A STUDY OF GYNAECOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF GERIATRIC POPULATION IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Abstract Aim: To study the pattern of gynaecological surgical & nonsurgical problems of geriatric population visiting tertiary care centre. Materials and methods: A hospital based study was conducted from 1st Jan 2012 to 31st Dec 2012 on 100 subjects of aged 65 years and above. The detailed clinical findings, personal history and family history were recorded. The study revolved around gynaecological problems warranting nonsurgical/surgical management keeping their comorbid conditions in consideration. The data was analysed by means and proportions. Results: Eighty one subjects were of age group 65–70 years. Forty seven percent patients were from low socioeconomic status. Literacy rate was 49%. Most frequent complaint were back pain, hip joint & knee joint pains seen in 32% cases. Bleeding per vaginum (PV) and foul smelling discharge were second most common complaint seen in 29% cases.Malignancy was seen in 28% cases in order of cervical, endometrial, ovarian and vaginal vault carcinoma. Prolapse was next most common complaint (21%) in which there was excellent outcome after surgery. Amongst the comorbidities anaemia (60%), diabetes (30%), hypertension (50%), respiratory problems (23%), heart problems (41%) and thyroid problems (8%) were seen. Thirty six percent needed surgical intervention for their ailments, while 64% were managed conservatively. Subjective outcome was assessed in all the patients in terms of their quality of life. Fifty five percent patients were satisfied with their management, 15% had no change while 30% with advanced malignancy had poor outcome. Outcome in relation to age, socioeconomic (SE) status, comorbid conditions were also analysed. Some statistical significance was found in relation to socioeconomic status. Discussion: With advancing age, greater awareness, better medical/surgical/anaesthetic facilities geriatric women are seeking health care. There is marked improvement in their quality of life, with decreased morbidity & mortality. Conclusion: As the number of elderly persons is going to increase in future due to better survival, healthy life style and quality health facilities, geriatrics is a branch that we need to look upon more seriously in our country. We need to lay a road map for future to meet the challenges of health problems of this group of population by looking at their problems being faced presently as well as likely to be faced in future. The awareness should be brought amongst the population as well as the health professionals, so that we can be prepared for future health challenges of this subset of population. Keywords: Geriatric patients, Gynaecological problems, Ageing