Original Research
Profile of gynaecology surgeries from Western Province, Solomon Islands
AUTHORS
Araz Boghossian1 MBBS(Hons), Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar *
Mandy Wang2 MD, Medical Officer
Angeline Nagu3 MBBS, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar
Alan Tong4 MBBS, MRMed, FRANZCOG, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
David Knox5 MBBS, MRCOG, FRANZCOG, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
AFFILIATIONS
1, 2, 4 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Westmead Hospital, Darcy Road, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Referral Hospital, Kukum Highway, Honiara, Guadalcanal Province, Solomon Islands
5 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Orange Base Hospital, 1530 Forest Road, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
ACCEPTED: 26 August 2018
early abstract:
Introduction: Evidence is lacking on the profile of gynaecological conditions affecting women in the Solomon Islands, including the availability and quality of surgical management.
Methods: Prospective analysis of hospital records was undertakenon all patients who underwent gynaecological surgery at Gizo Hospital, Western Province during a six day program led by volunteer Australian surgeons. Patient data on pre-operative history, investigation results, performed surgerical procedures, and post-operative recovery was collected.
Results: Of the twenty-three subjects who presented with gynaecological complaints requiring surgery, 20 subjects underwent at least one surgical procedure during the study period. The most common presenting symptoms were pain and abnormal uterine bleeding. Median BMI was 27, and 70% of patients were overweight or obese. Two surgeries were cancelled due to Dengue fever. The surgeries performed were 12 vaginal operations, 8 laparoscopies, and 9 laparotomies. Of surgical specimens collected, 61% were sent for histopathology testing. The median duration of post-operative hospital admission was two days (IQR one day).
Conclusion: The Solomon Islands presents a unique profile of challenges to surgical practice, including the impact of Dengue infection on fitness for surgery, a mobile patient population dispersed across the islands, difficult access to pathology services, and increased length of stay. Despite this, most patients had surgical outcomes equivalent to those in a developed setting.