Are you handling genital oedema confidently?

Men, women or children can suffer from oedema (swelling) of the genitalia. When differential diagnosis has excluded acute trauma or pathology and swelling remains, the condition may be diagnosed as genital lymphoedema, a chronic condition that increases the relative risk of cellulitis. Diagnosis of genital oedema is often delayed due to problems with patient and health professional behaviour, in terms of embarrassment, lack of confidence or lack of knowledge. Awareness of this condition and knowledge on how to manage it will go a long way in helping both patients and clinicians overcome the challenges of addressing genital oedema. This article describes the authors' experiences in managing genital oedema. It also briefly discusses a new international project that seeks to identify the knowledge and training that health professionals need to manage this condition more confidently.

Resultados citopatológicos de mulheres que realizaram exame do colo do útero em um laboratório escola da Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia-GO: estudo de prevalência / Cytopathological results from women that realized the examination of cervix in a laboratory-school from Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia-GO: prevalence study

Objetivo - Avaliar a prevalência de câncer de colo do útero e infecções genitais em mulheres atendidas no serviço de saúde pública de Goiânia-GO. O exame de Papanicolaou é o método utilizado para detecção das lesões intraepiteliais e neoplásicas da cérvice uterina, tendo importante papel na prevenção do câncer do colo do útero e no diagnóstico das infecções genitais. Métodos - Estudo retrospectivo dos laudos dos exames citopatológicos das mulheres atendidas nas Unidades de Atenção Básica em Saúde (UABS) de Goiânia-GO, entre 03/2006 a 05/2008. Os esfregaços citológicos foram analisados no Centro de Análises Clínicas Rômulo Rocha da Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade Federal de Goiás (CACRR/FF/UFG). Resultados - Um total de 15.615 mulheres foi incluído no estudo. A mediana de idade foi de 33 anos (14-93 anos), a maioria (57,6%) tinha entre 20 e 39 anos e 6,6% (n=1.034) eram < 20 anos de idade. Mais de 50% dos casos de infecção entre adultas e adolescentes eram causados por Gardnerella vaginalis e 13,6% por Trichomonas vaginalis. Entre mulheres mais jovens (20-39 anos),16,9% das infecções foi causada por Candida sp. Aproximadamente 7,6% dos esfregaços avaliados apresentaram alterações celulares, sendo 4,9% células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado/lesão intraepitelial escamosa de baixo grau (ASC-US/LSIL) para as mulheres entre 20-29 anos e 2,6% células escamosas atípicas com possível lesão de alto grau/lesão intraepitelial escamosa de alto grau e células glandulares atípicas (ASC-H/+) para mulheres entre 20 e 49 anos. Conclusão - Lesões graves em mulheres jovens chamam atenção para a necessidade de políticas de saúde pública que reforcem a importância do Papanicolaou para a prevenção do colo de útero.

Objective - To correlate the prevalence of cervical cancer and genital infections with the age of women treated at public health service of Goiânia-GO. Papanicolaou test is the method used for detection of intraepithelial and neoplastic lesions in the uterine cervix, playing an important role in cervical cancer prevention and helping in female genital infections'diagnosis. Methods - Women's cytopathological tests were analyzed at Health Care Units from Goiânia-GO, between 03/2006 and 05/2008. Smears were analyzed at Clinical Analysis Laboratory Rômulo Rocha, at Pharmacy Faculty of the Federal University of Goiás. Results - The total of 15.615 women were included in this study. The median age was 33 years (14-93 years), 57.6% were between 20 and 39 years of age and 6.6% were adolescents <20 years of age. More than 50% of cases of infection among adults and adolescents were caused by Gardnerella vaginalis, followed by 13.6% by Trichomonas vaginalis and to 16.9% by Candida sp. Approximately, 7.6% of smears evaluated showed cellular alterations, and 4.9% atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance/squamous intraepithelial lesion of low grade (ASC-US/LSIL) for women aged 20-29 years and 2.6% atypical squamous cells can damage high-grade/squamous intraepithelial lesion high-grade and atypical glandular cells (ASC-H/+) for women aged 20-49 years. Conclusion - Serious injuries in young women draw attention to the need for public health policies that reinforce the importance of the Papanicolaou test for cervical cancer prevention.

[Effects of pain control education on pain control barrier, postoperative pain and pain control satisfaction in gynecological patients].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative pain control education on the pain control barrier, postoperative pain and pain control satisfaction in gynecological patients. METHOD: The study was a quasi-experimental research design. There were 58 subjects who were admitted for gynecological surgery to D University Hospital in B city. Pain control education was provided individually to the experimental group one day before their operation day for 20 minutes with the 'Pain Control Guide Book' in the patient's admission room. The education book was made by researchers based on pain management references and patient interviews. For assessing the pain control barrier, a simplified version of Barriers Questionnaire was used, postoperative pain was assessed on a numeric scale(0-10) and satisfaction of pain control was assessed by one question. RESULTS: The pain control barrier(F=15.828, p<.001) and the post pain score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. In addition, pain control satisfaction of the experimental group(t=3.612, p<.001) was higher than the control group's. CONCLUSION: With the above results, preoperative pain control education could be an effective nursing intervention for pain control of surgical patients.

Coping style and women's participation in breast and gynecological screening.

The purpose of this project was to determine the role of coping style in women's practice of breast and gynecological screening behaviors. Women were classified into one of four coping groups based on measures of vigilance and screening distress. Data were analyzed from a subset of 85 U.S. women who participated in a larger longitudinal study designed to examine self-reported screening participation. Results indicate frequency of screening participation and importance of obtaining immediate mammography feedback differed across coping style groups. Women characterized as high in vigilance and screening distress were most at risk for nonparticipation in screening.

Catheter-associated UTIs in patients after major gynaecological surgery.

A group of nurses undertook an audit across two hospitals comparing the incidence of catheter-related urinary tract infections in patients who had catheters inserted during major gynaecological surgery. The data suggests that using an anaesthetic lubricating gel for catheterisation reduces urinary tract infection rates for these patients.

Improving cancer screening among lesbians over 50: results of a pilot study.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To explore the impact of two one-hour lesbian-specific educational interventions by a lesbian physician on the cancer screening behaviors of lesbians. DESIGN: A pilot pre- and post-test intervention study. SETTING: Two lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered senior organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area (one urban, one suburban). SAMPLE: 36 participants aged 50-81 (meanX = 60.2, SD = 6.48). The majority were Caucasian (86%), single (61%), living in urban areas (67%), employed (56%), and educated beyond high school (meanX = 15.47 years, SD = 2.90, range 9-21). Eleven percent (n = 4) did not have any health insurance and were not on Medicaid or Medicare. METHODS: A lesbian physician led a one-hour, didactic, lesbian- specific educational program on cancer screening, including a review of current research findings with regard to lesbians' risk for cancer and 45 minutes of information on recommended cancer screening, followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer period. Participants completed a pre- and postintervention survey. FINDINGS: Follow-up data were available for 22 women. Of the six women (27%) who had not focused their attention on breast screening behaviors for two years or more, one-third had obtained mammograms and half began performing monthly breast self-examinations. Of the four women (18%) who had not undergone a pelvic examination for three years or more, one obtained a pelvic examination. The women reported no changes in colorectal cancer screening behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Some of these difficult-to-reach women changed their behavior in a very short period of time, supporting the need for a larger study to confirm these findings. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: A need exists to develop appropriate interventions for the underserved population of lesbians older than 50.

Gynecologic care for women with HIV infection.

The purpose of this article is to review the gynecologic conditions encountered among women with HIV and to outline elements of gynecologic care for these women. The most prevalent problems are vulvo-vaginal candidiasis and cervical dysplasia; however, other sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease, genital ulcer disease, and menstrual abnormalities are also seen. Drug interactions may limit the effectiveness or increase the toxicities associated with hormonal contraception. Intrauterine devices are contraindicated.

Effects of recliner-chair versus traditional hospital bed on postsurgical diagnostic laparoscopic recovery time.

Little has been documented regarding postoperative nursing interventions that are effective in decreasing postoperative recovery time, improving patient outcomes, or optimizing discharge readiness. A randomized study was conducted to evaluate 2 methods of recovery positioning and to examine factors that affect home readiness (eg, voiding, intake) for postsurgical laparoscopy patients. Participants were randomized into 2 groups. The control group was recovered in traditional hospital beds, while subjects in the experimental group recovered in a "recliner-chair," which was adjustable by the patient for comfort. The results showed that patients who recovered in adjustable recliner-chairs reached home readiness sooner and experienced greater comfort levels than patients who recovered in traditional hospital beds. Furthermore, patients in the recliner-chair group had fewer adverse symptoms such as nausea, severe pain, and delayed voiding. This is a U.S. government work. There are no restrictions on its use.

Selected hormonal agents in gynecology.

Hormonal agents are used to treat many conditions, including endometriosis, amenorrhea, fibroids, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Because women visit their care provider for various gynecologic problems more than any other reason, application of therapeutic uses in this rapidly expanding field is essential for nurses working in endocrine gynecology. Strategies for hormone use are discussed in light of the goals of patient education and treatment in the areas of pain relief, fertility, and cycle regulation.

Preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of a preoperative clinic for gynaecological surgery.

A preoperative clinic for gynaecological surgery was introduced primarily to provide counselling but with access to multidisciplinary support. Initial results showed a substantial reduction in the postoperative hospitalisation period and a significant improvement in attendance rates.

Chlamydia infection in a nurse-midwifery caseload.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether antepartum treatment of chlamydia infection resulted in a change in incidence of maternal infection in the intrapartum and postpartum periods as indicated by the incidence of maternal febrile morbidity or antibiotic therapy. In June of 1986, an inner-city tertiary-care center nurse-midwifery service began including diagnosis and treatment of chlamydia infection in routine antepartum care. In this retrospective chart review, the incidence of intrapartum and postpartum infection among women who delivered in this caseload between May 1985 and May 1986 (the last year prior to the routine chlamydia diagnosis and treatment) was compared with that of women who delivered between July 1986 and July 1987 (the first year after initiation of the testing). No significant differences were found. Implications for the development of research projects within nurse-midwifery clinical services are discussed, along with methodologic problems that may ensue when attempting to study changes in outcome in ones' own service.

The single puncture approach for advanced pelviscopy surgery.

1. The single puncture laparoscopy technique uses the umbilicus as the sole puncture site for the performance of surgical procedures. 2. The single puncture technique is simple, reduces complications, allows for faster recuperation and decreased operating time, is more cost-effective, and offers improved cosmetic results. 3. Each member of the surgical team must have all of the knowledge and skill related to each respective role. Major complications can only be avoided by being especially attentive to detail.

Genital human papillomavirus infection. A growing health risk.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections of the genital tract are among the most common sexually transmitted viral infections in the United States. Recently, data have accumulated linking HPV with later development of genital neoplasia, particularly cervical neoplasia, causing growing concern among health-care professionals. Genital warts, or condyloma acuminata, are one of the manifestations of genital HPV infections. The clinical spectrum associated with genital HPV infections, however, is much broader than previously recognized and includes a multiplicity of disease entities in both sexes. This article summarizes the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities for genital HPV infections. Nursing implications also are discussed.

The efficiency of a reflective heating blanket in preventing hypothermia in patients undergoing intra-abdominal procedures.

This study determined the efficiency of a reflective blanket in preventing hypothermia during intra-abdominal gynecological procedures. Forty female patients were studied. A table of random numbers was used to assign patients to the reflective blanket group (experimental) or the warmed cotton blanket group (control). Esophageal and room temperatures were measured. Data were recorded regarding age, height, weight, body surface area, first-hour intravenous fluid volume, time from induction to skin incision and time from skin incision to peritoneal incision. The study showed no significant differences between groups in regard to esophageal or room temperatures (ANOVA, p greater than .05). No significant differences between groups in regard to patient characteristics were found (ANCOVA). No correlation was found between esophageal temperature and room temperature in either group. A significant decrease in esophageal temperatures was found in both groups during the first 45 minutes of the study (p less than .01), after which temperatures stabilized. In conclusion, the reflective blanket was no more efficient than warmed cotton blankets in preventing intraoperative hypothermia. Previous studies showing the greatest decrease in temperature occurred within the first hour of anesthesia and surgery were supported. The reflective blanket may be useful for operating rooms where the storage and heating of cotton blankets is not feasible due to limited space or cost.