title: Pelvic examination versus fiberoptic laparoscopy. A fictional study of patient preference in 1,534 women.
abstract: A fictional study of patient preference was conducted in 1,534 women who received both laparoscopy and a pelvic examination plus pelvic ultrasonography. The overwhelming majority of women (87%) preferred laparoscopy, with most patients (78%) indicating they would undergo a repeat examination if requested. Hospital occupancy rose 24% while gynecologists' incomes rose 58%. Radiologists' incomes declined 14%. Seven deaths occurring in conjunction with laparoscopy were determined to be statistically insignificant. Based on these findings, it is suggested that the pelvic examination be replaced by routine laparoscopy.
authors.affiliation: St. John's Jewish Hospital, Newark, New Jersey.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Sturman
mesh_terms: D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D010388:Pelvis; D010808:Physical Examination; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic