Role of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist in Reducing Morbidity and Mortality Among Obstetrics and Gynecology Patients Undergoing Surgery: A Prospective Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: As surgery is an essential aspect of healthcare around the globe, it is necessary to consider complications related to it. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the World Health Organization Surgical Safety Checklist (WHO SSC) on reducing the incidence of postoperative complications Methods: This single-center, prospective, comparative study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in a government hospital in Patna, Bihar. To assess the efficacy of the WHO SSC, the patients were divided into two groups, in which one group undergoing surgery was assessed with the checklist, and the other group was not. The rates of surgery-related complications were then compared in both groups. RESULTS: Our results showed a reduction in surgery-related complications in patients assessed with the WHO SSC. No statistically significant difference in duration of surgery was found between the groups. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in the rates of surgery-related complications between groups, especially in sepsis (p=0.0009), hemorrhage (p<0.0001), and infection at the site of surgery (p<0.0001). Mortality rates were not affected by the use of the SSC. CONCLUSION: The WHO SSC is a simple yet effective tool for reducing postoperative complications by improving communication between the various team members working in the operation theatre, although it has no effect on reducing mortality. Further research is needed to enhance its successful implementation and ensure its sustained use.

Comparing Feto-Maternal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Normal and Abnormal Liver Function Tests: A Prospective Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women with abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) require proper evaluation and timely management to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: The present study was done with the objective of determining feto-maternal outcomes in antenatal women with abnormal LFTs and comparing them with antenatal women having normal liver function. The prevalence and possible causes of derangements in LFT were also identified. METHOD: Pregnant women referred to an antenatal clinic for several reasons pertaining to abnormal liver functions, and those admitted to the labor room for delivery with abnormal LFTs were included in the study. The pregnant women with abnormal LFT were studied prospectively, and they were compared with pregnant women having normal LFT. The fetal and maternal outcomes were also noted. RESULTS:  The pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic with a history of pruritus, abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea/vomiting, hypertension ascites, etc. and delivered at our facility were evaluated. One hundred and eight women had abnormal LFT defined by criteria laid down in material and methods. Eighty-seven women with normal LFT were taken for comparison. In the abnormal LFT, the main cause was intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP). There were 6 (5.5%) maternal deaths in this group and none in the normal LFTs. There were 6 (5.6%) fetal deaths and 4 (4.6%) in the other group (p-value=1). The prevalence of abnormal LFT was 9.11% throughout pregnancy. Increased bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly correlated with maternal mortality, while gestational age at birth, presence of meconium, appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration (APGAR) score, maternal mortality, and raised alkaline phosphatase level were found to be significantly associated with fetal mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients with abnormal LFT were significantly associated with maternal morbidity and mortality. However, fetal outcomes in patients with abnormal and normal LFT were similar. Hyperbilirubinemia and raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significant predictors of maternal mortality.

Cesarean Audit Using Robson Classification at a Tertiary Care Center in Bihar: A Retrospective Study.

Background Since 1985, the international healthcare community has considered the ideal rate for cesarean section (CS) to be between 10% and 15%.However, CS has been increasing both in developed and developing countries. The aim of the present study was to audit CS using Robson's Ten Group Classification System (TGCS). Methodology This retrospective, hospital record-based study was conducted over a period of three years from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2019, in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, India. Data of patients who delivered by CS during this period were recorded and categorized in the 10 groups of TGCS. The size of each group, CS rate, and contribution of each group toward overall CS were calculated. Indications of CS in each group were analyzed, and strategies were planned to optimize the use of CS. The Chi-square test was used to analyse the statistical significance of the differences in the number of CS between the different Robson's groups. Results The total number of deliveries was 2,128 during the study period, of which CS was performed in 812 deliveries, with a CS rate of 38.16% in our institute. Robson's group 5 (34.97%) was the major contributor to the overall CS rate, followed by group 2 (26.35%), group 1 (15.51%), and group 10 (7.14%). The incidence of primary CS (61.82%) was more than repeat CS (38.17%). Previous CS, fetal distress, failed induction, arrest of labor, and malpresentation were the main indications for CS. Conclusions Robson's TGCS serves as an important tool for auditing CS. Indications of CS among major contributors and primary group should be analyzed regularly and uniform and standard protocols should be used. Standardization of indications for CS, regular audits, and definite protocols will help in reducing the CS rate in our hospital.

Colposcopic evaluation of cervix in symptomatic women and its correlation with Pap smear. A prospective study at a tertiary care centre.

INTRODUCTION: Back in India, cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer in women (aged 15-45 years) following breast cancer, accounting for nearly 14% of all female cancer cases. The aim of this study is to yell the findings of pap smear with colposcopy and directed biopsy (if needed) and to evaluate the usefulness of colposcopy in discovering the premalignant and malignant lesions of the cervix. METHODS: This is a prospective observational analysis of 150 symptomatic women attending the gynecology OPD of Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, for a period of one year from 2019 to 2020. Assessment of symptomatic women was completed with a pap smear, colposcopy, and biopsy in selected instances. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: MS Excel spreadsheet application, SPSS v23 (IBM Corp.), was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The expression age (years) has been 34.68 ± 8.05. The sensitivity and specificity of pap smear were 91.7% and 45.45%, respectively, whereas the sensitivity and specificity of colposcopy were 83.3% and 72.72%, respectively, in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: Pap smear had low specificity as compared to colposcopy. Hence simultaneous use of colposcopy has shown to rise in the rate of carcinoma cervix discovery in symptomatic women.

Assessment of knowledge and awareness regarding rubella infection among medical professionals seen in IGIMS, Bihar.

INTRODUCTION: In developing countries like India, the comprehension of rubella virus illness, its consequences, and vaccine are nominal. Rubella virus infection occurring during pregnancy could lead to congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). AIM: The study aimed to know the awareness among young women healthcare practitioners of the reproductive age group towards rubella virus illness, its impacts, and vaccination. METHOD: The research had been carried out on 200 medical practitioner women of reproductive age category between 18 and 40 years. A restructured questionnaire-based interview has been conducted to check their comprehension about it. RESULT: Nearly all women of reproductive age did not know about the occurrence of rubella virus disease, its consequences, and vaccination. CONCLUSION: The research shows the absence of knowledge of rubella virus disease and demands for awareness programs to advertise properly in Bihar.

An unusual case of cervical fibroid masquerading as ovarian tumor.

Uterine fibroids are the most common uterine neoplasm of uterus and the female pelvis and the most common indication for hysterectomy worldwide. When the fibroid is large and fills the whole pelvis or is pedunculated, it becomes difficult to differentiate from ovarian mass clinically. Cervical fibroids pose enormous surgical difficulty by virtue of their relative inaccessibility and proximity to the anterior bladder, posterior rectum, and distorting the normal anatomical relationship of pelvic structures. A cervical fibroid especially with degenerative changes mimics an ovarian tumor and poses a clinical dilemma. This case is also exemplified for its rarity and diagnostic difficulty.

Effect of mifepristone (25 mg) in treatment of uterine myoma in perimenopausal woman.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of Mifepristone (25 mg) on symptomatic myoma in perimenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: Open label clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety three perimenopausal women of age 35-50 years having symptomatic myoma were selected from Gynecology OPD and given 25 mg Mifepristone once daily continuously for three months. Variables as; baseline uterine size, uterine volume, myoma size, volume, their number, position, characteristics, hemoglobin and blood parameters, were taken and followed monthly for six months. Bleeding and pain scores were checked on monthly visits. Changes in above parameters were tabulated during the first three months treatment phase and then next three post-treatment phase for analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Was done by calculating mean, standard deviation, standard error and percentage distribution of variables. RESULTS: Menorrhagia was the most common symptom which led patients to report to hospital. Mean uterine volume reduced to 63.69% of baseline, Mean dominant Myoma volume reduced to 53.62% and hemoglobin level raised to 137% after complete three months of treatment. Changes persisted in next three months post-treatment follow-up, while hysterectomy was required in 10 (12.2%) cases. CONCLUSION: Three months treatment of 25 mg Mifepristone effectively controls bleeding, reduces the uterine and myoma volume and thus can avoid blood transfusion and hysterectomy in a lot of symptomatic myoma cases.

Chronic pelvic pain evaluation and initial management--a study from rural, western Uttar Pradesh.

Chronic pelvic pain is an increasingly common complaint among women, particularly in the reproductive age group. Multiple factors contribute to causation and aggravation of such pain. It affects the social life of the female. The study evaluated demographic and historic variables in women with chronic pelvic pain, differentiated organic from functional causes by non-invasive available measures and evaluated the effectiveness of commonly used treatment options in treatment of chronic pelvic pain. The study was conducted on 160 cases of chronic pelvic pain, attending gynaecology OPD of UP RIMS&R, Etawah. They were evaluated with respect to age, parity, socio-economic status, pattern of pain, associated symptoms, pelvic examination and subsequent management outcome. Specific management was done for organic cause, while analgesics and tranquilisers were prescribed for functional pain. It was found most commonly in 31-35 years age group women, in which 62% were multipara and 74% belonged to the lower socio-economic status (classes IV and V). Specific pathological diagnosis was done only in 56.25% cases. Chronic constant lower abdominal pain was the most common (64%) presentation. Only 65% of patients showed improvement with the medical treatment. Chronic pelvic pain is quite common complaint in rural western Uttar Pradesh. It requires more specific diagnostic aids and treatment protocols for functional pain. Therapeutic success can be achieved by regular supportive doctor-patient interaction.