The Green Room: A Podcast from Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. Amy L. Askew, author of “Patient Removal of Urinary Catheters After Urogynecologic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” discusses the study comparing home and office voiding trials for catheter removal after neurodynamic surgery. The results show that home removal is non-inferior to standard practice, resulting in less pain and higher patient satisfaction.

Dr. Jessica R. Ansari, a fellowship-trained obstetric anesthesiologist from Stanford, dives into the significant findings of her research on using intravenous calcium to reduce blood loss during cesarean deliveries. She discusses the impact of medical debt and public policy on maternal health, alongside innovations in obstetric care. The conversation also highlights the safety protocols in clinical trials for high-risk patients and the importance of addressing uterine atony to improve outcomes. Tune in for enlightening insights on advancing maternal healthcare!

Dr. Jessica Y. Shim, author of “Evaluation and Management of Endometriosis in the Adolescent,” discusses the evaluation and management of endometriosis in adolescents, highlighting the impact it has on patients' daily lives and the barriers to diagnosis. The podcast also introduces the launch of an Open Access Companion Journal called ONG Open and discusses the controversial practice of routine pelvic examinations in gynecology.

In this engaging discussion, Siwen Wang, a Harvard researcher, shares insights on how lifestyle choices can significantly impact pregnancy outcomes. The conversation highlights critical factors like body mass index, exercise, and alcohol consumption. The duo also examines the role of diversity in ovarian cyst research, emphasizing patient experiences and innovative management strategies. Additionally, they tackle the complexities of interpreting obstetric ultrasounds and managing hypertension during pregnancy, revealing the vital need for national guidelines and improved care protocols.

Explore groundbreaking medical innovations that tackle postpartum hemorrhage, including a new vacuum device that outperforms traditional methods. Discover insights on how patient education improves outcomes, as well as ongoing disparities in hysterectomy care affecting non-white patients. A focus on enhancing maternal health awareness highlights the critical need for effective communication and equitable access to surgical options. This discussion shines a light on vital issues in maternal care that demand attention and action.

Irogo Iguanosa, a lead author focusing on maternal morbidity disparities, joins Gabriella Main, a doctoral student examining race in maternal health, along with Joia Crear-Perry, president of the National Birth Equity Collaborative, and Kirby Wyckoff, an advocate for community engagement in clinical studies. Their discussion delves into the critical examination of racism as a systemic issue rather than merely a risk factor. They advocate for equitable practices in reproductive health and highlight the importance of data equity and addressing anemia disparities affecting marginalized communities.

In this insightful discussion, Dr. Emily H. Adhikari, an Editorial Board member known for her contributions in obstetrics and gynecology, shares her expertise. The conversation delves into critical topics, including the prediction of severe maternal morbidity, highlighting alarming postpartum statistics. They explore disparities in gynecologic cancer research and advocate for increased funding in this area. Additionally, the podcast addresses women's health in relation to perinatal hepatitis C transmission, emphasizing the urgency for universal screening and improved patient education.

Heidi Moseson, a researcher currently in Bali, joins Dr. Jason Wright and Dr. John Fischer to dive into critical findings on self-managed abortions. Moseson discusses how individuals often navigate these procedures with limited medical support and highlights disparities in access across countries. They also touch on the implications of maternal age on health outcomes, revealing rising rates of severe maternal morbidity. The conversation further examines the importance of HPV screening in transfeminine individuals post-gender-affirming surgeries, raising awareness of potential cancer risks.

Dr. Jason Wright, Editor-in-Chief, and Dr. John Fischer, Podcast Editor, review the articles that have been designated as Editors’ Picks for the July 2023 issue (propranolol for management of prolonged labor; evaluating a new model for pregnancy viability; radiofrequency ablation devices MAUDE review). This podcast features an interview with Kassie J. Bollig, MD, author of the article on evaluating a new model for pregnancy viability.

Sindhu K. Srinivas, a healthcare innovator from the University of Pennsylvania, sheds light on her research about remote blood pressure monitoring for postpartum care. The discussion reveals how the Heart Safe Motherhood program has transformed hypertension monitoring, offering significant benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the integration challenges of electronic health records and innovative text message interventions aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. Additionally, findings on the non-necessity of pelvic exams before gender-affirming surgeries spark new dialogues on patient care.