Guideline No. 449: Diagnosis and Impact of Endometriosis - A Canadian Guideline.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a contemporary approach to the understanding of the impact and methods for the diagnosis of endometriosis in Canada. TARGET POPULATION: Individuals, families, communities, health care providers, and health care administrators who are affected by, care for patients with, or manage delivery of services for endometriosis. OPTIONS: The diagnosis of endometriosis is facilitated by a detailed history, examination, and imaging tests with providers who are experienced in endometriosis care. Surgical evaluation with pathology confirms a diagnosis of endometriosis; however, it is not required for those whose diagnosis was confirmed with imaging. OUTCOMES: There is a need to address earlier recognition of endometriosis to facilitate timely access to care and support. Education directed at the public, affected individuals and families, health care providers, and health care administrators are essential to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Increased awareness and education about the impact and approach to diagnosis may support timely access to care for patients and families affected by endometriosis. Earlier and appropriate care may support a reduced health care system burden; however, improved clinical evaluation may require initial investments. EVIDENCE: Each section was reviewed with a unique search strategy representative of the evidence available in the literature related to the area of focus. The literature searches for each section of this guideline are listed in Appendix A and include information from published systematic reviews described in the text. VALIDATION METHODS: The recommendations were developed following two rounds of review by a national expert panel through an iterative 2-year consensus process. Further details on the process are shared in Appendix B. The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See Appendix C (Table C1 for definitions and Table C2 for interpretations of strong and conditional recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: This guideline is intended to support health care providers and policymakers involved in the care of those impacted by endometriosis and the systems required to support them. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Endometriosis impact and diagnosis updated guidelines for Canadian health care providers and policymakers. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.

Prevalence of Use and Perceived Effectiveness of Medical, Surgical, and Alternative Therapies for Endometriosis Pain in Canadians.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the use and perceived effectiveness of medical, surgical, and alternative therapies (e.g., diet, exercise, heat, cannabis, etc.) in managing endometriosis-associated pain in Canadians. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via The Endometriosis Network Canada (TENC) from February to March 2021. Canadians aged 18-50 years with diagnosed or suspected endometriosis were eligible to participate. RESULTS: A total of 434 survey responses were included, and 93.8% of respondents reported that they used at least 1 alternative therapy in the past 6 months for endometriosis-associated pain. Respondents used an array of medical (2.3/6 months), surgical (1.7/lifetime), and alternative therapies (6.9/6 months) to manage their pain, yet 61.9% of respondents did not feel it was adequately managed. The most common alternative therapies were heat, meditation/mindfulness/rest, and diet. CONCLUSION: Alternative therapies were commonly used by Canadians living with endometriosis to manage pain. Cannabis and heat were perceived as the most effective alternative therapies. Here, we gain a better understanding of alternative therapies that can provide an additional therapeutic avenue that clinicians and people living with endometriosis may wish to discuss and explore.

Guideline No. 417: Prevention of Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Gynaecological Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide gynaecologists with an algorithm and evidence to guide the use of thromboprophylaxis in gynaecological surgery. TARGET POPULATION: All patients undergoing gynaecological surgery for benign or malignant indications. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: The implementation of this guideline will benefit patients undergoing gynaecological surgery and provide physicians with a standard algorithm for the use of perioperative thromboprophylaxis. EVIDENCE: The following search terms were entered into MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane in 2017 and 2018: VTE, PE, DVT, thromboprophylaxis, gynaecological surgery, heparin, graduated compression stocking, intermittent pneumatic stocking, obesity, pediatrics, minimally invasive surgery, heparin induced thrombocytopenia, regional anesthesia). Articles included were randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and observational studies. Additional publications were identified from the reference lists of these articles. There were no date limits, but search results were limited to English language articles only. Searches were updated and incorporated into the guideline up to September 2018. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations). INTENDED USERS: Gynaecologists and other members of the surgical team. RECOMMENDATIONS (GRADE RATINGS IN PARENTHESES).

Informing the Spectrum of Approaches: Institutional Review of Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders Management.

OBJECTIVE: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a condition defined by abnormal adherence of the placenta. Cesarean hysterectomy is the preferred management, but practice patterns vary based on local resources and expertise. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course of patients diagnosed antenatally with PAS who underwent surgical management in our centre. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective records review involving patients with an antenatal diagnosis of PAS between 2014 and 2019. The primary outcome was a composite score of maternal morbidity, and secondary outcomes were total estimated blood loss and composite neonatal morbidity. Patients were stratified based on the presence or absence of PAS on final pathology. Antenatal diagnosis by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was compared with final histologic diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were diagnosed with PAS antenatally and managed at our institution. Final histology confirmed PAS in 29 patients. The overall composite morbidity rate was 44%, with no significant difference between patients with and without PAS on pathology (P = 0.355). Intraoperative blood loss was similar between the 2 groups (2374 ± 2212 mL vs. 1080 ± 852 mL; P = 0.232). The rate of composite neonatal morbidity was 47%. Ultrasound achieved a high positive predictive value in the diagnosis of PAS (96%) and more accurately predicted pathology than MRI. CONCLUSIONS: PAS is associated with high rates of morbidity. Dissemination of our local experience serves to inform best practices in the management of this complex condition.

Technicity in Canada: A Nationwide Whole-Population Analysis of Temporal Trends and Variation in Minimally Invasive Hysterectomies.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to provide a contemporary description of hysterectomy practice and temporal trends in Canada. DESIGN: A national whole-population retrospective analysis of data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. SETTING: Canada. PATIENTS: All women who underwent hysterectomy for benign indication from April 1, 2007, to March 31, 2017, in Canada. INTERVENTIONS: Hysterectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 369 520 hysterectomies were performed in Canada during the 10-year period, during which the hysterectomy rate decreased from 313 to 243 per 100 000 women. The proportion of abdominal hysterectomies decreased (59.5% to 36.9%), laparoscopic hysterectomies increased (10.8% to 38.6%), and vaginal hysterectomies decreased (29.7% to 24.5%), whereas the national technicity index increased from 40.5% to 63.1% (p <.001, all trends). The median length of stay decreased from 3 (interquartile range 2-4) days to 2 (interquartile range 1-3), and the proportion of patients discharged within 24 hours increased from 2.1% to 7.2%. In year 2016-17, women aged 40 to 49 years had significantly increased risk of abdominal hysterectomy compared with women undergoing hysterectomy in other age categories (p <.001). Comparing women with menstrual bleeding disorders, women undergoing hysterectomy for endometriosis (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-1.44) and myomas (aRR 2.01; 95% CI, 1.94-2.08) were at increased risk of abdominal hysterectomy, whereas women undergoing hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain (aRR 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41-1.53) were at decreased risk. Using Ontario as the comparator, Nova Scotia (aRR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.27-1.43), New Brunswick (aRR 1.25; 95% CI, 1.18-1.32]), Manitoba (aRR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.28-1.43), and Newfoundland and Labrador (aRR 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.27) had significantly higher risks of abdominal hysterectomy. In contrast, Saskatchewan (aRR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.74-0.77) and British Columbia (aRR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.85-0.88) had significantly lower risks, whereas Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Alberta were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The proportion of minimally invasive hysterectomies for benign indication has increased significantly in Canada. The declining use of vaginal approaches and the variation among provinces are of concern and necessitate further study.

Impact of Endometriosis on Fatigue and Productivity Impairment in a Cross-Sectional Survey of Canadian Women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fatigue burden and productivity impairments in Canadian women with a self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis (DxE). METHODS: From December 2018 to January 2019, Canadian women aged 18-49 years completed an online survey assessing fatigue via the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Fatigue Short Form 6a questionnaire. Fatigue T-scores were compared between women with and without a DxE, by age and endometriosis symptom severity, using t tests. Women with a DxE completed the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment - Specific Health Problem (WPAI-SHP) questionnaire. The effects of age and hallmark endometriosis symptoms on productivity impairments were assessed via analysis of variance. RESULTS: Survey data included 2004 women with and 26 528 women without a DxE. Mean fatigue T-scores were 58.5 ± 10.1 in women with a DxE and 59.2 ± 10.1 in women with hallmark endometriosis symptoms (i.e., menstrual or non-menstrual pelvic pain/cramping, dyspareunia) versus 55.2 ± 9.4 in women without a DxE (both P < 0.001). Women with moderate or severe endometriosis symptoms had a mean T-score of 61.2 ± 9.4 versus 55.9 ± 10.1 for women with mild symptoms (P < 0.001). Women with moderate or severe hallmark endometriosis symptoms had mean T-scores of 59.6-62.9 versus 57.0-58.2 for women with mild or no symptoms (all comparisons P < 0.01). Women with a DxE reported 17.1% of work time missed, 41.8% impaired work ability, 46.5% overall work impairment, and 41.4% activity impairment per the WPAI-SHP. Women with a DxE aged 30-34 and 35-39 years consistently experienced the greatest effects of fatigue and productivity impairments. CONCLUSIONS: Canadian women with a DxE experience a substantial fatigue burden and significant productivity impairments.

Guideline No. 412: Laparoscopic Entry for Gynaecological Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefits and risks of laparoscopic surgery and provide clinical direction on entry techniques, technologies, and their associated complications in gynaecological surgery. TARGET POPULATION: All patients, including pregnant women and women with obesity, undergoing laparoscopic surgery for various gynaecological indications. OPTIONS: The laparoscopic entry techniques and technologies reviewed in formulating this guideline included the closed (Veress needle-pneumoperitoneum-trocar) technique, direct trocar insertion, open (Hasson) technique, visual entry systems, and disposable shielded and radially expanding trocars. OUTCOMES: Implementation of this guideline should optimize decision-making in the selection of entry technique for laparoscopic surgery. EVIDENCE: We searched English-language articles from September 2005 to December 2019 in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, and Cochrane Library using the following MeSH search terms alone or in combination: laparoscopic entry, laparoscopy access, pneumoperitoneum, Veress needle, open (Hasson), direct trocar, visual entry, shielded trocars, radially expanded trocars, and laparoscopic complications. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care approach (Appendix A). INTENDED AUDIENCE: Surgeons performing laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.

Treatment of Endometriosis-Associated Pain with Elagolix, an Oral GnRH Antagonist.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent condition that causes dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain. Elagolix, an oral, nonpeptide, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, produced partial to nearly full estrogen suppression in previous studies. METHODS: We performed two similar, double-blind, randomized, 6-month phase 3 trials (Elaris Endometriosis I and II [EM-I and EM-II]) to evaluate the effects of two doses of elagolix - 150 mg once daily (lower-dose group) and 200 mg twice daily (higher-dose group) - as compared with placebo in women with surgically diagnosed endometriosis and moderate or severe endometriosis-associated pain. The two primary efficacy end points were the proportion of women who had a clinical response with respect to dysmenorrhea and the proportion who had a clinical response with respect to nonmenstrual pelvic pain at 3 months. Each of these end points was measured as a clinically meaningful reduction in the pain score and a decreased or stable use of rescue analgesic agents, as recorded in a daily electronic diary. RESULTS: A total of 872 women underwent randomization in Elaris EM-I and 817 in Elaris EM-II; of these women, 653 (74.9%) and 632 (77.4%), respectively, completed the intervention. At 3 months, a significantly greater proportion of women who received each elagolix dose met the clinical response criteria for the two primary end points than did those who received placebo. In Elaris EM-I, the percentage of women who had a clinical response with respect to dysmenorrhea was 46.4% in the lower-dose elagolix group and 75.8% in the higher-dose elagolix group, as compared with 19.6% in the placebo group; in Elaris EM-II, the corresponding percentages were 43.4% and 72.4%, as compared with 22.7% (P<0.001 for all comparisons). In Elaris EM-I, the percentage of women who had a clinical response with respect to nonmenstrual pelvic pain was 50.4% in the lower-dose elagolix group and 54.5% in the higher-dose elagolix group, as compared with 36.5% in the placebo group (P<0.001 for all comparisons); in Elaris EM-II, the corresponding percentages were 49.8% and 57.8%, as compared with 36.5% (P=0.003 and P<0.001, respectively). The responses with respect to dysmenorrhea and nonmenstrual pelvic pain were sustained at 6 months. Women who received elagolix had higher rates of hot flushes (mostly mild or moderate), higher levels of serum lipids, and greater decreases from baseline in bone mineral density than did those who received placebo; there were no adverse endometrial findings. CONCLUSIONS: Both higher and lower doses of elagolix were effective in improving dysmenorrhea and nonmenstrual pelvic pain during a 6-month period in women with endometriosis-associated pain. The two doses of elagolix were associated with hypoestrogenic adverse effects. (Funded by AbbVie; Elaris EM-I and EM-II ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT01620528 and NCT01931670 .).

Treatment Choices in a National Cohort of Canadian Women With Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids.

OBJECTIVES: To describe treatment choices made at the time of enrollment in CAPTURE, a Canadian patient registry for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids (UFs), and to define demographic and clinical characteristics that independently predict these choices. METHODS: Women arranging appointments for UF care were eligible to enrol. At the time of the enrollment visit, women's self-reported treatment histories were noted, along with their clinical characteristics. Tretment options were discussed and chosen during that visit. Patients could choose medical and/or surgical treatment, or they could opt for no active treatment (i.e., "watchful waiting"); treatment decisions were not binding. RESULTS: The most common medication proposed and chosen was ulipristal acetate (UPA), and the most common procedure was myomectomy. These treatments were also the most commonly identified in patients' histories. Medication alone and medication in combination with surgery were the most common treatment approaches chosen (46% and 26%, respectively). Surgery alone and watchful waiting were chosen by 14% and 13% of patients, respectively. Significant predictors of active treatment included patient pregnancy plans, overall symptom severity, and prior treatment history (medical and surgical). Other parameters, including patient age and history of specific UF symptoms, appear to influence the choice of medical therapies (UPA, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, or other options) and procedures (myomectomy or hysterectomy). CONCLUSIONS: This real-world study documents the patient factors associated with the treatment decisions of women seeking care for symptomatic UFs in contemporary Canadian gynaecology practice. Subsequent analyses will follow the outcomes of these treatments over two years in this population.

Cross-Sectional Survey of the Impact of Endometriosis Symptoms on Health-Related Quality of Life in Canadian Women.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of Canadian women with a self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis (DxE). METHODS: Canadian women aged 18-49 years completed a survey from December 2018 through January 2019 in which HRQOL was assessed via the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) and Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30) questionnaire. We used t tests to compare SF-12 scores between women with and without a self-reported DxE, as well as the severity of hallmark endometriosis symptoms, including menstrual pelvic pain/cramping, non-menstrual pelvic pain/cramping, and dyspareunia, for women with a DxE (moderate/severe vs. mild/none). The effects of overall endometriosis symptom severity on HRQOL were assessed via analysis of variance. RESULTS: In total, 26 528 women without a DxE and 2004 women with a self-reported DxE were included. SF-12 scores were significantly lower for women with versus without a DxE (Mental Component Summary: 38.6 vs. 41.2; Physical Component Summary: 47.3 vs. 52.1; both P < 0.001), indicating reduced HRQOL. Moderate/severe hallmark endometriosis symptoms were associated with low SF-12 scores (i.e., worse HRQOL), with the greatest impact from non-menstrual pelvic pain/cramping. EHP-30 scores for women with a DxE ranged from 40.6 to 46.8, with the greatest impairment in self-image. Women with severe endometriosis symptoms had EHP-30 scores 1.3- and >2-fold higher (i.e., worse) than those with moderate and mild symptoms, at 67.5-74.6 versus 51.3-56.9 and 25.6-32.9, respectively. CONCLUSION: Canadian women with a self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis had significantly impaired health-related quality of life, which was inversely correlated with endometriosis symptom severity. This finding highlights a substantial unmet need among women with endometriosis.

Prevalence, Symptomatic Burden, and Diagnosis of Endometriosis in Canada: Cross-Sectional Survey of 30 000 Women.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to estimate the prevalence of diagnosis of endometriosis (DxE) in Canada and to assess the symptomatic and diagnostic experience of Canadian women with DxE. METHOD: A cross-sectional, online survey of women in Canada aged 18 to 49 was conducted from December 7, 2018 through January 24, 2019. Survey data were weighted by Canadian population statistics to estimate the prevalence, symptomatic burden, and diagnostic experience of DxE. Logistic regressions were used to assess differences in symptom burden between women with and without DxE. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of DxE was 7.0% (2004 women of 28 532 women surveyed). Almost half (47.5%) of women with DxE were aged 18 to 29 when they received an endometriosis diagnosis, and 84.1% experienced symptoms before diagnosis. More women with versus without DxE experienced menstrual pelvic pain or cramping (70.3% vs. 50.7%), non-menstrual pelvic pain or cramping (49.5% vs. 18.7%), dyspareunia (52.5% vs. 28.0%), and infertility (22.3% vs. 6.3%). Women with DxE were more likely to report severe menstrual pelvic pain or cramping (odds ratio [OR] 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.5-3.3), non-menstrual pelvic pain or cramping (OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.8-4.2), general abdominal pain (OR 3.0; 95% CI 2.5-3.6), and pelvic pressure (OR 3.0; 95% CI 2.3-3.8). Women with DxE reported an average 5.4-year diagnostic delay, with a 3.1-year delay from onset of symptoms to physician consultation and a 2.3-year delay between physician consultation and diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Self-reported DxE is prevalent among Canadian women and is associated with a substantial symptomatic burden. The 5.4-year diagnostic delay reported here indicates an important unmet need for more timely diagnosis of endometriosis in Canada.

Interventional Uterine-Sparing Therapies for Leiomyomas: A Commentary on Myolysis.

Uterine leiomyomas (myomas, fibroids) are very common in premenopausal women and frequently are associated with abnormal uterine bleeding, bulk effects, and reproductive issues. In women who wish to retain their uterus and/or to enhance or retain fertility, interventional therapies have been introduced, including radiofrequency, laser (chromo), cryotherapy, and magnetic resonance (MR)-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) myolysis. In formulating this commentary, all modalities of myolysis from systematic reviews, randomized controlled clinical trials, and observational studies through December 2018 were reviewed. There are only two treatment modalities available in Canada: the laparoscopic radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation of fibroids (RFVTA) and MRgHIFU systems. In women who wish to enhance or retain their fertility, the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency and HIFU myolysis have not been clearly established, and these treatments should be offered only after extensive counselling and informed consent. Given the recent concerns regarding the incidence of undiagnosed malignant tumours, the lack of histological confirmation before or after these therapies for symptomatic fibroids mandates a thorough process of informed patient consent before any such interventions.

Clinical diagnosis of endometriosis: a call to action.

Endometriosis can have a profound impact on women's lives, including associated pain, infertility, decreased quality of life, and interference with daily life, relationships, and livelihood. The first step in alleviating these adverse sequelae is to diagnose the underlying condition. For many women, the journey to endometriosis diagnosis is long and fraught with barriers and misdiagnoses. Inherent challenges include a gold standard based on an invasive surgical procedure (laparoscopy) and diverse symptomatology, contributing to the well-established delay of 4-11 years from first symptom onset to surgical diagnosis. We believe that remedying the diagnostic delay requires increased patient education and timely referral to a women's healthcare provider and a shift in physician approach to the disorder. Endometriosis should be approached as a chronic, systemic, inflammatory, and heterogeneous disease that presents with symptoms of pelvic pain and/or infertility, rather than focusing primarily on surgical findings and pelvic lesions. Using this approach, symptoms, signs, and clinical findings of endometriosis are anticipated to become the main drivers of clinical diagnosis and earlier intervention. Combining these factors into a practical algorithm is expected to simplify endometriosis diagnosis and make the process accessible to more clinicians and patients, culminating in earlier effective management. The time has come to bridge disparities and to minimize delays in endometriosis diagnosis and treatment for the benefit of women worldwide.

N° 244 - Endométriose : Diagnostic et prise en charge (résumé/déclarations sommaires et recommandations).

OBJECTIF: Améliorer la compréhension de l'endométriose et fournir une directive clinique factuelle pour ce qui est du diagnostic et de la prise en charge de l'endométriose. ISSUES: Parmi les issues évaluées, on trouve les effets de la prise en charge médicale et chirurgicale de l'endométriose sur la morbidité et l'infertilité que connaissent les femmes. MéTHODES: Les membres du comité voué à la présente directive clinique ont été sélectionnés en fonction de leur expertise respective, et ce, en vue de représenter une gamme d'expériences pratiques et universitaires tant au niveau de la représentation géographique au Canada que du type de pratique (nous avons également cherché à nous assurer de représenter l'expertise des sous-spécialités et l'expérience en gynécologie générale). Le comité a analysé toutes les données disponibles issues de la littérature médicale (en anglais et en français), ainsi que les données disponibles issues d'un sondage mené auprès de Canadiennes. Les recommandations ont été formulées sous forme de déclarations de consensus. Le document final a été analysé et approuvé par le comité exécutif et le Conseil de la Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada. RéSULTATS: Le présent document offre un résumé des derniers résultats en ce qui concerne le diagnostic, les explorations et la prise en charge médicale et chirurgicale de l'endométriose. Les recommandations qui en résultent peuvent être adaptées par chacun des fournisseurs de soins de santé offrant ses services à des femmes qui présentent cette pathologie. CONCLUSIONS: L'endométriose est une pathologie courante et parfois débilitante qui affecte les femmes en âge de procréer. Une approche multidisciplinaire mettant en jeu une combinaison de modifications du mode de vie, de médicaments et de services paramédicaux devrait être utilisée pour limiter les effets de cette pathologie sur les activités de la vie quotidienne et la fertilité. Dans certaines circonstances, le recours à la chirurgie s'avère nécessaire pour confirmer le diagnostic et fournir un traitement cherchant à atteindre l'objectif visé en matière de soulagement de la douleur ou d'amélioration de la fertilité. Les femmes qui obtiennent une stratégie acceptable de prise en charge de cette pathologie peuvent connaître une amélioration de leur qualité de vie ou atteindre leur objectif quant à l'obtention d'une grossesse réussie. DONNéES: Des recherches ont été menées dans les bases de données Medline et Cochrane en vue d'en tirer les articles publiés, en anglais et en français, entre janvier 1999 et octobre 2009 sur les sujets liés à l'endométriose, à la douleur pelvienne et à l'infertilité, et ce, en vue de la rédaction d'une directive clinique de consensus canadienne sur la prise en charge de l'endométriose. VALEURS: La qualité des résultats a été évaluée au moyen des critères décrits par le Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs. Les recommandations quant à la pratique ont été classées en fonction de la méthode décrite par le groupe d'étude. Reportez-vous au Tableau 1. AVANTAGES, DéSAVANTAGES ET COûTS: La mise en œuvre des recommandations de la présente directive clinique entraînera l'amélioration des soins offerts aux femmes dont les douleurs et l'infertilité sont associées à l'endométriose.

No 377- Indications gynécologiques bénignes de l'hystérectomie.

OBJECTIF: Aider les médecins qui pratiquent la chirurgie gynécologique dans leur processus décisionnel relatif aux indications bénignes de l'hystérectomie. PUBLIC CIBLE: Médecins, y compris gynécologues, obstétriciens, médecins de famille, chirurgiens généralistes, urgentologues; infirmières, y compris les infirmières autorisées et les infirmières praticiennes; apprentis en médecine, y compris étudiants de médecine, résidents, stagiaires (fellows); et autres fournisseurs de soins de santé. POPULATION CIBLE: Femmes adultes (18 ans et plus) qui devront subir une hystérectomie pour une indication gynécologie bénigne. OPTIONS: La présente directive clinique examine les différentes voies d'abord de l'hystérectomie et l'utilité des interventions chirurgicales concomitantes. DONNéES PROBANTES: Pour la présente directive clinique, des recherches ont été effectuées dans les bases de données PubMed, Medline et Cochrane Library pour trouver des études pertinentes. Les recherches ont été effectuées parmi les publications des cinq dernières années (2012-2017) au moyen des termes de recherche MeSH suivants ainsi que leurs variations : vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, robotic hysterectomy, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, total laparoscopic hysterectomy, standard vaginal hysterectomy et total vaginal hysterectomy. MéTHODES DE VALIDATION: Le contenu et les recommandations ont été rédigés et acceptés par les auteurs principaux et membres du comité de pratique clinique - gynécologie. Le conseil d'administration de la Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada a approuvé la version définitive aux fins de publication. La qualité des données probantes utilisées dans le présent document a été évaluée au moyen des critères du cadre méthodologique GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) (tableau 1, tableau 2). Le résumé des conclusions est disponible sur demande. AVANTAGES, PRéJUDICES ET COûTS: Bien que l'hystérectomie soit commune, la pratique chirurgicale varie grandement chez les médecins spécialisés en gynécologie. La présente directive expose les facteurs pré- et périopératoires à prendre en compte pour améliorer la qualité des soins prodigués aux femmes qui doivent subir une chirurgie pour une affection gynécologique bénigne. MISE à JOUR DE LA DIRECTIVE CLINIQUE: La présente directive clinique de la Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada sera automatiquement passée en revue cinq ans après sa publication. Les auteurs peuvent toutefois proposer une autre date de réévaluation s'ils croient qu'une période de cinq ans est trop courte ou trop longue en fonction de leurs connaissances du sujet à titre d'experts en la matière. PROMOTEURS: La présente directive clinique a été élaborée au moyen de ressources financées par la Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada. DéCLARATIONS CONDENSéES: RECOMMANDATIONS.

No. 377-Hysterectomy for Benign Gynaecologic Indications.

OBJECTIVE: To assist physicians performing gynaecologic surgery in decision making surrounding hysterectomy for benign indications. INTENDED USERS: Physicians, including gynaecologists, obstetricians, family physicians, general surgeons, emergency medicine specialists; nurses, including registered nurses and nurse practitioners; medical trainees, including medical students, residents, and fellows; and all other health care providers. TARGET POPULATION: Adult women (18 years and older) who will undergo hysterectomy for benign gynaecologic indications. OPTIONS: The approach to hysterectomy and utility of concurrent surgical procedures are reviewed in this guideline. EVIDENCE: For this guideline relevant studies were searched in the PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases. The following MeSH search terms and their variations for the last 5 years (2012-2017) were used: vaginal hysterectomy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, robotic hysterectomy, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, total laparoscopic hysterectomy, standard vaginal hysterectomy, and total vaginal hysterectomy. VALIDATION METHODS: The content and recommendations were drafted and agreed upon by the principal authors and members of the Gynaecology Committee. The Board of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada approved the final draft for publication. The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology framework (Tables 1 and 2). The Summary of Findings is available upon request. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Hysterectomy is common, yet surgical practice still varies widely among gynaecologic physicians. This guideline outlines preoperative and perioperative considerations to improve the quality of care for women undergoing benign gynaecologic surgery. GUIDELINE UPDATE: This Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada clinical practice guideline will be automatically reviewed 5 years after publication. However, authors can propose another review date if they feel that 5 years is too short/long based on their expert knowledge of the subject matter. SPONSORS: This guideline was developed with resources funded by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.

Directive clinique No 389 - Prise en charge médicamenteuse des léiomyomes utérins symptomatiques - Addenda.

OBJECTIFS: Les directives du présent addenda visent à fournir aux cliniciens une mise à jour de la directive clinique de 2015 sur la prise en charge des fibromes utérins. Comme de nouveaux renseignements et de nouvelles données probantes ont vu le jour depuis 2015, le comité de pratique clinique - gynécologie de la Société des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Canada a déterminé qu'un addenda à ce document était désormais nécessaire pour informer les membres des modalités de traitement des fibromes utérins. RéSULTATS: La mise en application de la présente mise à jour de la directive clinique devrait contribuer à optimiser le processus de décision des femmes et de leurs fournisseurs de soins de santé pour ce qui est de poursuivre les examens diagnostiques ou les traitements relatifs aux léiomyomes utérins après avoir tenu compte de l'évolution de la maladie ainsi que des options thérapeutiques et analysé les risques et les bienfaits anticipés. DONNéES PROBANTES: La littérature publiée a été repérée entre février 2015 et avril 2018 à l'aide de recherches effectuées dans les bases de données PubMed, CINAHL et Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews au moyen d'une terminologie contrôlée appropriée (uterine fibroids, myoma, leiomyoma, myomectomy, myolysis, heavy menstrual bleeding, menorrhagia) et des mots clés (myoma, leiomyoma, fibroid, myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, hysterectomy, heavy menstrual bleeding, menorrhagia). Les listes de références des articles repérés ont aussi fait l'objet de recherche pour en tirer des publications pertinentes. Seuls les résultats des revues systématiques, d'essais cliniques randomisés ou comparatifs et d'études observationnelles ont été retenus. Aucune date limite n'a été appliquée, mais les résultats ont été limités aux contenus en anglais ou en français. Les recherches ont été régulièrement mises à jour et leurs résultats ont été incorporés à la directive clinique jusqu'en avril 2018. La plupart des données non publiées n'ont pas fait l'objet d'évaluation scientifique. Les monographies de produit ont aussi été analysées jusqu'au 31 décembre 2018. AVANTAGES, PRéJUDICES ET COûTS: La majorité des fibromes sont asymptomatiques et ne nécessitent aucune intervention ni aucun examen diagnostique supplémentaire. Pour les fibromes symptomatiques, tels que ceux qui entraînent des anomalies menstruelles (p. ex. saignements utérins abondants, irréguliers ou prolongés), une anémie ferriprive ou des symptômes liés au volume des fibromes (p. ex. pression ou douleur pelvienne, symptômes d'obstruction), l'hystérectomie constitue une solution définitive. Par contre, elle n'est pas la solution à privilégier pour les femmes qui souhaitent préserver leur fertilité ou leur utérus. Le traitement choisi devrait viser une amélioration de la symptomatologie et de la qualité de vie. Le coût du traitement pour le système de soins de santé et pour la femme atteinte de fibromes doit être interprété par rapport au coût des affections pathologiques non traitées et au coût des examens diagnostiques et modalités de traitement continus ou répétés. CRITèRES: La qualité des données probantes contenues dans le présent document a été évaluée en fonction des critères décrits dans le rapport du Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs. RECOMMANDATIONS.

Guideline No. 389-Medical Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas - An Addendum.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this guideline is to provide clinicians with an update to the 2015 Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Uterine Fibroids. As new information and evidence has become available since 2015, the Gynaecology Clinical Practice Committee of the Society for Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada has determined that an addendum to that document was necessary to inform members about treatment modalities for uterine fibroids. OUTCOMES: Implementation of this guideline update should optimize the decision-making process of women and their health care providers in proceeding with further investigation or therapy for uterine leiomyomas, having considered the disease process and available treatment options and reviewed the risks and anticipated benefits. EVIDENCE: Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Systematic Reviews in February 2015 to April 2018, using appropriate controlled vocabulary (uterine fibroids, myoma, leiomyoma, myomectomy, myolysis, heavy menstrual bleeding, and menorrhagia) and key words (myoma, leiomyoma, fibroid, myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, hysterectomy, heavy menstrual bleeding, menorrhagia). The reference lists of articles identified were also searched for other relevant publications. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials or controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date limits, but results were limited to English or French language materials. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to April 2018. Most of the unpublished data have not been evaluated scientifically. The product monograph was also reviewed up to December 31st, 2018. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: The majority of fibroids are asymptomatic and require no intervention or further investigations. For symptomatic fibroids such as those causing menstrual abnormalities (e.g., heavy, irregular, and prolonged uterine bleeding), iron deficiency anemia, or bulk symptoms (e.g., pelvic pressure/pain, obstructive symptoms), hysterectomy is a definitive solution. However, it is not the preferred solution for women who wish to preserve fertility and/or their uterus. The selected treatment should be directed towards an improvement in symptomatology and quality of life. The cost of the therapy to the health care system and to women with fibroids must be interpreted in the context of the cost of untreated disease conditions and the cost of ongoing or repeat investigative or treatment modalities. VALUES: The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.

Graduating Obstetrics and Gynaecology Residents' Readiness for Practice: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the self-reported and program director-reported comfort of graduating Canadian obstetrics and gynaecology residents in independently performing various surgical skills. METHODS: A Web-based survey was distributed to four cohorts of graduating obstetrics and gynaecology residents across Canada (2014-2017). Residents were asked to indicate their comfort level with independently performing 34 core surgical procedures by using a five-point Likert-type scale. A similar survey was sent to program directors. Comfort scores for residents and program directors were compared using quantitative and qualitative methods as appropriate (Canadian Task Force Classification II-3). RESULTS: Resident and program director survey response rates were 168 of 320 (52.5%) and 20 of 48 (41.7%), respectively. Residents were "comfortable" or "very comfortable" performing 7 of 13 (54%) gynaecology and 4 of 6 (67%) obstetrics List A procedures independently. Program directors reported that residents were "comfortable" or "very comfortable" performing 10 of 13 (77%) gynaecology and 4 of 6 (67%) obstetrics List A procedures. Compared with program directors, residents reported lower comfort with certain minimally invasive and obstetrics List A procedures (P < 0.05). Differences in comfort when performing several List A procedures were related to training program size and plans to pursue fellowship. Qualitative analysis revealed several major and minor themes supporting the dichotomy between residents' lack of comfort and program directors' expectation of comfort. CONCLUSION: Graduating residents were not comfortable performing many core surgical procedures independently. Additionally, program directors believed that trainees were more comfortable than they reported, and comfort varied according to program size and future fellowship plans. The new competency-based curriculum is an opportunity to address this gap.