Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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HbA1c testing provides average blood glucose control, an elevated result may be associated with adverse post-operative outcomes. Our objective was to evaluate the association between elevated pre-operative HbA1c and post-operative complications in patients undergoing major gynaecological oncology surgery. HbA1c was measured pre-operatively in 364 patients. ⋯ This suggests that pre-operative HbA1c should be used routinely to guide care rather than diabetic status alone to prevent post-operative infections. Whatthe implicationsareof these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? More research needs to be carried out to find the optimal pre-operative HbA1c targets to reduce post-operative infection rates. Work needs to be done in conjunction with general practitioners to help patients to reduce their HbA1c prior to treatment.