Challenging Concepts in Obstetrics and Gynaecology ─ Cases with Expert Commentary

Challenging Concepts in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is a case-based guide to difficult scenarios faced in both fields, covering many of the major sub-speciality areas of each. The 24 cases have been selected to cover a spectrum of challenges in obstetrics and gynaecology. Recognising that any attempt to cover the whole curriculum is impossible, the authors have instead chosen specific, challenging scenarios that are commonly encountered in clinical practice, but by no means have simple answers or outcomes.

Complex cases are examined from a multidisciplinary approach with consideration of diagnostic procedures, practical skills, evidence base, and the application of national and international guidelines. There is also a summary of evidence from the medical literature in various subspecialty areas of obstetrics and gynaecology, alongside current controversies in management. Cases are punctuated by easy-to-read "Learning Points", "Clinical Tips", and "Evidence Base" boxes, speeding the learning process as well as providing a handy dip-into guide for those just refreshing their memory.

Each case is set off by an 'Expert Commentary' written by an internationally-renowned expert in each field, leaving the reader with both a solid base of knowledge and a nuanced view of current challenges in obstetrics and gynaecology. This collaboration between trainees and experts provides a unique insight into the management of complex and often rare but important obstetrics and gynaecology cases, within a highly user-friendly format and a ready-made means of self-learning and self-testing.Challenging Concepts in Obstetrics and Gynaecology makes for a useful, relevant and interesting read, enabling the reader to readily transfer the knowledge gained to everyday clinical practice.

Natasha Hezelgrave, Academic Clinical Fellow in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maternal and Fetal Research Unit, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.,Danielle Abbott,Clinical Research Fellow, Maternal and Fetal Medicine Department, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.,Andrew Shennan,Professor of Obstetrics, Maternal and Fetal Research Unit, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, King's College London, UK.

Dr Natasha Hezelgrave is currently an Academic Research Fellow working in the Academic Women's Health Centre, King's College London. She is a Specialist Registrar in the London Deanery Training Programme, and has taken time out to complete a PhD. Her main interests are prediction and prevention of preterm birth, pre-eclampsia, and global public health. She is currently coordinating a Gates Foundation funded research project to examine ways to improve detection of pre-eclampsia in rural sub-Saharan Africa.


Dr Danielle Abbott is currently a clinical Research Fellow in Obstetrics working in the Academic Women's Health Centre, Kings College London. She is completing a MD in Obstetrics. Her main interests are the prediction and prevention of preterm birth.


Andrew Shennan is Professor of Obstetrics at King's College London. He qualified with MBBS in 1980 from St Mary's Hospital Medical School and became a Member of the RCOG in 1991. He was awarded his MD thesis from Imperial College in 1997. He leads the clinical research programme within the Maternal and Fetal Research Unit into the causes of low birthweight and pre-eclampsia. In addition, he runs the research programme into the measurement of blood pressure in pregnancy and the development of accurate/novel 'mercury free' devices, as well as prediction and prevention of preterm labour.