Does obesity influence the preferred treatment approach for early-stage cervical cancer? A cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal radical hysterectomy in early-stage cervical cancer has higher rates of disease-free and overall survival compared with minimally invasive radical hysterectomy. Abdominal radical hysterectomy may be technically challenging at higher body mass index levels resulting in poorer surgical outcomes. This study sought to examine the influence of body mass index on outcomes and cost effectiveness between different treatments for early-stage cervical cancer. METHODS: A Markov decision-analytic model was designed using TreeAge Pro software to compare the outcomes and costs of primary chemoradiation versus surgery in women with early-stage cervical cancer. The study used a theoretical cohort of 6000 women who were treated with abdominal radical hysterectomy, minimally invasive radical hysterectomy, or primary chemoradiation therapy. We compared the results for three body mass index groups: less than 30 kg/m2, 30-39.9 kg/m2, and 40 kg/m2 or higher. Model inputs were derived from the literature. Outcomes included complications, recurrence, death, costs, and quality-adjusted life years. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of less than $100 000 per quality-adjusted life year was used as our willingness-to-pay threshold. Sensitivity analyses were performed broadly to determine the robustness of the results. RESULTS: Comparing abdominal radical hysterectomy with minimally invasive radical hysterectomy, abdominal radical hysterectomy was associated with 526 fewer recurrences and 382 fewer deaths compared with minimally invasive radical hysterectomy; however, abdominal radical hysterectomy resulted in more complications for each body mass index category. When the body mass index was 40 kg/m2 or higher, abdominal radical hysterectomy became the dominant strategy because it led to better outcomes with lower costs than minimally invasive radical hysterectomy. Comparing abdominal radical hysterectomy with primary chemoradiation therapy, recurrence rates were similar, with more deaths associated with surgery across each body mass index category. Chemoradiation therapy became cost effective when the body mass index was 40 kg/m2 or higher. CONCLUSION: When the body mass index is 40 kg/m2 or higher, abdominal radical hysterectomy is cost saving compared with minimally invasive radical hysterectomy and primary chemoradiation is cost effective compared with abdominal radical hysterectomy. Primary chemoradiation may be the optimal management strategy at higher body mass indexes.

The impact of race on hysterectomy for benign indications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review current literature evaluating racial disparities in benign hysterectomy care in the United States. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence shows that black women are half as likely to undergo minimally invasive hysterectomy and have an increased risk of surgical complications compared with white women. Patient level differences including fibroids, prior surgical history, medical comorbidities, and obesity have been implied to account for the increased rate of abdominal hysterectomy in black patients; however, inequalities remain even after controlling for clinical differences. Societal factors including insurance status fail to fully account for disparities, though healthcare system factors, such as geographical region and access to a minimally invasive trained surgeon, continue to have a profound impact on the equity of care that patients receive. SUMMARY: Disparities in hysterectomy route and outcomes by race and socioeconomic status exist and have persisted in the literature for over a decade despite a nationwide trend toward minimally invasive hysterectomy and improving surgical outcomes. These disparities are not fully accounted for by patient or health system factors. Successfully addressing these disparities will require a multipronged approach, which may include improved surgical training for residents, fellows, and practicing gynecologists, increasing referrals to high-volume minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons, and provider and patient education.

Minimizing Risks in Minimally Invasive Surgery: Rates of Surgical Site Infection Across Subtypes of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the 30-day incidence of deep or organ-space and/or superficial incisional surgical site infections (SSIs) by the subtype of laparoscopic hysterectomy and to report on additional risk factors for SSIs following laparoscopic hysterectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database. PATIENTS: Women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy from 2012 to 2014. INTERVENTIONS: Women were stratified into 3 groups by the type of hysterectomy: total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSCH). Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared for the 3 groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test or 1-way analysis of variance, where appropriate, for continuous variables and the chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categoric variables. Post hoc analyses were performed for multiple comparisons. Univariate analyses to examine the association with SSI were performed using the t test or Wilcoxon rank sum test as appropriate for continuous variables and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate for categoric variables. Significant variables on univariate analysis were included in a stepwise, backward multivariable logistic regression to identify the independent risk factors of SSI. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In total, 46 755 women underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy. Most were classified as TLH (26 009, 56%), followed by LAVH (13 884, 30%), and LSCH (6862, 14%). The overall rate of 30-day deep or organ-space SSI was 1.8% (n = 445). Thirty-day deep or organ-space SSI was lower in women who underwent LSCH (0.6%) than in women who underwent TLH (1.0%) or LAVH (1.1%; p = .001), but there was no difference in the incidence of superficial incisional SSI (0.8%, 0.8%, and 0.8% for TLH, LAVH, and LSCH, respectively; p = .75). On multivariate regression analysis, LSCH remained independently associated with a decreased risk of deep or organ-space SSI (adjusted odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.84; p = .003). In addition, relative to the women who were discharged on the same day, women admitted for >24 hours had 2-fold increased odds of deep or organ-space SSI. Asian race, smoking, perioperative transfusion, dirty or infected cases, and American Society of Anesthesiologist class 3 were associated with increased odds for deep or organ-space SSI. Length of stay >24 hours and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander race were associated with increased odds of superficial incisional SSI. CONCLUSION: LSCH is associated with a decreased risk of deep or organ-space SSI compared with other subtypes of laparoscopic hysterectomy. Same-day discharge after laparoscopic hysterectomy is associated with decreased odds of SSI.

Variability between individual surgeons in route of hysterectomy for patients with endometrial cancer in Florida.

OBJECTIVES: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) was designated as a quality measure for endometrial cancer in 2014. However, national database analyses demonstrate that laparotomy is still performed for this indication. This study aims to assess the route of hysterectomy performed by gynecologic surgeons who manage endometrial cancer in the state of Florida. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients in Florida who were diagnosed with endometrial cancer (both ICD-9 Code 182.0 and ICD-10 Code C54.10), and who received a related surgical procedure from 2014 to 2016 were included. Eligible patients were identified using the Florida Inpatient Discharge Dataset, the Florida Ambulatory and Emergency Discharge Dataset, the Hospital Compare dataset, and the Healthcare Cost Report Information System. The primary surgeon was identified using their national provider identifier (NPI) number. Each surgeon's overall operative volume, MIS volume, and percentage of MIS procedures were collected. RESULTS: Hysterectomy for endometrial cancer was performed in 6086 patients; 4959 (81.5%) underwent MIS and 1127 (18.5%) had an abdominal approach. Hysterectomy for endometrial cancer was performed by 368 providers in Florida (range of 2-244 surgeries). The percentage of MIS to total hysterectomies for providers who performed 1-10 cases was 72.1%; 11-25 cases was 40.9%; 26-100 cases was 80.1%; and more than 100 cases was 86.1%. Variation in operative route exists amongst low- and high-volume providers. CONCLUSIONS: Statewide databases can be used to identify surgical trends for policy purposes. These findings support the referral of patients with endometrial cancer to surgeons with high MIS volumes.

Impact of Radical Hysterectomy Versus Simple Hysterectomy on Survival of Patients with Stage 2 Endometrial Cancer: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The strategy of radical surgery for stage 2 endometrial cancer (EC) remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the impact of radical hysterectomy (RH) versus simple hysterectomy (SH) on survival of patients with stage 2 EC. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify studies comparing survival between RH and SH in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage 2 EC patients by searching several databases to July 2018. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival and progression-free survival were pooled using Stata V.12.0. RESULTS: The study included 10 retrospective cohort studies enrolling 2866 patients. Patients who received RH did not show a significant survival benefit for either overall survival (pooled HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.72-1.16; P = 0.484) or progression-free survival (pooled HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.39-1.42; P = 0.378). The result remained consistent after it was balanced with possible impact from adjuvant radiotherapy (pooled HR 0.85; 95% CI 0.62-1.16; P = 0.300). In earlier studies that staged patients according to FIGO 1988, RH showed a 27% survival benefit (pooled HR 0.73; 95% CI 0.53-1.00; P = 0.050), whereas in newly published studies based on FIGO 2009 staging, it reversely showed increased risk of death (pooled HR 1.24; 95% CI 0.86-1.77; P = 0.245). However, no statistical significance was reached under either staging criterion. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this meta-analysis, RH does not significantly improve survival in stage 2 EC. The choice of RH remains controversial and should be considered carefully in clinical practice. More qualified studies are needed to determine the best treatment strategy for stage 2 EC.

[Laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy based on the anatomic landmark of the uterus deep vein and its branches for cervical cancer].

Objective: To introduce the laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy based on the anatomic landmark of the uterus deep vein and its branched and to evaluate its feasibility and safety for cervical cancer and its effect to bladder function and to provide some reference to simplify the surgical procedures of laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy. Methods: The clinicopathologic data of the patients with stage ⅠA2~ⅡB cervical cancer and who underwent the laparoscopic C1 hysterectomy based on anatomic landmark of the uterus deep vein and its branches between March 2010 and December 2015 was retrospectively analysed. Results: A total of 99 patients received laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy based on the anatomic landmark of the uterus deep vein and its branches, in which 93 patients reserved unilateral or bilateral pelvic autonomic nerve successfully, the other 6 patients were transfered to receive type C2 hysterectomy due to adhesions, bleeding or the low possibility of curative resection. The failure rate of the surgery was 6.1% (6/99). The average age of these 93 patients was 44.4±8.2 years (range 25~61 years) and there was one case of stage ⅠA2, 84 stage ⅠB1, 2 stage ⅠB2, 5 stage ⅡA1 and 1 stage ⅡB. The number of patients with squamous cell carcinoma was 67, adenocarcinoma was 19, adenosquamous carcinoma was 3, small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma was 3 and mixed type was 1. The average operation time was 4.1±0.5 h, the average amount of intraoperative blood loss was 103.8±84.0 ml and the mean number of excisional pelvic lymph nodes was 29.7±8.9. There was no patient with positive parametrial margin, positive vaginal margin or intraoperative ureteral injury. The postoperative catheter extraction time was 20.3±8.4 d. The median follow-up time was 20 months (rang 5~44 months), the long-term bladder dysfunction rate was 8.6% (8/93). The numbers of locally uncontrolled and distantly metastasis case were both one and both patients died. The fatality rate were 2.2% (2/93). The two-year disease-free survival and overall survival rate were 97.6% and 96.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy based on the anatomic landmark of the uterus deep vein and its branches is a safe and feasible treatment method for cervical cancer and it provides a new approach for simplifying the surgical procedures of laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy.

Refluxo gastroesofágico em cadelas submetidas à ovário-histerectomia convencional ou videoassistida / Gastroesophageal reflux in dogs undergoing convencional or video-assisted ovariohysterectomy

A doença do refluxo gastroesofágico decorre do fluxo de conteúdo gastroduodenal para o esôfago e/ou órgãos adjacentes, o que leva à ampla gama de sinais e implicações clínicas. A incidência de refluxo gastroesofágico transoperatório em caninos é desconhecida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi, por meio da endoscopia flexível, avaliar a presença e quantificar o refluxo gastroesofágico em cadelas submetidas à ovário-histerectomia por duas abordagens cirúrgicas (convencional e videoassistida com dois portais), pré-medicadas com morfina. Cem por cento das cadelas submetidas à ovário-histerectomia videoassistida e 30% das cadelas submetidas à ovário-histerectomia convencional apresentaram algum grau de refluxo. A intensidade dos refluxos foi maior nas cadelas submetidas ao procedimento minimamente invasivo, visto que elas (10 entre 10 animais) apresentaram, no mínimo, um refluxo classificado em R4, enquanto as outras (três entre 10) apresentaram, no máximo, refluxos em grau R3, de acordo com a escala planejada para esta pesquisa. Concluiu-se que os procedimentos laparoscópicos sob o protocolo anestésico utilizado promovem mais refluxo gastroesofágico que os convencionais.(AU)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when gastric or duodenal contents flow back into the esophagus by retroperistalsis, which leads to several signs and clinical implications. The incidence of intraoperative gastroesophageal reflux in canines is unknown. The aim of this study was, using flexible endoscopy, to assess the presence and quantify gastroesophageal reflux in bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy by two surgical approaches (conventional and video-assisted by two portals-access), pre-medicated with morphine. 100% of dogs submitted to video-assisted and 30% of dogs submitted to conventional ovariohysterectomy presented some reflux degree. Reflux intensity was higher in dogs submitted to the minimally invasive procedure, since they (10 out of 10 animals) had at least one reflux classified in R4 while the others (three out of 10) had a maximum reflux in degree R3 according to the planned scale for this research. The laparoscopic procedures under the used anesthetic protocol promote more gastroesophageal reflux than the conventional ones.(AU)

2017 Update on the Querleu-Morrow Classification of Radical Hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: One of the most important principles in modern cervical cancer surgery is the concept of tailoring surgical radicality. In practice, this means abandoning the "one-fits-all" concept in favor of tailored operations. The term "radical hysterectomy" is used to describe many different procedures, each with a different degree of radicality. Anatomic structures are subjected to artificial dissection artifacts, as well as different interpretations and nomenclatures. This study aimed to refine and standardize the principles and descriptions of the different classes of radical hysterectomy as defined in the Querleu-Morrow classification and to propose its universal applicability. METHODS: All three authors independently examined the current literature and undertook a critical assessment of the original classification. Images and pathologic slides demonstrating different types of radical hysterectomy were examined to document a consensual vision of the anatomy. The Cibula 3-D concept also was included in this update. RESULTS: The Querleu-Morrow classification is based on the lateral extent of resection. Four types of radical hysterectomy are described, including a limited number of subtypes when necessary. Two major objectives remain constant: excision of central tumor with clear margins and removal of any potential sites of nodal metastasis. CONCLUSION: Studies evaluating radicality in the surgical management of cervical cancer should be based on precise, universally accepted descriptions. The authors' updated classification presents standardized, universally applicable descriptions of different types of hysterectomies performed worldwide, categorized according to degree of radicality, independently of theoretical considerations.

Types of radical hysterectomies : From Thoma Ionescu and Wertheim to present day.

The treatment for cervical cancer is a complex, multidisciplinary issue, which applies according to the stage of the disease. The surgical elective treatment of cervical cancer is represented by the radical abdominal hysterectomy. In time, many surgeons perfected this surgical technique; the ones who stood up for this idea were Thoma Ionescu and Ernst Wertheim. There are many varieties of radical hysterectomies performed by using the abdominal method and some of them through vaginal and mixed way. Each method employed has advantages and disadvantages. At present, there are three classifications of radical hysterectomies which are used for the simplification of the surgical protocols: Piver-Rutledge-Smith classification which is the oldest, GCG-EORTC classification and Querlow and Morrow classification. The last is the most evolved and recent classification; its techniques can be adapted for conservative operations and for different types of surgical approaches: abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic or robotic.

What kind of surgery for cervical carcinoma?

The incidence and mortality of cervical cancer have changed over the past 50 years in developed countries, but this kind of tumor still remains a significant clinical problem because it is the second most common cause of morbidity and mortality from cancer among women. After histological confirmation of invasive cervical cancer, the extent of disease was determined using clinical criteria to assign a stage. This assessment is important because, while for the other gynecologic cancers clinical information obtained by surgery and histopathological examination is implemented and concurs to define the staging of the disease, the cervical cancer tumor stage is given after the primary diagnosis. In this review we discuss how the surgical approach to cervical cancer has been evolved, in order to modulate the radicality of the intervention itself and thus to preserve the pelvic innervation. This step has been achieved by deepening knowledge of functional pelvic anatomy and modulating the radicality of hysterectomy according to well defined surgical landmarks.

New classification system of radical hysterectomy: emphasis on a three-dimensional anatomic template for parametrial resection.

OBJECTIVE: The international acceptance of a universal classification system for radical hysterectomy is one of the important challenges in gynecologic oncology. The recently published classification system by Querleu and Morrow is a relevant proposal that has been well received by the professional community. However, it does not include a description of parametrial resection in three dimensions, which mostly determines post-operative morbidity. METHODS: The intention of this follow-up paper was to further develop the classification system based on the four proposed types of radical hysterectomy (A-D) into a three-dimensional model using standard anatomical landmarks for definition of resection margins in longitudinal and transverse dimensions and demonstrate it on pictures. RESULTS: Resection margins were defined in longitudinal and transverse dimensions for each suggested type of radical hysterectomy on all three parts of the parametria. Besides precise description using stable anatomical landmarks, all resection lines have been shown on intra-operative photographs. CONCLUSION: Four types of radical hysteretomy can be precisely defined on a three-dimensional anatomical template, including nerve sparing procedure. Our paper should contribute to better standardization (including nomenclature) of the radical hysterectomy, enhancing harmonization of clinical practice in gynecological oncology.

Classification of radical hysterectomy.

Since the first publications about surgery for cervical cancer, many radical procedures that accord with different degrees of radicality have been described and done. Here, we propose a basis for a new and simple classification for cervical-cancer surgery, taking into account the curative effect of surgery and adverse effects, such as bladder dysfunction. The international anatomical nomenclature is used where it applies. For simplification, the classification is based only on lateral extent of resection. We describe four types of radical hysterectomy (A-D), adding when necessary a few subtypes that consider nerve preservation and paracervical lymphadenectomy. Lymph-node dissection is considered separately: four levels (1-4) are defined according to corresponding arterial anatomy and radicality of the procedure. The classification applies to fertility-sparing surgery, and can be adapted to open, vaginal, laparoscopic, or robotic surgery. In the future, internationally standardised description of techniques for communication, comparison, clinical research, and quality control will be a basic part of every surgical procedure.

Hysterectomy and risk of stress-urinary-incontinence surgery: nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Hysterectomy for benign indications has been associated with an increased risk for lower-urinary-tract sequela, but results have been inconclusive. We aimed to establish the risk for stress-urinary-incontinence surgery after hysterectomy for benign indications. METHODS: We did a nationwide, population-based, cohort study from 1973 to 2003 in Sweden. We identified our population from the Swedish Inpatient Registry. We selected 165 260 women who had undergone hysterectomy (exposed cohort) and a control group of 479 506 individuals who had not had this procedure (unexposed cohort), matched by year of birth and county of residence. In both cohorts, occurrence of stress-urinary-incontinence surgery was established from the Swedish Inpatient Registry. Hazard ratios with 95% CIs were calculated by Cox's proportional-hazards regression. FINDINGS: During the 30-year observational period, the rate of stress-urinary-incontinence surgery per 100,000 person-years was 179 (95% CI 173-186) in the exposed cohort versus 76 (73-79) in the unexposed cohort. Correspondingly, individuals in the exposed cohort were at increased risk for stress-urinary-incontinence surgery compared with those in the unexposed cohort (hazard ratio 2.4; 95% CI 2.3-2.5), irrespective of surgical technique. Risk for stress-urinary-incontinence surgery varied slightly with time of follow-up: the highest overall risk was recorded within 5 years of surgery (2.7; 2.5-2.9) and the lowest risk was seen after an observation period of 10 years or more (2.1, 1.9-2.2). INTERPRETATION: Hysterectomy for benign indications, irrespective of surgical technique, increases the risk for subsequent stress-urinary-incontinence surgery. Women should be counselled on associated risks related to hysterectomy, and other treatment options should be considered before surgery.

Do we need a new classification for radical hysterectomy? Insights in surgical anatomy and local tumor spread from human embryology.

OBJECTIVE: Current surgical treatment of cervical carcinoma is based on the assumption of undirected intra- and transcervical local tumor propagation and is executed by tailored excision of the paracervical tissues. We have recently demonstrated that cervical carcinoma spreads for extended phases during its malignant progression within the permissive compartment of the Müllerian morphogenetic unit (Lancet Oncol 2005;6:751-56) and proposed Müllerian compartment resection as the new principle for surgical treatment of cervical cancer. Do we need a new classification of radical hysterectomy? METHODS: The therapeutic index of the surgical treatment of cervical carcinoma FIGO stages IB1-IIB by extirpation of the Müllerian compartment through total mesometrial resection (TMMR) without adjuvant radiation is evaluated by an ongoing controlled prospective trial at the University of Leipzig. RESULTS: From 7/1998 to 12/2006, 163 patients with cervical carcinoma, FIGO stages IB1 (n=94), IB2 (n=21), IIA (n=14) and IIB (n=34) have been treated with TMMR and nerve-sparing therapeutic lymph node dissection. Twenty-five patients received (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy. No patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy although 95 patients (58%) would have needed this additional modality in case of conventional radical hysterectomy because of their high-risk histopathological tumor features. At a median follow-up time of 45 months (3-104 months), recurrence-free and disease-specific overall survival is 93% and 96%. Maximum treatment-related morbidity according to the Franco-Italian score has been grade 2 in 12 patients (8%). CONCLUSIONS: The developmental view of local tumor spread and surgical anatomy holds a great promise for improving the therapeutic index of surgical cervical cancer therapy and challenges both the classification of radical hysterectomy based on tailored paracervical resection and the indication for adjuvant radiation.