Obstetrics and gynecology clinics of North America
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Obstet. Gynecol. Clin. North Am. · Sep 2000
ReviewInfertility. Contemporary office-based evaluation and treatment.
Infertility is a common condition that is highly treatable. Couples can help themselves by recognizing that they have a problem, and practitioners can help patients by recognizing who requires an infertility investigation and when they need it. Instituting a clear and comprehensive evaluation will enable patients who need treatment to achieve their goals.
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Myoma coagulation or myolysis by way of the laparoscope or hysteroscope is a valuable addition to the armamentarium of treatments for a problem that remains pervasive among women: uterine leiomyomata. Likewise, surgical techniques include the use of the Nd:YAG laser as well as the bipolar needle. ⋯ The continued goal for therapy of fibroids and debilitating menorrhagia must take into consideration the needs and desires of the patient in terms of her lifestyle (e.g., days lost from work because of symptoms) and childbearing plans. Hysterectomy continues to be costly in billions of dollars spent annually as well as in the more fundamental terms of morbidity and mortality when compared with the less invasive alternatives of myomectomy, ablation, and myolysis.
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Irregular bleeding is a common complaint of adolescents and is responsible for approximately 50% of gynecologic visits in that age group. Most abnormal bleeding in adolescents is caused by immaturity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis resulting in anovulation. ⋯ A thorough history and physical examination and laboratory findings will often reveal the source of abnormal bleeding. Appropriate treatment is then directed to the underlying cause.
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Obstet. Gynecol. Clin. North Am. · Dec 1999
ReviewContinuous intrapartum pH, pO2, pCO2, and SpO2 monitoring.
The goal of intrapartum surveillance and its further development is better patient care for both the fetus and the gravida. A normal FHR pattern is usually associated with the delivery of a normal well-oxygenated infant; however, a nonreassuring FHR is not always associated with the delivery of a compromised infant. This situation has led to an increase in unnecessary obstetric interventions in the form of a rising cesarean section rate. ⋯ The results from the US Multicenter Trial (level I evidence) should provide a significant addition to current evidence. A continuous fetal noninvasive monitor measuring fetal oxygenation directly could lead to an improvement in the sensitivity and specificity of fetal surveillance. This improvement could ultimately result in a reduction in unnecessary interventions by differentiating hypoxic fetuses from nonhypoxic fetuses and, more importantly, may lead to earlier intervention for fetuses in danger of serious compromise.
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Obstet. Gynecol. Clin. North Am. · Sep 1999
ReviewUterine emergencies. Atony, inversion, and rupture.
Uterine atony, inversion, and rupture are potentially fatal events that may occur in pregnancy. They are obstetric emergencies that require immediate attention. Although all women may experience these complications, identification or known risk factors allow the obstetric team to prepare for rapid diagnosis and intervention. This article includes management options to help prepare for these uncommon events.