Publications by authors named "Anna McDougall"

Article Synopsis
  • The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a distraction method for managing pain and anxiety during outpatient uterine aspiration procedures.
  • Involving 50 participants, the study compared VR intervention with standard care, measuring pain and anxiety scores before and after the procedure, along with conducting qualitative interviews.
  • Results showed no significant difference in pain and anxiety between the two groups, but the majority of VR users reported a positive experience, indicating that while VR may not reduce pain or anxiety scores, it is still a viable and acceptable option for enhancing patient comfort.
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There is emerging evidence that vaginal birth after open and laparoscopic myomectomy may be safe in many pregnancies, however, there are no studies examining the perspectives of women who have given birth post myomectomy and their preferences regarding mode of birth. We performed a retrospective questionnaire survey of women who had an open or laparoscopic myomectomy followed by a pregnancy within 3 maternity units in a single NHS trust in the UK over a 5-year period. Our results revealed only 53% felt actively involved in the decision making for their birth plan and 90% had not been offered a specific birth options counselling clinic.

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Purpose: COVID-19 vaccine uptake among pregnant women has been low, particularly in younger and ethnic minority mothers. We performed a 'snapshot' survey to explore vaccine uptake and factors which influence this, as well as underlying beliefs regarding COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women in a North London hospital.

Study Design: Pregnant women were invited to complete an anonymised survey, where data were collected on demographics, personal and household vaccination status, and beliefs about the vaccine.

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Interstitial pregnancies present a diagnostic and management challenge and are associated with significant bleeding risk. We present a case of an interstitial ectopic pregnancy where there was a diagnostic delay due to the presence of uterine fibroids and where a laparoscopic myomectomy was required in order to perform laparoscopic resection of the ruptured interstitial pregnancy.This case demonstrates the possibilities at laparoscopy for ectopic pregnancy, highlights the benefit of a structured 'buddy' system between gynaecology surgeons and brings attention to the paucity of literature on the unique management challenges of ectopic pregnancy in the presence of leiomyoma.

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Brachial plexus injury is a rare but potentially serious complication of laparoscopic surgery. Loss of motor and/or sensory innervation can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life following otherwise successful surgery. A 38-year-old underwent elective laparoscopic management of severe endometriosis during which she was placed in steep head-down tilt Lloyd-Davies position for a prolonged period.

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