The single puncture approach for advanced pelviscopy surgery

1. The single puncture laparoscopy technique uses the umbilicus as the sole puncture site for the performance of surgical procedures. 2. The single puncture technique is simple, reduces complications, allows for faster recuperation and decreased operating time, is more cost-effective, and offers improved cosmetic results. 3. Each member of the surgical team must have all of the knowledge and skill related to each respective role. Major complications can only be avoided by being especially attentive to detail.

Genital human papillomavirus infection. A growing health risk

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections of the genital tract are among the most common sexually transmitted viral infections in the United States. Recently, data have accumulated linking HPV with later development of genital neoplasia, particularly cervical neoplasia, causing growing concern among health-care professionals. Genital warts, or condyloma acuminata, are one of the manifestations of genital HPV infections. The clinical spectrum associated with genital HPV infections, however, is much broader than previously recognized and includes a multiplicity of disease entities in both sexes. This article summarizes the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment modalities for genital HPV infections. Nursing implications also are discussed.

Identifying and validating nursing diagnoses in a gynecologic ambulatory-care setting

This descriptive study was conducted to identify the nursing diagnoses made in providing care to 100 gynecologic ambulatory-care patients and to determine the defining characteristics of the three most frequently made diagnoses. Nurse-observers studied nurse and patient interactions, recorded the defining characteristics, and assigned a nursing diagnosis to the patient. Twenty-five nursing diagnoses were used in the study, and the type and frequency of the defining characteristics varied. The findings of the study will add to the nursing diagnoses' knowledge base.

Gynaecological nursing: a compromising situation

Women's health has been a research concern since the growth of modern feminism, but few studies have examined the attitudes and opinions of nurses towards working with women patients. This exploratory study, using informal interviews with 30 gynaecology nurses, is a first attempt to fill this gap. The interviewees' attitudes and opinions revealed ambiguities and contradictions which led them both to identify with and distance themselves from their women patients and the doctors. It is suggested that gynaecological nurses occupy shifting positions in the status hierarchies of gender, nursing and medicine, and professional specialization. The way they define their role results from attempts to improve their status vis-à-vis others in these hierarchies, and to make compromises in order to evaluate their own status positively. Strategies are suggested for increasing their knowledge and skills based on the hypothesis that this would lead to greater clarity of role and job satisfaction, and a higher quality of patient care.