An analysis of gynecological problems presenting to an evacuation hospital during Operation Desert Storm

Very little data are available to commanders regarding gynecological problems encountered by a large female population in a combat zone for extended periods of time. The 312th Evacuation Hospital supported Operation Desert Storm, treating over 12,000 patients. Of these, 577 were treated by the gynecological service. Only six patients with nonobstetrical conditions required evacuation out of theater; the remainder returned to duty. Five of these had pre-existing conditions. There were 49 cases of pregnancy. Excluding pregnancy, the gynecological problems observed were predictable, manageable in theater, and resulted in minimal loss of manpower.