Validation of an emergency triage scale for obstetrics and gynaecology: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of a four-level triage scale for obstetrics and gynaecology emergencies and to explore the factors associated with an optimal triage. DESIGN: Thirty clinical vignettes presenting the most frequent indications for obstetrics and gynaecology emergency consultations were evaluated twice using a computerised simulator. SETTING: The study was performed at the emergency unit of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Geneva University Hospitals. SAMPLE: The vignettes were submitted to nurses and midwives. METHODS: We assessed inter- and intra-rater reliability and agreement using a two-way mixed-effects intra-class correlation (ICC). We also performed a generalised linear mixed model to evaluate factors associated triage correctness. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Triage acuity. RESULTS: We obtained a total of 1191 evaluations. Inter-rater reliability was good (ICC 0.748; 95% CI 0.633-0.858) and intra-rater reliability was almost perfect (ICC 0.812; 95% CI 0.726-0.889). We observed a wide variability: the mean number of questions varied from 6.9 to 18.9 across individuals and from 8.4 to 16.9 across vignettes. Triage acuity was underestimated in 12.4% of cases and overestimated in 9.3%. Undertriage occurred less frequently for gynaecology compared with obstetric vignettes [odds ratio (OR) 0.45; 95% CI 0.23-0.91; P = 0.035] and decreased with the number of questions asked (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.88-0.99; P = 0.047). Certification in obstetrics and gynaecology emergencies was an independent factor for the avoidance of undertriage (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.17-0.70; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The four-level triage scale is a valid and reliable tool for the integrated emergency management of obstetrics and gynaecology patients. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: The Swiss Emergency Triage Scale is a valid and reliable tool for obstetrics and gynaecology emergency triage.

[Overactive bladder syndrome--a public health challenge]. / Syndrome de la vessie hyperactive chez la femme: un défi de santé publique.

Overactive bladder is a highly prevalent clinical syndrome affecting up to 17% of women. It is often associated with urodynamic detrusor overactivity, leads to embarrassment and is frequently under-diagnosed and insufficiently treated. Its pathophysiology is complex and the numerous treatment modalities, some of them of poor evidence, aim to improve quality of life. When physiotherapy fails, anticholinergics are recommended as first-line medical treatment. They can be combined with or replaced by beta3-adrenergic agonists whereas sacral neuromodulation or posterior tibia nerve stimulation are considered an efficient alternative. Addidtionally, cystoscopic injection of botulinum toxine in the bladder has recently been validated in Switzerland as a treatment option for idiopathic overactive bladder.

[Laparoscopic lateral suspension, another way to treat genital prolapse]. / La suspension latérale cœlioscopique, une autre façon de traiter les prolapsus génitaux.

The laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy is the treatment of choice of pelvic organ prolapses since more than twenty years. The laparoscopic lateral suspension with mesh is an alternative technique. Its originality is the subperitoneal passing of the lateral arm of the mesh in the lateral abdominal wall, leaving the skin above the iliac crest, in a place without risks of vascular, nerve, bowel injuries. We report in this article the results of the three main publications on the subject. The indications are cystocele and apical descent. It can be envisaged when the access of the promontory is difficult; for instance in the presence of obesity, adhesions, sigmoid megacolon, or low position of the left common iliac vein, partially covering the promontory. It is also a practical technique for surgeons having a moderate experience of the promontory access.

[Uterine volume and vaginal hysterectomy: Interest and limits of uterine morcellation]. / Volume utérin et hystérectomie vaginale : intérêt et limites de l'hystérectomie vaginale.

Abdominal hysterectomy remains the preferred approach for large uteri or in case of narrow vaginal access. However, the traditional morcellation techniques allow safe and efficient extraction when choosing the vaginal route. Uterine volume reductive techniques do not increase perioperative morbidity thus complications do not seem to be linked to uterine size. There are numerous advantages of the vaginal route in comparison with laparotomy, such as aesthetic benefits, decreased postoperative pain, reduced hospital stay and recovery as well as decreased perioperative morbidity. Compared to laparoscopy, surgical outcomes and blood loss of the vaginal approach of a large uterus seem to be similar. Nevertheless, laparoscopic hysterectomy is associated with longer operative time and significant increase in hospital cost. Hence, a thorough knowledge and mastery of uterine morcellation techniques are essential when performing vaginal hysterectomy for large uteri or when the vagina is narrow. They must therefore continue to be taught, spread and regularly used in order to stretch the indications for vaginal hysterectomy in favour of an abdominal approach.