Geriatric gynaecology deals with gynaecological onditions encountered in postmenopausal old women at and above 60 years.1 With the development in the field of medicine, control over communicable diseases and decreased maternal mortality life expectancy in females in India has risen from 31.7 yeas in 1941 to 60.5 years in 2000. Today we can expect to become old. Society used to be true pyramid in 1900 but with passage of time is gradually becoming more rectangular. In 1000 BC life expectancy was 18 years. Life expectancy has risen dramatically throughout the century.2 Hence this study was taken up to analyze incidence, diagnosis, treatment given, morbidity and mortality in females aged 60 years and above.

A retrospective study of female patients aged 60 years and above admitted under department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai over a period of 2 years 2001-2003.One hundred and thirty six patients were aged 60 years or more amongst total admission of 1900 comprising incidence of 7.1%. The mean average age of admission was 69 years.

Distribution of the geriatric patients were done under 3 majors groups : Genital malignancies, prolapse, other benign disorders.

Table 2 shows that out of 58 cases of malignancies 49 cases (84%) were in advanced stages, which were referred to oncology department for radiation and chemotherapy. Only 09 cases (16%) were in early stages which were operated.

One patient who had cardiac disease with very low ejection fraction and not fit for surgery was given pessary insertion and asked to follow up content missing here

In the present study malignancy (43%) was the commonest problem followed by utero-vaginal prolapse (38%). Out of the malignancy group there were 84% of patients who had come in advance stage of malignancy. Similar findings have been reported by Sharma et al (1990)2 and Arora et al (1992)3 who had 92.9% and 86.7% of advanced stage of malignancy cases. Bhaskar Rao (1986) found genital prolapse, senile vaginitis, malignancy of uterus and ovaries to be the main gynaecological problem in geriatric group and advocate periodic examination of menopausal women supported by ultrasonography in clinically suspected cases.4

General practitioners who interact with women during menopause may play a great role by entering them in to regular health care system, maintenance of continuity of care and can screen patients who require appropriate consultant’s opinion.5

Patient’s awareness and education can also play a major role. A thorough screening for pelvic and breast examination should be done in all geriatric women coming for some problem in the hospital so as to detect and treat the malignancies at the earliest and to decrease the incidence of advanced cancer.

The pelvic floor plays a very important role in pelvic organ support. Obstetrician may be able to reduce pelvic floor injuries by minimizing forceps delivery and episiotomies, by allowing passive descent in the second stage, and by selectively recommending elective caesarean delivery. Considering oestrogen replacement therapy after menopause and using correct lifting techniques can also reduce the prolapse incidence.6