Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at AKUH is an independent service aiming to provide high standard of care. There are presently 14 full-time and seven part-time faculty members on board. In addition, there are 18 residents, one medical officer and one research medical officer.

Services

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology offers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services for women including high risk obstetrical care, infertility, foetal assessment, routine obstetrics, reproductive endocrinology, gynaecological oncology, uro-gynaecology and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of routine gynaecological disorders. The Department offers outpatient services in Consulting Clinic 4, Private Wing (Ground Floor) and Clifton Medical Services; inpatient services in Ward A2 and B2; maternity service with a well-equipped Labour Room and dedicated Operating Room; Foeto-maternal unit; reproductive health services; and a Colposcopy clinic.

Foeto-Maternal Medicine

Foeto-Maternal Medicine is a rapidly emerging specialty. The services offered are:

• A comprehensive programme for screening chromosomal abnormalities like Down’s Syndrome; Nuchal translucency scan at 11-14 weeks to assess the risk for Down’s Syndrome, Screening facilities for pre-term delivery, pre-eclampsia and foetal growth restriction; Specialist Marker Scans in the second trimester and invasive procedures like amniocentesis and CVS;
  
• Day care admission is also provided to facilitate monitoring of high-risk pregnancies including CTG monitoring, ultrasound monitoring and laboratory investigations.

Uro-gynaecology

This is a specific service for women with urinary problems and incontinence. The services offered by the Department include full uro-dynamic evaluations and a variety of surgical interventions including pelvic physiotherapy and medical therapies.

Gynaecological Oncology

The Gynaecological Oncology team in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology provides comprehensive service for screening and management of gynaecological cancers. Screening services include pap smears (for screening of cancer of cervix) and colposcopy by accredited colposcopist (in case of abnormal smears). Ovarian cancer screening is offered to women at high risk for developing ovarian cancer based on their family history or other high risk factors. The Department has a specialised oncology team trained for cancer surgery and cases are regularly discussed at our tumour board meetings to determine the appropriate treatment options.

Infertility

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Aga Khan University offers comprehensive infertility services at primary, secondary and tertiary level. These include counselling and investigation (hormonal assays, ultrasound, laparoscopy, hysterosalpingogram, etc) and surgery (laparoscopic, tubal surgery, myomectomy, etc).

Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Gynaecological Surgeries

This is a rapidly developing new sub-specialty in Gynaecology. Nowadays, most gynaecological surgeries are performed by minimal access surgical route. Currently at AKUH, along with diagnostic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, operative laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeries are being performed for benign diseases including ovarian cystectomy, tubal surgery, laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), and surgeries for ectopic pregnancy, polycystic ovarian disease, adhesionolysis and endometriosis.

Research Activities/Programmes

The Department is actively involved in clinical research and has conducted a number of prospective and retrospective studies, the results of which are published in national and international journals. Since 2001, the Department has contributed six chapters in books, 35 publications in international journals and 24 publications in national journals. The Department has published a Study Guide for undergraduate medical students and Labour Room Guidelines for graduates and postgraduates working in hospitals and has also contributed substantially to the revision of Family Planning Guidelines in the light of evidence-based medicine. Areas of research interests are general obstetrics and gynaecology, foetal and maternal medicine, gynaecological oncology, urogynaecology, infertility and minimally invasive gynaecological surgeries.

The Department encourages its faculty to enhance their skills and knowledge, and supports them to attend different medical symposia, seminars and workshops as part of their continual medical education. Residents are also encouraged to attend national conferences/meetings and make presentations at different national forums.

Educational Programmes/Undergraduate and Postgraduate Training

The Department offers a five-year residency-training programme, which is recognised by the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan. To date, 40 residents have qualified from the programme and have acquired FCPS/MRCOG certifications, and are working at different hospitals within and outside Pakistan. This programme has gained nationwide recognition for being the best training programme in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The credit undoubtedly goes to the dedicated faculty who are involved in teaching and training of the residents.

The Department also has a comprehensive teaching programme for undergraduate medical and nursing students.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Aga Khan University

Mailing Address:

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,Private Wing,
Second Floor
Aga Khan University Hospital
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
Telephone: +92 21 486 4641 or 493 0051 Ext. 4641
Fax: +92 21 493 4294, 493 2095
Email: obgyn@aku.edu