Historical aspects of obstetrics and gynaecology

This book contains the historical background to some facets of obstetrics and gynaecology. It relates how the present state of the specialty emerged from the past. Among the subjects addressed are: the discovery of obstetric anaesthesia; ancient practice of contraception; the origin of Caesarean section; the pioneers of myomectomy and hysterectomy; the role of antisepsis in reducing maternal mortality

Gynaecology made simple for medical students U. W. I

This book entitled "Gynaecology made simple" is a revised edition of "Short notes in Gynaecology". It was prepared with the fervent wish that you, our medical students, would find it useful as you prepare for your final examinations. We think that a revision on how to take a gynaecological history is vital, especially when one takes into consideration that the final examination in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is heavily weighted in favour of the clinical component. You would find in this booklet common cases in the Gynaecological Clinical Examination such as fibroids, utero-vaginal prolapse, postmenopausal bleeding and ovarian cyst. Topics such as ectopic pregnancy, dilatation and curettage, hysterectomy and sterilization are commonly asked in the Oral Examination. We feel certain that this booklet would also be valuable in your day to day care of patients after graduation. An addition in this edition involves some common cases in the Clinical Examination as well as tips for you in the Oral Examination. It must be emphasized that this booklet must be used in conjunction with the recommended textbook in Gynaecology. We the authors would welcome any constructive criticism

Examination performance of medical students: a view from Trinidad

We analysed the outcome of the final MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) examination oat the St. Augustine Campus, University of the West Indies, for 686 students attempting them for the first time between 1975 and 1986. The mean failure rate was lowest in medicine between 1975 and 1981, in obstetrics and gynaecology between 1982 and 1989 and in surgery during the last 7 years. The students' poor performance in some areas indicates the need for recognizing the importance of creating and establishing an educational climate in which the quality of teaching comes under scrutiny. The marking system in medicine should be reviewed.

The evolution of obstetrics and gynaecology in Trinidad

Obstetrics and gynecology is a discipline proud of its history and the influence it has exerted on the well-being of women. Obstetrics is as old as the human race. The birth of gynaecology coincided with the advent of modern surgery. This book reviews the history of midwifery and describes the development of the specialty in Trinidad. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the influence of four pioneers whose achievements I have recorded. I have mentioned other specialists in the field who have made significant contributions and would like to apologise for the omission of many collegues who have played a part in elevating the standards of O&G in this country: "Were I to await perfection, my book will never be finished". Medical education has assumed great importance in the West Indies over the past decade. I have taken up the story with the founding of a Faculty of Medicine in Jamaica in 1948 and traced our progress towards the establishment of our school at Mt. Hope. It is hoped that the information provided about the performance of undergraduates will enhance the educational strategies employed to achieve our goals and encourage a strengthening of clinical teaching in future by focussing the attention of teachers on a key area of their educational role. I also hope that this book will be a stimulus for students to enquire further into the history of O&G as a pathfinder in the search for better patient-care in the new millennium

The results of abdominal myomectomy

A survey of the records of 103 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy revealed that menorrhagia and infertility were the commonest presenting complaints. The overall successful pregnancy rate was only 28.8 per cent , but the procedure was corrective in two-thirds of patients with leiomyomata-related infertility. Intra-operative blood loss, post-operative adhesion formation and recurrence of tumour remain major drawbacks of myomectomy

An audit of eclampsia

One hundred and three patients with eclampsia were managed during a period of eleven years. The perinatal mortality rate was 136 per 1000 total births and there were six maternal deaths. The maternal mortality rate was less among eclamptics delivered by Caesarean Section. Liberal use of diazepam and magnesium sulphate and early recouse to Caesarean Section were integral in the care of these women.

Risk factors and treatment of endometrial carcinoma

A twelve-year retrospective study of 54 consecutive cases of endometrial carcinoma revealed that post-menopausal bleeding was the commonest symptom, and the major associated risk factors were obesity and hypertension. Panhysterectomy was the corner-stone of treatment while adjunctive therapy was based on certain prognostic factors and the operator's preference.

Cold-knife cervical conization

Forty-six cervical conizations were performed over a ten-year period for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Twenty-nine women were under 45 years of age. The most common reason for conization was an abnormal Papanicolaou smear. The overall incidence of neoplasia was 80.4 per cent. The high complication rate of 28.4 per cent emphasizes the need for a less traumatic technique of excisional biopsy.

Haemothorax and ascites associated with endometriosis

A young patient with pleuroperitoneal endometriosis presented with an haemorrhagic effusion. Two years later, she developed massive ascites with resolved after treatment with oral Danazol and Depo-Provera injections.

Is adolescent pregnancy hazardous?

A study of the pregnancy outcome in 3320 teenagers revealed a low incidence of pre-eclampsia and anaemia and high rates of eclampsia, prematurity and low birthweight. The perinatal loss was 2.2 per cent and there was one maternal death. A comprehensive programme designed to improve antenatal surveillance is recommended for adolescents.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy and arterial embolism

A severely pre-eclamptic patient developed peripartum cardiomyopathy and bilateral femmoral emboli. Medical therapy for cardiac failure was commenced prior to delivery by Caesarean Section. Bilateral femoral embolectomy was performed on the sixth postpartum day.