Anal incontinence in women presenting for gynecologic care: prevalence, risk factors, and impact upon quality of life.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and impact upon quality of life of anal incontinence (AI) in women aged 18 to 65.

Study Design: Consecutive women presenting for general gynecologic care were given a bowel function questionnaire. Women with AI were prompted to complete the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (FIQL).

Is a resident's score on a videotaped objective structured assessment of technical skills affected by revealing the resident's identity?

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether knowledge of resident's identity affects the evaluation of surgical skills.

Study Design: During an objective structured assessment of technical skills, 33 residents in obstetrics and gynecology who performed 10 surgical skills were videotaped with two digital cameras simultaneously. One camera videotaped "hands only," concealing resident identity; the other camera videotaped from the "waist up," revealing identity.