Perioperative pain management in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent evidence-based interventions for perioperative pain management in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: With particular emphasis on preemptive interventions in recent studies, we found preoperative counseling, nutrition, exercise, psychological interventions, and a combination of acetaminophen, celecoxib, and gabapentin are highly important and effective measures to reduce postoperative pain and opioid demand. Intraoperative local anesthetics may help at incision sites, as a paracervical block, and a transversus abdominus plane block. Postoperatively, an effort should be made to utilize non-narcotic interventions such as abdominal binders, ice packs, simethicone, bowel regimens, gabapentin, and scheduled NSAIDs and acetaminophen. When prescribing narcotics, providers should be aware of recommended amounts of opioids required per procedure so as to avoid overprescribing. SUMMARY: Our findings emphasize the evolving importance of preemptive interventions, including prehabilitation and pharmacologic agents, to improve postoperative pain after minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Additionally, a multimodal approach to nonnarcotic intraoperative and postoperative interventions decreases narcotic requirement and improves opioid stewardship.

The Association Between Mindfulness and Postoperative Pain: A Prospective Cohort Study of Gynecologic Oncology Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the association between preoperative dispositional mindfulness (the personality trait of being mindful) and postoperative pain in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: University-affiliated teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Gynecologic oncology patients (n = 126) planning minimally invasive hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Minimally invasive hysterectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Baseline mindfulness was assessed at the preoperative visit using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Postoperative pain and opioid usage were evaluated via chart review and surveys at postoperative visits at 1 to 2 weeks and 4 to 6 weeks. Higher baseline mindfulness was correlated with lower postoperative pain as measured by both the average and highest numeric pain scores during the inpatient stay (r = -.23, p = .020; r = -.21, p = .034). At the initial postoperative visit, pain score was also inversely correlated with preoperative mindfulness score (r = -.26, p = .008). This relationship was not observed at the final postoperative visit (r = -.08, p = .406). Pre-operative mindfulness and opioid usage were also inversely associated, though this relationship did not reach statistical significance (r = -.18, p = .066). CONCLUSION: Mindfulness was previously shown to be a promising intervention for chronic pain treatment. Our study demonstrates that higher preoperative dispositional mindfulness is associated with more favorable postoperative pain outcomes, including lower pain scores but not lower opioid consumption. This relationship provides an opportunity to target the modifiable personality characteristic of mindfulness, to reduce postoperative pain in patients following gynecologic surgery.

Patients believe that cosmetic procedures affect their quality of life: An interview study of patient-reported motivations.

BACKGROUND: Although treatments to address cosmetic concerns are common, patients' self-reported motives for considering such procedures have not been systematically explored. OBJECTIVE: To develop a framework of categories to describe patients' self-reported motivations for undergoing minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. METHODS: Face-to-face, semistructured patient interviews were conducted with adult participants who had undergone or were considering minimally invasive cosmetic dermatologic procedures. A qualitative constant comparative approach was used to analyze interview transcripts, yielding themes and subthemes. RESULTS: A total of 30 interviews were completed. Most patient-reported motivations for cosmetic procedures could be subsumed under 8 general categories (themes): (1) mental and emotional health, (2) cosmetic appearance, (3) physical health, (4) work and/or school success, (5) social well-being, (6) cost and/or convenience, (7) procedural perceptions, and (8) timing of treatment. Many individual motivations in these categories were unrelated to desire for physical beauty. In particular, participants wanted to avoid being self-conscious, enhance confidence, reduce the time and expense required to conceal physical imperfections, and be perceived as capable at work. LIMITATIONS: Only English-speaking patients in the United States were interviewed. CONCLUSION: Patient-reported motivations for cosmetic procedures mostly pertained to physical and psychosocial well-being. Indeed, a desire for improved cosmetic appearance was only 1 of the 8 themes revealed through the patient interviews.

Shared Decision-Making to Improve Patient Engagement in Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy.

Shared decision-making (SDM) between the patient and physician is receiving increased attention as a way to improve patient satisfaction and value of care. Having a readily implemented tool available to inform conversation may enable SDM at a high-volume gynecologic surgery practice. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of an SDM tool on patients' decision to have minimally invasive gynecology surgery. We conducted a feasibility study using the SDM tool plus a follow-up survey for 100 patients recommended to undergo minimally invasive hysterectomy. Nearly all patients (97%) indicated that they were satisfied with their decision to undergo a minimally invasive procedure, including laparoscopic total and supracervical hysterectomy with or without the aid of the robotic platform. Anecdotally, patients expressed appreciation for the provided materials and the presentation of care options. For the care provider, use of the SDM tool did not add substantial time to the visit. Knowing that comprehensive information was provided to all patients was reassuring. Implementing a shared decision-making model in a gynecological practice is feasible and increases awareness and engagement, as well as satisfaction, among patients electing to have a hysterectomy.

A randomized, prospective study of laparoendoscopic single-site plus one-port versus mini laparoscopic technique for live donor nephrectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of laparoendoscopic single-site plus one-port donor nephrectomy (LESSOP-DN) and mini laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (MLDN). METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 2014 to February 2016 in donors scheduled for left donor nephrectomy. Donor and recipient demographics and clinical outcomes including pain scores and questionnaires (BIQ: body image questionnaire, SF-36, patient-reported overall convalescence) were also compared. RESULTS: A total of 121 eligible donors were recruited, of which 99 donors who were scheduled to undergo an operation on their left side were randomized into LESSOP-DN (n = 50) and MLDN (n = 49) groups. There were no significant demographic differences between the two groups. The renal extraction time in the LESS-DN group was shorter than that in the MLDN group (75.89 ± 13.01 vs. 87.31 ± 11.38 min, p < 0.001). Other perioperative parameters and complication rates were comparable between the two groups. The LESSOP-DN group had a smaller incision length than the MLDN group (4.89 ± 0.68 vs. 6.21 ± 1.11 cm, p < 0.001), but cosmetic scores and body image scores were similar in the two groups (p = 0.905, 0.217). Donor quality of life (SF-36) and recovery and satisfaction data were comparable between the two groups. Delayed graft function (DGF) occurred in one recipient undergoing MLDN procedure (2.1%) and progressed to graft failure. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in cosmetic satisfaction between groups despite the smaller incision size of LESSOP-DN. Safety parameters and subjective measures of postoperative morbidity were similar between the two groups.

Single-Institution Propensity-Matched Study to Evaluate the Psychological Effect of Minimally Invasive Interval Debulking Surgery Versus Standard Laparotomic Treatment: From Body to Mind and Back.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To further investigate the psycho-oncologic effect of minimally invasive surgery comparing patients submitted to minimally invasive interval debulking surgery (MI-IDS) with a balanced population treated by standard laparotomy (L-IDS). DESIGN: Single-institution propensity-matched study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Division of Gynecologic Oncology, "Policlinico A. Gemelli" Foundation, Rome, Italy. PATIENTS: The investigational arm included 30 patients with advanced ovarian cancer treated with MI-IDS, whereas the control arm included a consecutive series of 30 patients with advanced ovarian cancer submitted to L-IDS. For every patient preoperative data were collected to assess the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Perioperative data were also recorded. INTERVENTIONS: A General Well-Being Schedule (GWBS) and a clinical assessment of body uneasiness, the Body Uneasiness Test, were administered by a psycho-oncologist immediately before IDS and within 30 days after surgery to evaluate the psychological burden in both groups. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Both groups were matched as closely as possible. No statistical differences were registered in terms of surgical procedures and residual tumor. A significantly longer median operative time in patients was counterbalanced by more favorable estimated blood loss and median length of stay and time to chemotherapy. No statistically significant differences were registered in terms of postoperative complications. Starting from a substantially homogenous psychological condition, psychometric evaluation underlined statistically significant differences in favor of MI-IDS. The mean GWBS score was 64.17 ± 11.77 in patients and 54.15 ± 14.76 in control subjects, with a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (p = .004). CONCLUSION: MI-IDS seems to play an important role in the quality of life and oncologic outcomes. Even if presented data testified a further evolutionary step in oncologic patient care, more experience with larger groups of patients is desirable to deeply investigate and assess our results.

Patient Preferences for Minimally Invasive and Open Locoregional Treatment for Early-Stage Breast Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive or minimally invasive treatments are being developed as alternatives to surgery for patients with early-stage breast cancer. Patients' preferences with regard to these new treatments have not been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To assess preferences of patients with breast cancer and of healthy women regarding these new techniques, compared with conventional surgical treatments. METHODS: Six hypothetical breast cancer treatment-outcome scenarios were developed: three standard surgical scenarios (mastectomy, mastectomy with immediate implant-based reconstruction, and breast-conserving therapy [BCT]) and three minimally invasive or noninvasive scenarios (radiofrequency ablation, magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation, and single-dose ablative radiotherapy). Participants rated treatment-outcome scenarios by visual analogue scale (VAS) and time trade-off (TTO). The Friedman and post hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to test whether scores were significantly different from BCT. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients with breast cancer and 50 healthy volunteers participated. Overall, BCT was rated the highest in terms of VAS (0.80) and TTO (0.90) scores. After stratification, BCT ranked the highest in most subgroups, with the exception of healthy individuals, who had given the highest score to ablative boost (VAS, 0.80; TTO, 0.88). Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction was the least preferred in most subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed no significant preference for minimally invasive treatment for breast cancer. Using hypothetical scenarios, breast cancer survivors attributed the highest scores to BCT, whereas healthy volunteers showed a slight preference for minimally invasive treatments.

Are patients willing to trade cure rate against less pain? Patients' preferences for single incision midurethral sling or transobturator standard midurethral sling.

AIMS: To quantify to what extent patients are willing to trade their chance of cure of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) against less postoperative groin pain. Randomized, controlled trials show less postoperative pain following single-incision mini-sling (SIMS), but slightly higher cure rates following a transobturator standard midurethral sling (SMUS). METHODS: A multi-center, interview-based trade-off experiment for treatment preference among 100 women with predominant SUI and undergoing SIMS. A hypothetical cure rate of SIMS was systematically varied from 10% to 70%, while keeping the cure rate of SMUS constant at 70%. The trade-off was assessed for two hypothetical durations of substantial postoperative pain after SMUS-2 days or 2 weeks-while simultaneously assuming the absence of substantial postoperative pain after SIMS. RESULTS: To prevent 2 days of substantial postoperative pain with SMUS, patients were willing to accept a 4.3% mean decrease in cure rate of SIMS, while a 7.1% mean decrease was acceptable to forego 2 weeks of substantial pain. Younger women (P = 0.04) and single women (P = 0.04) were associated with the trade-off limit for 2 days, respectively, 2 weeks of substantial postoperative pain. Single women were willing to accept lower cure rates. No correlations with trade-off limits were found for patients' actual severity, duration, and frequency of SUI. CONCLUSIONS: Patients are willing to accept a slightly lower probability of cure to prevent substantial post-operative pain by undergoing a less invasive procedure. These results are relevant for counselling of patients indicated for SUI surgery.

Minimally Invasive Surgery Survey: A Survey of Surgical Team Members' Perceptions for Successful Minimally Invasive Surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To develop a valid and reliable survey to measure surgical team members' perceptions regarding their institution's requirements for successful minimally invasive surgery (MIS). DESIGN: Questionnaire development and validation study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Three hospital types: rural, urban/academic, and community/academic. PARTICIPANTS: Minimally invasive staff (team members). INTERVENTION: Development and validation of a minimally invasive surgery survey (MISS). MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Using the Safety Attitudes questionnaire as a guide, we developed questions assessing study participants' attitudes regarding the requirements for successful MIS. The questions were closed-ended and responses based on a 5-point Likert scale. The large pool of questions was then given to 4 focus groups made up of 3 to 6 individuals. Each focus group consisted of individuals from a specific profession (e.g., surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and surgical technicians). Questions were revised based on focus group recommendations, resulting in a final 52-question set. The question set was then distributed to MIS team members. Individuals were included if they had participated in >10 MIS cases and worked in the MIS setting in the past 3 months. Participants in the trial population were asked to repeat the questionnaire 4 weeks later to evaluate internal consistency. Participants' demographics, including age, gender, specialty, profession, and years of experience, were captured in the questionnaire. Factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed to determine domains (questions evaluating similar themes). For internal consistency and reliability, domains were tested using interitem correlations and Cronbach's α. Cronbach's α > .6 was considered internally consistent. Kendall's correlation coefficient τ closer to 1 and with p < .05 was considered significant for the test-retest reliability. Two hundred fifty participants answered the initial question set. Of those, 53 were eliminated because they did not meet inclusion criteria or failed to answer all questions, leaving 197 participants. Most participants were women (68% vs 32%), and 42% were between the ages 30 and 39 years. Factor analysis identified 6 domains: collaboration, error reporting, job proficiency/efficiency, problem-solving, job satisfaction, and situational awareness. Interitem correlations testing for redundancy for each domain ranged from .2 to .7, suggesting similar themed questions while avoiding redundancy. Cronbach's α, testing internal consistency, was .87. Sixty-two participants from the original cohort repeated the question set at 4 weeks. Forty-three were analyzed for test-retest reliability after excluding those who did not meet inclusion criteria. The final questions showed high test-retest reliability (τ = .3-.7, p < .05). The final questionnaire was made up of 29 questions from the original 52 question set. CONCLUSION: The MISS is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to measure how surgical team members conceptualize the requirements for successful MIS. The MISS revealed that participants identified 6 important domains of a successful workenvironment: collaboration, error reporting, job proficiency/efficiency, problem-solving, job satisfaction, and situational awareness. The questionnaire can be used to understand and align various surgical team members' goals and expectations and may help improve quality of care in the MIS setting.

Human Factors Evaluation of Surgeons' Working Positions for Gynecologic Minimal Access Surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To investigate work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) in gynaecological minimal access surgery (MAS), including bariatric (plus size) patients DESIGN: Mixed methods (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. MEASUREMENTS: Survey, observations (anthropometry, postural analysis), and interviews. RESULTS: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) were present in 63% of the survey respondents (n = 67). The pilot study (n = 11) identified contributory factors, including workplace layout, equipment design, and preference of port use (relative to patient size). Statistically significant differences for WRMSD-related posture risks were found within groups (average-size mannequin and plus-size mannequin) but not between patient size groups, suggesting that port preference may be driven by surgeon preference (and experience) rather than by patient size. CONCLUSION: Some of the challenges identified in this project need new engineering solutions to allow flexibility to support surgeon choice of operating approach (open, laparoscopic or robotic) with a workplace that supports adaptation to the task, the surgeon, and the patient.

Promoting Same-Day Discharge for Gynecologic Oncology Patients in Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Despite clear data demonstrating feasibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness of same-day discharge after minimally invasive hysterectomy, a paucity of data suggests ways to increase same-day discharge rates. Our objectives were to promote same-day discharge after minimally invasive hysterectomy using preoperative patient education videos, provider same-day discharge awareness initiatives, and standardization of postoperative management and to investigate reasons for overnight admission after surgery (non-same-day discharge). DESIGN: A quality improvement project measured rates of same-day discharge, patient satisfaction, and readmission during the 5 months before and after video implementation. Readmission rates were calculated as a surrogate for safety. A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who underwent minimally invasive hysterectomy during the 5 months after video implementation, comparing 43 same-day discharges to 26 non-same-day discharge patients who met criteria for same-day discharge. Differences between groups were analyzed using 2-tailed t tests or logistic regression (continuous variables) and Fisher's exact test or χ2 test (categorical variables). Next, providers were educated about same-day discharge, and initiatives were implemented to standardize postoperative care. Same-day discharge rates were then calculated to evaluate these additional interventions (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: A gynecologic oncology division based at an academic institution and performing surgery at 2 hospitals. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy for both benign and malignant disease, using robot-assisted, straight laparoscopic, and radical hysterectomy procedures. INTERVENTIONS: Patient education video, provider education about same-day discharge, and initiatives to standardize postoperative care. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Overall, same-day discharge rates decreased from 47% to 35% and readmission rates from 1.7% to 0% after video implementation. Greater than 87% of both groups were very or somewhat satisfied with their care (p = .71). Excluding patients who did not qualify for same-day discharge, the prevideo implementation same-day discharge rate was 72% (n = 78) and the postvideo implementation same-day discharge rate was 62% (n = 69). Higher patient complexity (p = .003), later case end time (p = .001), longer operative time (p = .001), and robot-assisted cases (p = .002) significantly predicted non-same-day discharge. After implementing initiatives to increase provider same-day discharge awareness and to standardize postoperative management, in addition to video implementation, the same-day discharge rate increased to 86% (n = 51). CONCLUSION: Same-day discharge in a select population is safe and feasible, with at least similar patient satisfaction as non-same-day discharge patients. Shorter operative time, earlier case end time, lower patient complexity, and non-robot-assisted approach increase the likelihood of same-day discharge. Patient education videos alone did not increase same-day discharges but maintained acceptable readmission rates. Communication with providers regarding the same-day discharge initiative and standardization of postoperative management with preoperative video implementation may lead to increased same-day discharge rates.

Percutaneous Myotomy With a Small Needle-Knife and Lipoinjection for Treatment of Glabellar Frown Lines.

BACKGROUND: Glabellar frown lines are a common aesthetic concern, and minimally invasive techniques to treat frown lines have become popular. OBJECTIVES: The authors developed a technique to minimize frown lines by means of percutaneous myotomy with a small needle-knife and lipoinjection. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients underwent treatment of the glabellar frown lines in a prospective study. Percutaneous myotomy of the corrugator supercilii and procerus was conducted with a small needle-knife, and autologous fat was transferred to the glabellar region. Two independent investigators assessed improvement of the glabellar frown lines by applying the Merz Facial Wrinkle Scale preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Improvement by ≥1 point was regarded as a response to treatment. Patients also conducted a self-assessment based on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 8 months. The evaluators determined that the glabellar frown lines of 62 patients (89.9%) responded to treatment. For 4 patients (5.8%), the frown lines were partially improved, and the frown lines did not improve for 3 patients (4.3%). In a self-assessment, 64 patients (92.8%) perceived improvement in their frown lines 6 months postoperatively. No serious complications were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of glabellar frown lines by percutaneous myotomy with a small needle-knife and lipoinjection is reliable and minimally invasive. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Why some of the dermatologists choose to avoid carrying out minimally invasive cosmetic procedures?

BACKGROUND: Some dermatologists choose to avoid carrying out cosmetic dermatology procedures. The aim of this study is to reveal the knowledge and daily outpatient clinic applications of dermatologists in Turkey, and their problems concerning minimally invasive cosmetic procedures (MICPs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study. Between December 2014 and July 2015, a questionnaire was sent to dermatologists by e-mail. RESULTS: Of the 318 participant dermatologists, 233 (73.3%) were female. It was determined that 63.8% of the participants had sufficient knowledge on MICP (very good, good, and medium) while 36.2% had insufficient knowledge (little, very little, and none). About 19.9% of the patients required MICP during outpatient clinic service. The 120 dermatologists who do not apply MICP gave the following reasons: not having adequate training (50%), MICP not being profitable (28.3), not having enough time (25%), being worried about side effects and complications (14.2%), and legal problems (9.2%). CONCLUSION: It was observed that many dermatologists are interested in cosmetic dermatology, received their training on the subject through courses, have sufficient knowledge, and apply these procedures. However, it was also found out that some dermatologists do not apply MICP due to inadequate training, time, and physical constraints.

Avoiding Psychological Pitfalls in Aesthetic Medical Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in an aesthetic surgery setting in the region of Southwest China, and to ascertain the differences in terms of body images between patients in the aesthetic setting and general Chinese population. This study tracked patient satisfaction with their body image changes while undergoing aesthetic medical procedures to identify whether the condition of patients who were presenting with BDD symptoms or their psychological symptoms could be improved by enhancing their appearance. Additionally, this study explored whether there was improvement in quality of life (QoL) and self-esteem after aesthetic medical procedures. METHODS: A total of 106 female patients who were undergoing aesthetic medical procedures for the first time (plastic surgery, n = 26; minimally invasive aesthetic treatment, n = 42; and aesthetic dermatological treatment, n = 38) were classified as having body dysmorphic disorder symptoms or not having body dysmorphic disorder symptoms, based on the body dysmorphic disorder examination (BDDE), which was administered preoperatively. These patients were followed up for 1 month after the aesthetic procedures. The multidimensional body self-relations questionnaire-appearance scales (MBSRQ-AS) and rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSE-S) were used to assess patients' preoccupation with appearance and self-esteem pre-procedure and 1 month post-procedure. Additionally, 100 female healthy control participants were recruited as a comparative group into this study and they were also assessed using BDDE, MBSRQ-AS, and RSE-S. RESULTS: A total of 14.2 % of 106 aesthetic patients and 1 % of 100 healthy controls were diagnosed with BDD to varying extents. BDDE scores were 72.83 (SD ± 30.7) and 68.18 (SD ± 31.82), respectively, before and after the procedure for the aesthetic patient group and 43.44 (SD ± 15.65) for the healthy control group (F = 34.28; p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the groups in subscales of MBSRQ-AS, i.e. appearance evaluation (F = 31.31; p < 0.001), appearance orientation (F = 31.65; p < 0.001), body areas satisfaction (F = 27.40; p < 0.001), and RSE-S scores (F = 20.81; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference, however, in subscales of MBSRQ-AS, i.e. overweight preoccupation (F = 1.685; p = 0.187), self-classified weight (F = 0.908; p = 0.404) between groups. All the subscales of MBSRQ-AS showed significant differences between the aesthetic patients (pre-procedure) and female adult norms from Dr. Cash's result given in Table 4 (p < 0.001). The study also showed that there were no significant differences in the scores of BDDE, MBSRQ-AS, and RSE-S of those fifteen aesthetic patients diagnosed with BDD after aesthetic procedures lasting one month. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence rate (14.2 %) of body dysmorphic disorder in aesthetic procedure seekers, and it seemed that those patients suffering from BDD were more likely to be dissatisfied with the results of the aesthetic medical procedures. However, general aesthetic patients showed improvement in most assessments which indicated that aesthetic medical procedures could not only enhance patient appearance, but also patient low self-esteem and QoL. Self-satisfaction could also be promoted. A screening procedure for BDD including suitable screening questionnaires might be considered for routine use in aesthetic clinical settings to minimize dissatisfaction and complaints. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that the authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors. www.springer.com/00266 .

Minimally invasive surgery when treating endometriosis has a positive effect on health and on quality of work life of affected women.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the effect of the minimally invasive surgical treatment of endometriosis on health and on quality of work life (e.g. working performance) of affected women? SUMMARY ANSWER: Absence from work, performance loss and the general negative impact of endometriosis on the job are reduced significantly by the laparoscopic surgery. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The benefits of surgery overall and of the laparoscopic method in particular for treating endometriosis have been described before. However, previous studies focus on medical benchmarks without including the patient's perspective in a quantitative manner. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A retrospective questionnaire-based survey covering 211 women with endometriosis and a history of specific laparoscopic surgery in a Swiss university hospital, tertiary care center. Data were returned anonymously and were collected from the beginning of 2012 until March 2013. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Women diagnosed with endometriosis and with at least one specific laparoscopic surgery in the past were enrolled in the study. The study investigated the effect of the minimally invasive surgery on health and on quality of work life of affected women. Questions used were obtained from the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) Global Study on Women's Health (GSWH) instrument. The questionnaire was shortened and adapted for the purpose of the present study. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Of the 587 women invited to participate in the study, 232 (232/587 = 40%) returned the questionnaires. Twenty-one questionnaires were excluded due to incomplete data and 211 sets (211/587 = 36%) were included in the study. Our data show that 62% (n = 130) of the study population declared endometriosis as influencing the job during the period prior to surgery, compared with 28% after surgery (P < 0.001). The mean (maximal) absence from work due to endometriosis was reduced from 2.0 (4.9) to 0.5 (1.4) hours per week (P < 0.001). The mean (maximal) loss in working performance after the surgery averaged out at 5.7% (12.6%) compared with 17.5% (30.5%) before this treatment (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The mediocre response rate of the study weakens the representativeness of the investigated population. Considering the anonymous setting a non-responder investigation was not performed. A bias due to selection, information and negativity effects within a retrospective survey cannot be excluded, although study-sensitive questions were provided in multiple ways. The absence of a control group (sham group; e.g. patients undergoing specific diagnostic laparoscopy without treatment) is a further limitation of the study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our study shows that indicated minimally invasive surgery has a clear positive effect on the wellbeing and working performance of women suffering from moderate to severe endometriosis. Furthermore, national net savings in indirect costs with the present number of surgeries is estimated to be €10.7 million per year. In an idealized setting (i.e. without any diagnosis delay) this figure could be more than doubled. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The study was performed on behalf of the University Hospital of Bern (Inselspital) as one of the leading Swiss tertiary care centers. The authors do not declare any competing interests.

Ethnic minorities (African American and Hispanic) males prefer prostate cryoablation as aggressive treatment of localized prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Our safety net hospital offers minimally invasive, traditional open and perineal radical prostatectomies, as well as radiation therapy and medical oncological services when appropriate. Historically, only few African American and Hispanic patients elected surgical procedures due to unknown reasons. Interestingly, after initiation of the prostate cryoablation program (Whole Gland) in 2003 at Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC) we noticed a trend towards cryotherapy in these specific patient populations for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. We analyzed the profile of ethnic minority men evaluated for localized prostate cancer and evaluated the associated factors in the decision making for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 524 patients seen for prostate cancer from January 2003 to January 2012 in our safety net hospital was conducted. The treatment selected by the patient after oncologic consultation was then recorded. The health insurance status, demographic data, and personal statements of reasons for elected procedure were obtained. A multivariate logistic regression for associated factors influencing treatment decisions was then formed. Patients were categorized by using the D'Amico risk stratification criteria. RESULTS: The insurance status revealed that only 1% of African American patients had private health insurance versus 5% Hispanic and 26% of Caucasians. African American men were at higher D'Amico risk with more positive metastasis evaluation yet were less likely to undergo surgery and instead often elected for radiation therapy. Conversely, Hispanic and Caucasian men often elected cryoablation and radical prostatectomy for their treatment. Referrals for surgery were primarily Caucasian males with private health insurance. Most minority patients had indigent health coverage. Statistical analysis further revealed that age, marital status, indigent enrollment, D'Amico risk, and the option of cryoablation may influence patient's selection for surgical management of localized prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: Many factors influence treatment selection including race, age, marital status, enrollment in an indigent program, and a high D'Amico risk. The less invasive nature of cryoablation appeared to influence patients' opinion regarding surgery for the treatment of localized prostate cancer, especially in African American men.

Fulfilment of patient-rated expectations predicts the outcome of surgery for femoroacetabular impingement.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the role of expectations in relation to patient-rated global treatment outcome in patients undergoing hip preservation surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). METHOD: Pre-operatively, 86 patients completed the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), a question about the motivation for undergoing surgery, and Likert-scales rating the improvement expected in various domains (pain, general function, sport, walking capacity, independence, social function, mental well-being). 12-months post-operatively, they rated the actual perceived improvement in each domain and the global outcome of surgery (GTO, 5-point Likert-scale: operation "helped a lot" through to "made things worse"), and completed the OHS again. RESULTS: The most frequent "top reason" for surgery was "alleviation of pain", being indicated by 33% patients; 20% patients chose "fear of worsening", 16% "improvement in everyday activities", 11% "other therapies failed", 10% "improvement in sporting activities" and 10% other. The 12-month data revealed prior expectations had been overly optimistic in more than 50% patients for hip pain, sport, and general physical capacity, and in 33-45% patients for independence, mental well-being, and walking capacity. Multiple regression revealed significant (P<0.05) unique associations between GTO and "fulfilled expectations" for pain and sport (explaining 47% and 12% variance, respectively). CONCLUSION: Expectations of surgery were overly optimistic. Having one's expectations fulfilled, especially in relation to pain, was important for a good outcome. The results emphasise the benefit of assessing patient-orientated outcome in routine practice and the factors that might influence it, such that realistic expectations can be established for patients prior to surgery.

MIS in the management of colon and rectal cancer: consensus meeting of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada.

A consensus conference on the role of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the management of colon and rectal cancer was convened by the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada in Toronto on April 18, 2012. This is a report of the consensus of an invited group of Canadian experts in MIS and surgery of the colon and rectum that addresses the role this technology should play in treatment and also considers advocacy and resources.

Acceptability of a minimally invasive perinatal/paediatric autopsy: healthcare professionals' views and implications for practice.

BACKGROUND: Perinatal autopsy provides essential clinical information, including cause of death; yet, autopsy rates have steadily declined because of parental refusal. Technology now enables less invasive alternatives to traditional autopsy and may increase the acceptability of post-mortem examination. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relative acceptability among healthcare professionals of a minimally invasive autopsy (MIA; magnetic resonance imaging and laparoscopic-guided tissue sampling), compared with standard autopsy. METHODS: This study was questionnaire-based survey of healthcare professionals working in clinical settings where paediatric and perinatal deaths occur. RESULTS: Of 250 questionnaires distributed, 224 were returned (90% response rate). Autopsy was generally perceived as acceptable. Demographic factors affecting acceptability included ethnicity and religion but not professional role. MIA compared favourably with traditional autopsy, 50% of respondents reporting both equally acceptable, 40% reporting MIA more acceptable and 10% less acceptable. Healthcare professionals agreed that having a MIA option would make it easier to discuss autopsy with parents (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Less invasive autopsy appears an acceptable alternative to traditional autopsy for most respondents. Healthcare professionals should be aware that ethnic and religious opinions influence their own views on autopsy decisions and should be mindful of this when discussing autopsy with parents. Further research is needed to determine parental opinions.

Utility scores and treatment preferences for clinical early-stage cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To determine utility scores for health states relevant to the treatment of early-stage, high-risk cervical cancer. METHODS: Seven descriptive health states incorporating the physical and emotional aspects of medical treatment, recovery, and prognosis were developed. Forty-five female volunteers valuated each health state using the visual analogue score (VAS) and time trade off (TTO) methods. Treatment options were ranked by mean and median TTO scores. The 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the statistical significance of ranking preferences. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare central tendencies related to age, race, parity, and subject history of abnormal cervical cytology. RESULTS: VAS and TTO scores were highly correlated. Volunteers ranked minimally invasive radical hysterectomy with low-risk features as most preferred (mean TTO = 0.96; median TTO = 1.00) and aborted radical hysterectomy followed by chemoradiation as least preferred (mean TTO = 0.69; median TTO = 0.83). Health states that included radical surgery were ranked higher than those that included chemoradiation, either in the adjuvant or primary setting. When survival was comparable, volunteers rated radical hysterectomy with high-risk pathology followed by adjuvant chemoradiation (mean TTO = 0.78; median TTO = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.69-0.87) similarly to chemoradiation alone (mean TTO = 0.76; median TTO 0.90; 95% CI: 0.66-0.86; p = NS). Utility scores for the majority of health states were not significantly associated with age, race, parity, or subject history of abnormal cervical cytology. CONCLUSION: Subjects consistently preferred surgical excision to treat early-stage, high-risk cervical cancer and chose a minimally invasive approach. Such utility scores can be used to incorporate quality-of-life effects into comparative-effectiveness models for cervical cancer.