Understanding Medical Students' Concerns about Explicit Informed Consent for Pelvic Exams Under Anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Medical student involvement in procedures, including pelvic exams under anesthesia (EUAs), is a fundamental part of medical education. While guidelines exist regarding informed consent for medical student participation, there is ongoing debate and uncertainty regarding the requirement and modality of obtaining explicit consent for pelvic EUAs. This study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of medical students who do not favor an explicit informed consent process for pelvic EUAs. METHODS: An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to third- and fourth-year medical students at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine who had completed their obstetrics and gynecology core clerkship. The questionnaire included both quantitative and qualitative sections. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a mixed inductive and deductive coding approach, with key patterns, categories, and themes identified through content analysis. RESULTS: Among the 201 students included in the analysis, 50 students did not endorse an explicit informed consent process for pelvic EUAs. Themes that emerged from their open-ended responses included: (1) the belief that medical student involvement is implicitly included in patient agreements at teaching hospitals; (2) the perception that pelvic EUAs are an essential first step in gynecologic surgery; (3) the view that pelvic EUAs are comparable to other medical procedures; (4) concern that explicit consent would limit educational opportunities; and (5) the belief that pelvic EUAs are not harmful or traumatic to patients. DISCUSSION: The findings highlight the justifications provided by medical students who do not support explicit informed consent for pelvic EUAs. While some arguments align with previous ethical analyses, this study provides empirical and qualitative insights into students' perspectives. The belief that patients implicitly consent to medical student involvement at teaching hospitals warrants further examination, as patient awareness and understanding may vary. The differentiation between pelvic exams and other EUAs, as well as the perception of minimal harm, should be critically evaluated in the context of trauma-informed care and patient autonomy. Furthermore, the interconnectedness of educational and surgical aspects of pelvic EUAs should be clarified in patient-physician communication. CONCLUSION: Understanding the perspectives of medical students who do not favor explicit consent for pelvic EUAs is crucial for developing and implementing consent processes. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced patient-physician communication, standardized frameworks for learner involvement, and curricular adaptations to address patient perceptions and trauma-informed care. Future research should explore these themes in larger and more diverse cohorts to inform best practices in obtaining informed consent for medical student participation in pelvic EUAs.

Improving visualization of the cervix during pelvic exams: A simulation using a physical model of the speculum and human vagina as a steppingstone to reducing disparities in gynecological cancers.

Pelvic exams are frequently complicated by collapse of the lateral vaginal walls, obstructing the view of the cervix. To overcome this, physicians frequently repurpose a glove or a condom as a sheath placed over the speculum blades to retract the lateral vaginal walls. Despite their regular use in clinical practice, little research has been done comparing the relative efficacy of these methods. Better visualization of the cervix can benefit patients by decreasing examination-related discomfort, improving cancer screening accuracy, and preventing the need to move the examination to the operating room under general anesthesia. This study presents a physical model that simulates vaginal pressure being exerted around a speculum. Using it, we conduct controlled experiments comparing the efficacy of different condom types, glove materials, glove sizes, and techniques to place gloves on the speculum. The results show that the best sheath is the middle finger of nitrile-material gloves. They provide adequate lateral wall retraction without significantly restricting the opening of the speculum. In comparison, condoms provide a smaller amount of retraction due to loosely fitting the speculum. They may still be a reasonable option for a different speculum size. However, vinyl-material gloves are an impractical option for sheaths; they greatly restrict speculum opening, occasionally even breaking the speculum, which overcome its retraction benefits. Glove size, condom brand, and condom material (latex vs polyisoprene) had minimal impact. This study serves as a guide for clinicians as they use easily accessible tools to perform difficult pelvic exams. We recommend that physicians consider nitrile gloves as the preferred option for a sheath around a speculum. Additionally, this study demonstrates proof-of-concept of a physical model that quantitatively describes different materials on their ability to improve cervical access. This model can be used in future research with more speculum and material combinations, including with materials custom-designed for vaginal retraction.

Primary extracranial meningioma of the pelvis discovered on screening pelvic examination.

Many conditions that affect a woman's health can be evaluated through the pelvic examination. Early detection and treatment of a range of gynaecologic and non-gynaecological conditions, including unusual pelvic masses, may decrease a woman's morbidity and mortality. Here, we have a female patient in her early 20s who was found to have a mass on her first screening pelvic examination. Subsequent imaging followed by surgical resection were performed with the final diagnosis of a pelvic meningioma. Routine pelvic examinations in asymptomatic women may be more useful than merely screening for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections. Once detected, the differential diagnosis of a pelvic mass may include aetiologies outside of the gynaecological organ system.

The importance of gynecological examination in adolescent girls and adult women with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Current published guidelines for routine care of women with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) do not include recommendations for gynecologic examinations. We describe our experience with gynecological examinations in women with PWS and offer recommendations for routine health care for these patients. Data were collected on all 41 PWS females ages ≥12 year, followed in our national Israeli multidisciplinary clinic between the years 2011 and 2022. Menstrual data and findings on external gynecological examination, including evaluation of the vulva and hymen were recorded at yearly visits. During the gynecological evaluation the topic of sexual education was discussed. Pelvic ultrasound, specifically for antral follicular count, was performed for those visiting the clinic during 2020-2022. Blood samples for luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol were obtained routinely and DEXA scans for bone density were done when indicated. Of the 41 women, (median age at start of follow-up 17 years, range [12.3-39], BMI 30.4 kg/m2 [IQR 23.5-37.1]), 39 women agreed to external gynecological examination. Eleven women (27%) had spontaneous menses, with menarche at the age of 14 to as late as 31 years. The hymen was intact in all except one. Poor hygiene was observed in eight women, three women with vulvovaginitis, and five with irritated vulva related to poor hygiene. Gynecological ultrasound was performed in 27 women. In 22, endometrial thickness was less than 5 mm. The median antral follicular count (AFC) was 6 (<10th percentile for age). No correlation between AFC and menstruation or BMI was found. Mean FSH level was 5.7 ± 3.6 IU, LH was 2.29 ± 2.23, and estradiol was 128 ± 76 pmol/L. Data on DEXA measurements were available in 25 women aged 16-39. Median spine T score was -1.3 (range between 0.5 and -3.7), and hip T score was -1.2 (range between 0.8 and -3.3). A negative correlation was found between endometrial thickness and the presence of osteopenia or osteoporosis (r = -0.5, p = 0.013). Despite our recommendations, only eight of 14 women agreed to hormonal treatment or contraception. One woman who received treatment had a thromboembolic event. Routine health care for women with PWS should include gynecological examinations. The gynecological evaluation should include external genital examination, assessment of hygiene, obtaining a blood sample for hormone levels, and documenting a history of sexual experience or sexual abuse. Hormonal treatment or contraception should be offered when appropriate.

Adherencias del capuchón del clítoris al glande: una condición poco estudiada y poco examinada / Clitoral hood adhesions to the glans penis: an understudied and under-examined condition

INTRODUCCIÓN: El clítoris es una de las estructuras vulvares menos examinadas, pese a su relevancia en la vida sexual y sus importantes relaciones anatómicas. Las adherencias del capuchón del clítoris han sido descritas y clasificadas según la exposición del glande, siendo relacionadas con trastornos del deseo sexual. La inervación del clítoris depende de raíces de S3-S4, siendo posible que síntomas frecuentes del piso pélvico tengan relación con esta condición. Realizamos un análisis retrospectivo de pacientes de policlínico de piso pélvico entre noviembre de 2021 y abril de 2022. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes con adherencias al ingreso. RESULTADOS: Promedio de edad 45,8 ± 15,5 años. Las adherencias fueron el 19% leves, el 62% moderadas y el 18% graves. Los principales síntomas eran mal vaciado vesical (38%), dolor (28%), disfunción sexual (39%) y síntomas irritativos vesicales (43%); solo una paciente fue asintomática. El área visible promedio del clítoris era de 20,7 ± 13,7 mm2. CONCLUSIONES: Las adherencias del capuchón del clítoris son un hallazgo común, muchas veces no diagnosticadas, por lo que su evaluación debe ser parte de la exploración física. Pueden asociarse a sintomatología de piso pélvico.

INTRODUCTION: The clitoris is one of the least examined vulvar structures despite its relevance in sexual life and important anatomical relationships. Clitoral hood adhesions have been described in the literature, classified based on glans exposure, and related to sexual desire disorders. The innervation of the clitoris depends on the roots of S3-S4, and frequent pelvic floor symptoms may be associated with this condition. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical record of patients admitted to a pelvic floor clinic between November 2021 and April 2022. One hundred patients with adhesions at the time of admission were registered. RESULTS: Average 45.8 ± 15.5 years. Clitoral hood adhesions were mild (19%), moderated (62%), or severe (18%). The main symptoms were voiding dysfunction symptoms (38%), pain (28%), sexual dysfunction (39%), and irritative bladder symptoms (43%); only one patient was asymptomatic. The visible area of the clitoris was 20.7 ± 13.7 mm2. CONCLUSIONS: Adhesions of the clitoral hood are often undiagnosed, and its analysis should be part of the physical exam. Clitoral hood adhesions could be associated with pelvic floor symptoms.

Omission of Pelvic Examination Before Gender-Affirming Hysterectomy and Vaginectomy.

Surgeons may be performing pelvic examinations on transgender patients before gender-affirming pelvic surgery (hysterectomy and vaginectomy) without a clinically significant indication. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single-institution academic referral center comparing 30-day perioperative outcomes of all 62 gender-affirming pelvic surgeries, including hysterectomy alone, hysterectomy with vaginectomy, and vaginectomy alone, between April 2018 and March 2022. More than half (53.2%, n=33) of the 62 patients did not have an in-office, preoperative, internal pelvic examination within 1 year of gender-affirming surgery. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics nor 30-day perioperative outcomes between the examined and examination-omitted groups, suggesting that omission of a preoperative pelvic examination is probably safe before gender-affirming hysterectomy and vaginectomy, minimizing barriers to gender-affirming surgical care.

What influences GPs' use of pelvic examination? A qualitative investigation in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Omission of pelvic examination (PE) has been associated with diagnostic delay in women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer. However, PEs are often not carried out by GPs. AIM: To determine the perceptions of GPs about the role of PEs, the barriers to and facilitators of PEs, and GPs' experience of PEs in practice. DESIGN AND SETTING: Qualitative semi-structured interview study conducted in one health board in Scotland (mixed urban and rural) with an approximate population of 500 000. METHOD: Interviews were conducted face-to-face or by telephone between March and June 2019. Framework analysis used the COM-B behaviour change model concepts of capability, opportunity, and motivation. RESULTS: Data was compatible with all three domains of the COM-B framework. Capability related to training in and maintenance of skills. These went beyond carrying out the examination to interpreting it reliably. Opportunity related to the clinical environment and the provision of chaperones for intimate examination. Interviewees described a range of motivations towards or against PEs that were unrelated to either capability or opportunity. These all related to providing high-quality care, but this was defined in different ways: 'doing what is best for the individual', 'doctors examine', and 'GPs as pragmatists'. CONCLUSION: GPs' reasons for carrying out, or not carrying out, PEs in women with symptoms potentially indicating cancer are complex. The COM-B framework provides a way of understanding this complexity. Interventions to increase the use of PEs, and critics of its non-use, need to consider these multiple factors.

Vaginoscopic Management of OHVIRA (Obstructive Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the vaginoscopic management of longitudinal vaginal septum in the case of obstructive hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome. DESIGN: Surgical video describing step-by-step management. SETTING: OHVIRA syndrome also known as Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome is a triad of obstructed hemivagina, uterus didelphys, and ipsilateral renal anomaly [1] (Supplimentary Video 1). Patients usually present after menarche with progressive dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal pain, a paravaginal mass, foul mucopurulent discharge, and intermenstrual bleeding due to hemi hematocolpos [2]. Magnetic resonance imaging is the choice of investigation [3]. Surgical resection of the septum is the choice of treatment, which can be done vaginoscopically to reduce postoperative pain and promote enhanced recovery [4]. In this video, we will demonstrate a case of a 28-years old, nulliparous woman diagnosed with uterine didelphys having lower abdominal pain and persistent vaginal discharge. INTERVENTIONS: The video demonstrates the technique of vaginoscopic excision of the right hemi-vaginal septum that resulted in complete visualization of both cervices. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed uterine didelphys. The left cervix was visualized and the hysteroscope was negotiated into the cervical canal (Supplimentary Video 2). The left cavity was normal with left ostia. Intraoperative transrectal-ultrasound was done to localize the cystic collection in the right hemivagina. Needle aspiration of cystic collection was done over the bulging portion of the right hemivagina and mucoid material was aspirated. Longitudinal obstructive vaginal septum was incised using a collins knife and mucoid secretions were drained (Supplimentary Video 3). Hysteroscope inserted into opened right hemivagina, negotiated through the right cervix and right hemiuterus with right ostia was visualized. The residual septum was resected with a loop electrode and hemostasis was ensured. Cystoscopy done, left ureteric orifice with urine reflux visualized. Vaginal examination showed both cervices with near normal reconstructed vagina. CONCLUSION: The possibility of OHVIRA syndrome should be considered in all cases of uterine didelphys. Vaginoscopic management is a safe and effective method with a minimally invasive approach.

The success of vaginal birth by use of trans-labial ultrasound plus vaginal examination and vaginal examination only in pregnant women with labor induction: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Predicting the success of vaginal delivery is an important issue in preventing adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to compare the success rate of vaginal birth by using trans-labial ultrasound and vaginal examination, and vaginal examination only in pregnant women with labor induction. METHODS: This was a comparative study including 392 eligible pregnant women with labor induction attending to a teaching hospital affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences from April to October 2018 in Tehran, Iran. Women were randomly assigned to two groups; the trans-labial ultrasound plus vaginal examination (group A), and the vaginal examination only (group B). Women were included in the study if they satisfied the following criteria: singleton pregnancy, 37 to 42 weeks of gestational age, fetal head presentation, a living fetus with no abnormalities, uncomplicated pregnancy, and no previous cesarean section or any uterine surgery. We used a partograph for both groups to assess the fetal head position and the fetal head station. In group 1, the Angle of Progression (AoP) and Rotation Angle (RA) were also assessed. Finally, the success and progression of vaginal delivery in two groups were compared by predicting the duration of delivery and mode of delivery. RESULTS: The findings showed that 8.68% of women in the trans-labial plus vaginal examination group delivered by cesarean section, while 6.13% in the vaginal examination only group delivered by cesarean section (P = 0.55). In women with cesarean section in positive fetal head stations, Angle of Progression (AoP) was significantly decreased ranging from 90 to 135 degrees compared to women who delivered vaginally (135-180 degrees; P <  0.001). In addition, the Rotation Angle (RA) was significantly decreased in women with cesarean section ranging from 0 to 30 degrees compared to women who delivered vaginally (60-90degrees; P <  0.001). Further analysis indicated that a higher risk of cesarean section was associated with vaginal examination only as compared to trans-labial ultrasound plus vaginal examination (HR: 8.65, P <  0.001). CONCLUSION: Angle of Progression (AoP) and Rotation Angle (RA) indexes might be useful parameters to predict labor progression and successful vaginal delivery among women undergoing labor induction.

Importance of internal vaginal pelvic floor muscle exams for women with external lumbar/hip/pelvic girdle pain.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The relationship between external lumbar, hip, and/or pelvic girdle pain and internal vaginal pelvic floor myofascial pain is not well described. We assessed this relationship in a cohort of adult women. METHODS: The cohort included women ≥ 18 years old who received care for external lumbar, hip, and/or pelvic girdle pain (reported or elicited on physical examination) who then underwent internal vaginal myofascial levator ani pain assessments, in a tertiary care Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery pelvic pain clinic over a 2-year period (2013 and 2014). RESULTS: The cohort of 177 women had an average age of 44.9±16.0 years, an average body mass index of 27.2±7.0 kg/m2, and the majority (79.2%) were white. Most patients presented with a chief complaint of pelvic (51.4%), vulvovaginal (18.6%), and/or lumbar (15.3%) pain. Women who reported symptoms of lumbar, hip, or pelvic girdle pain were more likely to have pain on vaginal pelvic floor muscle examination than women without this history (OR, 7.24; 95% CI, 1.95-26.93, p=0.003). The majority (85.9%) of women had bilateral internal vaginal pelvic floor myofascial pain on examination. CONCLUSIONS: Although participants did not describe "vaginal pelvic floor myofascial pain," the high detection rate for internal vaginal pelvic floor myofascial pain on clinical examination highlights an opportunity to improve treatment planning. These findings suggest that the vaginal pelvic floor muscle examination should be part of the assessment of all women with lumbar, hip, and/or pelvic girdle pain. The relationship between this finding and clinical outcomes following directed treatment warrants additional study.

Barreras y facilitadores de los médicos de atención primaria para abordar las consultas vinculadas a la sexualidad de pacientes durante el climaterio / Barriers and facilitators of primary care physicians to address consultations related to the sexuality of patients during the climacteric

Introducción. Pese a la alta prevalencia de disfunciones sexuales femeninas durante el climaterio y a que existen intervenciones para mejorarlas, este problema no suele ser consultado por las pacientes ni explorado por los profesionales de la salud. Si bien suponemos que existen condicionamientos culturales que actuarían como barreras para su abordaje, no conocíamos las percepciones, incomodidades y experiencias de los profesionales que atienden en el ámbito de la atención primaria a pacientes que transitan su climaterio. Objetivos. Comprender desde la perspectiva de los médicos de atención primaria los factores que contribuyen a la invisibilidad de la problemática de las disfunciones sexuales femeninas durante el climaterio en mujeres de clase media atendidas en el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Diseño. Estudio exploratorio transversal con enfoque cualitativo realizado en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires durante2020 y 2021. Resultados. A partir del análisis de diez entrevistas semiestructuradas a médicos de atención primaria (de familia, clínicos y ginecólogos) identificamos seis ejes temáticos: 1) un modelo institucional en el que el tiempo limitado para la consulta y forma de pago capitada incentivaría a que las las disfunciones sexuales femeninas permanezcan invisibilizadas; 2) la longitudinalidad de la relación médico-paciente contribuiría como un facilitador del abordaje de problemáticas vinculadas con la esfera sexual; 3) la discordancia de género entre los profesionales y las pacientes operaría como un obstáculo para abordar aspectos de la sexualidad durante el climaterio; 4) la biografía y la formación de los profesionales de la salud influiría sobre sus habilidades para abordar la problemática de la sexualidad de sus pacientes; 5) el examen ginecológico y/o la detección de síntomas de depresión contribuyen a abrir la puerta para indagar sobre la disfunción sexual femenina; y 6) el prejuicio de que el fin de la etapa reproductiva implicaría el fin de la actividad sexual. Conclusiones. Si bien no existen recomendaciones formales para la pesquisa sistemática de disfunciones sexuales femeninas, su elevada prevalencia, su fácil diagnóstico y la existencia de herramientas terapéuticas para aliviarlas, ameritan que estén más disponibles entre nuestras hipótesis diagnósticas. (AU)

Background. Despite the high prevalence of female sexual dysfunctions during the climacteric and the existence of interventions to improve them, this problem is not usually consulted by patients or explored by health professionals. Although weassume that there are cultural conditioning factors that would act as barriers to its approach, we were unaware of the perceptions, discomforts, and experiences of the professionals who care for patients who are going through their climactericin the field of primary care. Objectives. To understand, from the perspective of primary care physicians, the factors that contribute to the invisibility of the female sexual dysfunctions problem during the climacteric in middle-class women treated in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. Design. Cross-sectional exploratory study with a qualitative approach carried out at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires during 2020 and 2021. Results. From the analysis of ten semi-structured interviews with primary care physicians (family, clinicians and gynecologists) we identified six thematic axes: 1) an institutional model in which the limited time for consultation and capitated form of payment would encourage female sexual dysfunctions to remain invisible; 2) the longitudinality of the doctor-patient relationship would contribute as a facilitator in addressing problems related to the sexual sphere; 3) the gender discrepancy between professionals and patients would operate as an obstacle to address aspects of sexuality during the climacteric; 4) the biography and training of health professionals would influence their abilities to address the problems of their patients'sexuality; 5) gynecological examination and/or the detection of symptoms of depression contribute to opening the door toinquire about FSD; 6) the prejudice that the end of the reproductive stage would imply the end of sexual activity. Conclusions. Although there are no formal recommendations for the systematic screening of female sexual dysfunctions, its high prevalence, its easy diagnosis and the existence of therapeutic tools to alleviate them, deserve that they be more available among our diagnostic hypotheses. (AU)

A Low-fidelity Model for Office-based Hysteroscopy with a Vaginoscopic Approach.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Hysteroscopy is an established method for the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine pathology. A vaginoscopic approach for office-based hysteroscopy confers less pain; however, trainees report lack of confidence with this procedure. We sought to create a low-fidelity simulation model for office-based hysteroscopy with a vaginoscopic approach and to evaluate the validity and reliability of this model. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: A single academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Eligible participants included obstetrics and gynecology residents and attendings who regularly perform hysteroscopy. INTERVENTIONS: The vaginoscopy model was created with an inanimate female pelvis simulator with an exam glove placed within the vagina. Following 2 instructional videos, participants performed a hysteroscopy simulation with a vaginoscopic approach. The primary outcome was total score on a modified Global Rating Scale and Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills. The Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills outlines a series of steps that must be performed and was created with assistance from experts in hysteroscopy for providing content-oriented evidence of validity. Time to complete each task and total time were tracked. Participants completed a postprocedure survey assessing the model and experience. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 30 physicians participated, with 20 residents (9 junior and 11 senior) and 10 attendings. Attending physicians completed the simulation faster than junior residents (197.2 ± 30.9 vs 289.8 ± 107.4 seconds, p = .022). On the Global Rating Scale, both attending physicians and senior residents scored significantly higher than junior residents (26.1 ± 2.4 vs 22.5 ± 3.7, p = .01). Postsurvey data demonstrated that 93.3% of all participants were satisfied with simulation, 96.6% found it useful, 80% found it realistic, and 93% indicated that they may use this technique in the future. CONCLUSION: This study shows our low-fidelity model to be effective and useful and to improve confidence for vaginoscopic approach to hysteroscopy. Further studies are needed to assess ability to predict or improve clinical and surgical skills.

Pelvic exams and cervical cancer screening in patients with anorectal malformations.

PURPOSE: Congenital or acquired anatomic differences of the genital tract in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) may make pelvic exams more challenging. The purpose of this study was to describe office-based pelvic exams and cervical cancer screening among female patients with a history of ARM. METHODS: This was an IRB approved, cross-sectional study of female patients with ARM who completed our Reproductive Health Surveys from November 2021 to March 2022. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients with ARM were included in the study. Ages ranged from 22 to 80 years (mean age 34.5 years). Thirty-four patients had a cloaca, 16 had an ARM other than cloaca, and four patients had a complex malformation. Most patients (79.6%) reported having had a pelvic exam in the office. On a scale of 0-100, the mean pain score with pelvic exam was 42. Pain scores were higher for patients with complex malformations and neo-vagina. Forty-three participants (79.6%) had cervical cancer screening. Fifteen participants (28%) had a didelphys uterus but only two patients specified that both cervices were screened for cervical cancer. CONCLUSION: The majority of female patients with ARM had cervical cancer screening in clinic, those with complex malformations reported greater discomfort. Providers should be aware of barriers to performing pelvic exams in patients with ARM as well as the need to screen both cervices in didelphys uterus.

Medical Student Perspectives on the Ethics of Pelvic Exams Under Anesthesia: A Multi-Institutional Study✰.

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic examinations under anesthesia (EUAs) are routine components of gynecologic surgery and often used to educate students about female pelvic anatomy. This multi-institutional survey study aims to describe students' experiences with conducting educational pelvic EUAs and their attitudes around the ethics of informed consent for these exams. DESIGN: An anonymous survey of Likert and open-text response questions about institutions' practices around educational pelvic EUAs was sent to medical students. SETTING: Medical schools included Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. PARTICIPANTS: A total 305 medical students who had completed their obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) clerkship between June 2019 and March 2020 filled out the survey (33% response rate). RESULTS: Overall, 84% of students performed at least 1 pelvic EUA during their clerkship. Of the 42% (142) of students that observed patient informed consent processes most or every time, 67% reported they never or rarely witnessed an explicit explanation that a medical student may perform a pelvic EUA. Analysis of open-text responses found that students wanted to uphold patient autonomy but felt they did not have the personal autonomy to object to performing pelvic EUAs that they believed were unconsented. They faced significant emotional distress when consent processes were at odds with their personal ethos and professional ethical norms. Students favored more standardized and explicit patient consent processes for educational pelvic EUAs. CONCLUSIONS: While students regularly perform pelvic EUAs, their involvement is inconsistently disclosed to patients, causing significant distress to students and risking erosion of students' attitudes about upholding patient autonomy and informed consent. Medical institutions must develop consistent, ethical, and patient-centered processes for trainee disclosure around pelvic EUAs.

Sangrado genital por cuerpo extraño en niñas prepuberales: a propósito de un caso / Genital bleeding caused by foreign body in prepubertal girls: a case report

El sangrado genital en niñas prepúberes es un signo poco frecuente y siempre requiere determinar su causa. Se necesitan una detallada anamnesis y examen físico, con el conocimiento adecuado de la anatomía uroginecológica, y, en muchos casos, estudios de imágenes y exámenes complementarios, para arribar al diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 7 años con sangrado genital, cuyo examen físico y estudios complementarios fueron poco concluyentes, y que requirió un procedimiento invasivo para su resolución. (AU)

Genital bleeding in prepubertal girls is a rare sign and always requires determining its cause. A detailed history and physical examination are needed, with adequate knowledge of urogynecological anatomy, and in many cases, imaging studies and complementary tests, to arrive at the diagnosis. We present the case of a 7-year-old girl with genital bleeding, whose physical examination and complementary studies were inconclusive, requiring an invasive procedure for its resolution. (AU)

Medical Student Attitudes on Explicit Informed Consent for Pelvic Exams Under Anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain an overview of medical student attitudes on the need for explicit consent for pelvic exams under anesthesia performed for educational purposes DESIGN: From February to October 2020, 201 medical students at a single medical school in the United States participated in a cross-sectional survey after completion of the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. Outcome measures included endorsement of need for explicit informed consent for educational pelvic exams under anesthesia, and knowledge of informed consent processes for such exams. SETTING: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine PARTICIPANTS: Third- and fourth-year medical students RESULTS: Overall, 75% of medical students endorsed a need for explicit informed consent for educational pelvic exams under anesthesia, which extended to prostate, rectal, and breast exams under anesthesia. Additionally, 45% and 77% of these participants indicated that consent for educational pelvic exams under anesthesia should take the form of a separate signature line on the surgical consent form and/or a verbal form, respectively. Only 40% of students correctly identified institutional policy for obtaining informed consent for educational pelvic exams under anesthesia. Rotation with the oncologic surgical service (p = 0.02) and correct identification of institutional informed consent policies (p = 0.002) were associated with decreased perceptions of the importance of explicit informed consent for educational pelvic exams under anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students at the institution studied largely support explicit informed consent for educational pelvic and other sensitive exams under anesthesia, but a knowledge gap on institutional informed consent policy exists. Medical students support increased transparency and bodily autonomy. Due to the agreement of patients and medical students and the ethical rationale for this position, it may be appropriate for physicians and institutions to consider new processes of obtaining explicit informed consent for pelvic exams under anesthesia by medical students.

Chikungunya associated vulvitis: case report and literature review / Vulvite associada a Chikungunya: relato de caso e revisão de literatura

Introduction: Chikungunya virus is spreading worldwide due to migration and globalization and could be presented with systemic and with unusual symptoms. Objective: To report a case of virus-transmitted infection detected in a woman during the gynecological examination at a vulvar clinic. Case report: A 73-year-old Caucasian woman attended a vulvar clinic because of dyspareunia and vulvar burning. Ulcers were observed on labia minora and perineum. A Chikungunya was diagnosed by seroconversion in paired specimens. She was prescribed prednisolone 40 mg once a day for 10 days. After oral steroid treatment, the woman had no body rashes or lesions on her genitals. Conclusion: This study emphasized that rare signs of unusual vulvitis with ulcers could be associated with Chikungunya infection.

Introdução: O vírus Chikungunya está se espalhando pelo mundo por conta da migração e da globalização, podendo apresentar sintomas sistêmicos e incomuns. Objetivo: Relatar um caso de infecção pelo vírus detectado em uma mulher por ocasião do exame ginecológico em clínica de patologia vulvar. Relato do caso: Uma mulher caucasiana de 73 anos foi a uma clínica vulvar por causa de dispareunia e queimação vulvar. Úlceras foram observadas nos pequenos lábios e no períneo. O diagnóstico de Chikungunya foi realizado por soroconversão em espécimes pareados. Foi prescrita prednisolona 40 mg uma vez ao dia por dez dias. Após o tratamento com esteróides orais, a mulher não apresentou erupções ou lesões nos órgãos genitais. Conclusão: Este estudo enfatizou que quadros raros de vulvite com úlcera podem estar associados à infecção por Chikungunya.

ESTIMATION OF RADIATION RISK AND ESTABLISHMENT OF DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY CHEST-ABDOMEN-PELVIC EXAMINATIONS IN SUDAN.

Establishment of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) is an essential radiation optimization tool used to indicate optimum practice and radiation protection. This study aimed to report the current computed tomography (CT) of the chest-abdomen-pelvis radiation practice in Sudan as a part of the DRL establishment effort and dose optimization. CT radiation doses were collected from 530 patients of age ranging between 28 and 85 y and body weight ranging between 65 and 120 kg. DRLs were calculated based on the 75th percentile of dose length product (DLP) and CT dose index volume (CTDIvol). Effective and organ doses were calculated using the National Cancer Institute dosimetry system for the CT programme. The proposed DRLs are CTDIvol, 6 mGy, and DLP, 970 mGy.cm, and an effective dose of 9.9 mSv. Organ dose estimation showed that the thyroid received the highest dose during the scan.