Evaluación de la función sexual en mujeres sometidas a histerectomía total y supracervical por vía laparoscópica / Evaluation of sexual function in women undergoing total and supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy

Objetivo: Determinar si la histerectomía total o supracervical laparoscópica tiene repercusión en la función sexual de la mujer y cuál de estas técnicas quirúrgicas se debe emplear para preservar la función sexual, evaluando si las alteraciones en dicha función se comportan como variables independientes al procedimiento quirúrgico. Método: Se realizó un estudio longitudinal, prospectivo y analítico en pacientes del servicio de ginecología del Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, para evaluar la función sexual de pacientes que fueron sometidas a histerectomía laparoscópica por patología benigna. La evaluación de la función sexual se realizó de forma preoperatoria y seis meses después del evento. Se utilizó dos instrumentos para evaluar la función sexual de las pacientes: la historia clínica codificada femenina y el índice de función sexual femenina. Resultados: No hubo diferencia significativa en la función sexual de las mujeres antes y después de la histerectomía (z= -1,603; p>0,109). No hubo diferencia significativa entre las mujeres con y sin disfunción sexual en relación con la edad, escolaridad, inicio de actividad coital, temores hacia la sexualidad y experiencias sexuales traumáticas en la infancia. Conclusiones: La función sexual de las mujeres antes y después de la histerectomía no se ve afectada por la histerectomía total laparoscópica ó la histerectomía subtotal laparoscópica.

Objective: To determine whether total or supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy has an impact on female sexual function and which of these surgical techniques should be used to preserve sexual function, evaluating whether the alterations in the function behave as independent variables to surgical procedure. Method: We conducted a longitudinal study, prospective and analytical at the National Institute of Perinatology in assessing sexual function of patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign disease, assessment of sexual function was conducted preoperatively and six months after the event. Two instruments for assessing sexual function of patients was used: medical history and the female sexual functionindex. Results: In applying the test of Wilcoxon signed ranks two related samples, no significant difference in sexual function in women before and after hysterectomy (z = -1.603; p>0.109). By applying the statistical test of Chi2 to see if there was a difference between women with and without sexual dysfunction in relation to other variables such as age, education, initiation of coital activity, fears about sexuality, traumatic sexual experiences in childhood, no significant differences were found. Conclusions: Sexual function in women before and after hysterectomy is not affected significantly. The result of the hysterectomy is independent of the type of surgery (total laparoscopic hysterectomy or supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy).

An analysis of the bacterial flora of meat carcasses

Meat production at the Kingston and St. Andrew and Orchard Farm Abattoir is undertaken under grossly unsatisfactorily conditions. Extensive microbial contamination could have adverse implications for the health of consumers of meat produced at the abattoirs. This study sought to determine the microbial quality and safety of the carcasses produced at the abattoirs as well as the knowledge, attitude and practice of abattoir workers with respect to sanitary slaughter and processing of animals. Samples were taken from approximately 25 percent bovine and porcine carcasses produced at the abattoir over a two-week period. Laboratory analyses were performed on these samples to determine the coliform count, E. coli count and the presence of salmonella. The condition under which slaughtering took place was observed. Informal interviews with butchers to determine their knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to sanitary slaughter were also conducted. The results showed extensive contamination of the carcasses produced. The E. coli count on carcasses, fell well outside acceptable standards. The presence of Salmonella also fell outside the limits of acceptable standards at one of the abattoirs. The presence of salmonella was detected on meat from the other abattoir though within acceptable limits. Poorly maintained facilities and equipment and lack of aseptic technique in processing and the use of untreated water in the abattoir were factors which impacted on the quality of meat produced. The study concluded that the meat produced at the Kingston and St. Andrew and Orchard Farm abattoirs places consumers at risk of contracting food borne disease. There were no significant differences between quality and safety of meat produced at the two establishments. There is need for effective quality control systems to be established in the abattoirs with a view to correcting process defects and ultimately reduce the levels of contamination of the carcass.(Au)

Management and administration of the Environmental Control Division of the Ministry of Health [Jamaica]

Examines the administration practices of the Environmental Control Division (ECD) of the Ministry of Health to determine the extent to which administrative defiencies inhibit the carrying out of the organizational functions. Looks at the prescribed functions of the ECD; the extent to which these functions are carried out; the organizational structures strengths and weaknesses and the administrative practices. (AU)