The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology
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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Nov 2001
A portable, disposable device for patient-controlled epidural analgesia following Caesarean section: evaluation by patients and nurses.
Twenty patients undergoing elective Caesarean section were provided with a pethidine-primed disposable Go Medical epidural infuser for postoperative pain control. Patients and nurses evaluated the device by completing a questionnaire. ⋯ The patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with the device and all would use it again if offered the chance. We conclude that the Go Medical epidural infuser is a safe and effective device as used in the postnatal ward setting.
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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Nov 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialPain relief following day case laparoscopic tubal ligation with intra-peritoneal ropivacaine: a randomised double blind control study.
The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of ropivacaine administered by a simple intraperitoneal technique in relieving pain following laparoscopic application of Filshie clips. Nineteen patients were randomised to receive either ropivacaine (200 mg) or normal saline through the umbilical port following clip application. Using a visual analogue scale women receiving ropivacaine had significantly lower pain scores 2 hours post operatively (0.97 vs 2.03 p < 0.05). ⋯ Only 56% (5/9) of the women in the control group were very or totally satisfied with their pain relief. Ropivacaine administered by a simple intraperitoneal technique following laparoscopic sterilisation significantly reduces postoperative pain and parenteral analgesic requirements. It would be reasonable to consider this method as standard practice following laparoscopic tubal ligation.
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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Nov 2000
Case ReportsPerimortem Caesarean section: two case reports and a management protocol.
Perimortem Caesarean section is a rare clinical event. Two cases are reported. ⋯ The impact of this was traumatic for the trainee specialists who managed the two cases. The relevant literature has been reviewed and a protocol for the management of this rare emergency is presented.
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Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol · Aug 2000
Comparative StudyA prospective study of gestation and birthweight in Aboriginal pregnancies in far north Queensland.
This study aimed to determine the cause(s) of the increased incidence of low birthweight birth in Aboriginal pregnancies. The study prospectively examined a cohort of Aboriginal women presenting for antenatal care before 20 weeks gestation (ultrasound proven) and a reference cohort of Caucasian women in four remote North Queensland communities served by the Far North Regional Obstetric and Gynaecological Service (FROGS) and the antenatal clinic at Cairns Base Hospital. Women with no known medical factors affecting fetal growth or gestation were recruited. ⋯ The phenotypic and demographic characteristics of the women, their pregnancies, and their babies were also compared to understand the major associations with low birthweight birth in the Aboriginal women. Apart from Aboriginal ethnicity, excessive alcohol use in pregnancy, low maternal body mass index (BMI), and low maternal age had significant negative correlations with birthweight, and excessive tobacco use in pregnancy and high maternal gravidity showed strong similar trends. Culturally appropriate programs need to be funded and developed to reduce the incidence of low birthweight Aboriginal birth, rather than medical programs primarily aimed at the reduction of the incidence of preterm labour.