Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE MDS4039

 
TITLE Obstetrics and Gynaecology

 
UM LEVEL 04 - Years 4, 5 in Modular UG or PG Cert Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 10

 
DEPARTMENT Faculty of Medicine and Surgery

 
DESCRIPTION The theoretical teaching programme during the fourth year of studies is covered by a series of lectures and tutorials delivered throughout the two semesters. The study-unit will deal with six subsections:

1. Maternal Medicine - Medical and surgical disorders in the obstetric patient
2. Normal and abnormal pregnancy
3. Foetal medicine
4. Physiological and structural disorders of the female reproductive system
5. Pathological disorders of the female reproductive system
6. Oncology of the female reproductive system.

This study-unit builds up on the assumption that prior objectives have been reached in previous study-units, offered during the first year of studies: [MDS1026 “Molecular Biology and Genetics” and MDS1033 “Reproduction”.] There is in addition a clinical component incorporating two three-week clinical attachments [total six weeks]. The student is required to keep a portfolio reflecting this clinical assignment. The portfolio assessment will be incorporated with the final MDS4031 assessment in the fifth year of studies.

Study-unit Aims:

The obstetrics sections of this study-unit will provide a clear understanding of the normal and abnormal aspects of pregnancy as it relates to the antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum periods. It will further concentrate on the maternal problems that affect pregnancy and its outcome; and review the foetal development and its abnormalities together with the measures available for its assessment. This study-unit will also concentrate on the foetal problems that occur during pregnancy, labour, and the neonatal period.

The gynaecology sections of this study-unit will concentrate on issues related to reproductive health function in the female and the male at various stages of the life cycle. It will review the pathology of the reproductive system in the female in relation to structure and function; and the pathology and management of malignant lesions affecting the reproductive tract.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Discuss topics relating to the maternal and foetal systems in normal and abnormal pregnancies;
- Outline the requirement related to antepartum care including its aims and method of implementation;
- Explain the anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, and the role these play in incidental disease states;
- Describe the normal and abnormal intrapartum process as the student will be presented with clear criteria of management in these situations;
- Identify the problems of the postpartum period and puerperium;
- Describe the clinical, biophysical, and biochemical assessment for foetal wellbeing in relation to congenital abnormalities and placental insufficiency;
- Demonstrate a practical knowledge of the reproductive hormonal function in the female detailing the abnormalities that can occur;
- Outline the causes, investigations, and management of infertility;
- Discuss issues related to contraception;
- Define the pathology and management of the various lesions affecting the lower and upper genital tract caused by infective organisms and neoplasia;
- Detail the conditions affecting the urinary system in relation to incontinence and trauma;
- Demonstrate knowledge of the different types of gynaecological tumours in relation to their epidemiology, aetiology, diagnosis, and management.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:

- Diagnose pregnancy and institute the antenatal care of the pregnant woman;
- Assess for foetal wellbeing in relation to congenital abnormalities [particularly Down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, neural tube defects and congenital cardiac defects] and placental insufficiency;
- Identify and manage the specific obstetric problems and pathologies that occur during the three trimesters of pregnancy;
- Identify and manage the medical and surgical conditions that affect the pregnant woman - e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, endocrine, psychiatric, etc.;
- Explain to a patient the benefits and risks associated with different delivery options;
- Monitor the foetus during the antenatal period and during labour and delivery including basic interpretation of cardiotocographs (CTGs) and identify the onset of foetal distress and hypoxia;
- Identify postpartum and puerperal problems and be familiar with their management;
- Manage professionally and sensitively the problems of the postpartum period and puerperium;
- Explain to a patient in a professional and sensitive manner the correct use of the methods available for family control;
- Safely prescribe hormonal treatment in the management of the gynaecological patient;
- Detail the basic principles related to gynaecological surgery including preoperative assessment and informed consent, postoperative care, possible associated surgical complications, and their prevention;
- Explain to a patient the basic principles of surgical procedures including:
    - lower segment Caesarean section operation;
    - uterine curettage and evacuation;
    - colposcopy, hysteroscopy, and laparoscopy;
    - laparotomy and hysterectomy +/- salpingo-oophorectomy;
    - genital prolapse surgery including anterior & posterior repair and vaginal hysterectomy; and
    - colposuspension and urethral buttressing for stress incontinence.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts
• J.N. Oats, J. Boyle (editors). Llewellyn-Jones Fundamentals of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Elsevier Health Sciences, United Kingdom, 11th, edition, 2022, +314p., ISBN-13: 978- 0702083037).
• C. Savona Ventura. Guidelines for Medical Students - Gynaecological & Obstetric history taking and physical examination (Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, UMMS, Malta, 2012, +48p.) Available gratuitously from the Departmental secretary.
• Savona-Ventura C. Problem-based teaching in Obstetrics & Gynaecology - Obstetrics (Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, UMMS, Malta, 2015, +98p.) Available gratuitously from the Departmental secretary.
• Cassar E. Guideline for Medical Students – A Maltese Aid (Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, UMMS, Malta, 2016, +74p.) Available for download from the departmental website.

Supplementary Readings
• P. Owen, B.A. Magowan, J. Drife (editors). Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology [Illustrated] (Saunders, 2nd edition, 2009, +440p., ISBN-13:978-0702030697)
• L.A. Vontver, S. Phelan, V.Y. Fujimoto, V. Katz, et al. Appleton & Lange Review of Obstetrics and Gyneacology (Appleton & Lange Reviews/McGraw-Hill, Medical Publishing DIvision, New York, 2003, 7th Edition, +484p.). Available online at https://archive.org/details/appletonlangerev0000unse_l2k0
• T. Mahmood, C. Savona-Ventura, I. Messinis, S. Mukhopadhyay (editors). The EBCOG Postgraduate Textbook of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Vol. 1: Obstetrics & Maternal-Fetal (Cambridge University Press, U.K., 2022, ISBN-13: 978-1108863049)
• T. Mahmood, C. Savona-Ventura, I. Messinis, S. Mukhopadhyay (editors). The EBCOG Postgraduate Textbook of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Vol. 2: Gynaecology (Cambridge University Press, U.K., 2022, ISBN-13: 978-1108955591).

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Ind Study,Lec,Plac,Practicum,Tut,Group Lear&Simulation

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Examination (3 Hours) 100%

 
LECTURER/S

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit