Race, Ethnicity, and Sex Representation Trends Among Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship Trainees and Graduates.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To study the race, ethnicity, and sex representation and annual trends of AAGL FMIGS fellows and graduates. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: AAMC databases were queried for demographic information between 2011 and 2023. PATIENTS/SUBJECTS: AAGL FMIGS fellows and graduates. INTERVENTIONS: N/A MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Descriptive statistical analysis and the actual-to-expected (AE) ratio of each race, ethnicity, and sex were performed. AE ratio was calculated by dividing the 13-year average actual percentage of FMIGS trainees and graduates by the expected percentage based demographics of OBGYN residents and the US general population. 477 fellows graduated or were in training between 2011 and 2023; race and ethnicity information was obtained for 347 (72.7%) individuals, and sex information was available for 409 (85.7%). Representation of females ranged from 66.7% in 2017 to 93.3% in 2022. There was a significantly increasing slope for the representation of females (+1.3% per year; 95% CI 0.00-0.03; p = .027). Compared to their distribution among US OBGYN residents, White fellows' representation was lower [AE ratio, 95% CI 0.60 (0.44-0.81)] and of Asian fellows was higher [AE ratio, 95% CI 2.17 (1.47-3.21)]. Female fellows' representation was lower than expected [AE ratio, 95% CI 0.68 (0.48-0.96)] compared to their distribution among US OBGYN residents. Compared to the general US population, White fellows [AE ratio, 95% CI 0.65 (0.48-0.87)] and Hispanic fellows [AE ratio, 95% CI 0.53 (0.34-0.83)] representation was lower. Asian fellows' representation was higher compared to the general US population [AE ratio, 95% CI 5.87 (3.48-9.88)]. CONCLUSION: White and Hispanic fellows' representation was lower than expected, while Asian fellows' representation was higher in AAGL-accredited FMIGS programs. Female representation increased throughout the years, but overall, female fellows' representation was lower than expected compared to their distribution among OBGYN residents. These findings may help develop equitable recruitment strategies for FMIGS programs and reduce health disparities within complex gynecology.

Surgical Field Separation in Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

We aimed to study whether separating the vaginal and abdominal surgical fields during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is associated with surgical site infection rates. This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent TLH and any concomitant procedures with two minimally invasive gynecologic surgery subspecialists between January 2016 and May 2023. Among 680 included patients, the rate of infection was 0.8% with surgical field separation and 1.3% without (3/377 vs 4/303; odds ratio 0.60, 95% CI, 0.13-2.70). There was no statistical difference between groups; however, the difference in infection rates between groups was extremely small, which led to inadequate power. Our findings suggest that rates of infection after TLH are low, with or without surgical field separation. Treating the vagina, perineum, and abdomen as a single, continuous operative field during TLH may be an acceptable practice.

Clinical Trial Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To study racial and ethnic disparities in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Online review of all published MIGS RCTs in high-impact journals from 2012 to 2023. PATIENTS: Journals included all first quartile obstetrics and gynecology journals, as well as The New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, The British Medical Journal, and The Journal of the American Medical Association. The National Institutes of Health's PubMed and the ClinicalTrials.gov websites were queried using the following search terms from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology's certifying examination bulletin 2022 to obtain relevant trials: adenomyosis, adnexal surgery, abnormal uterine bleeding, cystectomy, endometriosis, fibroids, gynecology, hysterectomy, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, leiomyoma, minimally invasive gynecology, myomectomy, ovarian cyst, and robotic surgery. INTERVENTIONS: The US Census Bureau data were used to estimate the expected number of participants. We calculated the enrollment ratio (ER) of actual to expected participants for US trials with available race and ethnicity data. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 352 RCTs were identified. Of these, race and/or ethnicity data were available in 65 studies (18.5%). We analyzed the 46 studies that originated in the United States, with a total of 4645 participants. Of these RCTs, only 8 (17.4%) reported ethnicity in addition to race. When comparing published RCT data with expected proportions of participants, White participants were overrepresented (70.8% vs. 59.6%; ER, 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52-1.81), as well as Black or African American participants (15.4% vs. 13.7%; ER, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.03-1.29). Hispanic (6.7% vs. 19.0%; ER, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.27-0.35), Asian (1.7% vs. 6.1%; ER, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.20-0.34), Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (0.1% vs. 0.3%; ER, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.74), and Indian or Alaska Native participants (0.2% vs. 1.3%; ER, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.08-0.32) were underrepresented. When comparing race/ethnicity proportions in the 20 states where the RCTs were conducted, Black or African American participants were underrepresented. CONCLUSION: In MIGS RCTs conducted in the United States, White and Black or African American participants are overrepresented compared with other races, and ethnicity is characterized in fewer than one-fifth of trials. Efforts should be made to improve racial and ethnic recruitment equity and reporting in future MIGS RCTs.

Associations between race and ethnicity and perioperative outcomes among women undergoing hysterectomy for adenomyosis.

OBJECTIVE: To study racial and ethnic disparities among women undergoing hysterectomy performed for adenomyosis across the United States. DESIGN: A cohort study. SETTING: Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) from 2012-2020. PATIENTS: Patients with an adenomyosis diagnosis. INTERVENTION: Hysterectomy for adenomyosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases 9th and 10th editions codes 617.0 and N80.0 (endometriosis of the uterus). Hysterectomies were classified on the basis of the Current Procedural Terminology codes. We compared baseline and surgical characteristics and 30-day postoperative complications across the different racial and ethnic groups. Postoperative complications were classified into minor and major complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. RESULTS: A total of 12,599 women underwent hysterectomy for adenomyosis during the study period: 8,822 (70.0%) non-Hispanic White, 1,597 (12.7%) Hispanic, 1,378 (10.9%) non-Hispanic Black or African American, 614 (4.9%) Asian, 97 (0.8%) Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 91 (0.7%) American Indian or Alaska Native. Postoperative complications occurred in 8.8% of cases (n = 1,104), including major complications in 3.1% (n = 385). After adjusting for confounders, non-Hispanic Black race and ethnicity were independently associated with an increased risk of major complications (adjusted odds ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] {1.16-2.04}). Laparotomy was performed in 13.7% (n = 1,725) of cases. Compared with non-Hispanic White race and ethnicity, the adjusted odd ratios for undergoing laparoscopy were 0.58 (95% CI 0.50-0.67) for Hispanic, 0.56 (95% CI 0.48-0.65) for non-Hispanic Black or African American, 0.33 (95% CI 0.27-0.40) for Asian, and 0.26 (95% CI 0.17-0.41) for Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander race and ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Among women undergoing hysterectomy for postoperatively diagnosed adenomyosis, non-Hispanic Black or African American race and ethnicity were associated with an increased risk of major postoperative complications. Compared with non-Hispanic White race and ethnicity, Hispanic ethnicity, non-Hispanic Black or African American, Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander race and ethnicity were less likely to undergo minimally invasive surgery.

Characteristics associated with blood transfusion among women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program study.

BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors that affect females. A laparoscopic myomectomy is the standard surgical treatment for most women who wish to retain their uterus. The most common complication of a myomectomy is excessive bleeding. However, risk factors for hemorrhage during a laparoscopic myomectomy are not well studied and no risk stratification tool specific for identifying the need for a blood transfusion during a laparoscopic myomectomy currently exists in the literature. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify risk factors for intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion during laparoscopic myomectomies and to develop a risk stratification tool to determine the risk for requiring a blood transfusion. STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2012 to 2020. Women who underwent a laparoscopic (conventional or robotic) myomectomy were included. Women who received 1 or more blood transfusions within 72 hours after the start time of a laparoscopic myomectomy were compared with those who did not require a blood transfusion. A multivariable analysis was performed to identify risk factors independently associated with the risk for transfusion. Two risk stratification tools to determine the need for a blood transfusion were developed based on the multivariable results, namely (1) based on preoperative factors and (2) based on preoperative and intraoperative factors. RESULTS: During the study period, 11,498 women underwent a laparoscopic myomectomy. Of these, 331(2.9%) required a transfusion. In a multivariable regression analysis of the preoperative factors, Black or African American and Asian races, Hispanic ethnicity, bleeding disorders, American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV classification, and a preoperative hematocrit value ≤35.0% were independently associated with the risk for transfusion. Identified intraoperative factors included specimen weight >250 g or ≥5 intramural myomas and an operation time of ≥197 minutes. A risk stratification tool was developed in which points are assigned based on the identified risk factors. The mean probability of transfusion can be calculated based on the sum of the points. CONCLUSION: We identified preoperative and intraoperative independent risk factors for a blood transfusion among women who underwent a laparoscopic myomectomy. A risk stratification tool to determine the risk for requiring a blood transfusion was developed based on the identified risk factors. Further studies are needed to validate this tool.

Validation of a Simulation Model for Robotic Myomectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Several simulation models have been evaluated for gynecologic procedures such as hysterectomy, but there are limited published data for myomectomy. This study aimed to assess the validity of a low-cost robotic myomectomy model for surgical simulation training. DESIGN: Prospective cohort simulation study. SETTING: Surgical simulation laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve obstetrics and gynecology residents and 4 fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons were recruited for a 3:1 novice-to-expert ratio. INTERVENTIONS: A robotic myomectomy simulation model was constructed using <$5 worth of materials: a foam cylinder, felt, a stress ball, bandage wrap, and multipurpose sealing wrap. Participants performed a simulation task involving 2 steps: fibroid enucleation and hysterotomy repair. Video-recorded performances were timed and scored by 2 blinded reviewers using the validated Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) scale (5-25 points) and a modified GEARS scale (5-40 points), which adds 3 novel domains specific to robotic myomectomy. Performance was also scored using predefined task errors. Participants completed a post-task questionnaire assessing the model's realism and utility. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Median task completion time was shorter for experts than novices (9.7 vs 24.6 min, p = .001). Experts scored higher than novices on both the GEARS scale (median 23 vs 12, p = .004) and modified GEARS scale (36 vs 20, p = .004). Experts made fewer task errors than novices (median 15.5 vs 37.5, p = .034). For interrater reliability of scoring, the intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to be 0.91 for the GEARS assessment, 0.93 for the modified GEARS assessment, and 0.60 for task errors. Using the contrasting groups method, the passing mark for the simulation task was set to a minimum modified GEARS score of 28 and a maximum of 28 errors. Most participants agreed that the model was realistic (62.5%) and useful for training (93.8%). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated evidence supporting the validity of a low-cost robotic myomectomy model. This simulation model and the performance assessments developed in this study provide further educational tools for robotic myomectomy training.

Risk factors for major complications following colorectal resections for endometriosis in the USA.

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe the incidence and identify risk factors for the occurrence of short-term major posto-perative complications following colorectal resection for endometriosis. METHODS: A cohort study using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database from 2012-2020. We included patients with a primary diagnosis of endometriosis who underwent colon or rectal resections for endometriosis. RESULTS: Of 755 women who underwent colorectal resection, 495 (65.6%) had laparoscopic surgery and 260 (34.4%) had open surgery. The major complication rate was 13.5% (n = 102). Women who underwent open surgery had a higher proportion of major complications (n = 53, 20.4% vs. n = 49, 9.9%, p < 0.001). In a multivariable regression analysis, Black race (aOR 95%CI 2.81 (1.60-4.92), p < 0.001), Hispanic ethnicity (aOR 95%CI 3.02 (1.42-6.43), p = 0.004), hypertension (aOR 95%CI 1.89 (1.08-3.30), p = 0.025), laparotomy (aOR 95%CI 1.64 (1.03-3.30), p = 0.025), concomitant enterotomy (aOR 95%CI 3.02 (1.26-7.21), p = 0.013), and hysterectomy (aOR 95%CI 2.59 (1.62-4.15), p < 0.001) were independently associated with major post-operative complications. In a subanalysis of laparoscopies only, Hispanic ethnicity, chronic hypertension, lysis of bowel adhesions, and hysterectomy were independently associated with major complications. In a subanalysis of laparotomies only, Black race and hysterectomy were independently positively associated with the occurrence of major complications. CONCLUSION: This study provides a current population-based estimate of short-term complications after surgery for colorectal endometriosis in the USA. The identified risk factors for complications can assist during preoperative shared decision-making and informed consent process.

Sustainability in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Current practices in the U.S. health care industry drive climate change. This review summarizes the vast research on the negative health effects of the climate crisis on patients as relevant to obstetrics and gynecology. We further propose solutions to decarbonize operating rooms, labor and delivery units, and nurseries and neonatal intensive care units through evidence-based reduction in our single-use supply, energy, and water, as well as anesthetic gases and appropriate waste sorting.

Racial and Gender Representation Trends Among National Obstetrics and Gynecology Society Leadership.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to review the trends in racial and gender representation among the various national obstetrics and gynecology societies' presidents over the past 15 years. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Data obtained from publicly available information on official websites of the professional societies studied. PATIENTS: Presidents of national societies in obstetrics and gynecology. INTERVENTIONS: The study was performed by obtaining publicly available data for past presidents from the official websites of the professional societies studied. Gender and race were inferred based on name and image. Racial classification was selected using the United States Census classification system. Educational background, residency training, and practice type were also collected. Assessment of 15-year trends was completed using linear regression analysis and differences in representation was assessed using analysis of variance and post hoc analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Over 15 years, there were 134 presidents elected for the 10 obstetrics and gynecology societies. Of those leaders, 85.2% were white, 8.2% Asian, and 5.2% black; 59% were men and 41% were women. During the study period, there was a significantly increasing slope for representation of women (+2.3% per year; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-4.2; p = .016). The representation of nonwhite presidents (+1.5% per year; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-2.8; p = .028) increased significantly during the same time period. CONCLUSION: Over the last 15 years, less than 50% of obstetrics and gynecology national societies' presidents were women and most were of white race. However, there has been an increasing trend in the ratio of women to men and nonwhite to white representation among presidents of obstetrics and gynecology national societies.

Robotic surgery in obstetrics and gynecology: a bibliometric study.

We aimed to identify the trends and patterns of robotic surgery research in obstetrics and gynecology since its implementation. We used data from Clarivate's Web of Science platform to identify all articles published on robotic surgery in obstetrics and gynecology. A total of 838 publications were included in the analysis. Of these, 485 (57.9%) were from North America and 281 (26.0%) from Europe. 788 (94.0%) articles originated in high-income countries and none from low-income countries. The number of publications per year reached a peak of 69 articles in 2014. The subject of 344 (41.1%) of articles was gynecologic oncology, followed by benign gynecology (n = 176, 21.0%) and urogynecology (n = 156, 18.6%). Articles discussing gynecologic oncology had lower representation in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) (32.0% vs. 41.6%, p < 0.001) compared with high income countries. After 2015 there has been a higher representation of publications from Asia (19.7% vs. 7.7%) and from LMIC (8.4% vs. 2.6%), compared to the preceding years. In a multivariable regression analysis, journal's impact factor [aOR 95% CI 1.30 (1.16-1.41)], gynecologic oncology subject [aOR 95% CI 1.73 (1.06-2.81)] and randomized controlled trials [aOR 95% CI 3.67 (1.47-9.16)] were associated with higher number of citations per year. In conclusion, robotic surgery research in obstetrics & gynecology is dominated by research in gynecologic oncology and reached a peak nearly a decade ago. The disparity in the quantity and quality of robotic research between high income countries and LMIC raises concerns regarding the access of the latter to high quality healthcare resources such as robotic surgery.

Surgical management of endometriosis to optimize fertility.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Surgery is an integral element of treatment for infertility caused by endometriosis. This review summarizes the purported mechanisms of infertility in endometriosis, as well as the impacts of surgery for endometriosis on fertility, including pregnancy achieved spontaneously and with assisted reproductive technology (ART). RECENT FINDINGS: Endometriosis' effect on fertility is multifactorial. The sequela of increased inflammation resulting from endometriosis causes alterations in ovarian, tubal, and uterine function. Removing or destroying these lesions reduces inflammation. Surgical treatment of both early-stage endometriosis and deeply infiltrating endometriosis improves spontaneous pregnancy rates and ART pregnancy rates. Conventional or robotic laparoscopy is the preferred surgical approach. SUMMARY: Endometriosis has detrimental effects on fertility, including negative impacts on oocyte, tubal, and endometrial function. Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis elevates both spontaneous and ART pregnancy rates above those achieved with expectant management alone. The resection or destruction of endometriosis implants reduces inflammation, which likely improves the multifactorial infertility related to endometriosis. This topic is complex and controversial; more research in the form of high-quality randomized control trials is needed.

Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a common condition in women that causes chronic pain and infertility and is associated with an elevated risk of ovarian cancer. We profiled transcriptomes of >370,000 individual cells from endometriomas (n = 8), endometriosis (n = 28), eutopic endometrium (n = 10), unaffected ovary (n = 4) and endometriosis-free peritoneum (n = 4), generating a cellular atlas of endometrial-type epithelial cells, stromal cells and microenvironmental cell populations across tissue sites. Cellular and molecular signatures of endometrial-type epithelium and stroma differed across tissue types, suggesting a role for cellular restructuring and transcriptional reprogramming in the disease. Epithelium, stroma and proximal mesothelial cells of endometriomas showed dysregulation of pro-inflammatory pathways and upregulation of complement proteins. Somatic ARID1A mutation in epithelial cells was associated with upregulation of pro-angiogenic and pro-lymphangiogenic factors and remodeling of the endothelial cell compartment, with enrichment of lymphatic endothelial cells. Finally, signatures of ciliated epithelial cells were enriched in ovarian cancers, reinforcing epidemiologic associations between these two diseases.

Rates of Complications and Reoperation after Myomectomy-the Impact of Surgical Approach: A Statewide Population-based Cohort Study from 2005-2018.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess rates of and factors associated with complications and reoperation after myomectomy. DESIGN: Population-based cohort study. SETTING: All non-Veterans Affairs facilities in the state of California from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2018. PARTICIPANTS: Women undergoing abdominal or laparoscopic myomectomy for myoma disease were identified from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development datasets using appropriate International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision and Current Procedural Terminology codes. INTERVENTIONS: Demographics, surgery facility type, facility surgical volume, and surgical approach were identified. Primary outcomes included complications occurring within 60 days of surgery and reoperations for myomas. Patients were followed up for over an average of 7.3 years. Univariate and multivariable associations were explored between the above factors and rates of complications and reoperation. All odds ratios (ORs) are adjusted ORs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 66 012 patients undergoing myomectomy, 5265 had at least one complication (8.0%). Advanced age, black, Asian race, MediCal and Medicare payor status, academic facility, and medical comorbidities were associated with increased odds of a complication. Minimally invasive myomectomy (MIM) was associated with decreased complications compared with abdominal myomectomy (AM) (OR, 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25-0.33; p <.001). Overall, 17 377 patients (26.3%) underwent reoperation. Medicare and MediCal payor status and medical comorbidities were associated with increased odds of a repeat surgery. Reoperation rates were higher in the MIM group over the entire study period (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.95-2.79; p <.001). However, the odds of reoperation after MIM decreased each year (OR, 0.93; 95% CI 0.92-0.95; p <.001), with the odds of reoperation after AM surpassing MIM in 2015. CONCLUSION: This study identifies outcome disparities in the surgical management of myomas and describes important differences in the rates of complications and reoperations, which can be used to counsel patients on surgical approach. These findings suggest that MIM can be considered a lasting and safe approach in properly selected patients.

The role of telemedicine in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Telemedicine has been available for decades but has had minimal use in the USA prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to educate readers on the benefits of telemedicine and provide insight from our experience to optimize care in this setting. RECENT FINDINGS: The COVID-19 pandemic ushered in a massive increase in use of telemedicine, offering several advantages with comparable clinical outcomes. SUMMARY: This review summarizes the recent vast expansion of telemedicine, describes the benefits specific to minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, and offers practical suggestions for maintaining a successful practice that incorporates both in-person and virtual experiences for patients, anticipating continued use of telemedicine beyond the end of the current public health emergency.

The Impact of Race and Ethnicity on Use of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Myomas.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for uterine myomas is used differentially based on race and ethnicity. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Quaternary care academic hospital in the United States. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy for uterine myomas between March 15, 2015, and March 14, 2020 (N = 1311). Cases involving correction of pelvic organ prolapse, malignancy, peripartum hysterectomy, or combined procedures with nongynecologic specialties were excluded. Racial/ethnic composition of the study population was 40.0% non-Hispanic white (white), 27.9% non-Hispanic black (black), 14.0% Hispanic, 13.7% non-Hispanic Asian (Asian), and 4.3% non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native/Pacific Islander/Other. INTERVENTIONS: Hysterectomy, myomectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 1311 cases, 35.9% were minimally invasive hysterectomy, 16.4% abdominal hysterectomy, 35.6% minimally invasive myomectomy, and 12.1% abdominal myomectomy. MIS rates were 94.7% among fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologic surgery subspecialists, 44.2% among obstetrics and gynecology specialists, and 46.8% among gynecologic oncologists. There were disparities in surgeon type based on race/ethnicity, with 59.8% of white patients having undergone surgery with a minimally invasive gynecologic surgery subspecialist vs 44.0% of black patients and 45.7% of Hispanic patients. Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to undergo MIS overall vs white patients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.48 and aOR 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.72, respectively). Black and Hispanic patients undergoing hysterectomy were less likely than white patients to undergo MIS (aOR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21-0.51 and aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.20-0.60, respectively). There were no significant differences in rates of MIS based on race/ethnicity for myomectomies nor differences in major or minor complications by race/ethnicity overall. CONCLUSION: At a quaternary care institution, black and Hispanic patients were significantly less likely than white patients to undergo MIS for uterine myomas, particularly for hysterectomy.