The Management of Gynaecological Emergencies

 

The term gynaecological emergency refers to a condition that involves the female reproductive system and threatens the life, sexual function, and fertility of the woman. Gynaecological emergencies often present as acute abdomens, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or a combination of both, and are often related to pregnancy complications, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or contraception issues.

It is common for hospitals in developed countries to have emergency gynecology units that treat acute gynecological problems, such as pelvic pain, severe menorrhagia, vulvar problems, acute pelvic inflammation, hyperemesis gravidarum, and post-gynecology surgical complications quickly. A leading Gynecology surgeon, Dr. David Gerber has vast knowledge and experience in minimally invasive surgery, colposcopy, labiaplasty, labia reduction and emergency gynecology. He has been a gynecologist since 1997. He is a member of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.

With this article, Toronto-based Gynecologist Dr David Gerber aims to provide an overview of these emergency gynaecological conditions, as well as their management. According to Dr Gerber, managing these cases usually involves taking a medical history, performing a physical examination, conducting general and specific investigations, and instituting the necessary treatment. Due to the urgency of these cases, management steps often overlap, with some requiring immediate resuscitation.

Managing gynecological emergencies is aimed at preserving life, health, sexual function, and fertility. To avoid unwanted consequences, early recognition and appropriate treatment are essential for gynaecological emergencies like ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and miscarriages.

Early pregnancy complications are the most common cause of gynaecological emergencies. Approximately 20% of post-implantation pregnancies end in spontaneous abortion, and up to 1 in 100 result in ectopic pregnancies. As a result of recent advances, earlier diagnosis is now possible and treatments are becoming more conservative, explains leading labiaplasty surgeon, Dr David Gerber. To increase patient satisfaction and make better use of resources, hospitals can manage many of these cases as outpatients or day cases.

Diagnostic difficulties often occur in non-pregnant women with abdominal pain. There has been an increase in pelvic inflammatory diseases despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. Haemorrhage of the uterus remains a common problem and one that often responds to medical treatments, including progestogens and oestrogen prodrugs. It is common for hemorrhage to be controlled by conservative measures after surgical procedures.