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What should we tell women preoperatively?

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist/Senior Lecturer Medical Education, Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Newcastle Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QG, UK E-mail: fidelma.omahony{at}uhns.nhs.uk (corresponding author)

Ioannis Koutoukos, MBBS, PhD

Specialist Registrar in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent, UK

Vijay Menon, MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent, UK

This article aims to show the significance of the consent process. It provides guidance on consent in gynaecological surgery and the areas that must be covered. The content of the preoperative discussion and the means of conveying information, including the risks of complications and unexpected surgical procedures, are considered. The competencies of doctors to provide information are discussed, as well as where to find sources of information. We conclude that the education and training requirements of doctors and medical students need to be addressed in relation to the information needs of women. In particular, doctors and medical students should be aware of consent law, recent case law and the necessity for effective communication skills, as well as having the necessary knowledge and skills with regard to surgical procedures.

Keywords consent / patient information / medicolegal / risks / gynaecological surgery