Psychosocial experiences of women with vesicovaginal fistula: a qualitative approach

Vesicovaginal fistula [VVF] is a condition associated with a number of physical and psychological consequences. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the issues faced by women diagnosed with VVF, a qualitative exploratory study was carried out to explore the experiences of women suffering from VVF. The study included 8 women hospitalized with the diagnosis of vesicovaginal fistula at Kohi Goth Women's Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. Semi structured interviews of each participant were conducted, recorded, and transcribed. Five major themes were identified, among which all of the participants experienced physical discomforts, psychological disturbances, issues with social and interpersonal relationships and financial constraints. However, concerns with religious practices were experienced by 87.5% of the participants. Pakistani women who are suffering through VVF face many challenges. Combined efforts should be made to offer supportive services to women suffering from this condition.

Operative notes at surgical units of a tertiary care hospital

To assess the quality of operative notes in general surgery procedures. Descriptive study. Civil Hospital Karachi. Operative notes for all procedures were typed and saved in a data retrieval system [Health Management and Information system, DOTS'78]. A proforma was designed in accordance with the standards prescribed by Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh [RCSE] for taking down surgical case notes. The operative notes were studied and a proforma was filled for each. These were then compared with the prescribed standard for completion of documentation. The data was analyzed on SPSS 13. Out of a total of 100 notes, 99 had operating surgeons name mentioned, however, the time of surgery was missing in all. Approximately half of the notes surveyed did not mention the incision type, while operative diagnosis was mentioned in 92% of the notes. Post operative instructions were mentioned in 89% of the notes reviewed. Standardized notes documentation was not found in the present study in most of the cases