LETO: Two-day Event on the Pathology of Pregnancy and Childbirth

24 April 2018

Ways to reduce the rate of C-sections, which is particularly high in Greece, without affecting the rate of perinatal morbidity and mortality, which is quite low and among the best in Europe, were discussed during the Scientific Two-Day Event on the Pathology of Pregnancy and Childbirth, held at the Epameinondas Megapanos Lecture Theater, located within HYGEIA Group LETO Hospital.

As noted by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee and the LETO Scientific Council, Mr Elpidoforos Douratsos, “Reducing the rate of C-sections can be achieved by employing less defensive obstetrics and less medical intervention, where it is not required. LETO is standing by the younger generation of doctors, to help better educate and train them on interventional assisted obstetrics.”

Meanwhile, the findings from the implementation of the program on the comprehensive examination of expectant mothers for preterm birth, by measuring the cervix at weeks 20 to 24, when the anatomical ultrasound is performed, were also announced during the two-day event. According to these findings, identifying the pregnancies that have an increased risk of preterm delivery through an ultrasound of the cervix and using the right therapeutic intervention greatly reduces the number of extremely preterm births by approximately 30%. Dr Athena Souka, Obstetrician/Gynecologist and Head of the Fetal & Maternal Medicine Department at LETO Hospital, pointed out, “These findings were the result of an important study, conducted by the Department, which were recently published in the distinguished international medical journal Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Due to the serious implications of preterm births, this simple and painless exam is expected to greatly benefit neonates.”

Commenting on the implementation of the program at LETO, Mr Douratsos noted the significance of the study and its findings on the prevention of preterm births, adding that it is even more valuable because it concerns the Greek population.

On his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of LETO Hospital, Obstetrician/Gynecologist Mr Konstantinos Mavrelos, stated, “The Administrative and Scientific Council of LETO Hospital, in the context of continuing medical education, ensures that the medical community supports scientific advancements, striving for the dissemination of knowledge and the provision of top-level healthcare services.”