Efficacy of laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy in the management of menorrhagia: 400 consecutive cases

Laparoscopic Major Vascular Injuries in Gynecologic Surgery for Benign Indications: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To identify the incidence, location, etiology, and mortality of major vascular injuries in gynecologic laparoscopy for benign indications.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and MEDLINE was conducted.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

One thousand ninety-seven studies were screened for inclusion with 147 full-text articles reviewed. Sixty-six studies published between 1978 and 2016 met inclusion criteria, representing 197,062 surgeries. Articles that were included reported the incidence of major vascular injuries during gynecologic laparoscopy for benign indications. Exclusion criteria included surgery for gynecologic malignancy, duplicated data, case series and reports, manuscripts not in English, and studies published only as abstracts.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Injuries to the aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac (common, external, or internal), and inferior epigastric vessels were recorded, as were injuries denoted as major but not otherwise specified. A total of 179 major vascular injuries were reported with an incidence of 0.09% (95% CI 0.08-0.10). The inferior epigastric vessels were the most commonly injured vessel (0.04%, 95% CI 0.03-0.05), comprising 48% (95% CI 40-55) of all injuries. The majority of injuries occurred during abdominal entry (82%, 95% CI 76-89), and the remainder occurred during surgical dissection (18%, 95% CI 11-24). Most injuries were recognized intraoperatively (93%, 95% CI 87-100), and approximately half (55%, 95% CI 46-63) required laparotomy for repair. Only two of the 179 major vascular injuries resulted in death, for an overall mortality rate from vascular injuries of 0.001% (95% CI 0.000-0.004).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of major vascular injury during gynecologic laparoscopy found in this review is very low, and the vast majority of injuries did not result in death. Laparoscopy remains a safe surgical technique in relation to vascular injuries when performed for benign gynecologic disease.

Transition from multiport to single-site surgery: A single institution experience in robotic supracervical hysterectomy for benign gynecological diseases

OBJECTIVE

To share our experience of transition from multiport to single-site robotic surgery for benign gynecological conditions as well as to assess the selection criteria of candidates for robotic single-site supracervical hysterectomy (RSSH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on patients undergoing robotic supracervical hysterectomy by a single surgeon in a single institute between June 2014 and December 2017. Patients who underwent additional procedures along with supracervical hysterectomy and who had unexpectant corpus malignancy proved pathologically were excluded from comparisons between patients undergoing RSSH and robotic multiport supracervical hysterectomy (RMSH).

RESULTS

Between June 2014 and December 2017, we accomplished 26 RSSH and 57 RMSH. There were no conversions, intraoperative complications, and readmissions within 30 days after surgery. In the RSSH group, the mean uterine weight was 264.6 ± 140.9 g with mean docking time of 15.8 ± 5.5 min, mean console time of 61.1 ± 35.6 min and mean operative time of 140.3 ± 34.4 min. In comparison to the RMSH group, the percentage of overweight/obese patients was lower (p = 0.018) and the uterine size was smaller (p < 0.001) with adenomyosis diagnosed more frequently (p = 0.002) in the RSSH group. While the operative time in the RSSH group was significantly shorter (p = 0.002), the RSSH group took longer time in docking (p < 0.001) and comparable time in console (p = 0.254). In view of chronological change, docking time and console time in the RMSH group remained steady, whereas steep decreases were observed in the RSSH group. The intraoperative blood loss and hemoglobin drop were comparable. The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RSSH group (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Transition from multiport to single-site surgery can be smooth for a surgical team experienced in the conventional multiport robotic system. RSSH is safe and feasible in properly selected patients.

The Changes of Surgical Treatment for Symptomatic Uterine Myomas in the Past 15 Years

Study Objective:

The aim of this study is to elaborate the changes of the surgical approach of treatment for uterine myomas in Yangpu Hospital in the past 15 years.

Design:

This was retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 4113 patients with symptomatic uterine myomas underwent surgical treatments. Interventions: Eight kinds of different surgeries were involved in the study, including abdominal or laparoscopic surgery, hysterectomy, or uterus-sparing myomectomy.

Measurements:

The study collected patients' clinical data and reviewed surgical access and approach, complications, and the results of following up.

Results:

A total of 1559 cases (37.9%) underwent uterus-sparing myomectomy, 3005 cases (73.1%) performed laparoscopic surgeries. The percentage of laparoscopic surgery was significantly higher than homochronous data of laparotomy after 2003 (P < 0.001). The per year total of uterus-reserved surgery was proved to be negatively correlated with patient's age (R² = 0.930; P < 0.001). The rate of myomas recurrence was significantly lower in the combined myomectomy and uterine artery occlusion group (4%, 34/910) than in the single myomectomy group (10.5%, 44/420) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Retaining uterus and minimally invasive surgery were the important trends of surgical treatment for symptomatic uterine myomas. Laparoscopic uterus-sparing myomectomy may be an alternative to hysterectomy to manage to appropriate patients with uterine myomas.

Single- and Multiple-Day Dosing Studies to Investigate High-Dose Pharmacokinetics of Epelsiban and Its Metabolite, GSK2395448, in Healthy Female Volunteers

Open-label single- and double-blind repeat-dose studies in healthy female volunteers were conducted to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety/tolerability of epelsiban total daily doses ranging from 600 to 900 mg. In 1 study (n = 12), epelsiban was dosed at 300 or 450 mg twice daily (every 12 hours) for a single day. In the repeat-dose double-blind study, epelsiban and placebo were administered to 31 subjects as 200 mg 3 times daily, 300 mg 3 times daily (TID), or 450 mg twice daily (BID) for 14 days. After both single and 14 daily repeat doses, the PK profiles for epelsiban and its metabolite, GSK2395448, remained linear at all administered doses. The exposures at a given total daily dose were also similar between BID and TID dosing regimens. Exposure (AUC_0-τ ), based on dosing intervals, for both epelsiban and GSK2395448 was similar. However, compared with morning dosing, C_max was lower after evening dosing, possibly because of a food effect. The highest accumulation of epelsiban and GSK2395448 exposures (AUC_0-τ ) was approximately 34% for each after repeat dosing, consistent with the short half-life. At total daily doses of 600 and 900 mg, epelsiban was generally well tolerated, and there were no significant safety concerns identified.

Long-term follow-up of the outcome of supracervical versus total abdominal hysterectomy

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Hysterectomy for benign indications can be performed either as a supracervical or a total procedure. It is controversial whether removing the cervix is beneficial or not. This study aimed at comparing long-term outcomes after supracervical (n = 107) and total (n = 105) abdominal hysterectomy.

METHODS

Two prospective questionnaire-based studies were conducted among the original 212 patients operated on between February 1978 and May 1979 at Turku University Hospital, Finland. In the first study in 1997, a nonvalidated questionnaire was mailed to 193 patients to inquire about any postoperative symptoms. In the second study in 2011, a validated questionnaire and an invitation to a follow-up visit were sent to 153 women. During the visit, pelvic support was assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system. Additionally, hospital records were reviewed to identify any gynecological operations at both evaluation times.

RESULTS

In the first evaluation, the response rate was 94 %, and in the second, the rate was 62 %. Objective evaluation was possible in 75 women in 2011, 37 in the supracervical group and 38 in the total hysterectomy group. There were no significant differences in the rates of subjective urinary and sexual symptoms or subsequent operations for urinary incontinence and genital prolapse between women in the supracervical group and women in the total hysterectomy group. Four patients in the supracervical group required a re-operation: three for a prolapsed cervical stump and one for a cervical abscess.

CONCLUSIONS

Supracervical and total hysterectomies resulted in similar postoperative outcomes regarding subjective symptoms and subsequent gynecological operations during a follow-up of 33 years.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ): NCT02166749.

Case-Mix Variables and Predictors for Outcomes of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review

The assessment of surgical quality is complex, and an adequate case-mix correction is missing in currently applied quality indicators. The purpose of this study is to give an overview of all studies mentioning statistically significant associations between patient characteristics and surgical outcomes for laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). Additionally, we identified a set of potential case-mix characteristics for LH. This systematic review was conducted according to the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. We searched PubMed and EMBASE from January 1, 2000 to August 1, 2015. All articles describing statistically significant associations between patient characteristics and adverse outcomes of LH for benign indications were included. Primary outcomes were blood loss, operative time, conversion, and complications. The methodologic quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The included articles were summed per predictor and surgical outcome. Three sets of case-mix characteristics were determined, stratified by different levels of evidence. Eighty-five of 1549 identified studies were considered eligible. Uterine weight and body mass index (BMI) were the most mentioned predictors (described, respectively, 83 and 45 times) in high quality studies. For longer operative time and higher blood loss, uterine weight ≥ 250 to 300 g and ≥500 g and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) dominated as predictors. Previous operations, adhesions, and higher age were also considered as predictors for longer operative time. For complications and conversions, the patient characteristics varied widely, and uterine weight, BMI, previous operations, adhesions, and age predominated. Studies of high methodologic quality indicated uterine weight and BMI as relevant case-mix characteristics for all surgical outcomes. For future development of quality indicators of LH and to compare surgical outcomes adequately, a case-mix correction is suggested for at least uterine weight and BMI. A potential case-mix correction for adhesions and previous operations can be considered. For both surgeons and patients it is valuable to be aware of potential factors predicting adverse outcomes and to anticipate this. Finally, to benchmark clinical outcomes at an international level, it is of the utmost importance to introduce uniform outcome definitions.

Unexpected Leiomyosarcoma 4 Years after Laparoscopic Removal of the Uterus Using Morcellation

Background. Laparoscopic hysterectomies are increasingly popular; a morcellation device is often used. Although there are some clear benefits, morcellation of tissue does have potential risks. Case Presentation. In this case report we present a 55-year-old woman with an abdominal tumour 4 years after a laparoscopic hysterectomy using a morcellation device. Postoperative histological analysis, compromised by morcellated tissue, showed benign myoma. Because of the benign tumour no follow-up was performed. The patient presented now with an abdominal tumour, and she was scheduled for surgical removal of the tumour. During abdominal surgery the tumour appeared malignant and biopsies were taken. Histological analysis showed leiomyosarcoma, and the patient was referred to a third care centre for further treatment. The patient recovered quickly after abdominal removal of the tumour; however, after 7 months the patient had complaints and a CT scan showed a large intra-abdominal tumour with possible lung metastasis. The patient received palliative chemotherapy and died after 10 months. Conclusion. This case shows that although unexpected after a hysterectomy, a leiomyosarcoma has to be considered in case of a suspect tumour in the lower abdomen.

Specimen processing during laparoscopic renal surgery: a review of techniques and technologies

Laparoscopic surgery has well-defined benefits for patients and has become accepted over time as a standard access strategy for the management of benign and malignant urologic diseases. Unlike in open surgery, the surgeon is often faced with the additional challenges of specimen retrieval and extraction at the end of laparoscopic extirpative procedures. This final step often requires significant laparoscopic skill to entrap and safely extract the laparoscopic specimens. Failure to apply safe exit steps at the end of a laparoscopic procedure may lead to significant morbidity. The aim of this review is to explore the different techniques and technologies available for laparoscopic kidney retrieval, entrapment and safe extraction.

Cervical Detachment Using Monopolar SupraLoop™ Electrode versus Monopolar Needle in Laparoscopic Supracervical Hysterectomy (LSH): An Interventional, Comparative Cohort Study

Objective: Currently available monopolar loop electrodes are difficult to handle in laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) and are entirely disposable devices, generating additional operating costs. The aim of this interventional study was the comparison of the efficiency and safety of cervical detachment with a newly developed monopolar loop electrode (SupraLoop™) with a conventional method of cervical detachment in LSH. Material and Methods: Our study sample included 1598 patients; 1070 patients that underwent LSH with cervical detachment using the monopolar SupraLoop™ (study group) and 528 patients that underwent LSH with cervical detachment using the monopolar needle (control group). We also assessed cervical detachment time and total device application and cutting time in a subgroup of 49 patients (23 patients from the study group and 26 patients from the control group). Results: Total operation time for LSH was significantly shorter among SupraLoop™ patients (93 ± 41 minutes) when compared to patients in whom cervical detachment was performed with the needle (105 ± 44 minutes) (p < 0.001). Cervical detachment time and total device application including cutting time was significantly shorter for the SupraLoop™ group (SupraLoop vs. needle; 0.12 ± 0.21 min vs. 5.1 ± 4.4 min [p < 0.001]; 2.3 ± 1.8 min vs. 5.4 ± 2.4 min [p < 0.001]). There were no major or minor complications directly related to the use of the SupraLoop™ device, whereas two intraoperative complications were directly related to the application of the monopolar needle. Conclusion: The newly developed monopolar loop electrode (SupraLoop™) is both an effective and safe instrument for cervical detachment in laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, and performed better than the needle, offering a significantly shorter operating time and less complications for the hysterectomy compared to the conventional method.

Unexpected malignancies after laparoscopic-assisted supracervical hysterectomies (LASH): an analysis of 1,584 LASH cases

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research was to identify the rate of unexpected malignancies after laparoscopic-assisted supracervical hysterectomies (LASH) and describe the therapy regime.

METHODS

The research is based on a retrospective chart analysis of patients undergoing a simple hysterectomy in the gynecological endoscopy department of a general hospital in Germany.

RESULTS

2,577 simple hysterectomies conducted between March 2005 and March 2010 were sub-classified in different types of hysterectomies (vaginal-, abdominal-, total-, abdominal supracervical hysterectomy, LAVH, and LASH). This study focuses on the LASH sub-group of 1,584 patients and does not make any comparisons to other operative approaches. Out of the 1,584 patients, 87.8 % (n = 1,391) received preoperative screening to exclude dysplasia or malignancy based on the policy of the German Association for gynecology and obstetrics (DGGG). The screening includes cytology (Pap-smear) and preoperative ultrasound of the uterus or dilatation and curettage (d&c). Unexpected malignancies were found in 0.25 % (n = 4) of the patients pre-screened according to DGGG protocol. Out of the four malign patients, two had endometrial cancer. Two patients had leiomyosarcoma.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that there is a small probability of unexpected malignancies even in correctly pre-screened patients for LASH procedures. Yet in the short-term (28-52 months), malign patients remain recurrence free after treatment. LASH is therefore a good procedure for assumed benign disease.

Comparative analysis of different laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures

PURPOSE

To compare the antecedent gynecological characteristics, indications for, and complications associated with, the different laparoscopic approaches to hysterectomy, in women with benign gynecological conditions.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 957 patients who underwent laparoscopic supracervical (LSH), total (TLH), and assisted vaginal (LAVH) hysterectomies between January 2003 and December 2009.

RESULTS

Among 957 LH, 799 (83.5%) were LSH, 62 (6.4%) TLH, and 96 (10.1%) LAVH. Demographic characteristics were not different among the groups. Antecedent gynecologic conditions that were associated with the type of laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) performed were: postmenopausal bleeding [LAVH vs. LSH, odds ratio (OR) 2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-4.65], previous pelvic surgery (TLH vs. LSH, OR 1.92; CI 1.05-3.52), previous cesarean delivery (LAVH vs. LSH, OR 0.39; CI 0.21-0.76), and prior hysteroscopy (LAVH vs. LSH, OR 0.29; CI 0.16-0.50). Preoperative diagnoses that were associated with the choice of LH were: menometrorrhagia (LAVH vs. LSH, OR 0.23; CI 0.14-0.38; TLH vs. LSH, OR 0.50; CI 0.26-0.98), uterine fibroids (LAVH vs. LSH, OR 0.25; CI 0.15-0.41), endometrial hyperplasia (TLH vs. LSH, OR 5.5; CI 2.04-14.84), and cervical dysplasia (TLH vs. LSH, OR 17.1; CI 6.83-42.79; LAVH vs. LSH, OR 8.05; CI 3.05-22.06). Estimated blood loss, operating time, and length of hospital stay were significantly reduced with LSH.

CONCLUSION

Antecedent gynecological history and the indications for surgery were associated with the type of LH performed in our institution. LSH was the most common approach and was associated with significantly less morbidity.

Multidisciplinary convalescence recommendations after gynaecological surgery: a modified Delphi method among experts

OBJECTIVE

To generate structured detailed uniform convalescence recommendations after gynaecological surgery by a modified Delphi method amongst experts and a representative group of physicians.

DESIGN

Modified Delphi study.

SETTING

Expert physicians recruited by their respective medical boards and employed at different hospitals, doctor's surgeries and healthcare services.

POPULATION

Twelve experts (five gynaecologists, two general practitioners [GPs] and five occupational physicians [OPs]) and a representative sample of 63 medical doctors.

METHODS

Multidisciplinary detailed recommendations for graded resumption of relevant activities after uncomplicated hysterectomy (laparoscopic supracervical, total laparoscopic/laparoscopic-assisted, vaginal and abdominal hysterectomies) and laparoscopic adnexal surgery were developed. Recommendations were based on a literature review and a modified Delphi procedure among 12 experts, recruited in collaboration with the participating medical boards of gynaecologists, GPs and OPs.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A multidisciplinary consensus of at least 67% on the relevant detailed convalescence recommendations in relation to hysterectomy and laparoscopic adnexal surgery.

RESULTS

Out of initially 65 activities, the expert panel judged 38 activities relevant for convalescence recommendations. Consensus for all activities was achieved after four Delphi rounds and two group discussions. The recommendations were judged as feasible by a representative sample of 26 gynaecologists, 19 GPs and 18 OPs.

CONCLUSIONS

Consensus between gynaecologists, GPs and OPs was achieved on all relevant convalescence recommendations regarding hysterectomy (abdominal, vaginal and laparoscopic) and laparoscopic adnexal surgery.

Laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy in a case of uterine didelphys

INTRODUCTION

Major congenital uterine anomalies present a management dilemma in women who are symptomatic and not responsive to medical therapy. This case report discusses the role of laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy in a woman with uterine didelphys, who presented with a long-standing history of menorrhagia, which had not responded to medical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This case report represents the role of laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy in a woman with uterine didelphys, who presented with a long-standing history of menorrhagia, which had not responded to medical treatment with tranexamic acid and mefenamic acid, or cyclical norethisterone. Transvaginal ultrasound examination, performed as part of the routine investigation into the cause of her symptoms, was suggestive of a congenital uterine anomaly. Uterine didelphys was the suspected classification, and at the time of hysteroscopic examination, a double cervix with two separate uterine corpora was noted. An intravenous uretero-pyelogram confirmed an anatomically normal urinary tract. In view of the diagnosis and severity of symptoms, neither the Mirena intrauterine system, nor endometrial ablative techniques were considered appropriate treatments. Surgical options, including hysterectomy by the abdominal and laparoscopic routes, were discussed. She was counselled as to the potential difficulty of laparoscopic surgery, but she elected to proceed to laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy. The procedure was performed as a Day-case and went uneventfully.

CONCLUSION

Day-case laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy may be considered as a potential treatment option in symptomatic women with major congenital uterine anomaly, in whom fertility potential is no longer an issue. Accurate pre-operative assessment of the upper urinary tract is considered essential.

Does hydrothermal ablation avoid hysterectomy? Long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the long-term success rate of the HydroThermAblator system (HTA).

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 376 patients who underwent HTA at our hospital during an 8-year period, following case note review and distribution of a validated menorrhagia questionnaire.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 43 years. Operative complications included 3 women (0.8%) who experienced intraoperative burns. Of the 248 (66%) returned questionnaires, satisfaction rates were high at 77%. The amenorrhea rate was 38%, with a further 37% of women reporting a substantial decrease in their blood loss. In all, 29 (11%) women underwent subsequent hysterectomy for persistent menorrhagia or dysmenorrhea. Younger women had a significantly higher chance of proceeding to subsequent (P < .05) hysterectomy.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the long-term patient satisfaction with HTA and that the overall probability of proceeding to subsequent hysterectomy over 8 years was only 11%.