During a Vatican conference titled "New Frontiers of Genetics and the Risk of Eugenics," Pope Benedict XVI said that there are "worrisome displays" of discrimination resulting from advancements in diagnosing genetic illnesses and the development of therapies to treat them, the AP/Washington Post reports. According to the Post, the pope's comments were an "apparent reference to pre-implantation genetic diagnosis for embryos," which allows embryos created for in vitro fertilization to be tested for genetic conditions and diseases prior to implantation. The Vatican opposes PGD because embryos are often destroyed as a result. Benedict also is opposed to the technology because "it means that medical biotechnology has given way to being the judge of the strongest." He is concerned that genetic screening can lead to discrimination because it prizes "efficiency, perfection and physical beauty at the expense of other forms of existence that are deemed unworthy."
Proponents of the genetic testing and PGD argue that the technology can help prevent parents from passing on hereditary diseases to their children. Many countries either ban the procedure or restrict it to the detection of serious diseases, in part to curb selective screening of factors like eye color or gender, the AP/Post reports. The pope said, "What we must repeat with force is the equal dignity of every human being, for the sole fact of having been brought to life. One's biological, psychological and cultural development and health can never become an element for discrimination" (Winfield, AP/Washington Post, 2/21).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
суббота, 30 июля 2011 г.
суббота, 23 июля 2011 г.
Teen Girls Report Barriers To Physical Activity
Teenage girls perceive lack of time as the number one barrier to physical activity, according to a new study published in the March issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise®, the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The three-year survey assessing black and white adolescent girls reveals sedentary habits are mostly linked to internal barriers (interest, motivation), which were unrelated to external factors (jobs, recreation).
More than half of approximately 2,000 girls surveyed from ages 16 or 17 to 18 or 19 were identified as being sedentary. Of those classified as sedentary (about 1,000 girls), the majority (65 percent for black girls and 80 percent for white girls) claimed lack of time was their primary barrier to activity. They also frequently said they were too tired or uninterested in participating in physical activities. Other commonly reported barriers, such as safety and body image concerns, came from the 10-item questionnaire developed to assess the girls' perceptions of barriers to activity participation.
With the identification of these barriers, researchers corroborated with other information about the girls to understand whether barriers were simply perceived or were related to external circumstances. For instance, while the majority of girls felt lack of time prevented their pursuit of activity, researchers found no difference in hours at work or in household chores when compared to girls who did not report time as a barrier. Further, girls who said they were too tired had about the same amount of sleep per night as those who did not report fatigue.
"Overall activity levels have declined by 83 percent in these age groups," said Sue Y.S. Kimm, M.D., M.P.H., lead author of the study. "These girls are definitely at risk for becoming overweight or obese, if they are not already, because of this steep decline. Recognizing what these girls perceive as barriers to their health and wellness can help us motivate them to find balance in their life that includes an increase in energy expenditure."
Other findings from the study showed habitual physical activity was significantly lower among black girls; these girls spent twice as much time watching television or videos and were significantly heavier than white girls. More white girls reported lack of time, and also were significantly more likely to indicate fatigue and self-consciousness as a barrier to exercise. Black girls were more than twice as likely to cite safety as a concern, although this was not one of the leading barriers to activity participation. Researchers were interested to find that black girls cited fewer barriers overall, and suggested the greater decline in activity participation may reflect cultural differences and attitudes about exercise.
"We don't know as much as we'd like about why girls become particularly inactive during adolescence," said Kimm. "Our evidence suggests the two most commonly cited reasons - lack of time and fatigue - are probably not actual barriers because these girls did not work more hours after school or have less sleep than others. However, it's the perception of a barrier we must overcome in order to help these girls find the time and energy it takes to get moving."
ACSM and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 30 minutes of physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. For those who perceive lack of time as a major barrier, health and fitness experts agree physical activity can be accumulated during the day in shorter periods of activity, such as 10- or 15-minute bouts.
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 20,000 international, national, and regional members are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise® is the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine , and is available from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins at 1-800-638-6423. For a complete copy of the research paper (Vol. 38, No. 3, pages 536-542) or to speak with a leading sports medicine expert on the topic, contact the Department of Communications and Public Information at 317-637-9200 ext. 127 or 117. Visit ACSM online at acsm. The conclusions outlined in this news release are those of the researchers only, and should not be construed as an official statement of the American College of Sports Medicine.
acsm
More than half of approximately 2,000 girls surveyed from ages 16 or 17 to 18 or 19 were identified as being sedentary. Of those classified as sedentary (about 1,000 girls), the majority (65 percent for black girls and 80 percent for white girls) claimed lack of time was their primary barrier to activity. They also frequently said they were too tired or uninterested in participating in physical activities. Other commonly reported barriers, such as safety and body image concerns, came from the 10-item questionnaire developed to assess the girls' perceptions of barriers to activity participation.
With the identification of these barriers, researchers corroborated with other information about the girls to understand whether barriers were simply perceived or were related to external circumstances. For instance, while the majority of girls felt lack of time prevented their pursuit of activity, researchers found no difference in hours at work or in household chores when compared to girls who did not report time as a barrier. Further, girls who said they were too tired had about the same amount of sleep per night as those who did not report fatigue.
"Overall activity levels have declined by 83 percent in these age groups," said Sue Y.S. Kimm, M.D., M.P.H., lead author of the study. "These girls are definitely at risk for becoming overweight or obese, if they are not already, because of this steep decline. Recognizing what these girls perceive as barriers to their health and wellness can help us motivate them to find balance in their life that includes an increase in energy expenditure."
Other findings from the study showed habitual physical activity was significantly lower among black girls; these girls spent twice as much time watching television or videos and were significantly heavier than white girls. More white girls reported lack of time, and also were significantly more likely to indicate fatigue and self-consciousness as a barrier to exercise. Black girls were more than twice as likely to cite safety as a concern, although this was not one of the leading barriers to activity participation. Researchers were interested to find that black girls cited fewer barriers overall, and suggested the greater decline in activity participation may reflect cultural differences and attitudes about exercise.
"We don't know as much as we'd like about why girls become particularly inactive during adolescence," said Kimm. "Our evidence suggests the two most commonly cited reasons - lack of time and fatigue - are probably not actual barriers because these girls did not work more hours after school or have less sleep than others. However, it's the perception of a barrier we must overcome in order to help these girls find the time and energy it takes to get moving."
ACSM and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 30 minutes of physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week. For those who perceive lack of time as a major barrier, health and fitness experts agree physical activity can be accumulated during the day in shorter periods of activity, such as 10- or 15-minute bouts.
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 20,000 international, national, and regional members are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise® is the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine , and is available from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins at 1-800-638-6423. For a complete copy of the research paper (Vol. 38, No. 3, pages 536-542) or to speak with a leading sports medicine expert on the topic, contact the Department of Communications and Public Information at 317-637-9200 ext. 127 or 117. Visit ACSM online at acsm. The conclusions outlined in this news release are those of the researchers only, and should not be construed as an official statement of the American College of Sports Medicine.
acsm
суббота, 16 июля 2011 г.
New Research Says Birth Control Pills Do Not Cause Weight Gain
According to research conducted at the Oregon National Primate Research Center at Oregon Health & Science University, the commonly held belief that oral contraceptives cause weight gain appears to be false. The results of the study are published online and will appear in next month's edition of the journal Human Reproduction.
"A simple Google search will reveal that contraceptives and the possibility that they may cause weight gain is a very highly debated topic," said Alison Edelman, M.D., a physician and researcher in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at OHSU and lead author of the study.
"Issues surrounding weight are hard to study in humans, and the research thus far has been insufficient to demonstrate whether or not oral contraceptives cause weight gain or loss. But this is an extremely important question as concern about weight gain is one of the main reasons why women may avoid or discontinue birth control, which in turn places them at greater risk for an unplanned pregnancy."
To conduct their research, scientists and physicians studied a group of rhesus macaque monkeys at the OHSU Oregon National Primate Research Center for almost a year. Rhesus monkeys were used in this study because their reproductive system is nearly identical to humans. However, unlike human studies, more variables can be controlled and measured - such as exact food intake - to provide more meaningful data.
At the beginning of the study, half the animals were obese and half were normal weight. During the eight-month treatment period, animals received doses of oral contraceptives, adjusted to the weight of the animals so that it mimicked dosage in humans. Researchers tracked weight, food intake, activity levels, body fat and lean muscle mass. At the study's conclusion, the normal weight group remained weight stable whereas the obese group lost a significant amount of weight (8.5%) and percent of body fat (12%) due to an increase in basal metabolic rate. No changes were seen in food intake, activity or lean muscle mass for either group.
"This study suggests that worries about weight gain with pill use appear to be based more on fiction than on fact," said Judy Cameron, Ph.D., senior author of the paper and a researcher at the primate center.
"Additionally, there may be a differential affect depending on your starting weight - heavier individuals who keep their diet stable may see a weight loss with pill use. Most likely, the reason why this belief continues to exist is that the weight gain that seems to occur with age is being attributed to these medications. We realize that research in nonhuman primates cannot entirely dismiss the connection between contraceptives and weight gain in humans, but it strongly suggests that women should not be as worried as they previously were."
The research was funded by the Society for Family Planning.
Source:
Oregon Health & Science University
"A simple Google search will reveal that contraceptives and the possibility that they may cause weight gain is a very highly debated topic," said Alison Edelman, M.D., a physician and researcher in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at OHSU and lead author of the study.
"Issues surrounding weight are hard to study in humans, and the research thus far has been insufficient to demonstrate whether or not oral contraceptives cause weight gain or loss. But this is an extremely important question as concern about weight gain is one of the main reasons why women may avoid or discontinue birth control, which in turn places them at greater risk for an unplanned pregnancy."
To conduct their research, scientists and physicians studied a group of rhesus macaque monkeys at the OHSU Oregon National Primate Research Center for almost a year. Rhesus monkeys were used in this study because their reproductive system is nearly identical to humans. However, unlike human studies, more variables can be controlled and measured - such as exact food intake - to provide more meaningful data.
At the beginning of the study, half the animals were obese and half were normal weight. During the eight-month treatment period, animals received doses of oral contraceptives, adjusted to the weight of the animals so that it mimicked dosage in humans. Researchers tracked weight, food intake, activity levels, body fat and lean muscle mass. At the study's conclusion, the normal weight group remained weight stable whereas the obese group lost a significant amount of weight (8.5%) and percent of body fat (12%) due to an increase in basal metabolic rate. No changes were seen in food intake, activity or lean muscle mass for either group.
"This study suggests that worries about weight gain with pill use appear to be based more on fiction than on fact," said Judy Cameron, Ph.D., senior author of the paper and a researcher at the primate center.
"Additionally, there may be a differential affect depending on your starting weight - heavier individuals who keep their diet stable may see a weight loss with pill use. Most likely, the reason why this belief continues to exist is that the weight gain that seems to occur with age is being attributed to these medications. We realize that research in nonhuman primates cannot entirely dismiss the connection between contraceptives and weight gain in humans, but it strongly suggests that women should not be as worried as they previously were."
The research was funded by the Society for Family Planning.
Source:
Oregon Health & Science University
суббота, 9 июля 2011 г.
Stephen Lewis Foundation Donates $300,000 To Hospital In Congo To Address Sexual Violence, HIV/AIDS
The Stephen Lewis Foundation on Monday announced that it will provide $300,000 to the Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo to support survivors of sexual violence and women living with HIV/AIDS, VOA News reports (DeCapua, VOA News, 6/9). According to the CP/Google, the hospital has treated about 15,000 survivors of sexual violence since 1999, and 10% of the women and girls treated have tested positive for HIV.
The grant -- in addition to $350,000 the foundation already has given to the hospital and an associated homebuilding project, called City of Joy -- will allow the hospital to purchase surgical equipment, increase safe blood supplies and scale up HIV testing (CP/Google, 6/9). The latest grant also will fund treatment for both physical and psychological trauma. The psychological efforts will include resources and personnel, such as counselors from similar projects in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia (VOA News, 6/9).
The foundation also has called on the United Nations to fulfill its mandate to protect women and girls in Africa. Stephen Lewis, former U.N. special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, noted that what is so incomprehensible about unchecked violence against women is that "the world knows" it is happening but that little is being done to stop it. In Congo, it is estimated that 200,000 women and girls have been sexually assaulted or subjected to other forms of sexual violence, the CP/Google reports (CP/Google, 6/9).
"The level of sexual violence and the brutality of the assaults has resulted in ... spreading the HIV and AIDS virus, so that more and more women are turning up at the Panzi Hospital," Lewis said. He added, "More women are turning up at the Panzi Hospital HIV-positive. And we felt, given the circumstance and the way in which the virus is transmitted through rape and sexual violence, we should get involved" (VOA News, 6/9).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
© 2008 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
The grant -- in addition to $350,000 the foundation already has given to the hospital and an associated homebuilding project, called City of Joy -- will allow the hospital to purchase surgical equipment, increase safe blood supplies and scale up HIV testing (CP/Google, 6/9). The latest grant also will fund treatment for both physical and psychological trauma. The psychological efforts will include resources and personnel, such as counselors from similar projects in Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and Zambia (VOA News, 6/9).
The foundation also has called on the United Nations to fulfill its mandate to protect women and girls in Africa. Stephen Lewis, former U.N. special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, noted that what is so incomprehensible about unchecked violence against women is that "the world knows" it is happening but that little is being done to stop it. In Congo, it is estimated that 200,000 women and girls have been sexually assaulted or subjected to other forms of sexual violence, the CP/Google reports (CP/Google, 6/9).
"The level of sexual violence and the brutality of the assaults has resulted in ... spreading the HIV and AIDS virus, so that more and more women are turning up at the Panzi Hospital," Lewis said. He added, "More women are turning up at the Panzi Hospital HIV-positive. And we felt, given the circumstance and the way in which the virus is transmitted through rape and sexual violence, we should get involved" (VOA News, 6/9).
Reprinted with kind permission from kaisernetwork. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery at kaisernetwork/dailyreports/healthpolicy. The Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report is published for kaisernetwork, a free service of The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.
© 2008 Advisory Board Company and Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.
суббота, 2 июля 2011 г.
Obama Budget Proposal Preserves Abortion Funding Restrictions, Adds Pregnancy Prevention Funds
President Obama's fiscal 2010 budget proposal released on Thursday would eliminate funding for two abstinence-only sex education programs that total about $145 million, replacing them with funding for programs to prevent teenage pregnancy, the Washington Post reports (Montgomery/Goldstein, Washington Post, 5/8). Obama's budget proposal also includes a provision that would remove restrictions barring the District of Columbia from using its own public funds for abortion services. However, the proposal would leave in place restrictions on the use of federal money for abortion in the district and all 50 states, the Washington Times reports (Dinan/Emerling, Washington Times, 5/8).
Pregnancy Prevention
According to the AP/Google, Obama wants to cut funding that currently is directed for abstinence-only education under the direction of HHS' Administration for Children and Families. Obama would redirect the money toward a $110 million "teen pregnancy prevention initiative," with an additional $50 million going to states for pregnancy prevention programs (AP/Google, 5/8). According to the budget documents, $75 million in funds from the teen pregnancy prevention initiative would support proven teen pregnancy prevention programs and 25% of funds would be available for "promising models." The Post reports that abstinence programs considered to be promising models could continue to receive funding (Washington Post, 5/8).
Hyde Amendment
Some abortion-rights groups expressed frustration that Obama's budget proposal did not call for Congress to eliminate the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion. Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said, "For millions of women, federal programs are their only means of getting health care." She added, "Abortion is the only medically necessary health service excluded from Medicaid coverage. Failure to provide that service, a service that only women need, is discrimination." Abortion-rights advocates said they will press the Democratic-controlled Congress to go against Obama's proposal and end the federal restrictions. Meanwhile, Obama's budget aims to put Washington, D.C., in line with most states by proposing to remove a more than 10-year-old ban on local public funding for abortion services. According to the Times, the district currently is prohibited from spending any public funds -- federal or local -- on abortion except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the woman. The change in policy would have to be approved by Congress, which has a constitutional role in overseeing the district. White House spokesperson Reid Cherlin said, "As a general rule, the president believes that states and localities should have the freedom to make this kind of funding decision at the local level" (Washington Times, 5/8).
Title X, Medicaid
Obama's proposal for the Health Resources and Services Administration would increase funding for Title X family planning projects by about $10 million, according to budget documents (FY 2010 budget appendix, 5/7). The overall HHS budget would remain largely flat, as the agency received billions in extra money under the economic stimulus law, CQ HealthBeat reports (Wayne, CQ HealthBeat, 5/7). BNA reports that the budget proposal would cut Medicaid and Medicare spending by $309 billion over 10 years as a way to help fund a $634 billion health care reserve fund, although some programs at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would see funding increases (BNA, 5/8).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
Pregnancy Prevention
According to the AP/Google, Obama wants to cut funding that currently is directed for abstinence-only education under the direction of HHS' Administration for Children and Families. Obama would redirect the money toward a $110 million "teen pregnancy prevention initiative," with an additional $50 million going to states for pregnancy prevention programs (AP/Google, 5/8). According to the budget documents, $75 million in funds from the teen pregnancy prevention initiative would support proven teen pregnancy prevention programs and 25% of funds would be available for "promising models." The Post reports that abstinence programs considered to be promising models could continue to receive funding (Washington Post, 5/8).
Hyde Amendment
Some abortion-rights groups expressed frustration that Obama's budget proposal did not call for Congress to eliminate the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion. Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said, "For millions of women, federal programs are their only means of getting health care." She added, "Abortion is the only medically necessary health service excluded from Medicaid coverage. Failure to provide that service, a service that only women need, is discrimination." Abortion-rights advocates said they will press the Democratic-controlled Congress to go against Obama's proposal and end the federal restrictions. Meanwhile, Obama's budget aims to put Washington, D.C., in line with most states by proposing to remove a more than 10-year-old ban on local public funding for abortion services. According to the Times, the district currently is prohibited from spending any public funds -- federal or local -- on abortion except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the woman. The change in policy would have to be approved by Congress, which has a constitutional role in overseeing the district. White House spokesperson Reid Cherlin said, "As a general rule, the president believes that states and localities should have the freedom to make this kind of funding decision at the local level" (Washington Times, 5/8).
Title X, Medicaid
Obama's proposal for the Health Resources and Services Administration would increase funding for Title X family planning projects by about $10 million, according to budget documents (FY 2010 budget appendix, 5/7). The overall HHS budget would remain largely flat, as the agency received billions in extra money under the economic stimulus law, CQ HealthBeat reports (Wayne, CQ HealthBeat, 5/7). BNA reports that the budget proposal would cut Medicaid and Medicare spending by $309 billion over 10 years as a way to help fund a $634 billion health care reserve fund, although some programs at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would see funding increases (BNA, 5/8).
Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.
© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.
пятница, 1 июля 2011 г.
Clinicians Need To Be Aware Of Surgical Risks From Obesity In Gynecology
Clinicians need to be aware of the problems associated with obesity and surgery says a new review published today in The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist (TOG).
As the overall incidence of obesity is on the rise, the risk of surgical complications also increases.
A BMI of more than 30 indicates obesity, however, the principal concern in surgical practice is for people with a BMI of more than 40 (morbid obesity), as this has additional risks in itself.
Many gynaecological conditions can be treated without surgery and weight loss alone will improve conditions such as stress incontinence.
Conservative therapies, such as bladder retraining and physiotherapy for urinary problems; and pessaries for prolapse, should readily be considered for women who are obese says the review.
If surgery is required, the review states that obese women should receive counselling about the increased risk of complications and technical difficulties that may be encountered.
In preparation for surgery, preoperative evaluation including a cardiovascular and respiratory history and relevant examination is needed. In each case, weight and height should be recorded and the BMI calculated and clearly documented in the notes.
The possible risks from surgery include: infection, bleeding, organ damage, thromboembolism and surgical difficulty. In addition there can be anaesthetic problems which include: airway and ventilation problems, nausea and issues with lifting and moving the patient. The review notes that induction of anaesthesia and preparation for surgery will take extra time.
The review recommends that all staff should undergo appropriate manual handling training. It also says that every operating table, trolley and bed should be labelled with its maximum weight capacity and that special hospital beds should be available that can accommodate the weight and enable movement of the patient.
During open surgery, obesity presents problems as there is an increased risk of wound infection and wound failure.
Departmental protocols and guidelines in the management of obese people are important, as is
the adequate training of staff involved in their care.
Patrick Hogston, Consultant Gynaecologist, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, said:
"All gynaecologists involved in surgery for obese women should be aware of the potential problems involved.
"Individual units should have a clear pathway of care and guidelines for the management of obese women and doctors should discuss with the patient the benefits and risks of the procedure and involve her in decision making."
TOG's Editor -in-Chief, Jason Waugh said:
"Obesity is an increasing problem. It is essential that staff involved in treating obese patients are fully trained and that there are departmental protocols and guidelines in place to advise on the management of these patients."
Reference
Biswas N, Hogston P. Surgical risk from obesity in gynaecology. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2011;13:87-91.
As the overall incidence of obesity is on the rise, the risk of surgical complications also increases.
A BMI of more than 30 indicates obesity, however, the principal concern in surgical practice is for people with a BMI of more than 40 (morbid obesity), as this has additional risks in itself.
Many gynaecological conditions can be treated without surgery and weight loss alone will improve conditions such as stress incontinence.
Conservative therapies, such as bladder retraining and physiotherapy for urinary problems; and pessaries for prolapse, should readily be considered for women who are obese says the review.
If surgery is required, the review states that obese women should receive counselling about the increased risk of complications and technical difficulties that may be encountered.
In preparation for surgery, preoperative evaluation including a cardiovascular and respiratory history and relevant examination is needed. In each case, weight and height should be recorded and the BMI calculated and clearly documented in the notes.
The possible risks from surgery include: infection, bleeding, organ damage, thromboembolism and surgical difficulty. In addition there can be anaesthetic problems which include: airway and ventilation problems, nausea and issues with lifting and moving the patient. The review notes that induction of anaesthesia and preparation for surgery will take extra time.
The review recommends that all staff should undergo appropriate manual handling training. It also says that every operating table, trolley and bed should be labelled with its maximum weight capacity and that special hospital beds should be available that can accommodate the weight and enable movement of the patient.
During open surgery, obesity presents problems as there is an increased risk of wound infection and wound failure.
Departmental protocols and guidelines in the management of obese people are important, as is
the adequate training of staff involved in their care.
Patrick Hogston, Consultant Gynaecologist, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, said:
"All gynaecologists involved in surgery for obese women should be aware of the potential problems involved.
"Individual units should have a clear pathway of care and guidelines for the management of obese women and doctors should discuss with the patient the benefits and risks of the procedure and involve her in decision making."
TOG's Editor -in-Chief, Jason Waugh said:
"Obesity is an increasing problem. It is essential that staff involved in treating obese patients are fully trained and that there are departmental protocols and guidelines in place to advise on the management of these patients."
Reference
Biswas N, Hogston P. Surgical risk from obesity in gynaecology. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2011;13:87-91.
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