Manual Vacuum Aspiration: Attitudes, Familiarity, and Comfort among OBGYN Physicians at Louisiana State University New Orleans and Baton Rouge Programs

Authors

• Alexis Hernandez, LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
• Stacey Scheib, LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans

Abstract

Background: Manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) uses a hand-held aspirator to generate a vacuum to aspirate uterine contents for management of early pregnancy loss (EPL) or elective abortion prior to 12-weeks gestation. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, MVA is a safe, cost-saving procedure that promotes patient comfort, convenience, and privacy. Despite the advantages of this procedure, it is often overlooked in favor of electric suction or dilation and curettage, more extensive procedures that are associated with increased cost and post-procedural pain and bleeding. The goal of this study is to assess the attitudes, familiarity, and comfort towards MVA among obstetrician and gynecologist (OBGYN) attending and resident physicians in Louisiana to identify gaps in training and clinical support for MVA that could be addressed in the future. Methods: OBGYN attendings and resident physicians at the Louisiana State University (LSU) New Orleans and Baton Rouge programs were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey consisting mostly of Likert scale statements regarding their attitudes, familiarity, and comfort with MVA. Results: A total of 33 respondents completed the survey, 15 attending physicians and 18 resident physicians. Our results showed that 100% of respondents agree that MVAs are safe and effective, yet 40% of attendings reported having never performed an MVA and 56% of residents reported having never seen an MVA done. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that despite the many benefits of MVA for both the patient and the health system, the procedure is vastly underutilized by OBGYN providers at LSU. Addressing theseshortcomings would better prepare OBGYN providers to effectively counsel patients experiencing EPL on their management options. If effectively counseled on their options, more women may choose MVA, helping to make operating room space more available, reduce staffing needs, and preserve costly resources while promoting patientcentered care.

DOI

10.59020/95331

Recommended Citation

Hernandez, Alexis and Scheib, Stacey (2023) "Manual Vacuum Aspiration: Attitudes, Familiarity, and Comfort among OBGYN Physicians at Louisiana State University New Orleans and Baton Rouge Programs," Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association: Vol. 3: No. 2, Article 10.
DOI: 10.59020/95331
Available at: https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/jlpha/vol3/iss2/10