Feasibility, Safety, and Provider Perspectives of Bipolar Electrosurgical Cautery Device for (Opportunistic or Complete) Salpingectomy at the Time of Cesarean Delivery

OBJECTIVE

 The aim of the study is to evaluate the use of a bipolar electrocautery device for complete salpingectomy at cesarean to improve procedure completion rates, operative time, and surgeon reported satisfaction as compared with standard bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) and suture-cut-tie salpingectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

 This is a prospective cohort study of women undergoing planned, non-emergent cesarean with desired sterilization with complete salpingectomy utilizing a bipolar electrocautery device. Study patients were compared with historic controls from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of complete salpingectomy via suture-cut-tie method versus BTL conducted at our institution (SCORE trial, NCT02374827). Outcomes were compared with groups from the original RCT.

RESULTS

 Thirty-nine women were consecutively enrolled (12/2018-11/2019) into the device arm of the study and compared with the original SCORE cohort (n = 40 BTL, n = 40 salpingectomy without a device). Salpingectomy performance with the bipolar electrocautery device was successfully completed in 100% (39/39) of enrolled women, with one device failure requiring the use of a second device, as compared with 95% (38/40) in the BTL (p = 0.49) and 67.5% (27/40) in salpingectomies without a device (p < 0.001). Mean operative time of sterilization procedure alone demonstrated device use as having the shortest operative time of all (device salpingectomy 5.0 ± 3.6 vs. no device 18.5 ± 8.3 minutes, p < 0.001; and vs. BTL 6.9 ± 5.0, p = 0.032). Mean sterilization procedure endoscopic band ligation (EBL) was demonstrated to be significantly different between each group, least amongst BTL followed by device (6.3 ± 4.8 vs. 8.4 ± 24.8, p < 0.001), and most by suture-cut-tie method (17.7 ± 14.3, p < 0.001 compared with device). Surgeon reported attitudes of complete salpingectomy performance in general practice outside an academic setting was greater with a device than without (79.5 vs. 35.3%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

 Use of a bipolar electrocautery device improved operative times and surgeon satisfaction for salpingectomy at cesarean over standard suture ligation. Device use improved surgeon reported outcomes and may improve incorporation of complete salpingectomy at cesarean.

KEY POINTS

· Electrocautery bipolar device use was safe at the time of salpingectomy during cesarean.. · Greater surgeon satisfaction occurs using a device than without.. · Decreased surgical time with device use is seen making the procedure equal to BTL..

Contraception and sterilization selection at delivery among pregnant patients with malignancy

INTRODUCTION

Since malignancy during pregnancy is uncommon, information regarding contraception selection or sterilization at delivery is limited. The objective of this study was to examine the type of long-acting reversible contraception or surgical sterilization procedure chosen by pregnant patients with malignancy at delivery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample in the USA. The study population was vaginal and cesarean deliveries in a hospital setting from January 2017 to December 2020. Pregnant patients with breast cancer (n = 1605), leukemia (n = 1190), lymphoma (n = 1120), thyroid cancer (n = 715), cervical cancer (n = 425) and melanoma (n = 400) were compared with 14 265 319 pregnant patients without malignancy. The main outcome measures were utilization of long-acting reversible contraception (subdermal implant or intrauterine device) and performance of permanent surgical sterilization (bilateral tubal ligation or bilateral salpingectomy) during the index hospital admission for delivery, assessed with a multinomial regression model controlling for clinical, pregnancy and delivery characteristics.

RESULTS

When compared with pregnant patients without malignancy, pregnant patients with breast cancer were more likely to proceed with bilateral salpingectomy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.30) or intrauterine device (aOR 1.91); none received the subdermal implant. Pregnant patients with leukemia were more likely to choose a subdermal implant (aOR 2.22), whereas those with lymphoma were more likely to proceed with bilateral salpingectomy (aOR 1.93) and bilateral tubal ligation (aOR 1.76). Pregnant patients with thyroid cancer were more likely to proceed with bilateral tubal ligation (aOR 2.21) and none received the subdermal implant. No patients in the cervical cancer group selected long-acting reversible contraception, and they were more likely to proceed with bilateral salpingectomy (aOR 2.08). None in the melanoma group chose long-acting reversible contraception. Among pregnant patients aged <30, the odds of proceeding with bilateral salpingectomy were increased in patients with breast cancer (aOR 3.01), cervical cancer (aOR 2.26) or lymphoma (aOR 2.08). The odds of proceeding with bilateral tubal ligation in pregnant patients aged <30 with melanoma (aOR 5.36) was also increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this nationwide assessment in the United States suggest that among pregnant patients with malignancy, the preferred contraceptive option or method of sterilization at time of hospital delivery differs by malignancy type.

Screening and prevention of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer remains the most lethal gynaecological malignancy with 314 000 cases and 207 000 deaths annually worldwide. Ovarian cancer cases and deaths are predicted to increase in Australia by 42% and 55% respectively by 2040. Earlier detection and significant downstaging of ovarian cancer have been demonstrated with multimodal screening in the largest randomised controlled trial of ovarian cancer screening in women at average population risk. However, none of the randomised trials have demonstrated a mortality benefit. Therefore, ovarian cancer screening is not currently recommended in women at average population risk. More frequent surveillance for ovarian cancer every three to four months in women at high risk has shown good performance characteristics and significant downstaging, but there is no available information on a survival benefit. Population testing offers an emerging novel strategy to identify women at high risk who can benefit from ovarian cancer prevention. Novel multicancer early detection biomarker, longitudinal multiple marker strategies, and new biomarkers are being investigated and evaluated for ovarian cancer screening. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) decreases ovarian cancer incidence and mortality and is recommended for women at over a 4-5% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. Pre-menopausal women without contraindications to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) undergoing RRSO should be offered HRT until 51 years of age to minimise the detrimental consequences of premature menopause. Currently risk-reducing early salpingectomy and delayed oophorectomy (RRESDO) should only be offered to women at increased risk of ovarian cancer within the context of a research trial. Pre-menopausal early salpingectomy is associated with fewer menopausal symptoms and better sexual function than bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. A Sectioning and Extensively Examining the Fimbria (SEE-FIM) protocol should be used for histopathological assessment in women at high risk of ovarian cancer who are undergoing surgical prevention. Opportunistic salpingectomy may be offered at routine gynaecological surgery to all women who have completed their family. Long term prospective opportunistic salpingectomy studies are needed to determine the effect size of ovarian cancer risk reduction and the impact on menopause.

Complications after opportunistic salpingectomy compared with tubal ligation at cesarean section: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare perioperative and postoperative complications in patients who underwent opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) (removal of the fallopian tubes for ovarian cancer risk reduction during another surgery) at the time of cesarean section (C-section) with those in patients who underwent tubal ligation.

DESIGN

A population-based, retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

British Columbia, Canada.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 18,184 patients were included in this study, of whom 8,440 and 9,744 underwent OS and tubal ligation, respectively.

INTERVENTION(S)

Patients who underwent OS during a C-section were compared with those who underwent tubal ligation during a C-section.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

We examined the perioperative outcomes, including operating room time, length of hospital stay, surgical complications such as infections, anemia, incision complications, injury to a pelvic organ, or operating room return; postoperative complications, including physician visits for a postoperative infection or visits that resulted in ultrasound or laboratory examinations and hospital readmissions in the 6 weeks after discharge; and likelihood to fill a prescription for antibiotics or analgesics.

RESULT(S)

The OS group had decreased odds of perioperative complications compared with the tubal ligation group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-0.99). Patients who underwent OS did not have increased risks of physician visits for surgical complications, such as infection, or hospital readmissions in the 6 weeks after hospital discharge. In addition, these patients had 18% and 23% increased odds of filling prescriptions for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aOR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.28) and opioids (aOR, 1.23%; 95% CI, 1.12-1.35), respectively.

CONCLUSION(S)

In this population-based, real-world study of OS at C-section, we report decreased perioperative complications and no difference in postoperative complications between patients who underwent OS and those who underwent tubal ligation. Patients who underwent OS had an increased likelihood of filling a prescription for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids in the 6 weeks after hospital discharge. This result should be interpreted with caution because we did not have data on over-the-counter medication use and, thus, not all prescription analgesics were captured in our data. Our data suggest that OS after C-section is a safe way to provide effective contraception and ovarian cancer risk reduction.

Bilateral salpingectomy as an option of permanent contraception at time of caesarean section: A survey of practice

BACKGROUND

Opportunistic bilateral salpingectomy during benign gynaecologic surgery is advocated as a risk-reducing strategy due to the inverse association of epithelial ovarian cancers observed in epidemiological studies in a low-risk setting. Currently, no formal guidance exists for permanent surgical contraception at time of caesarean section in Australia.

AIMS

Our aim was to survey Fellows of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) regarding bilateral salpingectomy compared to other procedures offered for permanent contraception at the time of caesarean section.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online survey was utilised to collect clinician demographics, opinions, barriers, and justifications in regard to options of permanent surgical contraception at time of caesarean section.

RESULTS

Bilateral salpingectomy was identified as the most effective method of permanent contraception at time of caesarean section. However, only 62% of respondents offer the procedure as a method of permanent contraception. The two most common reasons for clinicians to offer bilateral salpingectomy at time of caesarean section were evidence suggesting a link between the fallopian tube and gynaecological cancer (80%) and efficacy as a permanent form of contraception (16%). The primary barrier identified by 51% of respondents was perceived increased risk of surgical complications, followed by reasoning that it would not allow the possibility of future tubal reversal.

CONCLUSION

This study identifies diverse opinions on surgical approach to permanent contraception at time of caesarean section and offered by clinicians of RANZCOG. Further research is required to establish safety profiles and short- and long-term risks of bilateral salpingectomy.

Forensic Analysis of Eighteen Tubal Pregnancy-Related Medical Damage

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the cases of medical damage after misdiagnosis of tubal pregnancy, to explore the causes of medical damage, the causal relationship between medical malpractice and the damage consequences, as well as the causative potency, in order to provide evaluation ideas for forensic identification of such cases.

METHODS

Eighteen cases of forensic identification of tubal pregnancy related medical damage were collected and retrospectively analyzed from the aspects of age, maternity history, fertility requirements, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment, medical malpractice, damage consequences, and causative potency.

RESULTS

All 18 cases were tubal pregnancy, of which 17 cases had medical malpractice, resulting in 14 cases of affected tubal resection, 2 cases of hemorrhagic shock death, 1 case of intrauterine fetal death and affected tubal resection. The other case had the consequence of affected tubal resection, but there was no malpractice in the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Correct diagnosis is helpful to make appropriate treatment plan, prevent disease progression and reduce serious adverse consequences and the occurrence of medical disputes. Scientific and reasonable analysis of the causal relationship between medical malpractice and damage consequences and the causative potency is of great significance to the successful settlement of medical disputes.

Complete Compared With Partial Salpingectomy for Postpartum Sterilization

In this narrative review, we describe evidence regarding the associated risks, benefits, and cost effectiveness of postpartum complete salpingectomy compared with partial salpingectomy. Permanent contraception can be performed via several methods, but complete salpingectomy is becoming more common secondary to its coincident benefit of ovarian cancer risk reduction. Small prospective studies and larger retrospective cohort studies have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of complete salpingectomy in the postpartum period. Additionally, multiple cost-effectiveness analyses have demonstrated the cost effectiveness of this method secondary to ovarian cancer reduction over the life span. Although future larger cohort studies will allow for more precise estimates of the effect of complete salpingectomy on ovarian cancer risk and incidence of rare complications, current data suggest that complete salpingectomy should be offered to patients as a method of permanent contraception in the postpartum period.

Salpingectomy for the Primary Prevention of Ovarian Cancer: A Systematic Review

Importance

Most ovarian cancers originate in the fimbriated end of the fallopian tube. This has led to the hypothesis that surgical resection of the fallopian tubes at the time of gynecologic and nongynecologic surgical procedures-referred to as an opportunistic salpingectomy-may prevent the development of epithelial ovarian cancer for women at an average risk of developing the disease.

Objective

To compile a comprehensive, state-of-the-science review examining the current landscape of performing bilateral salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention.

Evidence Review

A systematic review of the literature was performed on March 4, 2022, to identify studies examining salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention. This review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Four databases were selected: PubMed via the National Library of Medicine's PubMed.gov, Embase via Elsevier's Embase.com, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) via Wiley's Cochrane Library, and Northern Light Life Sciences Conference Abstracts via Ovid. A total of 20 gray literature sources, including 1 database, 2 registers, 1 repository, 1 index, 1 archive, 1 preprint server, 1 agency, and 12 organizations, were also searched.

Findings

The initial search produced 1089 results; a total of 158 publications were included in the final review. Salpingectomy has been associated with ovarian cancer risk reduction of approximately 80%. Studies have demonstrated that salpingectomy was safe, cost-effective, and was not associated with an earlier age of menopause onset. With widespread implementation, salpingectomy has the potential to reduce ovarian cancer mortality in the US by an estimated 15%. Both physician and patient awareness regarding the adnexa as the origin for most ovarian cancers, as well as the existence of salpingectomy and its potential benefits in reducing ovarian cancer risk, has increased during the past decade. Raising awareness and developing effective implementation strategies are essential.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this systematic review suggest that bilateral salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention was safe and feasible and has the potential to be a cost-effective and cost-saving strategy across the population. Prospective studies to demonstrate long-term survival outcomes and feasibility in nongynecologic surgical procedures are warranted.

Risk of ovarian cancer after salpingectomy and tubal ligation: Prospects on histology and time since the procedure

OBJECTIVE

Recent theories propose that most epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), depending on histological type, originate from other gynecological tissues and involve the ovary secondarily. According to these theories, any protective effect of salpingectomy and tubal ligation may vary by histological type. The study aim was to examine the association between salpingectomy and tubal ligation, respectively, and risk of EOC, with a focus on associations specific for histological types.

METHODS

We identified EOC cases and matching controls in national registries and gathered information on surgical procedures and potential confounders. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of EOC related to salpingectomy and tubal ligation, respectively, overall and stratified by histological type. Furthermore, we investigated the association according to timing of the procedures.

RESULTS

Our study comprised 16,822 EOC cases. Each case was matched with 40 controls. There was an overall EOC risk reduction after unilateral (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.60-0.87) and bilateral salpingectomy (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.31-0.67). A slight risk reduction was seen among women with previous tubal ligation (OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.83-0.99). For salpingectomy, the risk reduction increased with increasing time since the surgical procedure and was only present among women younger than 50 years at salpingectomy. Unilateral and bilateral salpingectomy was associated with a risk reduction for most histological types.

CONCLUSION

The association between previous salpingectomy and reduced risk of several histological subtypes of EOC supports the suggested theories about the site of origin of EOC and may be of clinical importance.

Salpingectomy and the Risk of Ovarian Cancer in Ontario

Importance

A body of pathological and clinical evidence supports the position that the fallopian tube is the site of origin for a large proportion of high-grade serous ovarian cancers. Consequently, salpingectomy is now considered for permanent contraception (in lieu of tubal ligation) or ovarian cancer prevention (performed opportunistically at the time of surgical procedures for benign gynecologic conditions).

Objective

To evaluate the association between salpingectomy and the risk of invasive epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based retrospective cohort study included all women aged 18 to 80 years who were eligible for health care services in Ontario, Canada. Participants were identified using administrative health databases from Ontario between January 1, 1992, and December 31, 2019. A total of 131 516 women were included in the primary (matched) analysis. Women were followed up until December 31, 2021.

Exposures

Salpingectomy (with and without hysterectomy) vs no pelvic procedure (control condition) among women in the general population.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Women with a unilateral or bilateral salpingectomy in Ontario between April 1, 1992, and December 31, 2019, were matched 1:3 to women with no pelvic procedure from the general population. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer combined.

Results

Among 131 516 women (mean [SD] age, 42.2 [7.6] years), 32 879 underwent a unilateral or bilateral salpingectomy, and 98 637 did not undergo a pelvic procedure. After a mean (range) follow-up of 7.4 (0-29.2) years in the salpingectomy group and 7.5 (0-29.2) years in the nonsurgical control group, there were 31 incident cancers (0.09%) and 117 incident cancers (0.12%), respectively (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.55-1.21). The HR for cancer incidence was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.53-1.44) when comparing those with salpingectomy vs those with hysterectomy alone.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, no association was found between salpingectomy and the risk of ovarian cancer; however, this observation was based on few incident cases and a relatively short follow-up time. Studies with additional years of follow-up are necessary to define the true level of potential risk reduction with salpingectomy, although longer follow-up will also be a challenge unless collaborative efforts that pool data are undertaken.

Ovarian cancer prevention by opportunistic salpingectomy is a new de facto standard in Germany

PURPOSE

The most prevalent and aggressive subtype of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), originates in many cases from the fallopian tubes. Because of poor prognosis and lack of effective screening for early detection, opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) for prevention of EOC is being implemented into clinical routine in several countries worldwide. Taking the opportunity of a gynecological surgery in women at average cancer risk, extramural fallopian tubes are completely resected preserving the ovaries with their infundibulopelvic blood supply. Until recently, only 13 of the 130 national partner societies of the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) have published a statement on OS. This study aimed to analyze the acceptance of OS in Germany.

METHODS

(1) Survey of German gynecologists in 2015 and 2022 by the Department of Gynecology of the Jena University Hospital in co-operation with the Department of Gynecology at Charité-University Medicine Berlin with support of NOGGO e. V. and AGO e. V. (2) Salpingectomy numbers in Germany for years 2005-2020 as retrieved from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis).

RESULTS

(1) Survey: Number of participants was 203 in 2015 and 166 in 2022, respectively. Nearly all respondents (2015: 92%, 2022: 98%) have already performed bilateral salpingectomy without oophorectomy in combination with benign hysterectomy with the intention to reduce the risk for malignant (2015: 96%, 2022: 97%) and benign (2015: 47%, 2022: 38%) disorders. Compared to 2015 (56.6%), considerably more survey participants performed OS in > 50% or in all cases in 2022 (89.0%). Recommendation of OS for all women with completed family planning at benign pelvic surgery was approved by 68% in 2015 and 74% in 2022. (2) Case number analysis: In 2020, four times more cases of salpingectomy were reported by German public hospitals compared to 2005 (n = 50,398 vs. n = 12,286). Of all inpatient hysterectomies in German hospitals in 2020, 45% were combined with salpingectomy, and more than 65% in women at the age of 35 to 49 years.

CONCLUSION

Mounting scientific plausibility regarding involvement of fallopian tubes in the pathogenesis of EOC led to change of clinical acceptance of OS in many countries including in Germany. Case number data and widespread expert judgment demonstrate that OS has become a routine procedure in Germany and a de facto standard for primary prevention of EOC.

Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy: Laparoscopic Cornuostomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate and discuss the technique of cornuostomy for surgical management of interstitial ectopic pregnancy.

DESIGN

Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center in Manchester, United Kingdom.

INTERVENTION

Interstitial ectopic pregnancies are rare but are associated with a higher mortality rate than other ectopic pregnancies [1,2]. It occurs when the fertilized embryo implants in the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube traversing the vascularized myometrium. When undiagnosed they present late in the second trimester associated with rupture and catastrophic bleeding, with a mortality rate of 2% to 2.5%.2 Diagnosis requires a degree of vigilance from the ultrasound operator because it is commonly misdiagnosed as intrauterine pregnancies. Surgical management options include laparoscopic cornual resection or cornuostomy. There is no consensus on the optimal surgical technique but cornuostomy is a more conservative approach associated with less disruption to uterine anatomy and loss of myometrium [3,4]. A 22-year-old gravida 4 woman presented at 7 weeks' gestation with right iliac fossa pain. Initial serum human chorionic gonadotropin was 18 136 IU/L. Transvaginal ultrasound scan showed an empty endometrial cavity and an echogenic "donut"-shaped mass within the right interstitial space, within the uterine serosa but outside the endometrial cavity (Supplemental Video 1). At laparoscopy the diagnosis of a right interstitial ectopic pregnancy was confirmed (Supplemental Video 2). Vasopressin 20 IU diluted in 80 mL of normal saline was injected around the base of the ectopic pregnancy. Monopolar diathermy was used to incise the overlying serosa followed by hydrodissection to separate the ectopic gestational sac from the myometrial attachment. The resulting defect was inspected and closed in 2 layers. Total operating time was 46 minutes.

CONCLUSION

Although there is no clear evidence to guide the management of all interstitial ectopic pregnancies, an individualized approach taking into account the woman's previous history and future fertility plans and wishes is essential. In this case, given the woman's previous contralateral salpingectomy and her wishes for a conservative approach, a laparoscopic cornuostomy was likely the best option.

Patient perspectives on risk-reducing salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy for ovarian cancer risk-reduction: A systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

Increasing evidence suggests the fallopian tube as the site of origin of BRCA1/2-associated high-grade ovarian cancers. Several ongoing trials are evaluating salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy (RRSDO) for ovarian cancer risk reduction and patients are beginning to ask their clinicians about this surgical option. This study sought to systematically review the available literature examining patient preferences regarding RRSDO and risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) to provide clinicians with an understanding of patient values, concerns, and priorities surrounding ovarian cancer risk-reducing surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PROSPERO No.: CRD42023400690). We searched key electronic databases to identify studies evaluating acceptance and surgical decision-making regarding RRSO and RRSDO among patients with an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

RESULTS

The search yielded 239 results, among which six publications met the systematic review inclusion criteria. Acceptance of RRSDO was evaluated in all studies and ranged from 34% to 71%. Factors positively impacting patients' acceptance of RRSDO included: avoidance of surgical menopause, preservation of fertility, concerns about sexual dysfunction, family history of breast cancer, and avoidance of hormone replacement therapy. Factors limiting this acceptance reported by patients included concerns regarding oncologic safety, surgical timing, and surgical complications.

CONCLUSION

To date, few studies have explored patient perspectives surrounding RRSDO. Collectively, the limited data available indicate a high level of acceptance among BRCA1/2 carriers, and provides insight regarding both facilitating and limiting factors associated with patient preferences to better equip clinicians in the counseling and support of their patients.

Opportunistic Salpingectomy at the Time of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Ovarian Cancer Prevention: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis to examine the utility and effectiveness of OS performed at the time of elective cholecystectomy [laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LAP-CHOL)].

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

OS has been adopted as a strategy to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women undergoing hysterectomy and tubal sterilization, although the procedure is rarely performed as a risk reducing strategy during other abdominopelvic procedures.

METHODS

A decision model was created to examine women 40, 50, and 60 years of age undergoing LAP-CHOL with or without OS. The lifetime risk of ovarian cancer was assumed to be 1.17%, 1.09%, and 0.92% for women age 40, 50, and 60 years, respectively. OS was estimated to provide a 65% reduction in the risk of ovarian cancer and to require 30 additional minutes of operative time. We estimated the cost, quality-adjusted life-years, ovarian cancer cases and deaths prevented with OS.

RESULTS

The additional cost of OS at LAP-CHOL ranged from $1898 to 1978. In a cohort of 5000 women, OS reduced the number of ovarian cancer cases by 39, 36, and 30 cases and deaths by 12, 14, and 16 in the age 40-, 50-, and 60-year-old cohorts, respectively. OS during LAP-CHOL was cost-effective, with incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $11,162 to 26,463 in the 3 age models. In a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for OS were less than $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-years in 90.5% or more of 1000 simulations.

CONCLUSIONS

OS at the time of LAP-CHOL may be a cost-effective strategy to prevent ovarian cancer among average risk women.

Prophylactic salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy as a two-staged alternative for primary prevention of ovarian cancer in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers: women's point of view

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine BRCA -mutation carrier women's interest and acceptability of participating in a study examining prophylactic salpingectomy with delayed oophorectomy (PSDO) as an alternative to the current recommendation for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for risk reduction.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. All women visiting the high-risk clinics for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in a single tertiary medical center were asked to complete a questionnaire concerning the two-stage approach from October 2018 to December 2019. Before completing the questionnaire, detailed explanation was given by a senior physician regarding the procedure, related background, possible risks, and benefits.

RESULTS

The study population included 293 women, of whom 183 (62.4%) were BRCA1 mutation carriers, 97 (33.1%) were BRCA2 mutation carriers, and 13 (4.4%) had unknown familial mutation. Risk-reducing surgery was completed in 160 (55.17%) of the women. First-degree and second-degree family history was reported in 166 (57.24%) and 52 (17.9%) of the women, respectively. Among women surveyed, more than half of the women (n = 66 [51%]) who had yet to undergo risk-reducing surgery reported interest in having PSDO. Similarly, among those who had already received prophylactic surgery, 64 (40%) also considered PSDO to be an acceptable alternative. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found family history of related malignancies to be the only independent factor associated with reduced interest in a study of PSDO (odds ratio, 0.15 [95% confidence interval, 0.29-0.77]; P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, BRCA -mutation carrier women indicated interest in PSDO risk-reducing surgery, taking into consideration the potential additional risk. These findings suggest that a clinical study exploring the equivalence of PSDO as alternative treatment is feasible.

The effect of opportunistic salpingectomy for primary prevention of ovarian cancer on ovarian reserve: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) is an attractive method for primary prevention of ovarian cancer. Although OS has not been associated with a higher complication rate, it may be associated with earlier onset of menopause.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of OS on both age at menopause and ovarian reserve.

METHODS

A search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, Embase and MEDLINE databases from inception until March 2022. We included randomized clinical trials and cohort studies investigating the effect of OS on onset of menopause and/or ovarian reserve through change in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Data was extracted independently by two researchers. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate the pooled effect of OS on ovarian reserve.

RESULTS

The initial search yielded 1047 studies. No studies were found investigating the effect of OS on age of menopause. Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis on ovarian reserve. Meta-analyses did not result in statistically significant differences in mean change in AMH (MD -0.07 ng/ml, 95%CI -0.18;0.05), AFC (MD 0.20 n, 95 % CI -4.91;5.30), E2 (MD 3.97 pg/ml, 95%CI -0.92;8.86), FSH (MD 0.33mIU/ml, 95%CI -0.15;0.81) and LH (MD 0.03mIU/ml; 95%CI -0.47;0.53).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that OS does not result in a significant reduction of ovarian reserve in the short term. Further research is essential to confirm the absence of major effects of OS on menopausal onset since clear evidence on this subject is lacking. Registration number PROSPERO CRD42021260966.

Salpingectomy, tubal ligation and hysteroscopic occlusion for sterilization

INTRODUCTION

Sterilization of females is considered one of the most prevalent contraceptive techniques among women in the United States. There are many surgical sterilization procedures including salpingectomy, tubal ligation, and hysteroscopic occlusion of the fallopian tubes. We provide an overview of these methods from the clinical data and latest studies available on this topic.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

In order to review the latest literature on the topic, we searched electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane library for all eligible studies from May 1st 2018 until May 1st 2022 using the following strategy: ("fallopian tube removal" OR Salpingectomy OR "fallopian tube excision" OR "tubal sterilization") AND ("tubal ligation" OR "bipolar coagulation" OR "tubal clip" OR "tubal ring" OR fimbriectomy). We reviewed every study that met our criteria and subjectively considered their results and methodology into this narrative review.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

In addition to reviewing major guidelines in the United States, 19 recent studies met our eligibility criteria and were included in this review. We grouped the findings under the following headings: anatomical and physiological considerations, sterilization, salpingectomy, tubal ligation, and hysteroscopic tubal occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Bilateral salpingectomy and techniques of tubal ligation or occlusion continue to be effective procedures with good safety profiles. All techniques have similar surgical outcomes and long-term success rates. As salpingectomy has the advantage of reducing the risk of occurrence of ovarian cancer, this is preferential when feasible. Hysteroscopic occlusion techniques may be more minimally invasive but have the disadvantages of delayed efficacy, the need for a second invasive diagnostic procedure, and limited availability.

Possible Association of Hysterectomy Accompanied with Opportunistic Salpingectomy with Early Menopause: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Opportunistic salpingectomies (OSs) are concurrently performed with hysterectomies to prevent epithelial ovarian cancer. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between OS and early menopause in females who have undergone hysterectomies. This was a retrospective cohort study involving 79 females who had undergone a hysterectomy, with or without an OS, between January 2007 and December 2015. Their ages at surgery, at menopause, and the lengths of time from surgery to menopause were compared. An OS had been performed in 54 and not performed in 25 of the enrolled patients, comprising the OS and non-OS groups. Body mass index was significantly higher in the OS group (OS: 25.27 ± 4.17 vs. non-OS: 22.97 ± 3.27, p = 0.01). Additionally, menopausal sleep problems were more prevalent in the OS group than in the non-OS group (41% vs. 12%, p = 0.01). Notably, the time from surgery to menopause was significantly shorter in the OS group than in the non-OS group (OS: 1.84 ± 1.85 vs. non-OS: 2.93 ± 2.43, p = 0.031). After adjusting the covariates, the OS group was associated with a significantly shorter period between surgery and menopause (p = 0.029). In conclusion, these results showed that a hysterectomy plus an OS might cause earlier menopause than a hysterectomy only. An OS should be preoperatively discussed with patients regarding the possibility of early menopause. The findings of this study require further large-scale investigations to reinforce the results.

Female permanent contraception trends and updates

Permanent contraception remains one of the most popular methods of contraception worldwide. This article has reviewed recent literature related to demographic characteristics of users, prevalence of use and trends over time, surgical techniques, and barriers to obtain the procedure. We have emphasized the patient's perspective as a key element of choosing permanent contraception. This review has incorporated sections on salpingectomy, hysteroscopy, unmet need, impact of policies at religiously affiliated institutions, and reproductive coercion.

[Vaginal tubal sterilization: About a series of 158 patients from 2005 to 2021]

OBJECTIVES

The latest recommendations of 2006 on tubal sterilization reported an infectious risk of 1.5 to 2.5% for the vaginal approach. There is, however, limited literature on this approach. The primary objective of our study was to investigate the feasibility of tubal sterilization via posterior colpotomy. The secondary objectives were to study the reproducibility of this approach, the postoperative infection rate after tubal sterilization via posterior colpotomy, to evaluate its peroperative and postoperative morbidity.

METHODS

This retrospective study, conducted at the Antibes's Hospital, included patients over 18 years of age who underwent tubal ligation with clips or bilateral vaginal salpingectomy from 2005 to 2021.

RESULTS

We included a total of 158 patients: 88% by clips and 12% by bilateral salpingectomy. The average operative duration was of 27 minutes. There were no infectious or postoperative complications directly related to the sterilization. There were two failures of the technique, requiring conversion to laparoscopy (1.3%) and four subsequent pregnancies (2.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

We were able to show low morbidity and failure rates with this surgical technique. It, therefore, does not appear to be inferior to the laparoscopic approach. Moreover, it is reproducible technique.

Racial and ethnic differences in the adoption of opportunistic salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention in the United States

BACKGROUND

Clinicians in the United States have rapidly adopted opportunistic salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention. However, little is known about racial and ethnic differences in opportunistic salpingectomy adoption. Surgical innovations in gynecology may be adopted differentially across racial and ethnic groups, exacerbating current disparities in quality of care.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate racial and ethnic differences in opportunistic salpingectomy adoption across inpatient and outpatient settings and assess the effect of national guidelines supporting opportunistic salpingectomy use on these differences.

STUDY DESIGN

A sample of 650,905 women aged 18 to 50 years undergoing hysterectomy with ovarian conservation or surgical sterilization from 2011 to 2018 was identified using the Premier Healthcare Database, an all-payer hospital administrative database, including more than 700 hospitals across the United States. The association between race and ethnicity and opportunistic salpingectomy use was examined using multivariable-adjusted mixed-effects log-binomial regression models accounting for hospital-level clustering. Models included race and ethnicity by year of surgery (2011-2013 [before guideline] and 2014-2018 [after guideline]) interaction term to test whether racial and ethnic differences in opportunistic salpingectomy adoption changed with the release of national guidelines supporting opportunistic salpingectomy use.

RESULTS

From 2011 to 2018, 82,792 women underwent hysterectomy and opportunistic salpingectomy (non-Hispanic White, 60.3%; non-Hispanic Black, 18.8%; Hispanic, 12.2%; non-Hispanic other race, 8.7%) and 23,398 women underwent opportunistic salpingectomy for sterilization (non-Hispanic White, 64.7%; non-Hispanic Black, 10.8%; Hispanic, 16.7%; non-Hispanic other race, 7.8%). The proportion of hysterectomy procedures involving an opportunistic salpingectomy increased from 6.3% in 2011 to 59.7% in 2018 (9.5-fold increase), and the proportion of sterilization procedures involving an opportunistic salpingectomy increased from 0.7% in 2011 to 19.4% in 2018 (27.7-fold increase). In multivariable-adjusted models, non-Hispanic Black (risk ratio, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-0.97), Hispanic (risk ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.00), and non-Hispanic other race women (risk ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-0.96) were less likely to undergo hysterectomy and opportunistic salpingectomy than non-Hispanic White women. A significant interaction between race and ethnicity and year of surgery was noted in non-Hispanic Black compared with non-Hispanic White women (P<.001), with a reduction in differences in hysterectomy and opportunistic salpingectomy use after national guideline release (risk ratio_2011-2013, 0.80 [95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.88]; risk ratio_2014-2018, 0.98 [95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.01]). Moreover, non-Hispanic Black women were less likely to undergo an opportunistic salpingectomy for sterilization than non-Hispanic White women (risk ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-0.95), with no difference by year of surgery (P=.62). Stratified analyses by hysterectomy route and age at surgery revealed similar results.

CONCLUSION

Although opportunistic salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention has been rapidly adopted in the United States, our findings suggested that its adoption has not been equitable across racial and ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic other race women were less likely to undergo opportunistic salpingectomy than non-Hispanic White women even after adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical, procedural, hospital, and provider characteristics. These differences persisted after the release of national guidelines supporting opportunistic salpingectomy use. Future research should focus on understanding the reasons for these differences to inform interventions that promote equity in opportunistic salpingectomy use.

Opportunistic salpingectomy between 2011 and 2016: a descriptive analysis

BACKGROUND

Opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) is the removal of fallopian tubes during hysterectomy for benign indications or instead of tubal ligation, for the purpose of preventing ovarian cancer. We determined rates of OS at the time of hysterectomy and tubal sterilization and examined how they changed over the study period.

METHODS

Using data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information's Discharge Abstract Database and National Ambulatory Care Reporting System for all Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec) between the fiscal years 2011 and 2016, we conducted a descriptive analysis of all patients aged 15 years or older who underwent hysterectomy or tubal sterilization. We excluded those with diagnostic codes for any gynecologic cancer and those who underwent unilateral salpingectomy. We examined the proportion who had OS during their hysterectomy and compared the proportion of tubal sterilizations that were OS with the proportion that were tubal ligations.

RESULTS

A total of 318 528 participants were included in the study (mean age 42.5 yr). The proportion of hysterectomies that included OS increased from 15.4% in 2011 to 35.5% by 2016. With respect to tubal sterilization, the rate of OS increased from 6.5% of all tubal sterilizations in 2011 to 22.0% in 2016. There was considerable variation across jurisdictions in 2016, with British Columbia having the highest rates (53.2% of all hysterectomies and 74.0% of tubal sterilizations involved OS).

INTERPRETATION

The rates of OS increased between 2011 and 2016, but there was considerable variation across the included jurisdictions. Our study indicates room for rates of OS to increase across many of the included jurisdictions.

Outcomes From Opportunistic Salpingectomy for Ovarian Cancer Prevention

IMPORTANCE

Opportunistic salpingectomy (OS), which is the removal of fallopian tubes during hysterectomy or instead of tubal ligation without removal of ovaries, is recommended to prevent ovarian cancer, particularly serous ovarian cancer. However, the effectiveness of OS is still undetermined.

OBJECTIVE

To examine observed vs expected rates of ovarian cancer among individuals who have undergone OS.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This is a population-based, retrospective cohort study of all individuals in British Columbia, Canada, who underwent OS or a control surgery (hysterectomy alone or tubal ligation) between 2008 and 2017, with follow-up until December 31, 2017. Those with any gynecological cancer diagnosed before or within 6 months of their procedure were excluded. Data analysis was performed from April to August 2021.

EXPOSURES

Removal of both fallopian tubes at the time of hysterectomy or instead of tubal ligation while leaving ovaries intact.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

An ovarian cancer diagnosis listed in the British Columbia Cancer Registry. Age-specific rates of epithelial and serous ovarian cancer in the control group were combined with the specific follow-up time in the OS group to calculate expected numbers (and 95% CIs) of ovarian cancers in the OS group. These were compared with observed numbers. Age-adjusted expected and observed numbers of breast and colorectal cancers were also examined in the OS group.

RESULTS

There were 25 889 individuals who underwent OS (mean [SD] age, 40.2 [7.1] years; median [IQR] follow-up, 3.2 [1.6-5.1] years) and 32 080 who underwent hysterectomy alone or tubal ligation (mean [SD] age, 38.2 [7.9] years; median [IQR] follow-up, 7.3 [4.6-8.7] years). There were no serous ovarian cancers in the OS group and 5 or fewer epithelial ovarian cancers. The age-adjusted expected number was 5.27 (95% CI, 1.78-19.29) serous cancers and 8.68 (95% CI, 3.36-26.58) epithelial ovarian cancers. Age-adjusted expected vs observed numbers of breast cancers (22.1 expected vs 23 observed) and colorectal cancers (9.35 expected vs 8 observed) were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, the OS group had significantly fewer serous and epithelial ovarian cancers than were expected according to the rate at which they arose in the control group. These findings suggest that OS is associated with reduced ovarian cancer risk.

Uptake and Predictors of Opportunistic Salpingectomy for Ovarian Cancer Risk Reduction in the United States

Evidence suggesting that high-grade serous ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes has led to the emergence of opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) as an approach to reduce ovarian-cancer risk. In the U.S., some national societies now recommend OS in place of tubal ligation for sterilization or during a benign hysterectomy in average-risk women. However, limited data exist on the dissemination of OS in clinical practice. We examined the uptake and predictors of OS in a nationwide sample of inpatient and outpatient claims (N = 48,231,235) from 2010 to 2017. Incidence rates of OS were calculated, and an interrupted time-series analysis was used to quantify changes in rates before (2010-2013) and after (2015-2017) national guideline release. Predictors of OS use were examined using Poisson regression. From 2010 to 2017, the age-adjusted incidence rate of OS for sterilization and OS during hysterectomy increased 17.8-fold [95% confidence interval (CI), 16.2-19.5] and 7.6-fold (95% CI, 5.5-10.4), respectively. The rapid increase (age-adjusted increase in quarterly rates of between 109% and 250%) coincided with the time of national guideline release. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, OS use was more common in young women and varied significantly by geographic region, rurality, family history/genetic susceptibility, surgical indication, inpatient/outpatient setting, and underlying comorbidities. Similar differences in OS uptake were noted in analyses limited to women with a family history/genetic susceptibility to breast/ovarian cancer. Our results highlight significant differences in OS uptake in both high- and average-risk women. Defining subsets of women who would benefit most from OS and identifying barriers to equitable OS uptake is needed. PREVENTION RELEVANCE: Opportunistic salpingectomy for ovarian-cancer risk reduction has been rapidly adopted in the U.S., with significant variation in uptake by demographic and clinical factors. Studies examining barriers to opportunistic salpingectomy access and the long-term effectiveness and potential adverse effects of opportunistic salpingectomy are needed.

ART Outcomes After Hysteroscopic Proximal Tubal Occlusion Versus Laparoscopic Salpingectomy for Hydrosalpinx Management in Endometriosis Patients

The objective of this paper is to compare assisted reproductive technology (ART) cumulative live birth rates after hysteroscopic proximal tubal occlusion and laparoscopic salpingectomy in endometriosis patients, for management of hydrosalpinx. This is an observational cohort study at a university hospital, including all endometriosis patients with hydrosalpinges undergoing ART, between January 2013 and December 2018. The patients underwent either laparoscopic salpingectomy or hysteroscopic proximal tubal occlusion with Essure® when laparoscopy was not an option (extensive pelvic adhesions at exploratory laparoscopy or a history of multiple abdominal surgeries with frozen pelvis). The diagnosis of endometriosis was based on published imaging criteria using transvaginal sonography (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Endometriosis patients with hydrosalpinges diagnosed by hysterosalpingography and/or TVUS and/or MRI were included. The primary outcome was the cumulative live birth rate. A total of 104 patients were included in the study; 74 underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy and 30 underwent proximal tubal occlusion with Essure®. The Essure® group had longer infertility durations (58.9 ± 30.0 months vs. 39.5 ± 19.1 months, p = 0.002) and a higher incidence of associated adenomyosis (76.7% vs. 39.1%, p < 0.001) than the salpingectomy group. The cumulative live birth rate was 56.6% after 44 ART cycles in the Essure® group and 40.5% after 99 ART cycles in the salpingectomy group (p = 0.13). In a population of endometriosis patients undergoing ART, women treated by Essure® for management of hydrosalpinx have similar cumulative live birth rates as women treated by laparoscopic salpingectomy.

Analysis of the operative factors related to anal exhaust time after laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecological diseases

PURPOSE

The study seeks to determine surgical factors related to anal exhaust in patients treated with laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecological diseases and to explore measures that effectively promote the rapid recovery of intestinal function in these patients.

METHODS

From June 2017 to August 2018, 155 patients with benign gynecological diseases who underwent laparoscopic surgery in our hospital were selected as study subjects. Patients were divided into two groups based on anal exhaust time: the ≤ 24-hour group and > 24-hour group. Factors related to the operation were statistically analyzed for all patients. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were used for univariate and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Of 155 gynecological patients, 57 (36.8%) underwent laparoscopic ovarian cyst stripping, 48 (30.9%) underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy with/without oophorectomy, and 50 (32.3%) underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. Among all patients, 62 (40.0%) and 93 (60.0%) had anal exhaust within and after 24 h, respectively. Univariate analysis results revealed differences in the operation method (P = 0.040), intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.037), operation duration (P = 0.007), whether an abdominal drainage tube was placed (P = 0.012) and whether warm saline was used (37 °C) for abdominal washing (P = 0.013) between groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that the duration of the operation (P = 0.027) and whether warm saline was used for abdominal washing (P = 0.040) were the main factors affecting anal exhaust time.

CONCLUSION

During laparoscopy for patients with benign gynecological diseases, abdominal washing with warm water is an important factor that promotes early postoperative anal exhaust and is worthy of use in clinical practice.

[Opportunistic Salpingectomy for Permanent Contraception: A Cross Sectional Study in Portugal]

INTRODUCTION

Opportunistic bilateral salpingectomy has been proposed as an ovarian cancer risk-reducing strategy namely as a means of tubal sterilization. We aimed to assess what were the procedures for interval and peripartum sterilization carried out nationwide, related motivational aspects and influential demographic or professional factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cross-sectional study based on an original survey sent to Obstetrics and Gynecology specialists and residents from across the country in 2019.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty-five answers were obtained from 42 institutions (37 from the public sector). Laparoscopic tubal electrocoagulation (61%) was the most common procedure for interval sterilization followed by salpingectomy (28%). Major reasons pointed out for not performing salpingectomy were increased operative time (48.5%) and procedure not considered (45.5%). In some hospitals, the choice of salpingectomy depended on specific criteria namely surgical team decision. During cesarean-section, sterilization was most frequently performed using the modified Pomeroy technique (54%), followed by salpingectomy (32.5%), with a statistically significant prevalence in the north of the country. Sixty-nine percent of Portuguese Obstetrics and Gynecology residents and specialists consider that salpingectomy should be the procedure offered to women asking for definitive contraception.

DISCUSSION

Although data are limited, salpingectomy at the time of cesarean delivery appears feasible and safe and this context might represent the best opportunity for intervention.

CONCLUSION

Opportunistic salpingectomy is not the most common sterilization procedure performed in Portugal, but it was considered the best choice to offer. Its benefits and risks should be discussed with women.

Ectopic pregnancy management by V-NOTES technique

Ectopic pregnancy is a frequent and life-threatening risk of childbearing. Its management represents a mainstay of emergency gynecological surgery, and laparoscopy is the surgical gold standard technique. The technique of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (V-NOTES) for the management of ectopic pregnancy is presented herein. The procedure is illustrated by an instructive video article that standardizes the essential steps to make the technique ergonomic and easy to perform (step-by-step explanations). This surgical technique allows to consider vaginal salpingectomy using a combined cœlio-vaginal approach. After a posterior colpotomy, an Alexis retractor was inserted in the pouch of Douglas followed by the placement of a dedicated platform on which three trocars were fixed. Pneumoperitoneum was then achieved. Once the diagnosis of ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy was established, a salpingectomy was performed. As a minimally invasive approach, this procedure has high patient acceptance and seems to improve favorable clinical outcomes.

Implementation of robotic gynecological surgery in a German University Hospital: patient safety after 110 procedures

PURPOSE

Robotic surgery represents the latest development in the field of minimally invasive surgery and offers many technical advantages. Despite the higher costs, this novel approach has been applied increasingly in gynecological surgery. Regarding the implementation of a new operative method; however, the most important factor to be aware of is patient safety. In this study, we describe our experience in implementing robotic surgery in a German University Hospital focusing on patient safety after 110 procedures.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 110 consecutive robotic procedures performed in the University Hospital of Würzburg between June 2017 and September 2019. During this time, 37 patients were treated for benign general gynecological conditions, 27 patients for gynecological malignancies, and 46 patients for urogynecological conditions. We evaluated patient safety through standardized assessment of intra- and postoperative complications, which were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

No complications were recorded in 90 (81.8%) operations. We observed Clavien-Dindo grade I complications in 8 (7.3%) cases, grade II complications in 5 (4.5%) cases, grade IIIa complications in 1 case (0.9%), and grade IIIb complications in 6 (5.5%) cases. No conversion to laparotomy or blood transfusion was needed.

CONCLUSION

Robotic surgery could be implemented for complex gynecological operations without relevant problems and was accompanied by low complication rates.

Easy way to perform salpingectomy by transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) (with video)

The transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is a new minimally invasive and emerging technique. Feasibility and safety profiles of peritoneal access via transvaginal routes have been demonstrated especially for the adnexal surgery. In order to be reproducible and replicable with a standardized procedure, we propose the step-by-step video description of the vNOTES salpingectomy. The advantages of the vNOTES (low postoperative pain, faster postoperative recovery, scarless surgery) could lead to a promising alternative to conventional laparoscopic salpingectomy/adnexectomy.

Comparison of the efficacy between bilateral proximal tubal occlusion and total salpingectomy on ovarian reserve and the cholinergic system: an experimental study

Background and aim

To compare the effects of bilateral proximal tubal occlusion and bilateral total salpingectomy on ovarian reserve and the cholinergic system via rat experiment.

Materials and methods

Twenty-one adult female rats were randomly divided into the following three groups:G1 (n = 7), sham group;G2 (n = 7), bilateral total salpingectomy group; and G3 (n = 7), bilateral proximal tubal occlusion group. Four weeks later, the abdomen of the rats was opened. The right ovarian tissues were stored in 10% formaldehyde, whereas the left ovarian tissues were stored at –80 °C in aluminum foil. Serum samples were evaluated for antimullerian hormone. The right ovary was used for histological and immunoreactive examination, and the left ovary was used for tissue MDA analysis. Tissue samples were analyzed for MDA levels with spectrophotometric measurement, apoptosis with TUNEL staining, fibrosis score with Mason trichrome staining, ovarian reserve with HE staining, and cholinergic receptor muscarinic 1 (CHRM1) level with immunoreactivity method.

Results

Compared to G1 and G3, the number of corpus luteum with secondary follicles was significantly lower in G2, whereas the number of ovarian cysts and fibrosis and apoptosis scores increased significantly. The CHRM1 immunoreactivity was significantly lower in G2 than in G1 and G3.

Conclusions

Compared to the bilateral proximal tubal occlusion performed by using bipolar cautery, bilateral total salpingectomy in rats leads to a significant damage in ovarian histopathology and the cholinergic system.

A low-cost approach to salpingectomy at cesarean delivery

There is increasing adoption of opportunistic salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention at the time of gynecologic surgery, which includes the postpartum period. However, there is no consensus on an ideal surgical approach for the parturient vasculature. We describe a safe, low-cost, and accessible approach for bilateral salpingectomy during cesarean delivery that we call the "Mesosalpinx Isolation Salpingectomy Technique" (MIST) that can guide institutions to standardize their postpartum salpingectomy procedures when advanced vessel-sealing devices are not available. In the MIST technique, avascular windows are created within the mesosalpinx close to the tubal vessels. The vasculature is thus fully skeletonized and isolated from the adjacent mesosalpinx before suture ligation, which ensures security of the free-tie to the individual vessels and avoids sharp injury to the mesosalpinx. Not using vessel-sealing devices also eliminates the risk of thermal injury to the adjacent ovarian tissue and vasculature and potentially achieves a cost-savings for the hospital and patient. MIST has been performed in 141 cesarean deliveries in the past 4 years. There were no noted bleeding complications during the salpingectomy procedure, blood transfusions, or instances of postoperative surgical reexploration. In our experience, a surgeon who is new to the procedure takes approximately 15 minutes to complete a bilateral salpingectomy. Those surgeons who are experienced in MIST need only 5 minutes. A video is included that demonstrates the technique.

[A heterotopic pregnancy]

BACKGROUND

Heterotopic pregnancy is a rare but life-threatening situation. This is a situation where a woman has one or more intrauterine pregnancies and at least one ectopic pregnancy.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Heterotopic pregnancy was discovered in a 37-year-old woman during a routine ultrasound check. This pregnancy occurred after intrauterine insemination with ovulation induction.

CONCLUSION

Heterotopic pregnancies require early diagnosis and treatment. Physicians should be extra vigilant when a woman has become pregnant after using assisted reproductive techniques, because these techniques increase the probability of heterotopic pregnancy. The symptoms of such pregnancies are similar to the symptoms of extrauterine gravidity. However, confirmed intrauterine gravidity does not exclude the existence of extrauterine gravidity. The diagnosis is based entirely on the transvaginal ultrasound. The intact intrauterine gravidity limits treatment options. Tubectomy is the treatment of first choice, but embryo aspiration could also be a safe method in certain circumstances.

Adnexectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Preoperative counseling about salpingectomy with pelvic surgery is recommended by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology for ovarian cancer risk reduction. Our objective was to determine recent practice patterns and patient factors associated with salpingectomy with vaginal hysterectomy (VH) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in the USA. We hypothesize that salpingectomy might have become more common in recent years.

METHODS

We queried the 2014-2016 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for women with a postoperative diagnosis of POP who underwent VH with any combination of pelvic reconstructive procedures. CPT codes do not differentiate salpingectomy from salpingo-oophorectomy, so subjects were stratified by whether concurrent adnexectomy was performed. Chi-squared and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate characteristics associated with adnexectomy. Propensity score matching was utilized when evaluating postoperative complication rates.

RESULTS

Of 5,344 women who underwent VH, 2019 (37.8%) had adnexectomy. Adnexectomy rate increased from 34.4% in 2014 to 46.8% in 2016 (p < 0.001). Adnexectomy rates of fellowship-trained urogynecologists and general gynecologists were similar (36.0% vs 38.8%, p = 0.197). On logistic regression analysis, patients more likely to undergo adnexectomy were < 65 years old (OR 0.844, CI 0.75-0.95, p = 0.004), had BMI <30 (OR 0.76, CI 0.68-0.86, p < 0.001), and were non-smokers (OR 0.78, CI 0.64-0.95, p = 0.016). Mean operative time was 17 min longer with adnexectomy (145 vs 128 min, p < 0.001). There were no differences in postoperative complications or reoperation rates between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Adnexectomy during VH for POP is safe and increasingly utilized by gynecology surgeons in the USA.

Virtual reality simulation to enhance laparoscopic salpingectomy skills

BACKGROUND

To assess skill enhancement and maintenance by virtual-reality simulation of laparoscopic salpingectomy in gynecologic surgery fellows. Skill acquisition by virtual-reality surgical simulation is an active field of research and technological development. Salpingectomy is one of the first gynecologic surgery techniques taught to fellows that requires accompanied learning.

METHODS

A single-center prospective study was performed in the University of Lyon, France, including 26 junior fellows (≤ 3 semesters' internship) performing laparoscopic salpingectomy exercises on a LapSim® virtual reality simulator. Salpingectomy was performed and timed on 3 trials in session 1 and 3 trials in session 2, at a 3-month interval. Analysis was based on students' subjective assessments and a senior surgeon's objective assessment of skill. Progress between the 2 sessions was assessed on McNemar test and Wilcoxon test for matched series.

RESULTS

26 junior specialist trainees performed all trials. Most performed anterograde salpingectomy, both in session 1 (69 %) and session 2 (86 %). Mean procedure time was significantly shorter in session 2: 6.10min versus 7.82min (p=0.0003). There was a significant decrease in blood loss between the first trial in session 1 and the last trial in session 2: 167ml versus 70.3ml (p=0.02). Subjective assessment showed a significant decrease in anxiety and significant increase in perceived efficacy, eye-hand coordination and ergonomics. Efficacy, performance quality and speed of execution as assessed by the senior surgeon all improved significantly from trial to trial, while hesitation significantly decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed that junior trainees improved their surgical skills on a short laparoscopic exercise using a virtual reality simulator. Virtual reality simulation is useful in the early learning curve, accelerating the acquisition of reflexes. Maintaining skill requires simulation sessions at shorter intervals.

Unexpected rupture of an expectantly managed tubal ectopic pregnancy: a reminder for enhanced diligence

Expectant management of tubal ectopic pregnancies is a feasible and possibly preferable method of management in asymptomatic women with low serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This involves serial monitoring of β-hCG until negative, after which it is deemed as spontaneously resolved ectopic pregnancy. We describe a case of tubal ectopic pregnancy which was expectantly managed with an initial β-hCG of 585 mIU/mL until undetectable. This patient presented with ruptured ectopic pregnancy 8 weeks after the original diagnosis, at the level of 5 mIU/mL. This highlights the importance of close monitoring in the expectant management of tubal ectopic pregnancies, with the incorporation of imaging, even when serial β-hCG shows a persistently reducing trend.

Heterotopic Pregnancy: A Challenge in Early Diagnosis

Heterotopic pregnancy is the simultaneous existence of intrauterine and extrauterine gestation. It is usually seen in women at risk for ectopic pregnancy or those undergoing fertility treatments. The incidence has dramatically risen to 1 in 3900 of pregnancies via assisted reproductive techniques or ovulation induction, compared to 1 in 30000 of spontaneous conception. Besides this, history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal damage, pelvic surgery and prior tubal surgery can increase its risk. Here we present a case of heterotopic pregnancy which was diagnosedafter ectopic gestation ruptured along with compromised intrauterine gestation and maternal condition. Earlier diagnosis before this life-threatening event could have saved the intrauterine fetus. Keywords: Extrauterine pregnancy; heterotopic pregnancy; ruptured ectopic.

Hysterectomy and unilateral salpingectomy associate with a higher risk of subsequent ovarian cancer: A population-based cohort study in Taiwan

Studies on the relationship between gynecologic surgery and subsequent ovarian cancer have been carried out in limited Western ethnic groups. We aim to evaluate whether receiving hysterectomy and/or salpingectomy associated with ovarian cancer risk in Taiwan.From the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified a gynecologic surgery cohort consisting of women who had newly received hysterectomy (N = 181,151), salpingectomy (N = 45,410) or both hysterectomy and salpingectomy (N = 11,875) in 2000 to 2013. A comparison cohort of 953,744 women was randomly selected from women without the surgeries, frequency-matched by age and index date of the surgery case. They were followed up to identify subsequent ovarian cancer by the end of 2013.The overall ovarian cancer incidence was 4.4-fold greater in the gynecologic surgery cohort than in the comparison cohort (41.5 vs 9.43 per 10 person-years) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.86 (95% confidence interval = 2.56-5.84). Women with both hysterectomy and salpingectomy had the highest incidence and followed by women with hysterectomy or salpingectomy (52.5, 45.5, or 23.3 per 10 person-years, respectively). No ovarian cancer was noted in the subgroup with bilateral salpingectomies.We conclude that women with gynecologic surgery of hysterectomy and/or salpingectomy are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly among women who have had other gynecologic comorbidity. Women with gynecologic surgery and comorbidity deserve greater attention to prevent and screen for ovarian cancer.

Hysterectomy with opportunistic salpingectomy versus hysterectomy alone

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynaecological malignancies with an overall five-year survival rate of 30% to 40%. In the past two decades it has become apparent and more commonly accepted that a majority of ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tube epithelium and not from the ovary itself. This paradigm shift introduced new possibilities for ovarian cancer prevention. Salpingectomy during a hysterectomy for benign gynaecological indications (also known as opportunistic salpingectomy) might reduce the overall incidence of ovarian cancer. Aside from efficacy, safety is of utmost importance, especially due to the preventive nature of opportunistic salpingectomy. Most important are safety in the form of surgical adverse events and postoperative hormonal status. Therefore, we compared the benefits and risks of hysterectomy with opportunistic salpingectomy to hysterectomy without opportunistic salpingectomy.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect and safety of hysterectomy with opportunistic salpingectomy versus hysterectomy without salpingectomy for ovarian cancer prevention in women undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynaecological indications; outcomes of interest include the incidence of epithelial ovarian cancer, surgery-related adverse events and postoperative ovarian reserve.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and two clinical trial registers were searched in January 2019 together with reference checking and contact with study authors.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We intended to include both randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that compared ovarian cancer incidence after hysterectomy with opportunistic salpingectomy to hysterectomy without opportunistic salpingectomy in women undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynaecological indications. For assessment of surgical and hormonal safety, we included RCTs that compared hysterectomy with opportunistic salpingectomy to hysterectomy without opportunistic salpingectomy in women undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynaecological indications.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. The primary review outcomes were ovarian cancer incidence, intraoperative and short-term postoperative complication rate and postoperative hormonal status. Secondary outcomes were total surgical time, estimated blood loss, conversion rate to open surgery (applicable only to laparoscopic and vaginal approaches), duration of hospital admission, menopause-related symptoms and quality of life.

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven RCTs (350 women analysed). The evidence was of very low to low quality: the main limitations being a low number of included women and surgery-related adverse events, substantial loss to follow-up and a large variety in outcome measures and timing of measurements.No studies reported ovarian cancer incidence after hysterectomy with opportunistic salpingectomy compared to hysterectomy without opportunistic salpingectomy in women undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynaecological indications. For surgery-related adverse events, there were insufficient data to assess whether there was any difference in both intraoperative (odds ratio (OR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.11 to 3.94; 5 studies, 286 participants; very low-quality evidence) and short-term postoperative (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.14; 3 studies, 152 participants; very low-quality evidence) complication rates between hysterectomy with opportunistic salpingectomy and hysterectomy without opportunistic salpingectomy because the number of surgery-related adverse events was very low. For postoperative hormonal status, the results were compatible with no difference, or with a reduction in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) that would not be clinically relevant (mean difference (MD) -0.94, 95% CI -1.89 to 0.01; I² = 0%; 5 studies, 283 participants; low-quality evidence). A reduction in AMH would be unfavourable, but due to wide CIs, the postoperative change in AMH can still vary from a substantial decrease to even a slight increase.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There were no eligible studies reporting on one of our primary outcomes - the incidence of ovarian cancer specifically after hysterectomy with or without opportunistic salpingectomy. However, outside the scope of this review there is a growing body of evidence for the effectiveness of opportunistic salpingectomy itself during other interventions or as a sterilisation technique, strongly suggesting a protective effect. In our meta-analyses, we found insufficient data to assess whether there was any difference in surgical adverse events, with a very low number of events in women undergoing hysterectomy with and without opportunistic salpingectomy. For postoperative hormonal status we found no evidence of a difference between the groups. The maximum difference in time to menopause, calculated from the lower limit of the 95% CI and the natural average AMH decline, would be approximately 20 months, which we consider to be not clinically relevant. However, the results should be interpreted with caution and even more so in very young women for whom a difference in postoperative hormonal status is potentially more clinically relevant. Therefore, there is a need for research on the long-term effects of opportunistic salpingectomy during hysterectomy, particularly in younger women, as results are currently limited to six months postoperatively. This limit is especially important as AMH, the most frequently used marker for ovarian reserve, recovers over the course of several months following an initial sharp decline after surgery. In light of the available evidence, addition of opportunistic salpingectomy should be discussed with each woman undergoing a hysterectomy for benign indication, with provision of a clear overview of benefits and risks.

An uncommon spontaneous right distal tubal pregnancy post bilateral laparoscopic sterilization: A case report

RATIONALE

Tubal sterilization as a contraception method has a high success rate; however, it also carries a low risk of incidental pregnancy. A majority of these pregnancies are ectopic. In this study, we report a rare case of spontaneous right distal tubal pregnancy after bilateral laparoscopic tubal sterilization.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 36-year-old woman who had undergone bilateral laparoscopic tubal sterilization presented with abdominal pain and a positive test for pregnancy.

DIAGNOSIS

Ectopic pregnancy was suspected based on absence of gestational sac in the uterine cavity on ultrasound and elevated beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) level.

INTERVENTION

Since the patient had unstable vitals, emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed, which revealed a right distal fallopian tube pregnancy. We performed a complete bilateral residual tubal stump excision.

OUTCOMES

The patient recovered well after surgery, with a reduction in β-hCG level, and was discharged after 3 days.

LESSONS

To ensure complete sterilization, the gap at the excised end needs to be adequately widened and enhanced with electro-destruction to prevent formation of a fistula.

Laparoscopic Management of an Intrauterine Fallopian Tube Incarceration After Curettage for a Non-progressing Pregnancy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To report and demonstrate a case of a laparoscopic repair of an intrauterine fallopian tube incarceration as complication of curettage.

DESIGN

A step-by-step explanation of the surgery using video (instructive video) (Canadian Task Force classification III).

SETTING

University Hospital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France.

PATIENT

A 29-year-old woman experiencing a nonevolving pregnancy at 8 weeks underwent curettage. After 9 months, she complained of abnormal vaginal discharge. Ultrasound evaluation showed a right parauterine mass. She reported a maternal medical history of ovarian cancer in a context of Lynch syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right hydrosalpinx 12 mm in diameter, with a suspect fimbriae lesion of the tube and a 7-mm endometriosis nodule of the uterine torus.

INTERVENTION

We decided to explore the fallopian tube by laparoscopy and to perform hysteroscopy. A fallopian tube incarceration was suspected during hysteroscopy: a defect of the uterine wall was observed, through which there was protrusion of a tubal fimbriae. The laparoscopic view of the pelvis confirmed incarceration of the right fallopian tube through the uterine wall. It was carefully extracted out of the uterine defect, and the uterine wall defect was repaired with an X-point using Monocryl 1.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A tubal patency test was performed, which was positive on both sides. Because phimosis responsible for the hydrosalpinx had been treated, salpingectomy was not performed.

CONCLUSION

Curettage for miscarriage or undesired pregnancy is not exempt from complications, such as hemorrhage, simple perforation, and infection. Intrauterine fallopian tube incarceration is uncommon but can affect fertility. This diagnosis is important to avoid destruction of the fimbriae and necrosis of the tube and also to reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Feasibility of Complete Salpingectomy Compared With Standard Postpartum Tubal Ligation at Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of salpingectomy compared with standard bilateral tubal ligation at the time of cesarean delivery in women with undesired fertility.

METHODS

We included women at 35 weeks of gestation or greater desiring permanent sterilization at the time of cesarean delivery. Patients were randomized after skin incision to bilateral salpingectomy or bilateral tubal ligation by a computer-generated scheme. If salpingectomy could not be completed on one or both sides, bilateral tubal ligation was attempted. Primary feasibility outcomes were total operative time and bilateral completion of the randomized procedure. Secondary outcomes included clinically estimated blood loss and surgical complications up to 6 weeks postpartum. We estimated that 80 patients (40 per group) would provide greater than 80% power to identify a 10-minute difference in the primary outcome (time) with a SD of 15 minutes and a two-sided α of 0.05. Analysis was by intent to treat.

RESULTS

Of 221 women screened from June 2015 to April 2017, 115 (52%) consented to the study; 80 were randomized-40 to salpingectomy and 40 to bilateral tubal ligation. Groups were similar at baseline. A total of 27 bilateral salpingectomies were successfully completed compared with 38 bilateral tubal ligations (68% compared with 95%, P=.002). Total operative time was on average 15 minutes longer for salpingectomies (75.4±29.1 compared with 60.0±23.3 minutes, P=.004). No adverse outcomes directly related to the sterilization procedure were noted in either group. Although estimated blood loss of only the sterilization procedure (surgeon estimate) was greater for the salpingectomy group (median 10 [interquartile range 5-25] compared with 5 [interquartile range 5-10] cc, P<.001), total estimated blood loss and safety outcomes were similar for both groups.

CONCLUSION

Adding 15 minutes to total operative times, salpingectomy can be successfully completed in approximately two thirds of women desiring permanent contraception with cesarean delivery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02374827.

Surgical Management After Hysteroscopic Sterilization: Minimally Invasive Approach Incorporating Intraoperative Fluoroscopy for Symptomatic Patients with >2 Essure® Devices

OBJECTIVE

To describe a non-hysterectomy surgical technique for symptomatic patients with >2 Essure® (Bayer Healthcare, Whippany, New Jersey) devices.

DESIGN

Patients (n=4) presented with sharp pelvic pain, irregular vaginal bleeding, dyspareunia, weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, and/or diffuse skin rash, all of which were absent before undergoing hysteroscopic sterilization (HS). Hysterosalpingogram obtained before surgical excision of contraceptive tubal implants confirmed more than two Essure® devices in all patients. Except for HS-associated complaints, all patients were in otherwise good general health and none had any history of prior pelvic pathology. Hysteroscopy was followed by 5mm triple-port laparoscopic cornual dissection, modified partial bilateral salpingectomy, and foreign body removal under fluoroscopy and/or radiographic guidance.

RESULTS

In this group, mean±SD patient age was 41±8yrs and interval between HS and device removal was 6.4±2.7yrs. At the conclusion of each case (mean±SD operative time=179±11min), imaging studies were reviewed by an attending radiologist and verified no retained metal in the abdomen. Conversion to laparotomy, hysterectomy, or blood transfusion was unnecessary for any patients, and all were discharged home within three hours. Their postoperative course continues to be satisfactory.

CONCLUSION

Patients with more than two Essure® devices comprise an unusual group with a complex pelvic foreign body presentation. This is the first report on surgical management for such patients, underscoring the importance of localizing these contraceptive devices with careful imaging before, during, and after surgery. Moreover, hysterectomy is not absolutely mandatory in this setting and intraoperative fluoroscopy/radiography can facilitate complete, safe removal of all implants on an out-patient basis. Creation of ICD-10 modifiers for various post-HS complaints would allow for improved surveillance of the Essure® phenomenon.

Comparison of single-port and three-port laparoscopic salpingectomy in the management for tubal pregnancy

BACKGROUND

To compare the short-term outcome of patients undergoing single-port laparoscopic salpingectomy (SP-LS) and conventional three-port laparoscopic salpingectomy (C-LS).

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation of 112 patients with tubal pregnancies treated by one surgeon at a single teaching hospital. Among these, 47 patients were treated with SP-LS and the remaining 65 were treated with C-LS.

RESULTS

The characteristics of patients were similar in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences in operative time, estimated blood loss, intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay between both groups. Time to bowel recanalization (6.2 ± 1.0 vs. 7.2 ± 1.4 h, p < 0.05) and postoperative visual analog scale for pain scores (3.0 ± 0.5 vs. 3.6 ± 0.6, p < 0.005) were significantly lower in the SP-LS group compared with those in the C-LS group.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated the feasibility to use the single-port laparoscopic salpingectomy in the management of women with tubal pregnancy, which showed the similar or better outcome compared with the use of conventional three-port laparoscopic salpingectomy.

Two-port robotic hysterectomy: a novel approach

The objective of the study was to demonstrate a novel technique for two-port robotic hysterectomy with a particular focus on the challenging portions of the procedure. The study is designed as a technical video, showing step-by-step a two-port robotic hysterectomy approach (Canadian Task Force classification level III). IRB approval was not required for this study. The benefits of minimally invasive surgery for gynecological pathology have been clearly documented in multiple studies. Patients had fewer medical and surgical complications postoperatively, better cosmesis and quality of life. Most gynecological surgeons require 3-5 ports for the standard gynecological procedure. Even though the minimally invasive multiport system provides an excellent safety profile, multiple incisions are associated with a greater risk for morbidity including infection, pain, and hernia. In the past decade, various new methods have emerged to minimize the number of ports used in gynecological surgery. The interventions employed were a two-port robotic hysterectomy, using a camera port plus one robotic arm, with a focus on salpingectomy and cuff closure. We describe a transvaginal and a transabdominal approach for salpingectomy and a novel method for cuff closure. The transvaginal and transabdominal techniques for salpingectomy for two-port robotic-assisted hysterectomy provide excellent tension and exposure for a safe procedure without the need for an extra port. We also describe a transvaginal technique to place the vaginal cuff on tension during closure. With the necessary set of skills on a carefully chosen patient, two-port robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy is a feasible procedure.

[Does ovarian cancer start in the fallopian tubes? Possible implications for preventive adnexal removal]

BACKGROUND

Recent insights in high-grade serous ovarian cancer development are pointing to the fallopian tubes as likely place of origin and not the ovaries themselves. This may have consequences for patients with increased risk of ovarian cancer. Adnexal removal is currently recommended for this patient group at an age of 35-45, which leads to premature menopause.

CASE DESCRIPTION

In a 55-year-old woman with a BRCA1 germ line mutation, a high-grade serous carcinoma was unexpectedly diagnosed in both fallopian tubes during preventive adnexal removal. Her ovaries did not have any abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates a fallopian tube origin for high-grade serous ovarian cancer development in a carrier of a BRCA1 germ line mutation. In the future, salpingectomy could play a role in ovarian cancer prevention. However, research is needed first to demonstrate the safety of this strategy. Salpingectomy in women with a BRCA germ line mutation should therefore only be performed in the context of research for the time being.

Risks and benefits of opportunistic salpingectomy during vaginal hysterectomy: a decision analysis

BACKGROUND

Fallopian tubes are commonly removed during laparoscopic and open hysterectomy to prevent ovarian and tubal cancer but are not routinely removed during vaginal hysterectomy because of perceptions of increased morbidity, difficulty, or inadequate surgical training.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to quantify complications and costs associated with a strategy of planned salpingectomy during vaginal hysterectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

We created a decision analysis model using TreeAgePro. Effectiveness outcomes included ovarian cancer incidence and mortality as well as major surgical complications. Modeled complications included transfusion, conversion to laparotomy or laparoscopy, abscess/hematoma requiring intervention, ileus, readmission, and reoperation within 30 days. We also modeled subsequent benign adnexal surgery beyond the postoperative window. Those whose procedures were converted from a vaginal route were assumed to undergo bilateral salpingectomy, regardless of treatment group, following American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines. Costs were gathered from published literature and Medicare reimbursement data, with internal cost data from 892 hysterectomies at a single institution used to estimate costs when necessary. Complication rates were determined from published literature and from 13,397 vaginal hysterectomies recorded in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2008 through 2013.

RESULTS

Switching from a policy of vaginal hysterectomy alone to a policy of routine planned salpingectomy prevents a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 1 of every 225 women having surgery and prevents death from ovarian cancer in 1 of every 450 women having surgery. Overall, salpingectomy was a less expensive strategy than not performing salpingectomy ($7350.62 vs $8113.45). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated the driving force behind increased costs was the increased risk of subsequent benign adnexal surgery among women retaining their tubes. Planned opportunistic salpingectomy had more major complications than hysterectomy alone (7.95% vs 7.68%). Major complications included transfusion, conversion to laparotomy or laparoscopy, abscess/hematoma requiring intervention, ileus, readmission, and reoperation within 30 days. Therefore, routine salpingectomy results in 0.61 additional complications per case of cancer prevented and 1.21 additional complications per death prevented. A surgeon therefore must withstand an additional ∼3 complications to prevent 5 cancer diagnoses and ∼6 additional complications to prevent 5 cancer deaths.

CONCLUSION

Salpingectomy should routinely be performed with vaginal hysterectomy because it was the dominant and therefore cost-effective strategy. Complications are minimally increased, but the trade-off with cancer prevention is highly favorable.

Vaginal Salpingectomy Techniques in the Presence of Ovarian Conservation

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate vaginal salpingectomy techniques in the presence of ovarian conservation.

DESIGN

Technical video demonstrating 2 methods of Fallopian tube removal with illustrations (Canadian Task Force classification III).

SETTING

The prevalence of salpingectomy at the time of hysterectomy has increased significantly since 1998 [1]. One reason for the increased rate of salpingectomy is the relationship of serous ovarian carcinomas to fimbrial serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas [2]. A Swedish population-based study reported that salpingectomy is an effective measure to reduce ovarian cancer risk in the general population [3]. Prophylactic salpingectomy and delayed oophorectomy may be an acceptable alternative in some BRCA mutation carriers [4]. A retrospective cohort study of 425 vaginal hysterectomies showed that 88% of patients were able to successfully undergo concomitant salpingectomy [5]. Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board approval was not required for this video article.

INTERVENTION

Two methods of salpingectomy are demonstrated differing in the final disposition of the proximal Fallopian tube (segment). The 2 different methods are shown to increase clarity and understanding of the technique.

CONCLUSION

Salpingectomy without concomitant removal of the ovaries at vaginal hysterectomy is a feasible and beneficial procedure.