1.A dilemma in the management of fetal pleural effusion: A case report of two cases
Lilibeth Lim-Navarro ; Nephtali M. Gorgonio
Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2018;42(1):30-36
Fetal Pleural Effusion is a rare case whose management is still a matter of debate. Its course may spontaneously resolve or lead to pulmonary hypoplasia and result in death in utero or poor neonatal outcome. This paper is a report of 2 cases and their course, from prenatal diagnosis of Pleural Effusion to delivery. This report includes sonographic scans, description of the laboratory work – up and other imaging tests that were done. The 1st case report was successfully managed with Thoraco-amniotic shunting, while the 2nd case was seen late and had an adverse neonatal outcome. This case report was done to increase awareness among obstetricians and sonologists in offering counsel to patients and their
families, especially in our low resource set-up, where in in utero interventions are not available.
Humans
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Pregnancy
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Obstetricians
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Pleural Effusion
2.Short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes of suburethral slings with concomitant pelvic organ prolapse surgeries
Lilibeth Lim‑Navarro ; Almira J. Amin‑Ong
Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2023;47(4):178-189
Background:
This retrospective cohort study assessed the outcomes of combined surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in 31 patients with a follow-up of 7 years.
Objectives:
The study aimed to determine the success and recurrence rates of POP and SUI while comparing the outcomes, analyzing the predictors for recurrence, and reporting on complications.
Materials and Methods:
Demographic and clinical profiles were analyzed descriptively using frequency and percentages. Objective SUI cure rate was assessed via office cystometry with a cough stress test, while POP was evaluated using the POP-Q system. Subjective cure rates for both conditions were determined using a symptom severity checklist based on the King's Health Questionnaire. Chi-square tests assessed associations between objective outcome parameters and time elapsed since surgery, and other outcome predictors, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results:
The results showed a high objective cure rate of 96% for SUI and subjective cure rates of 96% for both SUI and POP. Long-term symptoms included urine frequency and retention, while mesh erosion occurred in one patient. The objective cure rate for POP was 67.7%, with recurrence in the anterior compartment at the midterm and in various compartments at long term. Vault fixation suggests efficacy in reducing apical prolapse recurrence. The preoperative age was identified as a significant risk factor for POP recurrence.
Conclusion
This study supports the durability and efficacy of combined surgeries for SUI and POP, with high patient satisfaction.
Suburethral Slings
3.Alum instillation: A management option for intractable hemorrhagic cystitis
Lilibeth Lim‑Navarro ; Joanne Karen S. Aguinaldo
Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024;48(1):60-65
Intractable hemorrhagic cystitis is an uncommon but significant treatment complication of concurrent chemoradiation therapy for cervical cancer. Alum instillation is regarded as a safe and effective option for its treatment. This case presentation will discuss a patient who presented with postradiation cystitis and was treated with alum irrigation. The aim of this report is to offer alum irrigation as a management option for intractable hematuria.
Cancer Survivors
4.Using an anatomic model to teach female stress incontinence to gynecologic residents‑in‑training: A prospective cohort study
Lilibeth Lim‑Navarro ; Joanne Karen S. Aguinaldo
Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2024;48(1):42-54
Background:
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a complex condition with a multifactorial etiology that makes its concepts challenging to teach. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of simulation-based training (SBT) with an anatomic teaching model in improving the understanding of SUI among gynecologic residents-in-training.
Objective:
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of SUI simulation-based teaching in enhancing the learning experience for gynecologic residents-in-training. The secondary objective was to gather feedback from participants with the intent to further enhance existing teaching methodologies.
Materials and Methods:
This was a descriptive prospective study within a single institution, involving gynecologic residents-in-training. Participants were given an anatomic teaching tool to construct, followed by an SUI lecture. Pre- and posttest Multiple Choice Questions were administered to assess the efficacy of the teaching tool in improving the participants’ understanding of SUI. Frequency and percentages were used to describe the categorical variables, whereas continuous variables were described using mean and standard deviation. Paired t-test was used to compare the pre- and posttest scores. ANOVA was used to compare the pre- and posttest scores of participants by year level. A P < 0.05 is statistically significant. A separate Likert-scale questionnaire, to evaluate changes in participant’s self-assessment on learning, response to teaching content and resources, and overall feedback of the SBT was used.
Results:
There were 50 gynecologic residents-in-training that were included in the study. The mean posttest score is significantly higher (6.4 vs. 3.48) than the pretest score, with a mean difference of 3.48. The mean posttest score is significantly different between the year levels with a P < 0.05, with senior residents-in-training performing best. Although participants with only gynecologic conferences as SUI reference performed best, the mean pre- and posttest scores were not statistically different with respect to SUI education exposure. With the use of an anatomic SUI model, the number of correct answers for questions pertaining to anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology was consistently higher in the posttest scores as compared to the pretest scores but did not reach statistical significance. The majority of participants strongly agree to recommend the course to a colleague.
Conclusion
This study supports the use of simple, low-fidelity physical teaching tools in improving the understanding of SUI in gynecologic residents-in-training. Considering the ease of production, improved test scores, and participants’ enthusiasm, the incorporation of the anatomic teaching tool for its use in SUI education should be encouraged.
5.Varied clinical presentations of genitourinary tuberculosis: A case series at a tertiary Philippine hospital
Lilibeth Lim‑Navarro ; Almira Jose Amin‑Ong
Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2023;47(6):312-319
Genitourinary tuberculosis (GUTB) represents a critical aspect of extra‑pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).
While it is the second most common form of this disease, its diverse clinical presentations pose a
substantial challenge. This report, titled “Varied Clinical Presentations of Genitourinary Tuberculosis:
A Case Series from a Tertiary Philippine Hospital,” aims to shed light on the intricacies of GUTB
diagnosis, treatment, and its broader implications. In this case series, we present five unique
clinical scenarios. Cases 1, 2, and 3, having completed TB treatment, developed spontaneous
genitourinary fistulae. Case 4 was initially managed as interstitial cystitis, while Case 5 underwent
diverticulectomy for a urethral diverticulum. The diagnosis of GUTB as the underlying cause in these
cases, despite conventional treatment, highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by this disease.
All five patients, experienced irritative voiding symptoms and recurrent urinary tract infections with
limited improvement following antibiotic therapy. Imaging studies consistently revealed upper urinary
tract involvement. Importantly, only one case exhibited histologic evidence of granuloma suggestive
of GUTB, and microbiologic confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was obtained in
only two cases. This underscores the need for a multidimensional diagnostic approach. The findings
in this case series emphasize that GUTB diagnosis, often reliant on clinical findings supported by
imaging studies and suggestive cystoscopy findings, remains critical for prognosis, even in the
absence of microbiologic confirmation. Beyond the individual cases, this series offers insights into
the complexity of GUTB, raising questions about the overall management and implications for TB
control.
Tuberculosis