Perceptions Regarding Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Training among Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents in Hawai'i.

A pediatric and adolescent gynecology curriculum was implemented for obstetrics/gynecology residents at a single institution in Hawai'i. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) formal curriculum in improving knowledge. Twelve residents at the University of Hawai'i completed the curriculum during their second year of training. Of these, 6 residents completed an examination assessing knowledge both before and immediately after the curriculum. Five of these residents completed the examination 1-2 years after completing the curriculum. Average pre-rotation examination scores were 57%, which increased significantly immediately after the curriculum to 87% (P=.003) and remained significantly higher after 1-2 years with average scores of 71% (P=.025). A secondary objective was to assess resident comfort and confidence levels in the subject. All residents who completed the curriculum completed surveys assessing comfort in their pediatric and adolescent gynecology training and both perceived confidence and competence in this area. Despite completing the curriculum, 7 of 12 (58%) did not feel comfortable evaluating pediatric gynecology patients, and 5 of 12 (42%) did not feel prepared nor competent to care for pediatric and adolescent patients. A formal pediatric and adolescent gynecology curriculum increased examination performance, which suggests knowledge retention. However, despite curriculum completion, residents still desired more training in the subject area. Residency programs should consider innovative ways to incorporate inpatient and outpatient educational experiences, periodic testing, and feedback longitudinally throughout residency training to improve long-term retention, confidence, and competence in providing gynecologic care in the pediatric and adolescent gynecology population.

The Effect of the 2012 ASCCP Consensus Guideline for Abnormal Cervical Cytology on Resident Colposcopy Training.

The primary objective was to determine the theoretical number of colposcopies at a resident clinic if the 2012 American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) guidelines were applied. The secondary objective was to determine the actual number of colposcopies before and after the ASCCP guidelines. This was a two-part descriptive study. The first part applied the 2012 ASCCP guidelines to all pre-guideline colposcopy cases at a single resident clinic. These theoretical results were then compared to the actual number of colposcopies. The second part compared the actual number of colposcopies during the one-year time period before and after the guidelines. Chi-Square tests and Fisher's Exact tests were used to examine the association of categorical variables. Seventy-three colposcopies were performed during the pre-guideline period. After applying the 2012 ASCCP guidelines, 52.1% would not have been indicated, resulting in 35 colposcopies. The largest reductions would have occurred in patients with low grade cytologic abnormalities. Applying the new guidelines, patients 24 years and younger would have been less likely than patients ages 25 to 64 to require colposcopy (P<.001). Fifty-eight indicated colposcopies were actually performed during the post-guideline period. While there was a decrease in the number of colposcopies performed post-guidelines, the decrease was not as dramatic as expected. From a training standpoint, as indications for colposcopy decrease, fewer training opportunities are available for residents. In particular, residents will have less experience evaluating low grade cytologic abnormalities in younger women.

Single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy at community hospitals in Honolulu, Hawai'i: a case series.

This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a community hospital setting. Minimally invasive surgical approaches for cholecystectomy achieve equivalent outcomes to the open surgical approach with less post-operative pain, improved cosmesis, shorter hospital stays, and decreased complications. Surgeons are attempting to reduce incisional trauma further by decreasing the number of incisions. A retrospective chart review was conducted for demographics, operating time, blood loss, conversion rate, length of stay, and presence of operative complications on patients undergoing single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy at two community hospitals between 2008 and 2011. One hundred and three patients (79 females and 24 males) underwent single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The mean age was 49.8 years (range 18-88). Ninety-six patients (93.2%) underwent elective procedures while 7 patients (6.8%) underwent urgent procedures. The mean operating time was 89.7 (± 28.3) minutes and the average blood loss was 33.7 (± 27.4) milliliters. Ninety-five (92.2%) of the procedures were successfully completed with a single-incision approach and 8 (7.8%) were converted to a multi-incisional approach, while none were converted to an open approach. The median length of stay was 4.75 hours. The post-operative complication rate was 7.4% (7/95) and included four superficial wound infections, one bile leak, one acute renal failure, and one urinary tract infection. These outcomes for single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy are comparable to other case series reported in the literature, and this retrospective review illustrates that single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible in a community setting.

Case report and management of suspected acute appendicitis in pregnancy.

Suspected cases of acute appendicitis in pregnancy are considered surgical emergencies due to the potentially devastating outcomes for both mother and unborn child if the appendix perforates. Acute appendicitis is also the number one cause of non-traumatic acute abdomen in pregnancy, as well as the number one cause of fetal death. We present a case report with a typical presentation of suspected acute appendicitis in a pregnant woman. The work up and diagnostic tools available are discussed at length, as well as the finer points in treatment of this population.