An audit of indications and complications associated with elective hysterectomy at a public service hospital in South Africa

Risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy

PURPOSE

The goal is to identify risk factors associated with receiving a blood transfusion during the perioperative period in patients who undergo total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) using a large-scale national database.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was utilized to review the medical records of all patients who underwent TLH from 2010 to 2019. The researchers identified patients who had received a blood transfusion during the perioperative period and compared with those who had not. The subsequent factors associated with blood transfusion were examined: hospital characteristics (type of admission and payer, patient demographics (age and race), bed size, teaching status, location, and region of hospital), length of stay (LOS), total charges during hospitalization, in-hospital mortality, comorbidities, and perioperative complications. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The independent risk factors of perioperative blood transfusion after TLH was identified by performing multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 79,933 TLH were captured from the NIS database, among which 3433 (4.40%) patients received a perioperative blood transfusion. TLH patients affected by blood transfusion were 2 days longer hospital stays (P < 0.001), higher overall costs (P < 0.001), the patients who received a transfusion after a long-term hospitalization had a significantly higher rate of mortality (0.5% vs. 0.1%; P < 0.001). Perioperative blood transfusion after TLH was associated with chronic blood loss anemia, deficiency anemia, coagulopathy, congestive heart failure, fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, metastatic cancer, sepsis, weight loss, deep vein thrombosis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, shock, acute myocardial infarction, and pneumonia, stroke, hemorrhage, pulmonary embolism, and disease of the genitourinary system.

CONCLUSION

Studying the risk factors of perioperative blood transfusion after TLH is advantageous in order to ensure proper management and optimize outcomes.

Histopathological Analysis of Hysterectomy Specimens in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Retrospective Study

Introduction The uterus is a crucial reproductive organ that is susceptible to the development of several non-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases in women, greatly increasing morbidity and mortality. Although there are various therapeutic options, hysterectomy is still a popular treatment option throughout the world. Abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), prolapse of the uterus, adenomyosis, endometriosis, fibroids, gynecological malignancies, and obstetric problems that require hysterectomy, all samples must be examined histopathologically. Histopathological examination of the specimens obtained after hysterectomy is important for both diagnosis and treatment. The current work aimed to identify the various clinical indications, analyze the clinicopathological correlation in hysterectomy specimens, and analyze the patterns of lesions in hysterectomy specimens. Materials and methods This study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at the Datta Meghe Medical College, Wanadongari, Nagpur, from February 2022 to January 2023. All types of hysterectomy specimens received during this year were examined, and the tissues were processed and stained with H&E. Histopathological examination was performed, and various lesions in the hysterectomy specimens were examined. The study included all forms of hysterectomy, including abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic, and total abdominal hysterectomy. Results An analysis of 110 cases of hysterectomy revealed that abdominal hysterectomy was the type of hysterectomy in 79 (71.82%) cases, with a maximum age range of 35 to 45 years (42.72%). The proliferative phase endometrium was the most common endometrial pathology, accounting for 43 (39.09%) cases, followed by the atrophic endometrium in 35 (31.82%) cases. Leiomyoma was the most prevalent myometrial lesion, accounting for 52 (47.28%) cases, followed by adenomyosis, accounting for 23 (20.91%) cases. Chronic cervicitis was the most common incidental finding in the hysterectomy samples, accounting for 85 (77.28%) cases. Follicular cysts, representing 22 (20%) cases, were the most common ovarian lesions, followed by serous cystadenoma in seven (6.37%) cases. Two cases of malignant tumors were noted: one case of endometrial carcinoma and one case of mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. In most cases, ranging from 70% to 100%, the final histopathological diagnosis supports the preoperative clinical diagnosis. Conclusion Hysterectomy is the most common major gynecological surgery performed under elective conditions. Although histological studies and clinical diagnoses are closely correlated, several lesions, including chronic cervicitis and adenomyosis, were discovered incidentally. Therefore, every hysterectomy specimen must undergo a thorough histological investigation, even if it appears superficially normal, to confirm the diagnosis and improve postoperative care.

Prevalence and determinants of hysterectomy in India

Increase in the prevalence of hysterectomy among low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as India has become a significant concern. Reports based on either a particular group or region show an increasing trend in hysterectomy, but there is a dearth of national-level data in this domain. Hence, there seems to be an urgent need to garner evidence on the prevalence and determinants of hysterectomy, which could pave the way for future programs and policies. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of hysterectomy and assess its determinants using a nationally representative sample. An observational analysis was conducted using data from Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017-2018. 38,154 women aged > 18 years were included. A multivariable logistic regression, presented as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was used to predict the association between various socio-demographic characteristics and hysterectomy. A separate multivariable logistic regression model was executed to determine the association between selected non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and hysterectomy. Survey weights compensated the complex study design. The overall prevalence of hysterectomy was around 11.35%. Excessive menstrual bleeding followed by fibroids emerged as the leading causes of hysterectomy. The various determinants of hysterectomy were urban residents [AOR: 1.54 (1.21-1.96)], other backward class [AOR: 2.19 (1.72-2.78], working women [AOR: 1.19(1-1.42)] and the most affluent (rich) group [AOR: 2.06 (1.62-2.63)]. Hysterectomy was associated with cancer [AOR: 4.83 (2.51-9.29)], diabetes [AOR: 1.79 (1.25-2.57)], hypertension [AOR: 1.48 (1.27-1.71)] and joint diseases [AOR: 1.43 (1.09-1.88)]. Hysterectomy is considerably prevalent in India, which cannot be overlooked. Health promotion regarding hysterectomy and its implications is needed especially among urban residents, affluent groups and those with a higher body mass index. Health programmes aimed at women should follow a life course approach by prioritizing health and overall well-being even after reproductive years.

A Study of Patients Undergoing Abdominal Hysterectomy in Tertiary Care Institute

Background Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed.Patient education, compliance, and socioeconomic status are important determinants in choosing the mode of treatment; however, medical treatment is usually inadequate.Thus, in the present study, we tried to study the various profiles of patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomies reported in tertiary care centers. Materials and Methods  Brief clinical data were noted from the case records, which include age, parity, presenting symptoms, past surgical and medical history, hemoglobin status, preoperative dilatation and curettage, and indications of hysterectomy. Results Most hysterectomies were performed on women between the ages of 41 and 45, with the average parity being 3.2 and the majority of cases having three children. Abnormal vaginal bleeding associated with various forms of menstrual irregularities was the most common complaint for which patients sought advice, and the incidence of patients undergoing tubal ligation was the most common previous surgery procedure, with anemia being the most common preoperative-associated condition. The fibroid was the most common demonstration in the current study, which brought forth abdominal hysterectomy for the chosen participants. Conclusion Findings from the current study suggest abdominal hysterectomy to be the most preferred route of surgery commonly in the women of age group 40 to 45 years or higher, precisely due to the occurrence of a higher parity rate in this age category. Fibroid uterus, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and the presence of other menstrual complaints were the most probable indications for abdominal hysterectomy demonstrated by the individuals in the present study. Moreover, anemia was the most predominant complication associated pre-operatively, followed by other clinical manifestations such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and urinary tract infection.

Incidence and determinants of hysterectomy among North Indian women: An 8-year follow-up study

Background

Despite indications of a rapid increase in the number of hysterectomies performed in India, very few studies have methodically investigated the rate and determinants of the incidence of hysterectomy. The present study aims to estimate the rate of incidence of hysterectomy and identify predictors/determinants of incident hysterectomy in a cohort of North Indian women.

Methods

In the present study, a cohort of 1,009 ever-married North Indian women (aged 30-75 years) was followed up after a median of 8.11 years. Those hysterectomized at the baseline (63) were excluded; and of the rest 946 participants, 702 (74.2%) could be successfully followed-up. During the baseline assessment, data about sociodemographic variables, reproductive history, menopausal status, physiological health, and selected blood biochemicals were collected. During the end-line assessment, data about sociodemographic variables, current menopausal status, and incident hysterectomy were recorded.

Results

The overall rate of incidence of hysterectomy was found to be 11.59 per 1,000 women-years, in the study population. Interestingly, the incidence rates were found to be similar among pre- and post-menopausal women. Further, while late age at menarche was found to be negatively associated with incident hysterectomy, folate repletion and high triglyceride (TG) at the baseline were found to be positively associated.

Conclusions

High rate of incident hysterectomy in the studied population points toward the huge burden of gynecological morbidity and the unavailability of non-invasive protocols. Such a situation warrants immediate policy intervention. Further, maintaining TG and folate within normal physiological ranges may be beneficial in gynecological ailments necessitating hysterectomy.

Prevalence, socio-demographic determinants, and self-reported reasons for hysterectomy and choice of hospitalization in India

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence of hysterectomy in India because of a lack of data in large-scale, nationally representative health surveys. In 2015-16, the fourth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4)-a cross-sectional survey-collected for the first-time direct information on hysterectomy and self-reported reasons for undergoing the procedure among women in the reproductive age group. The current study evaluates the prevalence, determinants, and choice of hospitalization (Public vs. Private) for conducting hysterectomy in India among women aged 15-49 years in 29 states and seven union territories (UTs) based on the new large-scale population-based nationally representative dataset (NFHS 5).

METHODS

Cross-tabulations and percentage distributions were utilized to analyse the prevalence of hysterectomy and the choice of hospitalization (public vs. private) across different socioeconomic backgrounds and reasons for undergoing hysterectomy. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was also used to find statistically significant determinants of hysterectomy.

RESULTS

In India as a whole, 3.3% of women aged 15-49 years had undergone a hysterectomy. The percentage of women who had undergone the procedure was found to vary considerably across the states and the UTs. The southern region stands out for the considerably higher prevalence of hysterectomy; particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh (8.7%) and Telangana (8.2%), the prevalence was very high followed by Bihar (6%) and Gujrat (4%). On the other hand, the North-eastern region had the lowest prevalence of hysterectomy (1.2%). A noticeable fact that emerged was that the majority of the hysterectomies were performed in the private sector (69.6%) in India. But the scenario was quite different in north-eastern region as in this region more hysterectomies were performed in public health facilities (73%) rather than private health facilities (26.7%). Age, place of residence, religion, caste, level of education, geographic region, wealth quintiles, parity, age at first cohabitation of women were found to be the socio-demographic determinants statistically associated with hysterectomy in India. The likelihood of hysterectomy was higher among women living in rural areas (AOR: 1.3, CI: 1.23-1.35), in the richest wealth quintile (AOR 2.6; CI 2.37-2.76) and in the southern region (AOR 1.6; CI 1.47-1.66). The reasons frequently reported for hysterectomy were excessive menstrual bleeding/pain, followed by fibroids/cysts.

CONCLUSION

This study has attempted to analyse hysterectomy prevalence and its socio-economic determinants using the latest fifth round of NFHS data of all the states and covering 21 states and union territories of India, which gives wider coverage of hysterectomy and more recent with accurate data. More research is needed therefore to unravel the complex dynamics of hysterectomy in India (and elsewhere) which could be used to help women make more informed choices and in turn advance their reproductive health and rights.

Minimally invasive myomectomy: practice trends and differences between Black and non-Black women within a large integrated healthcare system

BACKGROUND

Although multiple professional organizations encourage minimally invasive surgical approaches whenever feasible, nationally, fewer than half of myomectomies are performed via minimally invasive routes. Black women are less likely than their non-Black counterparts to have minimally invasive surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the trends in surgical approach among women who underwent minimally invasive myomectomies for uterine leiomyomas within a large integrated healthcare system as initiatives were implemented to encourage minimally invasive surgery, particularly evaluating differences in the proportion of minimally invasive surgery performed in Black vs non-Black women.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women, aged ≥18 years, who underwent a myomectomy for a uterine leiomyoma within Kaiser Permanente Northern California between 2009 and 2019. Generalized estimating equations and Cochran-Armitage testing were used to assess myomectomy incidence and linear trend in the proportions of myomectomy by surgical route-abdominal myomectomy and minimally invasive myomectomy. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations between surgical route and (1) race and ethnicity and (2) complications, controlling for patient demographic, clinical, and surgical characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 4033 adult women underwent a myomectomy during the study period. Myomectomy incidence doubled from 0.12 (95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.13) per 1000 women in 2009 to 0.25 (95% confidence interval, 0.24-0.25) per 1000 women in 2019 (P<.001). During the 11-year study period, the proportion of minimally invasive myomectomy increased from 6.0% to 89.5% (a 15-fold increase). The proportion of minimally invasive myomectomy in Black women remained lower than in non-Black women (54.5% vs 64.7%; P<.001). Black women undergoing myomectomy were younger (36.4±5.6 vs 37.4±5.8 years; P<.001), had a higher mean fibroid weight (436.0±505.0 vs 324.7±346.1 g; P<.001), and had a higher mean body mass index (30.8±7.3 vs 26.6±5.9 kg/m²; P<.001) than their non-Black counterparts. In addition to patient race, surgery performed between 2016 and 2019 compared with surgery performed between 2009 and 2012 and higher surgeon volume compared with low surgeon volume were associated with an increased proportion of minimally invasive myomectomy (adjusted relative risks, 12.58 [95% confidence interval, 9.96-15.90] and 6.63 [95% confidence interval, 5.35-8.21], respectively). Black race and fibroid weight of >500 g each independently conferred lower rates of minimally invasive myomectomy. In addition, there was an interaction between race and fibroid weight such that Black women with a fibroid weight of ≤500 g or >500 g were both less likely to have minimally invasive myomectomy than non-Black women with a fibroid weight of ≤500 g (adjusted relative risks, 0.74 [95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.95] and 0.26 [95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.36], respectively). Operative, perioperative, and medical complications were low during the 11-year study period. In regression analyses, after controlling for race, age, fibroid weight, parity, low-income residence, body mass index, surgeon volume, and year of myomectomy, the risk of complications was not markedly different comparing abdominal myomectomy with minimally invasive myomectomy. Similar results were found comparing laparoscopic minimally invasive myomectomy with robotic-assisted minimally invasive myomectomy except for women who underwent laparoscopic minimally invasive myomectomy had a lower risk of experiencing any medical complications than those who underwent robotic-assisted minimally invasive myomectomy (adjusted relative risk, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.83; P=.02).

CONCLUSION

Within an integrated healthcare delivery system, although initiatives to encourage minimally invasive surgery were associated with a marked increase in the proportion of minimally invasive myomectomy, Black women continued to be less likely to undergo minimally invasive myomectomy than their non-Black counterparts. Race and fibroid weight alone did not explain the disparities in minimally invasive myomectomy.

Changing trends in the preference of health care facility and reasons for hysterectomy in India

Many community-based studies from India have pointed out a sudden increase in the number of hysterectomy performed in the past few years. Using the data from the fourth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), we have attempted to examine the changing trends in the preference of health care facilities and reasons for hysterectomy in India. After analyzing the data, we have found that over the years, women are moving toward private health care providers for hysterectomy, and excessive menstrual bleeding is one of the most common reasons among them. A substantially higher proportion of hysterectomy in private health care facilities over the public raises the question of its necessity.

Prevalence, sociodemographic determinants and self-reported reasons for hysterectomy in India

Background

Evidence of hysterectomy in India is limited mainly due to lack of information in large-scale nationally representative health surveys. In 2015–16, the fourth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) – a cross-sectional survey – collected for the first time direct information on hysterectomy and self-reported reasons for undergoing the procedure among women in the reproductive age group. This paper examines the prevalence and determinants of hysterectomy in India among women aged 30–49 years in 29 states and seven union territories (UTs) of India using the NFHS-4 dataset.

Methods

Percentage weighted by sampling weights was used for estimating the prevalence of hysterectomy. The paper used crosstabulations and percentage distributions to estimate the prevalence of hysterectomy across different socioeconomic backgrounds and reasons for undergoing hysterectomy respectively. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was also used to find statistically significant determinants of hysterectomy.

Results

In India as a whole, 6 % of women aged 30–49 years had undergone a hysterectomy. The percentage of women who had undergone the procedure was found to vary considerably across the states and the UTs (from a minimum of 2% in Lakshadweep to a maximum of 16% in Andhra Pradesh). A noticeable fact that emerged was that the majority of the hysterectomies were performed in the private sector except in the northeast region. Years of schooling, caste, religion, geographic region, place of residence, wealth quintiles, age, parity, age at first cohabitation, marital status, and body mass index of women were found to be the sociodemographic determinants statistically associated with hysterectomy in India. The reasons reported frequently for hysterectomy were excessive menstrual bleeding/pain (56%), followed by fibroids/cysts (20%).

Conclusion

The percentage and likelihood of undergoing hysterectomy are relatively high among women from older age groups (45–49), those who reside in rural areas, those without schooling, those who are obese, those having high parity, those with a low age at first marriage, and those who reside in the eastern and southern parts of India. The policy implication of these findings is that the reproductive health program managers should ensure regular screening and timely treatment of the problems resulting in hysterectomy.

Antifibrinolytics for heavy menstrual bleeding

BACKGROUND

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is an important physical and social problem for women. Oral treatment for HMB includes antifibrinolytic drugs, which are designed to reduce bleeding by inhibiting clot-dissolving enzymes in the endometrium.Historically, there has been some concern that using the antifibrinolytic tranexamic acid (TXA) for HMB may increase the risk of venous thromboembolic disease. This is an umbrella term for deep venous thrombosis (blood clots in the blood vessels in the legs) and pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the blood vessels in the lungs).

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness and safety of antifibrinolytic medications as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and two trials registers in November 2017, together with reference checking and contact with study authors and experts in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antifibrinolytic agents versus placebo, no treatment or other medical treatment in women of reproductive age with HMB. Twelve studies utilised TXA and one utilised a prodrug of TXA (Kabi).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. The primary review outcomes were menstrual blood loss (MBL), improvement in HMB, and thromboembolic events.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 13 RCTs (1312 participants analysed). The evidence was very low to moderate quality: the main limitations were risk of bias (associated with lack of blinding, and poor reporting of study methods), imprecision and inconsistency.Antifibrinolytics (TXA or Kabi) versus no treatment or placeboWhen compared with a placebo, antifibrinolytics were associated with reduced mean blood loss (MD -53.20 mL per cycle, 95% CI -62.70 to -43.70; I² = 8%; 4 RCTs, participants = 565; moderate-quality evidence) and higher rates of improvement (RR 3.34, 95% CI 1.84 to 6.09; 3 RCTS, participants = 271; moderate-quality evidence). This suggests that if 11% of women improve without treatment, 43% to 63% of women taking antifibrinolytics will do so. There was no clear evidence of a difference between the groups in adverse events (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.18; 1 RCT, participants = 297; low-quality evidence). Only one thromboembolic event occurred in the two studies that reported this outcome.TXA versus progestogensThere was no clear evidence of a difference between the groups in mean blood loss measured using the Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart (PBAC) (MD -12.22 points per cycle, 95% CI -30.8 to 6.36; I² = 0%; 3 RCTs, participants = 312; very low quality evidence), but TXA was associated with a higher likelihood of improvement (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.80; I² = 32%; 5 RCTs, participants = 422; low-quality evidence). This suggests that if 46% of women improve with progestogens, 61% to 83% of women will do so with TXA.Adverse events were less common in the TXA group (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.94; I² = 28%; 4 RCTs, participants = 349; low-quality evidence). No thromboembolic events were reported in any group.TXA versus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)TXA was associated with reduced mean blood loss (MD -73.00 mL per cycle, 95% CI -123.35 to -22.65; 1 RCT, participants = 49; low-quality evidence) and higher likelihood of improvement (RR 1.43, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.74; 1² = 0%; 2 RCTs, participants = 161; low-quality evidence). This suggests that if 61% of women improve with NSAIDs, 71% to 100% of women will do so with TXA. Adverse events were uncommon and no comparative data were available. No thromboembolic events were reported.TXA versus ethamsylateTXA was associated with reduced mean blood loss (MD 100 mL per cycle, 95% CI -141.82 to -58.18; 1 RCT, participants = 53; low-quality evidence), but there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the groups differed in rates of improvement (RR 1.56, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.55; 1 RCT, participants = 53; very low quality evidence) or withdrawal due to adverse events (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.19 to 3.15; 1 RCT, participants = 53; very low quality evidence).TXA versus herbal medicines (Safoof Habis and Punica granatum)TXA was associated with a reduced mean PBAC score after three months' treatment (MD -23.90 pts per cycle, 95% CI -31.92 to -15.88; I² = 0%; 2 RCTs, participants = 121; low-quality evidence). No data were available for rates of improvement. TXA was associated with a reduced mean PBAC score three months after the end of the treatment phase (MD -10.40 points per cycle, 95% CI -19.20 to -1.60; I² not applicable; 1 RCT, participants = 84; very low quality evidence). There was insufficient evidence to determine whether the groups differed in rates of adverse events (RR 2.25, 95% CI 0.74 to 6.80; 1 RCT, participants = 94; very low quality evidence). No thromboembolic events were reported.TXA versus levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LIUS)TXA was associated with a higher median PBAC score than TXA (median difference 125.5 points; 1 RCT, participants = 42; very low quality evidence) and a lower likelihood of improvement (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.77; 1 RCT, participants = 42; very low quality evidence). This suggests that if 85% of women improve with LIUS, 20% to 65% of women will do so with TXA. There was insufficient evidence to determine whether the groups differed in rates of adverse events (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.80; 1 RCT, participants = 42; very low quality evidence). No thromboembolic events were reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Antifibrinolytic treatment (such as TXA) appears effective for treating HMB compared to placebo, NSAIDs, oral luteal progestogens, ethamsylate, or herbal remedies, but may be less effective than LIUS. There were too few data for most comparisons to determine whether antifibrinolytics were associated with increased risk of adverse events, and most studies did not specifically include thromboembolism as an outcome.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) are common clonal neoplasms of the uterus. Fibroids have both smooth muscle and fibroblast components, in addition to a substantial amount of fibrous extracellular matrix, which all contribute to the pathogenetic process. Fibroids are extremely heterogeneous in their pathophysiology, size, location and clinical symptomatology. They are also a part of a range of disease in which some variants have facets of malignant behaviour but overall are benign. Risk for fibroids is associated with race; black women have a higher risk of developing fibroids earlier in life than their white counterparts and also develop more-severe forms of the disease. Clinically, fibroids account for one-third to half of all hysterectomies and are associated with substantial morbidity and health care costs for women of reproductive age. Indeed, current treatments are primarily surgical and interventional; approximately three-quarters of all fibroid treatments are hysterectomies. However, clinical innovations are emerging in the use of progesterone receptor modulators as a medical therapy. New information is rapidly accumulating about the genetic subgroups that lead to fibroid formation, which might aid further understanding of the clinical heterogeneity of this disease and lead to individualized treatments. This information is a crucial development given the current lack of high-quality evidence on which to base therapeutic decisions.

The prevalence of occult leiomyosarcoma at surgery for presumed uterine fibroids: a meta-analysis

There is a concern regarding the risk of occult leiomyosarcomas found at surgery for presumed benign fibroids. We sought to produce a comprehensive review of published data addressing this issue and provide high-quality prevalence estimates for clinical practice and future research. A comprehensive literature search using the PubMed/MEDLINE database and the Cochrane Library was performed. Inclusion criteria were human studies, peer-reviewed, with original data, involving cases for surgery in which fibroid-related indications were the primary reason for surgery, and histopathology was provided. Candidate studies (4864) were found; 3844 were excluded after review of the abstract. The remaining 1020 manuscripts were reviewed in their entirety, and 133 were included in the Bayesian binomial random effect meta-analysis. The estimated rate of leiomyosarcoma was 0.51 per 1000 procedures (95 % credible interval (CrI) 0.16–0.98) or approximately 1 in 2000. Restricting the meta-analysis to the 64 prospective studies resulted in a substantially lower estimate of 0.12 leiomyosarcomas per 1000 procedures (95 % CrI <0.01–0.75) or approximately 1 leiomyosarcoma per 8300 surgeries. Results suggest that the prevalence of occult leiomyosarcomas at surgery for presumed uterine fibroids is much less frequent than previously estimated. This rate should be incorporated into both clinical practice and future research.

The association between occupational characteristics and hysterectomies for treating uterine fibroids in Taiwan

This study examined the relationship between the occupational characteristics of women with uterine fibroids (UFs) and the decision to have a hysterectomy. Data from the Longitudinal Taiwan Health Insurance Database (LTHID) from 2000 to 2009 were analyzed to investigate the association between occupation and hysterectomies. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with white-collar UF patients, the odds ratio (OR) for hysterectomy surgery was 1.21 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11-1.32) for blue-collar UF patients. Moreover, non-government employees with UFs also had significantly increased odds of having a hysterectomy compared to government employees with UFs (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.04-1.36). This study provides information regarding the extent to which differences in occupation and decision-making processes might affect the marked variations in the use of hysterectomies for UFs.

Gynecological diseases in rural India: A critical appraisal of indications and route of surgery along with histopathology correlation of 922 women undergoing major gynecological surgery

Objective:

The aim of the study was to generate baseline data for indications of gynecological surgeries, and to assess route of surgery and histopathology correlation in women undergoing major gynecological surgery in a rural tertiary level teaching hospital in India.

Materials and Methods:

Surgical indications, route of surgery and histopathology findings were reviewed and analyzed retrospectively, in 922 patients (≥35 years age) who underwent gynecological surgery at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India from January 1, 2011 to May 31, 2013.

Results:

Of 922 surgeries, 65 had malignancy (7%). Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (32.3%) and leiomyoma uterus (29%) were two most common benign indications for hysterectomy. Ovarian tumors were present in 13% (25% of these were malignant). Postmenopausal bleeding (PMB) was seen in 5.5% (55% of these were malignant).

Conclusions:

All except 10% surgeries were done in the absence of definite histopathology diagnosis that is dysfunctional uterine bleeding (n = 42 [45%]), chronic pelvic pain/severe dysmenorrhea (n = 34 [36%]) and recurrent PMB (n = 17 [19%]). Majority of surgeries had histopathological correlation except for six cases (0.6%) of malignancy, which were missed on initial work-up. Majority of the surgeries were done abdominally. In rural areas of developing countries poverty, lack of regular follow-up, resource constraints and lack of technical skills (with respect to laparoscopic/robotic surgeries) pose major challenge in providing quality health care.

An audit of indications, complications, and justification of hysterectomies at a teaching hospital in India

Objective. Aim of this audit was to analyze indications, complications, and correlation of preoperative diagnosis with final histopathology report of all hysterectomies, performed in a premier teaching hospital. Methods. Present study involved all patients who underwent hysterectomy at a premier university hospital in Southern India, in one year (from 1 January, 2012, to 31 December, 2012). Results. Most common surgical approach was abdominal (74.7%), followed by vaginal (17.8%), and laparoscopic (6.6%) hysterectomy. Most common indication for hysterectomy was symptomatic fibroid uterus (39.9%), followed by uterovaginal prolapse (16.3%). Overall complication rate was 8.5%. Around 84% had the same pathology as suspected preoperatively. Only 6 (5 with preoperative diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding and one with high grade premalignant cervical lesion) had no significant pathology in their hysterectomy specimen. Conclusion. Hysterectomy is used commonly to improve the quality of life; however at times it is a lifesaving procedure. As any surgical procedure is associated with a risk of complications, the indication should be carefully evaluated. With the emergence of many conservative approaches to deal with benign gynecological conditions, it is prudent to discuss available options with the patient before taking a direct decision of surgically removing her uterus.

Justification for hysterectomies and frequency of histopathological lesions of hysterectomy at a Teaching Hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan

Objective: To determine the justification for hysterectomies and the frequencies of histopathological lesions and complications in hystrectomised patients.

Methodology: As a part of a quality assurance process at the Mercy Teaching Hospital, hysterectomies performed between 1^st January, 2010 and 1^st Jan 2012 were retrospectively analyzed for presenting complaints, surgical indication, histologic findings, and postoperative complications. The hysterectomy was considered justified if the preoperative diagnosis was verified by the pathology report or if significant alternate pathology was present.

Results: A total of 123 hysterectomies were performed during this period. Eleven (8.9%) patients’ results could not be traced. The other 91.1% had some pathology found. Histologic findings reconfirmed the clinical diagnoses. The hysterectomies were considered justified if p=0.000. Hysterectomy was performed abdominally in 88 (71.5%) patients, vaginally in 35 patients (28.4%). The most common indication for hysterectomy was fibroid related menorrhagia n=40(32.5%), followed by third degree uterovaginal prolapse n=30(24.4%), and dysfunctional uterine bleeding 29(23.6%) patients. Fever was the most common 7(5.7%) post operative complication followed by urinary tract infection 5(4.9%) The incidence of postoperative fever was greater following abdominal surgery, while urinary tract infection was greater following vaginal hysterectomy (P=0.370).

Conclusion: Almost 91.1% of all hysterectomies in this study were justified. Clinical diagnoses were related to presenting complaints (p=0.000) and were confirmed by histopathogic findings (p=0.000). Most of the hysterectomies were carried out abdominally in part because fewer patients presented with prolapse.