Type of Pelvic Disease as a Risk Factor for Surgical Site Infectionin Women Undergoing Hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To quantify the relationship between type of benign pelvic disease and risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after hysterectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). PATIENTS: Women who underwent hysterectomy from 2006-2015 and recorded in NSQIP database. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: SSI risk was compared for type of benign pelvic disease, patient characteristics (i.e., age, race, and selected comorbidities) and process of care variables (i.e., admission status, type of hysterectomy, and operative time). SSI occurred in 2.48% of the 125,337 women who underwent hysterectomy. SSI was most frequent in patients with endometriosis and least frequent in those with genital prolapse (3.13% vs 1.39%; p <.0001). Following adjustment for potential confounders, the odds of SSI were higher in women undergoing hysterectomy for endometriosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43- 2.25), uterine myomas (aOR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05-1.55), menstrual disorders (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.20-1.78), and pelvic pain (aOR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.34-2.27) compared with women undergoing hysterectomy for genital prolapse. Other patient factors associated with SSI included age, body mass index, smoking, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Among process-of-care factors, inpatient status, route of hysterectomy, total vs subtotal hysterectomy, and operative time were also associated with SSI. CONCLUSION: In addition to various patient and process-of-care factors known to be associated with SSI, type of underlying pelvic disease is an independent risk factor for SSI in women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications.

Parity as a predictor of obstetric fistula classification.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Obstetric fistulas are injuries to the genital tract in women without emergency obstetric services. Parity may predict the characteristics of fistulas that affect closure success and residual incontinence. Circumferential fistulas may predispose patients to postoperative incontinence. We hypothesized that primiparous women have more distal fistulas than multiparous women, leading to more scarring and circumferential fistulas. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on 1,856 women with obstetric fistula evaluated at three sites by three providers. Fistulas were classified using the Goh classification system. Women aged 10 to 55 years were classified as primiparas or multiparas. Analysis by parity of fistula type and size, degree of scarring, and presence of circumferential defect used the Chi squared or Fisher's exact test, and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 1,841 (99.2 %) women included, 878 (47.7 %) were primiparas and 963 (52.3 %) were multiparas. Primiparas were more likely to have distal fistulas, type 4 being most common (31.5 %), whereas multiparas were more likely to have proximal fistulas, most commonly type 1 (48.1 %). Primiparas were more likely to have moderate to severe scarring (11.7 % vs 5.6 %; p < 0.001), and category III (57.1 % vs 39.2 %; p < 0.001), but not to develop circumferential fistulas (5.6 % vs 4.0 %; p = 0.127), be present for repeat surgery (7.1 % vs 7.6 %; p = 0.721), or have ureteric involvement (1.5 % vs 2.2 %; p = 0.301). Multivariate analyses confirmed increased risk with primiparity for distal fistula and scarring. CONCLUSIONS: As hypothesized, primiparas were more likely to have distal fistulas and more scarring, but were not more likely to have circumferential fistulas. Surgeons should plan accordingly.

The comprehensiveness of the ESHRE/ESGE classification of female genital tract congenital anomalies: a systematic review of cases not classified by the AFS system.

STUDY QUESTION: How comprehensive is the recently published European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)/European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) classification system of female genital anomalies? SUMMARY ANSWER: The ESHRE/ESGE classification provides a comprehensive description and categorization of almost all of the currently known anomalies that could not be classified properly with the American Fertility Society (AFS) system. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Until now, the more accepted classification system, namely that of the AFS, is associated with serious limitations in effective categorization of female genital anomalies. Many cases published in the literature could not be properly classified using the AFS system, yet a clear and accurate classification is a prerequisite for treatment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION: The CONUTA (CONgenital UTerine Anomalies) ESHRE/ESGE group conducted a systematic review of the literature to examine if those types of anomalies that could not be properly classified with the AFS system could be effectively classified with the use of the new ESHRE/ESGE system. An electronic literature search through Medline, Embase and Cochrane library was carried out from January 1988 to January 2014. Three participants independently screened, selected articles of potential interest and finally extracted data from all the included studies. Any disagreement was discussed and resolved after consultation with a fourth reviewer and the results were assessed independently and approved by all members of the CONUTA group. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Among the 143 articles assessed in detail, 120 were finally selected reporting 140 cases that could not properly fit into a specific class of the AFS system. Those 140 cases were clustered in 39 different types of anomalies. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The congenital anomaly involved a single organ in 12 (30.8%) out of the 39 types of anomalies, while multiple organs and/or segments of Müllerian ducts (complex anomaly) were involved in 27 (69.2%) types. Uterus was the organ most frequently involved (30/39: 76.9%), followed by cervix (26/39: 66.7%) and vagina (23/39: 59%). In all 39 types, the ESHRE/ESGE classification system provided a comprehensive description of each single or complex anomaly. A precise categorization was reached in 38 out of 39 types studied. Only one case of a bizarre uterine anomaly, with no clear embryological defect, could not be categorized and thus was placed in Class 6 (un-classified) of the ESHRE/ESGE system. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The review of the literature was thorough but we cannot rule out the possibility that other defects exist which will also require testing in the new ESHRE/ESGE system. These anomalies, however, must be rare. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The comprehensiveness of the ESHRE/ESGE classification adds objective scientific validity to its use. This may, therefore, promote its further dissemination and acceptance, which will have a positive outcome in clinical care and research. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: None.

Hallazgos en resonancia magnética de las malformaciones uterovaginales: datos imprescindibles previos a una intervención quirúrgica / Magnetic resonance imaging findings of uterovaginal malformations: essential data prior to surgical intervention

La caracterización de las malformaciones congénitas del aparato genital femenino ha adquirido gran relevancia, principalmente en mujeres jóvenes con problemas de fertilidad. El origen de estas malformaciones procede de una alteración en el desarrollo embriológico de los conductos de Müller. El manejo terapéutico de estas entidades dependerá tanto del tipo de anomalía como de su gravedad. En la actualidad los múltiples avances tecnológicos en imagen permiten un diagnóstico preciso de estas malformaciones así como una posible planificación quirúrgica. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo revisar la clasificación de las malformaciones müllerianas así como estudiar los hallazgos en resonancia magnética que el cirujano debe conocer previo a la cirugía.

Morphologic characterization of congenital malformations of the female genital tract has acquired great importance, especially in the evaluation of female infertility.The origin of these malformations comes from an alteration in the embryological development of the Müllerian ducts. Technological advances in the field of radiology allow the diagnosis of these malformations, its possible treatment and surgical planning. This paper aims to review the classification of Müllerian anomalies and study the magnetic resonance findings that the surgeon should know prior to possible surgery.

Gynecologic disorders diagnosed during deployment to Southwest/Central Asia, active component females, U.S. Armed Forces, 2008-2013.

Service women in the U.S. Armed Forces face unique challenges that may lead to or exacerbate gynecologic disorders - particularly during deployment. This report documented that approximately one in 10 military women who served in Southwest/Central Asia were diagnosed with a gynecologic disorder at least once during deployment. In addition, gynecologic disorders accounted for approximately one of every 20 medical evacuations of female service members from the war zone. A majority of clinically significant gynecologic disorder cases were attributable to irregular menstruation/bleeding or unspecified inflammation or pain of the female genital organs. Incidence rates of gynecologic disorder diagnoses were higher among black, non-Hispanic service women, among younger women, and among those in the Army and in motor transport and communications/intelligence occupations. Approximately 50% of gynecologic disorder cases had received gynecologic care within 6 months prior to deployment and nearly 90% had received care within 2 years of deployment. Despite pre-deployment care, it is apparent from this report that service women need continuous access to gynecologic care during deployment, particularly if conditions during deployment lead to and exacerbate gynecologic disorders.

Epithelial cell tumors of the hen reproductive tract.

There is a paucity of preclinical models that simulate the development of ovarian tumors in humans. At present, the egg-laying hen appears to be the most promising model to study the spontaneous occurrence of ovarian tumors in the clinical setting. Although gross classification and histologic grade of tumors have been used prognostically in women with ovarian tumors, there is currently no single system that is universally used to classify reproductive tumors in the hen. Four hundred and one 192-wk-old egg-laying hens were necropsied to determine the incidence of reproductive tumors using both gross pathology and histologic classification. Gross pathologic classifications were designated as follows: birds presenting with ovarian tumors only (class 1), those presenting with oviductal and ovarian tumors (class 2), those with ovarian and oviductal tumors that metastasized to the gastrointestinal tract (class 3), those with ovarian and oviductal tumors that metastasized to the gastrointestinal tract and other distant organs (class 4), those with oviductal tumors only (class 5), those with oviductal tumors that metastasized to other organs with no ovarian involvement (class 6), and those with ovarian tumors that metastasized to other organs with no oviductal involvement (class 7), including birds with gastrointestinal tumors and no reproductive involvement (GI only) and those with no tumors (normal). Histopathologic classifications range from grades 1 to 3 and are based on mitotic developments and cellular differentiation. An updated gross pathology and histologic classification systems for the hen reproductive malignancies provides a method to report the range of reproductive tumors revealed in a flock of aged laying hens.

Proliferative and nonproliferative lesions of the rat and mouse mammary, Zymbal's, preputial, and clitoral glands.

The mammary gland of laboratory rodents is an important organ for the evaluation of effects of xenobiotics, especially those that perturb hormonal homeostasis or are potentially carcinogenic. Mammary gland cancer is a leading cause of human mortality and morbidity worldwide and is a subject of major research efforts utilizing rodent models. Zymbal's, preputial, and clitoral glands are standard tissues that are evaluated in animal models that enable human risk assessment of xenobiotics. A widely accepted and utilized international harmonization of nomenclature for mammary, Zymbal's, preputial, and clitoral gland lesions in laboratory animals will improve diagnostic alignment among regulatory and scientific research organizations and enrich international exchanges of information among toxicologists and pathologists.

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.

The scope of pediatric and adolescent gynecological problems in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVE: To establish an insight into pediatric and adolescent gynecological disorders encountered in a tertiary care center in Kuwait. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective case cohort review of 89 case records of patients under the age of 19 years who were admitted to the Maternity Hospital, Kuwait, from October 2002 through September 2003 was undertaken. For a variety of reasons, 35 patients were excluded and the remaining 54 patients constituted the study population. The patients were divided into 5 groups (A-E): group A = ovarian cysts, group B = disorders of pregnancy, group C = menstrual disorders, group D = gynecological infections and group E = miscellaneous. The clinical presentation and management of patients were analyzed. RESULTS: The following spectrum of gynecological disorders was obtained: 13 ovarian cysts (24.1%), 28 disorders of pregnancy (51.8%), 4 menstrual disorders (7.4%), 2 infections (3.7%) and 7 miscellaneous cases (13.9%). Of the 54 patients, 36 (66.7%) were Kuwaitis and the remaining 18 (33.3%) were non-Kuwaitis. The mean age of the study population was 15.16 years, the median was 15.5 years, and the range was 8-19 years. The mean age of the patients with disorders of pregnancy was 17.52 +/- 1.16 years, which is significantly higher than that of groups A, C and E (p = 0.007, 0.0001 and 0.05). The main presenting symptoms at admission were vaginal bleeding: 31 (57.4%), abdominal pain: 17 (31.5%), abdominal mass: 10 (18.5%), and vomiting: 10 (18.5%). Ultrasonography revealed that dermoid cysts were the most frequently encountered ovarian cysts. Patients were hospitalized for 1-7 days. CONCLUSION: Disorders of pregnancy and ovarian cysts were the most frequently encountered pediatric/adolescent gynecological disorders. It is recommended that there should be a dedicated specialized clinic to guarantee privacy and centralized discreet care for these patients.

Pseudoneoplastic lesions of the female genital tract.

CONTEXT: Numerous benign, proliferative, or reactive processes, often related to hormone stimulation or inflammation, occur throughout the female genital tract and may mimic benign or malignant tumors. Several of the more common pseudoneoplastic lesions are discussed in this article, including microglandular hyperplasia of the cervix mimicking well-differentiated endometrial adenocarcinoma, reactive epithelial changes in the fallopian tubes mimicking adenocarcinoma or carcinoma in situ, and pregnancy changes in the ovary including pregnancy luteoma and large solitary luteinized follicular cyst of pregnancy and puerperium that may mimic ovarian neoplasms. OBJECTIVES: To discuss and illustrate several common lesions of the female genital tract that mimic neoplasms. DATA SOURCES: Material derived from consultation cases and review of the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Many benign hyperplastic or reactive processes that occur in the female genital tract may be mistaken for neoplasms both clinically and pathologically. Awareness of the features of such lesions will aid in their correct diagnosis and prevent overtreatment of benign processes.

Gynecological indications for the use of botulinum toxin in women with chronic pelvic pain.

Chronic pelvic pain in women is a common symptom with a wide variety of etiologies that demand accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if pain reduction is to be effected. Superficial conditions such as provoked vestibulodynia and problems affecting deeper structures such as pelvic floor muscle spasm are difficult to treat and can have significant impacts on quality of life for the sufferer. Apart from daily pain, symptoms such as painful intercourse (dyspareunia), painful bowel motions (dyschesia) and exacerbation of period pain (dysmenorrhea) are commonly reported by patients. For inflammatory conditions, and in areas where muscle spasm is thought to contribute to pain, botulinum toxins (BoNT) are used with considerable success. For gynecological indications, there are limited data, in the form of case reports and small series, to indicate that BoNT used in the vulva may have a benefit for 3-6 months after injection of 20-40U of BOTOX; for women with provoked vestibulodynia. Re-treatment is reported to be successful and side effects are limited. Controlled studies are essential to further explore this indication. For pelvic floor muscle spasm, a greater number of women have been studied and a double blind, randomized controlled study has reported a significant reduction in pelvic floor pressures with significant pain reduction for some types of pelvic pain compared to baseline. There were no differences in pain compared to the control group who had physical therapy as an intervention. Physical therapy could be used as a non-invasive first line treatment, with BoNT injections reserved for those who are refractory to treatment. In summary, BoNT treatment for a variety of gynecological indications seems successful with limited side effects, although there are minimal data, particularly in superficial vulval conditions. To allow recommendation for wider utilization of this treatment, it is essential that more research is performed to add further evidence to our current knowledge.

Use and outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection for non-male factor infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is associated with improved outcomes for non-male factor infertility. DESIGN: We examined the patient characteristics associated with treatment choice-ICSI and conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF)-among patients without a diagnosis of male factor infertility and compared outcomes between the two groups, adjusting for patient characteristics using multivariate regression models. SETTING: Academic fertility center. PATIENT(S): We evaluated 696 consecutive assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles performed for couples with normal semen analysis at the Stanford Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Center between 2002 and 2003. We compared patient characteristics, cycle details, and outcomes for ICSI and IVF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates. RESULT(S): Patient characteristics were similar between the two groups, except the proportion of patients with unexplained infertility (IVF 15.1% vs. ICSI 23.5%), previous fertility (IVF 62.6% vs. ICSI 45.5%), and previous ART cycle (IVF 41.2% vs. ICSI 67.7%). More oocytes were fertilized per cycle for the IVF group (6.6 oocytes versus 5.1 oocytes). Fertilization failure, pregnancy, and live birth rates did not differ between IVF and ICSI. Using logistic regressions, having had previous ART was found to be positively associated with ICSI. Treatment choice of ICSI was not associated with fertilization, pregnancy, or live birth rates. CONCLUSION(S): No clear evidence of improved outcomes with ICSI was demonstrated for non-male factor infertility.

Factors that influence length of stay for in-patient gynaecology surgery: is the Case Mix Group (CMG) or type of procedure more important?

OBJECTIVES: To compare the association between the Case Mix Group (CMG) code and length of stay (LOS) with the association between the type of procedure and LOS in patients admitted for gynaecology surgery. METHODS: We examined the records of women admitted for surgery in CMG 579 (major uterine/adnexal procedure, no malignancy) or 577 (major surgery ovary/adnexa with malignancy) between April 1997 and March 1999. Factors thought to influence LOS included age, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, physician, day of the week on which surgery was performed, and procedure type. Procedures were divided into six categories, four for CMG 579 and two for CMG 577. Data were abstracted from the hospital information costing system (T2 system) and by retrospective chart review. Multivariable analysis was performed using linear regression with backwards elimination. RESULTS: There were 606 patients in CMG 579 and 101 patients in CMG 577, and the corresponding median LOS was four days (range 1-19) for CMG 579 and nine days (range 3-30) for CMG 577. Combined analysis of both CMGs 577 and 579 revealed the following factors as highly significant determinants of LOS: procedure, age, physician, and ASA score. Although confounded by procedure type, the CMG did not significantly account for differences in LOS in the model if procedure was considered. Pairwise comparisons of procedure categories were all found to be statistically significant, even when controlled for other important variables. CONCLUSION: The type of procedure better accounts for differences in LOS by describing six statistically distinct procedure groups rather than the traditional two CMGs. It is reasonable therefore to consider changing the current CMG codes for gynaecology to a classification based on the type of procedure.

Socio-demographic characteristics of patients admitted with gynaecological emergency conditions at the provincial general hospital, Kakamega, Kenya.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the magnitude of gynaecological emergencies and the socio demographic characteristics of patients admitted at Provincial General Hospital Kakamega (PGHK). DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Provincial General Hospital Kakamega, the referral hospital for Western Province, Kenya. SUBJECTS: Four hundred patients admitted at the gynaecological wards during the period 1st January 2002 to 31st December 2002. RESULTS: In this study 80% of gynaecological patients admitted at PGH Kakamega were of an emergency nature with 45% being teenagers. The mean age was 17 +/- 3 (mean +/- SD). The majority had primary level of education or below (69%), unemployed (87%) and were rural residents (71%). Patients with abortion formed about 43% of the study group while those with inflammatory disease, pelvic abscess and ectopic pregnancy formed about 24%, 10% and 8% respectively. CONCLUSION: Most gynaecological admissions in PGH Kakamega are of acute nature, with abortion being the most common diagnosis. Hence, trained staff, equipment, supplies and drugs for management of acute gynaecological conditions should be available in hospitals in Western Kenya.

Selection of embryos for day-3 transfer at the pronuclear-stage and pronuclear-stage cryopreservation results in high delivery rates in fresh and frozen cycles.

PURPOSE: Evaluate IVF-ET outcome data for a unique culture and cryopreservation strategy. METHODS: Retrospective study of 92 patients. Embryos for day-3 transfer were selected at pronuclear-stage; all extra zygotes were cryopreserved at pronuclear-stage. RESULTS: Delivery rates for Anonymous Oocyte Donation (Group I), patients <35 years (Group II), and 35-38 years (Group III) were 52.9%, 61.5%, and 51.7% for fresh and 38.5%, 33.3%, and 40.0% for frozen transfer. Deliveries per retrieval were 82.3%, 71.8%, and 58.6%. Only 0.88, 0.80, and 0.61 more zygotes were cultured than what were used for fresh transfer. Singleton, twin, and triplet rates were 64.6%, 31.2%, and 4.2% for fresh and 69.2%, 30.8%, and 0% for frozen. CONCLUSIONS: Selection of day-3 transfer embryos at the pronuclear-stage and cryopreservation of extra zygotes results in high delivery rates in fresh and frozen cycles. This approach optimizes deliveries per retrieval and provides many patients with more than one pregnancy per retrieval.

[Classification and management of gynecologic acute abdomen at a secondary level hospital emergency department]. / Inquadramento e gestione dell'addome acuto di origine ginecologica in un Dipartimento di Emergenza ed Accettazione di II livello. Analisi di 103 casi.

This study retrospectively evaluates the preoperative work-up and the classification and operative treatment of acute abdomen caused by gynaecological disorders in emergency admissions to our department. All female patients admitted in the emergency setting and operated on for gynaecological acute abdomen in our emergency department over the period from 1997 to 2002 were included in the study. A total of 103 patients were identified (54 undergoing emergency operations, 9 operated on within 72 hours, and 40 managed conservatively with medical therapy. The 54 emergency operations performed were 24 ovarian resections, 17 salpingectomies, 5 oophorectomies, 4 exploratory laparotomies, 2 uterine polypectomies and 2 hysterectomies. The non-specific presentation of the disease and an inadequate preoperative work-up in these patients often led to a generic diagnosis at admission. This approach tends to increase the number of operations performed on an emergency basis, whereas a wait-and-see type of management should be adopted. A proper use of surgery is mandatory especially in those patients in whom preservation of reproductive capability has a major impact on outcome.