Incidence and risk factors of unanticipated pathology in cases of hysterectomy for benign lesion a cross-section study in Al Shifa Medical Complex.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the incidence of unanticipated gynecologic malignancies among women who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications. METHODS: We conducted a data analysis of hysterectomy cases from the medical files as well as from pathology reports in the pathology department in Al Shifa Medical Complex. Cases were abstracted from 1st January 2019 to 30th December 2020. Preoperative surgical indications included abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), fibroid, endometrial malignancy, ovarian mass, prolapse, molar pregnancy, and adenomyosis. RESULTS: During the study period, 195 women underwent a hysterectomy. More than 50% were performed for fibroid and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The incidence of unanticipated gynecologic malignancy among hysterectomies performed for benign indications was 3.06% (6 cases). Three of them underwent hysterectomy due to post-menopausal bleeding with no preoperative endometrial sampling. Main risk factor were age, anemia, previous medical disorder, lack of equipments, and insufficient preoperative investigations or risks assessments that we considered it an important factor for the development and concealment of pre-existing malignant growth which will lead to future complicated medical plan and management to control the situation. CONCLUSION: Unanticipated pathology in this study was mainly due to incomplete preoperative assessment and workup including diagnostic imaging modalities and D&C biopsy. This workup should be done for all cases before hysterectomy, especially in old-age women with postmenopausal bleeding. Our study indicates that even in cases that are expected to be benign, nothing should be overlooked, and detailed preoperative evaluations should be performed.

Exploring the impact of indication on variation in rates of intrapartum caesarean section in six Palestinian hospitals: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section rates are rising globally. No specific caesarian section rate at either country-level or hospital-level was recommended. In Palestinian government hospitals, nearly one-fourth of all births were caesarean sections, ranging from 14.5 to 35.6%. Our aim was to assess whether variation in odds for intrapartum caesarean section in six Palestinian government hospitals can be explained by differences in indications. METHODS: Data on maternal and fetal health were collected prospectively for all women scheduled for vaginal delivery during the period from 1st March 2015 to 30th November 2016 in six government hospitals in Palestine. Comparisons of proportions in sociodemographic, antenatal obstetric characteristics and indications by the hospital were tested by χ2 test and differences in means by one-way ANOVA analysis. The odds for intrapartum caesarean section were estimated by logistic regression. The amount of explained variance was estimated by Nagelkerke R square. RESULTS: Out of 51,041 women, 4724 (9.3%) underwent intrapartum caesarean section. The prevalence of intrapartum caesarean section varied across hospitals; from 7.6 to 22.1% in nulliparous, and from 5.8 to 14.1% among parous women. The most common indications were fetal distress and failure to progress in nulliparous, and previous caesarean section with an additional obstetric indication among parous women. Adjusted ORs for intrapartum caesarean section among nulliparous women ranged from 0.42 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.57) to 2.41 (95% CI 1.70 to 3.40) compared to the reference hospital, and from 0.50 (95% CI 0.40-0.63) to 2.07 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.67) among parous women. Indications explained 58 and 66% of the variation in intrapartum caesarean section among nulliparous and parous women, respectively. CONCLUSION: The differences in odds for intrapartum caesarean section among hospitals could not be fully explained by differences in indications. Further investigations on provider related factors as well as maternal and fetal outcomes in different hospitals are necessary.

Induction Of Labor Among Singleton Pregnancies In Six Palestinian Governmental Hospitals: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore rates and review practices regarding induction of labor (IOL) among singleton pregnancies in Palestine. DESIGN: A prospective population-based cohort study. SETTING: Six secondary and tertiary governmental hospitals located in the two regions of Palestine: West Bank and Gaza. PARTICIPANTS: Singleton pregnancies who had IOL in participating units during the study period were included (n=8290). Women having multiple gestations (1004), planned cesarean births (703), those admitted with cervical dilation >6cm (11228), and pregnancies with no record of cervical dilation and/or gestational age on admission (219) were excluded. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Rates of IOL in participating units and regions. RESULTS: There were a total of 33,402 singleton births during the study period with an IOL rate of 24.8%. Rates of IOL significantly varied between units, ranging from 12.9% to 45.6% (P-value <0.05). The majority of women with no previous uterine scar were induced at gestational ages ≤40 weeks where 43.8% were induced at 39-40 gestational weeks (29.9% multiparous; 13.9% nulliparous) and 17.7% were induced between 37 and 38 gestational weeks (11.9% multiparous; 5.8% nulliparous). CONCLUSION: Significant variations in IOL practices between Palestinian hospitals and regions suggest overuse of IOL among singleton pregnancies in some units with the majority of these being performed before 40 weeks' gestation. These findings indicate a gap between implementation of best evidence and current clinical practice.

Impact of animated instruction on tablets and hands-on training in applying bimanual perineal support on episiotomy rates: an intervention study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: In Palestine, episiotomy is frequently used among primiparous women.This study assesses the effect of training birth attendants in applying bimanual perineal support during delivery by either animated instruction on tablets or hands-on training on episiotomy rates among primiparous women. METHODS: An interventional cohort study was performed from 15 October 2015 to 31 January 2017, including all primiparous women with singletons and noninstrumental vaginal deliveries at six Palestinian hospitals. Intervention 1 (animated instructions on tablets) was conducted in Hospitals 1, 2, 3, and 4. Intervention 2 (bedside hands-on training) was applied in Hospitals 1 and 2 only. Hospitals 5 and 6 did not receive interventions. Differences in episiotomy rates in intervention and nonintervention hospitals were assessed before and after the interventions and presented as p values using chi-square test, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Differences in the demographic and obstetric characteristics were presented as p values using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Of 46,709 women, 12,841 were included. The overall episiotomy rate in the intervention hospitals did not change significantly after intervention 1, from 63.1 to 62.1% (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.84-1.08), but did so after intervention 2, from 61.1 to 38.1% (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.33-0.47). Rates after Intervention 2 changed from 65.0 to 47.3% (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.40-0.67) in Hospital 1 and from 39.4 to 25.1% (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.35-0.68) in Hospital 2. CONCLUSIONS: Hands-on training of bimanual perineal support during delivery of primiparous women was significantly more effective in reducing episiotomy rates than animated instruction videos alone.

Evaluation of Accuracy of Episiotomy Incision in a Governmental Maternity Unit in Palestine: An Observational Study.

Episiotomy should be cut at certain internationally set criteria to minimize risk of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) and anal incontinence. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of cutting right mediolateral episiotomy (RMLE). An institution-based prospective cohort study was undertaken in a Palestinian maternity unit from February 1, to December 31, 2016. Women having vaginal birth at gestational weeks ≥24 or birthweight ≥1000 g and with intended RMLE were eligible (n=240). Transparent plastic films were used to trace sutured episiotomy in relation to the midline within 24-hour postpartum. These were used to measure incisions' distance from midline, and suture angles were used to classify the incisions into RMLE, lateral, and midline episiotomy groups. Clinical characteristics and association with OASIS were compared between episiotomy groups. A subanalysis by profession (midwife or trainee doctor) was done. Less than 30% were RMLE of which 59% had a suture angle of <40° (equivalent to an incision angle of <60°). There was a trend of higher OASIS rate, but not statistically significant, in the midline (16%, OR: 1.7, CI: 0.61-4.5) and unclassified groups (16.5%, OR: 1.8, CI: 0.8-4.3) than RMLE and lateral groups (10%). No significant differences were observed between episiotomies cut by doctors and midwives. Most of the assessed episiotomies lacked the agreed criteria for RMLE and had less than optimal incision angle which increases risk of severe complications. A well-structured training program on how to cut episiotomy is recommended.

Impact of electronic and blended learning programs for manual perineal support on incidence of obstetric anal sphincter injuries: a prospective interventional study.

BACKGROUND: Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are associated with anal incontinence, dyspareunia and perineal pain. Bimanual perineal support technique (bPST) prevents OASIS. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of two different bPST training-methods on OASIS incidence. METHODS: This is a prospective-interventional quality improvement study conducted in two Palestinian maternity units between June 1 2015 and December 31 2016. Women having spontaneous or operative vaginal-delivery at ≥24 gestational-weeks or a birthweight of ≥1000 g (n = 1694) were recruited and examined vaginally and rectally immediately after vaginal birth by a trained assessor. Data on baseline OASIS incidence were collected during Phase-1 of the study. Subsequently, birth attendants in both maternity units were trained in bPST using two training modalities. A self-directed electronic-learning (e-learning) using an animated video was launched in phase-2 followed by a blended learning method (the animated e-learning video+ structured face-to-face training) in phase-3. OASIS incidence was monitored during phases-2 and 3. Variations in OASIS incidence between the three phases were assessed using Pearson-χ2-test (or Fisher's-Exact-test). The impact of each training-method on OASIS incidence was assessed using logistic-regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1694 women were included; 376 in phase-1, 626 in phase-2 and 692 in phase-3. Compared to Phase-1, OASIS incidence was reduced by 45% (12.2 to 6.7%, aOR: 0.56, CI; 0.35-0.91, p = 0.018) and 74% (12.2 to 3.2%, aOR, 0.29, CI; 0.17-0.50, p < 0.001) in phases-2 and 3, respectively. There was also a significant reduction in OASIS incidence by 52% from phase-2 to phase-3 (6.7% (42/626) to 3.2% (22/692), p = 0.003). These reductions reached statistical significance among parous-women only (aOR: 0.18, CI; 0.07-0.49, p = 0.001) after the first training method tested in phase-2. However, the reduction was significant among both primiparous (aOR: 0.39, CI; 0.21-0.74, p = 0.004) and parous-women (aOR: 0.11, CI; 0.04-0.32, p < 0.001) after implementing the blended learning method in phase-3. CONCLUSION: The animated e-learning video had a positive impact on reducing OASIS incidence. However, this reduction was enhanced by the use of a blended learning program combining both e- learning and face-to-face training modalities. STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrialo.gov identifier: NCT02427854 , date: 28 April 2015.

Caesarean section in Palestine using the Robson Ten Group Classification System: a population-based birth cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the current situation of caesarean section in Palestine using the Robson Ten Group Classification System (TGCS). DESIGN: A population-based birth cohort study. SETTING: Obstetrical departments in three governmental hospitals in Gaza. PARTICIPANTS: All women (18 908) who gave birth between 1 January 2016 and 30 April 2017. METHODS: The contributions of each group to the study population and to the overall rate of caesarean section were calculated, as well as the rate of caesarean section in each TGCS group. Differences in proportions between study hospitals were assessed by χ2 test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome was the contributions of each group to the overall caesarean section rate. RESULTS: The overall rate of caesarean section was 22.9% (4337 of 18 908), ranging from 20.6% in hospital 1 to 24.6% in hospital 3. The largest contributors to the overall caesarean section rate were multiparous women with single cephalic full-term pregnancy who had undergone at least one caesarean section (group 5, 42.6%), women with multiple pregnancies (group 8, 11.6%) and those with single cephalic preterm labour (group 10, 8.1%). Statistically significant differences in caesarean section rates between the study hospitals were observed in group 1 (nulliparous women with single cephalic full-term pregnancy and spontaneous labour), group 4 (multiparous with single cephalic full-term pregnancy with induced labour or prelabour caesarean section), group 5 (multiparous with single cephalic full-term pregnancy with previous caesarean section) and in group 7 (multiparous with breech presentation). CONCLUSION: Women in groups 5, 8 and 10 were the largest contributors to the overall caesarean section rate in the study hospitals. Efforts to reduce the differences in obstetrical care between hospitals need to be directed towards increasing the proportion of vaginal births after caesarean section and by reducing primary caesarean section in multiple pregnancies and preterm labour.

Episiotomy practice in six Palestinian hospitals: a population-based cohort study among singleton vaginal births.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the rates, characteristics and indications for episiotomy among women delivering vaginally for the first time, as well as parous women. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, population-based birth cohort study. SETTING: Obstetric departments in six Palestinian government hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: All women with singleton vaginal births (n=29 165) from 1 March 2015 until 1 March 2016. METHODS: All women were divided into two groups: first vaginal birth group (n=9108), including primiparous women and women with their first vaginal birth after one caesarean section, and the parous group (n=20 057). Each group was analysed separately. Data were presented as numbers and percentages or range. Differences in rates were assessed by the p values of χ2 test, or Fisher's exact test if there are cell counts less than 5. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Episiotomy rates and indications among women of singleton births. RESULTS: The overall episiotomy rate was 28.7%: 78.8% for women with first vaginal birth (range 56.6%-86.0%) and 5.9% for parous women (range 1.0%-9.5%). The most common indications for episiotomy were 'primiparity' in the first vaginal birth group (69.9%) and 'protecting the perineum' in the parous group (59.5%). The least common indications were prolonged second stage (1.5%) and fetal distress (6.9%), respectively. CONCLUSION: In Palestine, the majority of women who delivered vaginally for the first time had an episiotomy. Education of birth attendants, clinical audits, educational interventions and adherence to the updated guidelines may help to decrease the routine overuse of episiotomy.

Enhancing recognition of obstetric anal sphincter injuries in six maternity units in Palestine: an interventional quality improvement study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of a training intervention on obstetric anal sphincter injuries' (OASIS) detection rate. DESIGN: Prospective quality improvement interventional study. SETTING: Six secondary and tertiary maternity units in Palestine. POPULATION: Women having singleton vaginal births ≥23 weeks' gestation or babies weighing ≥500 g (n=22 922). Caesarean births (n=5431), multiple gestations (n=443) and vaginal births of unregistered perineum status (n=800) were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Training programme for enhancing OASIS detection was conducted between 31 January and 31 December 2015. International experts delivered 2-day standardisation workshop teaching OASIS diagnosis and repair to each maternity unit. They also provided additional training to three research fellows employed in three of the maternity units. This was followed by 13-week period of data collection (phase 1). Research fellows then delivered training intervention over 15-week interval (phase 2), including theoretical teaching and 'onsite' training in perineal trauma assessment within the six maternity units. Finally, 13-week postintervention observation (phase 3) followed. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: OASIS rates were used as surrogate for OASIS recognition. OASIS rates were compared between different phases and between the two maternity unit groups (research fellow and non-research fellow based) using Pearson's χ² test. RESULTS: A total 22 922 women were included. Among primiparous women, OASIS rate was higher in phase 2 (2.8%, p<0.001) and phase 3 (3.1%, p<0.001) than phase 1 (0.5%). However, no significant differences were detected in the rates of severe OASIS (third-degree 3c and fourth-degree tears) between phase 1 and 2 (0.5% vs 0.3%), because this would have required at least 103 women with severe OASIS to be included in each phase. Among parous women, OASIS rate was significantly higher in phase 2 (0.6%, p=0.002) but not in phase 3 (0.4%, p=0.071) compared with phase 1 (0.2%). Research fellows' maternity units showed higher OASIS rates among primiparous women in phase 2 (3.6% vs 1.4%, p=0.001) and phase 3 (4.3% vs 0.8%, p<0.001) than non-research fellows' maternity units. CONCLUSIONS: This work is basically an epidemiological study which has identified the prevalence of perineal lacerations and their severity on a large sample of women representative of an entire geographical ethnic region. The quality improvement intervention improved OASIS detection mainly in the research fellows' maternity units. Regular mandatory national programmes in obstetric perineal trauma assessment and management by local champions are essential to mitigate the risk of missing significant degrees of trauma.

Differences in rates and odds for emergency caesarean section in six Palestinian hospitals: a population-based birth cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the differences in rates and odds for emergency caesarean section among singleton pregnancies in six governmental Palestinian hospitals. DESIGN: A prospective population-based birth cohort study. SETTING: Obstetric departments in six governmental Palestinian hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: 32 321 women scheduled to deliver vaginally from 1 March 2015 until 29 February 2016. METHODS: To assess differences in sociodemographic and antenatal obstetric characteristics by hospital, χ2 test, analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test were applied. Logistic regression was used to estimate differences in odds for emergency caesarean section, and ORs with 95% CIs were assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the adjusted ORs of emergency caesarean section among singleton pregnancies for five Palestinian hospitals as compared with the reference (Hospital 1). RESULTS: The prevalence of emergency caesarean section varied across hospitals, ranging from 5.8% to 22.6% among primiparous women and between 4.8% and 13.1% among parous women. Compared with the reference hospital, the ORs for emergency caesarean section were increased in all other hospitals, crude ORs ranging from 1.95 (95% CI 1.42 to 2.67) to 4.75 (95% CI 3.49 to 6.46) among primiparous women. For parous women, these differences were less pronounced, crude ORs ranging from 1.37 (95% CI 1.13 to 1.67) to 2.99 (95% CI 2.44 to 3.65). After adjustment for potential confounders, the ORs were reduced but still statistically significant, except for one hospital among parous women. CONCLUSION: Substantial differences in odds for emergency caesarean section between the six Palestinian governmental hospitals were observed. These could not be explained by the studied sociodemographic or antenatal obstetric characteristics.

Diagnosis and repair of perineal injuries: knowledge before and after expert training-a multicentre observational study among Palestinian physicians and midwives.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether a 2 days training with experts teaching on diagnosis and repair of perineal injuries among Palestinian midwives and physicians could change their level of knowledge towards the correct diagnosis and treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Multicentre observational study. SETTING: Obstetric departments in 6 government Palestinian hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: All physicians and midwives who attended the training. METHODS: A questionnaire comprising of 14 questions on the diagnosis and repair of perineal tears was distributed to all participants before the training (n=150; 64 physicians and 86 midwives) and 3 months after the training (n=124, 53 and 71, respectively). Characteristics, differences of the study population and level of knowledge before and after the training were presented as frequencies and percentages. Consistency in responses was tested by estimating the p value of McNemar test. RESULTS: Among physicians only 11.4% had accurate knowledge on perineal anatomy before the training compared with 78.85% after the training (p<0.001). For midwives, the corresponding numbers were 9.8% and 54.2%, respectively (p<0.001). Before the training, 5.8% of the physicians were aware that rectal examination is mandatory before and after suturing of episiotomies compared with 45.8% after the training (p<0.001). The corresponding numbers for midwives were 0% and 18% (p<0.001), respectively. Physicians knowledge of best practice of skin repair following episiotomy improved from 36.5% to 64.5% (p=0.008) and among midwives from 26.1% to 50.7% (p<0.001). Physicians knowledge of the overlap technique in the repair of full thickness external anal sphincter tears improved from 28.5% to 42.8% (p=0.05), whereas knowledge of repairing torn internal anal sphincter separately improved from 12.8% to 86.8% (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in the level of knowledge on diagnosis and repair of perineal tears was observed for all physicians and midwives who attended the 2 days' expert training. Regular ongoing training will serve to maintain the newly acquired knowledge.

Evaluation of an animated instructional video as a training tool for manual perineum support during vaginal delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To explore attitudes to an animation-based bimanual perineum-support technique (bPST) training video, and to investigate factors affecting the acceptability of the animation as a teaching modality. METHODS: A quantitative study conducted between November 1, 2014, and January 1, 2015, included obstetricians and midwives of any age and experience from relevant Norwegian professional organizations, and obstetrics and gynecology experts selected by the authors. Participants completed an anonymous online-survey evaluating the accuracy and clarity of the animation, and assessing knowledge of bPST and clinical practice. Factor and reliability analyses were conducted and the survey results were stratified based on the profession of the participants. RESULTS: The online survey was completed by 124 participants. There were 6 (5.4%) participants who reported using bPST before the study and 102 (92%) who described themselves as willing to use it afterwards, a significant increase (Z=-9.42; P<0.001). Having prior knowledge of bPST was associated with having a positive opinion of the video (t=6.43; P<0.001) and with intending to learn the technique (t=11.6; P<0.001). Participants who provided comments were more likely to evaluate the video negatively (t=-2.88; P<0.001) and to report not intending to learn the technique (t=-3.71; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Animation-based training for bPST was feasible. The prior provision of information regarding the effectiveness of bPST could potentially increase user satisfaction with the animation.