the other hand, abnormalities of blood vessel formation, such as angiodysplasias, have been poorly characterised in the literature, and there is a need for more studies investigating the potential impact on the fetus. In this paper, we retrospectively analysed 2063 placentas received at the Department of Pathology of the University of Bari 'Aldo Moro', among which we identified 70 placentas affected by angiodysplasia. On these placentas, we carried out histochemical staining with Masson's Trichrome, orcein-alcian blue, and, subsequently, immunostaining with anti-CD31, CD34, and desmin and actin muscle smoothness antibodies. Finally, we performed a morphometric analysis on the allantochorionic and truncal vessels and correlated the results with neonatal outcomes. We studied the characteristics of the angiodysplasias in detail, dividing the patients into two classes (A and B) according to the morphology and histochemical characteristics of the affected vessels; statistical analysis reported a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between the ratio of maximum thickness to maximum diameter (Tmax/Dmax) and neonatal outcome, with only 30% physiological outcome in the cohort of the placentas affected by angiodysplasia. These results shed light on a rather neglected aspect in the 2015 Amsterdam Classification, as well as in the literature, and provided strong evidence that placental angiodysplasia is predictive of an increased likelihood of the pathological fetal outcome, while other factors remain in the field. Studies with larger case series and guidelines with more attention to these aspects are mandated to further investigate the predictive potential of this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• P-values can deny genuine beneficial effects of an intervention. • Bradford Hill created a rounded assessment to determine causality. • Incorporates previous literature, study design, mechanism and secondary outcomes. • Rounded assessment can be more reflective of true clinical impact of intervention. • Alternative methods to evaluate the clinical benefit of an intervention are required. Medical practice relies on reliable research observations. Whether such observations are true is traditionally tested by hypotheses and expressed with P-values. A strict P-value driven interpretation could potentially deny benefits of treatment. A strict P-value driven interpretation was compared to a context driven causality interpretation using the Bradford Hill Criteria to determine the clinical benefit of an intervention. We searched all randomised controlled trials in Women's Health, published in five leading medical journals since January 2014. These were then scored using the 10 Bradford Hill Criteria for causation. Each component of the Bradford Hill Criteria was given a score from zero to three, resulting in a total score between zero and 30 for each article, converted into a decimal value. These scores were then compared to conclusions based on the p-value and conclusions drawn by the authors. For results discordant between Bradford Hill Criteria and P-values, we compared results with meta -analysis. We found 68 articles for extraction of data. Of these, 49 (72%) showed concordance between Bradford Hill criteria and p-value driven interpretation, 25 (37%) of the articles reporting effectiveness (true positive), and 24 (35%) reporting no effectiveness (true negative). In eight (12%) articles, Bradford Hill criteria scores suggested effetiveness while p-values driven interpretation did not. Seven of those eight articles had p-values between 0.05 and 0.10. Out of these eight articles, six had a subsequent meta-analysis' published on the intervention being studied. All six meta -analysis demonstrated effetiveness of the intervention. In the interpretation of clinical trials, a context driven interpretation of causality may be more clinically informative than a strict P-value driven approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mithun, a unique bovine species, endemic to parts of North East India and plays an important role in the socioeconomic, cultural and religious fabrics of the local tribal population. To date, Mithuns are reared in a traditional free‐range system by communities and increased deforestation, agricultural commercialization, disease outbreaks and indiscriminate slaughtering of elite Mithun for table purposes have significantly decreased its habitat and the elite Mithun population. Greater genetic gain is achieved with the implementation and effective use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs); however, presently it is limited to organized Mithun farms. At a slow pace, Mithun farmers are adopting semi‐intensive rearing systems and interest in the use of ARTs is gradually escalating in Mithun husbandry. This article reviews the current status of ARTs such as semen collection and cryopreservation, estrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination (TAI), multiple ovulation and embryo transfer and in vitro embryo production and future perspectives in Mithun. Mithun semen collection and cryopreservation have been standardized, and estrus synchronization and TAI are suitable technologies that can be easily implemented under field conditions in near future. The establishment of an open nucleus‐breeding system under community participatory mode along with the introduction of the ARTs is an alternative to the traditional breeding system for rapid genetic improvement of Mithun. Finally, the review considers the potential benefits of ARTs in Mithun and future research should include the use of these ARTs which will provide additional opportunities for improved breeding regimens in Mithun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical coding, the method by which departments are reimbursed for providing services to patients, is widely mispractised within the NHS. Improving clinical coding accuracy therefore offers an opportunity to increase departmental income, guide efficient resource allocation and enable staff development. The authors audited the clinical coding in outpatient hysteroscopy clinics at their institution and found that coding errors were both prevalent and correctable. By implementing simple changes in coding procedure, and without any additional administrative cost, they significantly improved coding accuracy and achieved an increase in total annual tariffs. Although not applicable in a block contract, this will become highly relevant in a restoration of the Payment by Results tariff system. Nurse development is a key objective of the NHS Long Term Plan but can be hindered by staff costs, which require departmental funding. In the authors' institution, improved clinical coding accuracy directly led to a departmental restructuring, funded the development of a new hysteroscopy nurse development and improved care delivery. Coding errors are not unique to the authors' trust, yet simple amendments led to meaningful changes. Therefore, careful auditing and implemented change are needed to raise national clinical coding standards, to enable clinical restructuring, staff development, and provide more efficient, patient-centred care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions in recent years with serious health ramifications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the strength and validity of associations between diabetes and anti-diabetic interventions and the risk of any type of gynaecological or obstetric conditions. Methods: Design: Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Data sources: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, manual screening of references. Eligibility criteria: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational and interventional studies investigating the relationship between diabetes and anti-diabetic interventions with gynaecological or obstetric outcomes. Meta-analyses that did not include complete data from individual studies, such as relative risk, 95% confidence intervals, number of cases/controls, or total population were excluded. Data analysis: The evidence from meta-analyses of observational studies was graded as strong, highly suggestive, suggestive or weak according to criteria comprising the random effects estimate of meta-analyses and their largest study, the number of cases, 95% prediction intervals, I2 heterogeneity index between studies, excess significance bias, small study effect and sensitivity analysis using credibility ceilings. Interventional meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials were assessed separately based on the statistical significance of reported associations, the risk of bias and quality of evidence (GRADE) of included meta-analyses. Results: A total of 117 meta-analyses of observational cohort studies and 200 meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials that evaluated 317 outcomes were included. Strong or highly suggestive evidence only supported a positive association between gestational diabetes and caesarean section, large for gestational age babies, major congenital malformations and heart defects and an inverse relationship between metformin use and ovarian cancer incidence. Only a fifth of the randomised controlled trials investigating the effect of anti-diabetic interventions on women's health reached statistical significance and highlighted metformin as a more effective agent than insulin on risk reduction of adverse obstetric outcomes in both gestational and pre-gestational diabetes. Conclusions: Gestational diabetes appears to be strongly associated with a high risk of caesarean section and large for gestational age babies. Weaker associations were demonstrated between diabetes and anti-diabetic interventions with other obstetric and gynaecological outcomes. Trial registration: Open Science Framework (OSF) (Registration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/9G6AB). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the growth pattern of Obstetrics and Gynaecology literature during 1900-2021. The data downloaded from web of science database, further interpreted, and analyzed for the study purpose. Total number of publications has been identified as 10,193 records. The distribution of publications based on document type of the publications, the year of production, source wise ranking, Language wise, country wise productivity, top ten affiliations wise, Web of Science Research areas contribution is in the maximum level were studied. The study reveals a progressive increase on Obstetrics and Gynecology research publications during 1900-2021. The period 2011-2021 contributed highest number of publications. United States is the top contributor during 1900-2021 study period. University of California is the leading University having 308 articles which is 3.02% of the total publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The transition to consultant practice represents an important transition from the role of trainee to trainer. We used the theoretical framework of Threshold Concepts to better understand this transition by analysing data from a broader qualitative study examining the experience of early career Certified Gynaecological Oncologists (CGOs) in Australia and New Zealand. Materials and methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with CGOs of <5 years consultant experience. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, sensitised by the theoretical framework of Threshold Concepts. Results: Seven early career CGOs were interviewed. Analysis resulted in the construction of five main themes related to the trainer role, each demonstrating characteristics of Threshold Concepts: 'Part of becoming and being a consultant'; 'Managing complex work environments and training responsibilities'; 'Optimising near peer relationships'; 'Recency informing evolution of training'; and "'Being responsible and letting go...' – the next transition." Discussion: The themes offer insights into the areas of the transition to trainer that are troublesome, the impact of negotiating these challenges on professional identity formation, and the strategies used by CGOs to negotiate them. Using the lens of Threshold Concepts, these experiences can be normalised, and supported through efforts to facilitate the development of skills in reflection, feedback, coaching and mentorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) for the mapping of endometriosis before surgery when performed by sonographers in an outpatient women's imaging centre. Methods: A prospective longitudinal cohort study was performed. The study group comprised of 201 women who underwent a comprehensive TVUS assessment, performed by a sonographer. Laparoscopy was performed as the reference standard. Complete TVUS and surgical data were available for 53 women who were included in the final analysis. Results: Endometriosis was confirmed at a surgery in 50/53 (94.3%) participants, with 25/53 (47.2%) having deep endometriosis (DE) nodules and/or endometriomas present. TVUS for mapping of DE had an overall sensitivity of 84.0%, specificity of 89.3%, PPV of 87.5%, NPV of 86.2%, LR+ of 7.85, LR− of 0.18, and accuracy of 86.8% (P < 0.001). Ovarian immobility had poor sensitivity for detecting localised superficial endometriosis, DE, adhesions, and/or endometriomas (Left = 61.9% and right = 13.3%) but high specificities (left = 87.5% and right = 94.7%). Site‐specific tenderness had low sensitivities and moderate specificities for the same. All soft markers of endometriosis failed to reach statistical significance except for left ovarian immobility (P = <0.001). Conclusion: Sonographers well experienced in obstetric and gynaecological imaging, working in an outpatient women's imaging setting can accurately map DE; however, the performance of soft markers for detection of SE was poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgeries in the United States. However, there are differences in patient outcomes that can, in part, be attributed to inconsistent quality across gynecologic surgeons. Currently, surgeon quality is poorly defined and infrequently analysed. Surgeon volume is not an independent predictor of patient outcome and, while convenient, is limited across relevant factors such as appropriateness and cost. Summarising these diverse factors as a singular quality metric is elusive. Patients cannot meaningfully access physician quality, putting them in a vulnerable state that is characterised by the concept of information asymmetry. Despite the limitations of current surgeon quality metrics, there are surgeon performance characteristics that could be shared. Organising and sharing these data with women facing a gynaecologic surgery like hysterectomy are a professional duty of health systems, professional medical societies, surgeons and training institutions.

Background and aim: To evaluate the clinical, pathological and surgical characteristics of adnexal masses in hysterectomized women with one or both ovaries conserved.Material and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology over twenty months, including 80 hysterectomized women with one or both adnexa preserved and later presented with subsequent adnexal masses. The previous surgical histories of these patients, present clinical and pathological characteristics of ovarian cysts, and possible management options were evaluated.Results: Among the study's 224 hysterectomized women presented to the Gynaecology Outpatient Department (OPD), 80 women with adnexal masses were included. Among the 80 hysterectomies, most were abdominal hysterectomies. Moreover, most patients underwent hysterectomy between 40 and 50 years of age. Symptomatic Fibroid uterus was the most common indication for hysterectomy. Among the 80 women in, 68.8% women, both ovaries were preserved. The most common presenting symptom was pain abdomen. Adnexal masses are evaluated by clinical examination, Radiological imaging modalities, and tumour markers depending on the need. Among the 80 women, 43.8% needed surgical intervention, 48.8% managed with conservative treatment, and 7.5% were referred to Oncology. Benign ovarian epithelial tumours were the most common type among surgically treated.Conclusions: The management of adnexal masses in hysterectomized women should be individualized, depending on the presenting symptoms, the size of the adnexal mass, radiological findings, tumour markers, and expected future complications.

Ovarian torsion is an emergency whereby challenges in diagnosis may lead to delayed management. The morbidity associated with delayed diagnosis can be severe and includes loss of ovarian function. We present a case of a 24-year-old female who presented to the hospital with left lower quadrant abdominal pain with unremarkable physical examination. A transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound were acquired and demonstrated a mildly enlarged left ovary and fallopian tube without other significant findings. However due to worsening pain and up trending inflammatory markers, diagnostic laparoscopy was performed and demonstrated a 12cm ovarian cyst, a necrotic left adnexal mass and a torsed left tubo-ovarian pedicle. These findings were not appreciated on the initial Doppler ultrasound acquired but retrospective analysis demonstrated a double bladder sign. Our case report aims to aid sonographers and physicians to promptly diagnose ovarian torsion through the “double bladder sign” and other salient ultrasonographic and clinical features.

Automated surgical tool classification will improve the workflow of surgery. Previous research tackled this task mainly in cholecystectomy procedures due to availability of a relatively large and labelled set (Cholec80 dataset). However, the complexity of the procedure type has an impact on the robustness of the deep learning approaches. Therefore, the classification capability of CNNs on data of more complex procedures with many surgical tools was investigated. In this work, laparoscopic videos of 14 gynaecological procedures were recorded and labelled for surgical tool presence. Then, the DenseNet-121 model was trained to identify surgical tools according to functionality. Experimental results imply high classification performance for some surgical tools. The mean average precision over all the tools was 67%. This study is an initial benchmark for detecting surgical tools in realistic settings.

Abstract Background There is increasing recognition that prehabilitation is important as a means of preparing patients physically and psychologically for cancer treatment. However, little is understood about the role and optimal nature of prehabilitation for gynaecological cancer patients, who usually face extensive and life-changing surgery in addition to other treatments that impact significantly on physiological and psychosexual wellbeing. Review question This scoping review was conducted to collate the research evidence on multimodal prehabilitation in gynaecological cancers and the related barriers and facilitators to engagement and delivery that should be considered when designing a prehabilitation intervention for this group of women. Methods Seven medical databases and four grey literature repositories were searched from database inception to September 2021. All articles, reporting on multimodal prehabilitation in gynaecological cancers were included in the final review, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods. Qualitative studies on unimodal interventions were also included, as these were thought to be more likely to include information about barriers and facilitators which could also be relevant to multimodal interventions. A realist framework of context, mechanism and outcome was used to assist interpretation of findings. Results In total, 24 studies were included in the final review. The studies included the following tumour groups: ovarian only (n = 12), endometrial only (n = 1), mixed ovarian, endometrial, vulvar (n = 5) and non-specific gynaecological tumours (n = 6). There was considerable variation across studies in terms of screening for prehabilitation, delivery of prehabilitation and outcome measures. Key mechanisms and contexts influencing engagement with prehabilitation can be summarised as: (1) The role of healthcare professionals and organisations (2) Patients’ perceptions of acceptability (3) Factors influencing patient motivation (4) Prehabilitation as a priority (5) Access to prehabilitation. Implications for practice A standardised and well evidenced prehabilitation programme for women with gynaecological cancer does not yet exist. Healthcare organisations and researchers should take into account the enablers and barriers to effective engagement by healthcare professionals and by patients, when designing and evaluating prehabilitation for gynaecological cancer patients.

Background: Our study aimed to understand the illness experience of women living in St Kitts and Nevis who have been affected by fibroids by utilising Leventhal's commonsense model of illness. Methods: Upon receiving ethics approval, females aged between 18 and 55 who were currently a resident in St Kitts and Nevis and who had an experience with fibroids within the last 5 years were recruited to consent and complete 1-hour interviews during which they described the different ways in which fibroids affects them. Results: The interview guide incorporated the common-sense model; all interviews were 1:1 and a thematic analysis was conducted. The final sample consisted of 11 women, 10 from St Kitts and 1 from Nevis. Their ages ranged from 23 to 49, and the average age of participants was 39 years. Participants described their fibroids in generally negative terms and noted several physical, emotional, social and professional consequences as a result of their fibroid symptoms. Conclusions: Our study revealed the need for a clear strategy for managing patients with symptomatic fibroids—a strategy that includes regular monitoring of patients, good communication between doctor and patient and clear guidance on management for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are large differences in the density of Resident Specialists in Gynaecology (RSG) in the various regions of Denmark. It is unknown if this inequality affects the General Practitioner (GP) referral patterns of gynaecological patients. To investigate the GP referral patterns of gynaecological patients to the RSG or to the Hospital/Outpatient Clinic (HOC) in specific situations according to the regional density of RSGs. Moreover, to examine whether GPs prefer to refer to the HOC or to the RSG, or whether they were treated by the GP depending on the density of RSGs, specifically, in six benign gynaecological diagnoses. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey. In Denmark, GPs serve as gatekeepers to secondary care, being responsible for referrals to resident specialists and in- and outpatient hospital care. Five hundred Danish GPs were randomly selected and invited to take part in the questionnaire study. Main outcome measurements: Referral patterns: Own treatment, RSG, or HOC. GPs prefer to refer their gynaecologic patients to RSGs rather than to HOCs. In addition, the study shows the higher the density of RSGs, the more gynaecological patients are referred to the RSG. This also applies to the six diagnoses examined. To allow patients' equal access to specialist care, the density of RSGs must be equal all over the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the introduction of a comprehensive trial of void (TOV) guideline in the gynaecology department of a large tertiary hospital in Queensland, Australia. The aim was to standardise care and increase both nursing and medical staff compliance and satisfaction of processes in the department while improving quality of care. This was measured by a two-phased (pre- and post-implementation) survey of gynaecology department staff. The survey evaluated knowledge, confidence, compliance and satisfaction when comparing the previous TOV local protocol to a new standardised guideline introduced during the study. As follow-up, an audit of medical records was also conducted to reflect clinical practice. The TOV guideline was adopted following consultation and benchmarking with other Australian tertiary hospitals and implemented with a 3-month education program. Pre-implementation survey responses (n=51) from medical and nursing staff with wide range of gynaecology experience (35% 0-2 years, 65% >3 years) were compared with post-implementation survey responses (n=45). Staff knowledge of TOV process increased from the pre-implementation survey (71%) to post-implementation (84%). The overall improvement in satisfaction of the new guideline increased from 37% to 82%. Compliance in using the new guideline was 80% compared to 73% for the previous local protocol. Over a 4-month period for both audits, the pre-implementation audit (n=48) resulted in 33% compliance compared to the postimplementation audit (n=36), 86% compliance. The study determined that the introduction of a standardised TOV guideline improved knowledge, compliance and satisfaction when performing a TOV within the gynaecology department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although opioids are highly effective in managing post-operative pain, patients undergoing surgical procedures are at risk of developing a new persistent opioid. Concerns regarding the volume of patients on long-term opioids in our region prompted a service evaluation to review take-home post-operative opioid prescriptions in gynaecology surgical patients. Results showed an average duration of opioid prescription of 7.9 days and longer durations of take-home opioid prescriptions in the laparoscopy group compared to the laparotomy group (8.6 vs 7.1 days), despite lower inpatient opioid consumption in these groups (10.2 mg vs 17.0 mg morphine equivalent daily dose). Previous studies have quantified patients' post-operative opioid consumption and demonstrated effective use of restrictive opioid regimes. The unit described is prescribing more than has been demonstrated to be consumed and therefore required. As the duration of opioid use is recognised as the strongest predictor of future opioid misuse, an opioid duration limit of 3 days is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]