Is Preoperative Type and Screen High-value Care? A Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Performing Preoperative Type and Screen Prior to Urogynecological Surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Routine preoperative type and screen (T&S) is often ordered prior to urogynecological surgery but is rarely used. We aimed to assess the cost effectiveness of routine preoperative T&S and determine transfusion and transfusion reaction rates that make universal preoperative T&S cost effective. METHODS: A decision tree model from the health care sector perspective compared costs (2020 US dollars) and effectiveness (quality-adjusted life-years, QALYs) of universal preoperative T&S (cross-matched blood) vs no T&S (O negative blood). Our primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). Input parameters included transfusion rates, transfusion reaction incidence, transfusion reaction severity rates, and costs of management. The base case included a transfusion probability of 1.26%; a transfusion reaction probability of 0.0013% with or 0.4% without T&S; and with a transfusion reaction, a 50% probability of inpatient management and 0.0042 annual disutility. Costs were estimated from Medicare national reimbursement schedules. The time horizon was surgery/admission. We assumed a willingness-to-pay threshold of $150,000/QALY. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: The base case and one-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that routine preoperative T&S is not cost effective, with an ICER of $63,721,632/QALY. The optimal strategy did not change when base case cost, transfusion probability, or transfusion reaction disutility were varied. Threshold analysis revealed that if transfusion reaction probability without T&S is >12%, routine T&S becomes cost effective. Scenarios identified as cost effective in the threshold and sensitivity analyses fell outside reported rates for urogynecological surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Within broad ranges, preoperative T&S is not cost effective, which supports re-evaluating routine T&S prior to urogynecological surgery.

Higher degree of impostor characteristics relates to lower self-perceived teaching ability and emotional intelligence.

BACKGROUND: Emotional intelligence (EI) has been previously associated with teaching ability and impostor phenomenon (IP) in medical education; however, studies have demonstrated mixed findings and have largely focused on trainees only. Therefore, we sought to explore the potential association between the degree of IP characteristics, EI and teaching ability in obstetrics and gynaecology (Ob/Gyn) faculty physicians. METHODS: A cross-sectional, survey-based pilot study was completed at a single academic institution. Ob/Gyn attending (faculty) physicians were queried using surveys related to IP, EI and teaching ability. Resident (trainee) physicians also completed anonymous evaluations of faculty teaching ability. FINDINGS: The degree of IP characteristics correlated negatively with self-perceived teaching ability, with no significant differences in resident assessment of faculty teaching. IP also correlated negatively with EI. Although there were no statistically significant differences in resident assessment of teaching ability based on EI, both EI and IP demonstrated inverse relationships to faculty assessment of teaching ability compared with resident assessment. CONCLUSION: IP appears to relate to lower perceived teaching ability in Ob/Gyn faculty that does not correspond to resident evaluation of teaching performance. The demonstrated negative correlation between the degree of impostor characteristics and EI suggests that EI could potentially play a protective role in the development of IP and burnout, as well as influence teaching. This relationship may have implications for faculty willingness to continue in academic medicine.

Public Awareness of Obesity and Risk of Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Cohort Study.

IMPORTANCE: Obesity is a risk factor for pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), but limited information exists about the public awareness of this association. OBJECTIVE: Our primary objective was to assess awareness of the association between obesity and PFDs, comparing 2 cohorts of women with body mass index (BMI) <30 versus BMI ≥30. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional, survey-based cohort study. The survey included questions about demographics, height and weight self-assessment, and the risk of PFDs with obesity. Our primary outcome was the rate of women correctly identifying that obesity increases the risk of PFDs. RESULTS: Of 377 eligible participants 272 (72.1%) completed the survey, with 266 analyzed. Of these, 159 (59.8%) had a BMI <30 and 107 (40.2%) had a BMI ≥30. Comparing the cohorts, the lower BMI cohort was older (mean age of 54.4 ± 18.3 vs 48.4 ± 17.5 years, P = 0.008) and had higher rates of graduate/professional school (35.2% vs 19.6%, P = 0.04). Both groups had similarly high rates of PFDs. There was no difference in identifying obesity as a risk factor for PFDs, although the lower BMI group was less likely to identify the implications of weight loss on urinary incontinence (UI) (27.7% vs 45.8%, P = 0.002). Controlling for potential confounders, obesity remained positively associated with knowledge about the implications of weight loss on UI (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-4.4). CONCLUSIONS: Few women identified the increased risk of PFDs with obesity. Obese women may have increased awareness of the implications of weight loss on UI.

Defecatory Dysfunction.

Normal defecation is a complex and coordinated physiologic process that involves the rectum, anus, anal sphincter complex, and pelvic floor muscles. Any alteration of this process can be considered defecatory dysfunction, a term that covers a broad range of disorders, including slow-transit constipation, functional constipation, and functional or anatomic outlet obstruction. Evaluation should include history, physical, and consideration of additional testing such as colonoscopy, colonic transit studies, defecography, and/or anorectal manometry. Depending on the etiology, management options can include conservative measures such as dietary or lifestyle modifications, medications, pelvic floor physical therapy, or surgical repair.

Is a Postvoid Residual Necessary? A Randomized Trial of Two Postoperative Voiding Protocols.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare a backfill-assisted voiding trial (VT) with and without a postvoid residual (PVR) after pelvic reconstructive surgery. METHODS: This was a nonblinded randomized controlled trial of women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress incontinence surgery. Participants were randomized immediately after surgery to either a PVR VT or a PVR-free VT. Our primary outcome was the rate of VT failure at discharge. Secondary outcomes included days of catheterization, urinary tract infection (UTI), and prolonged voiding dysfunction. With a power of 80% and an α of 0.05, we needed 126 participants to detect a 25% difference in VT failure (60% in PVR VT vs 35% in PVR-free VT). RESULTS: Participants were enrolled from March 2017 to October 2017. Of the 150 participants, mean age was 59 years, and 33% underwent vaginal hysterectomy, 48% underwent anterior repair, and 75% underwent midurethral sling. Seventy-five (50%) were randomized to PVR VT and 75 (50%) to PVR-free VT, with no differences in baseline demographic or intraoperative characteristics between the 2 groups. Our primary outcome, VT failure, was not significantly different (53% PVR VT vs 53% PVR-free VT, P = 1.0). There were no significant differences in days of postoperative catheterization (1 [0, 4] in PVR VT vs 1 [0, 4] in PVR-free VT, P = 0.90), UTI (20% PVR VT vs 20% PVR-free VT, P = 1.0), or postoperative voiding dysfunction (4% PVR VT vs 5% PVR-free VT, P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: When performing a backfill-assisted VT, checking a PVR does not affect VT failure, postoperative duration of catheterization, UTI, or voiding dysfunction.

Implementation and Initial Construct Validity Evidence of a Tool, myTIPreport, for Interactive Workplace Feedback on ACGME Milestones.

OBJECTIVE: To describe implementation of myTIPreport for milestone feedback and to initiate construct validity testing of myTIPreport for milestones. DESIGN: myTIPreport was used to provide workplace feedback on Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education required milestone sets. Performance of senior learners (postgraduate year [PGY]-4s) was compared to that of junior learners (PGY-1s) to begin the process of construct validity testing for myTIPreport. SETTING: A convenience-based site selection of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) residency programs. PARTICIPANTS: OBGYN residents and faculty. RESULTS: Amongst the 12 participating OBGYN residency programs, there were 444 unique learners and 343 unique faculty teachers. A total of 5293 milestone feedback encounters were recorded. Mean PGY-4 performance was rated higher than mean PGY-1 performance on all 25 of the compared milestone sets, with statistically significant differences seen for 19 (76%) of these 25 milestone sets and nonsignificant differences in the predicted direction observed for the other 6 milestone sets. CONCLUSIONS: myTIPreport detected differences between senior and junior learners for the majority of compared feedback encounters for OBGYN residents. Findings support the emerging construct validity of myTIPreport for milestone feedback.

Acute postoperative delayed hemorrhage following anterior colporrhaphy and cystoscopy: A case report and a review of the literature.

The development of a retroperitoneal hematoma is a rare complication in gynecologic surgery. The literature on the condition is largely in the form of case reports describing its occurrence in relation to vaginal procedures. We report the case of a 40-year-old woman who had acute delayed-onset postoperative hemorrhage and retroperitoneal hematoma formation following an uncomplicated anterior colporrhaphy. She re-presented to the hospital several hours after discharge, with severe pain and vaginal bleeding. On imaging, she was found to have a large pelvic hematoma that was displacing the uterus, with extraperitoneal free fluid and active contrast extravasation. She underwent resuscitation and successful coil embolization of a small branch of the right uterine artery. This case report adds to the body of literature on the occurrence of retroperitoneal hematoma in vaginal surgery and underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion in individuals presenting with signs or symptoms suggestive of this diagnosis.

Lidocaine Use in Vaginal Surgery and Risk of Toxicity.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to compare the amount of lidocaine administered for vaginal reconstruction with versus without hysterectomy. The secondary objective was to assess the risk of lidocaine toxicity. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study compares lidocaine dose in 2 cohorts: women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy with additional vaginal reconstruction (VH + VR) versus those who underwent vaginal reconstruction without hysterectomy (VR only). Total intraoperative lidocaine dose included the intravenous dose from anesthesia and the vaginally injected dose from the surgeon. The risk of toxicity was defined as total dose greater than 7 mg/kg. The primary outcome was the difference in total lidocaine dose for VH + VR versus VR only. RESULTS: Among 372 women included, 140 (37.6%) were in the VH + VR group, and 232 (62.4%) in the VR-only group. For the primary outcome of total lidocaine dose between groups, VH + VR received more total lidocaine than did VR only (228 ± 105 vs 168 ± 78 mg, P < 0.001). This difference was due to the vaginal lidocaine dose (P < 0.001), with no significant difference in the intravenous lidocaine dose (P = 0.68). In a logistic regression model controlling for age, anesthesia type, sling, and anterior repair, posterior repair, and anesthesia type, VH remained an independent risk factor for increased lidocaine dose (P < 0.001). Two women received a toxic dose of lidocaine, and both were in the VH + VR group. CONCLUSIONS: Women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy with additional vaginal reconstructive procedures are more likely to receive a higher dose of lidocaine compared with women undergoing vaginal reconstruction alone. The risk of lidocaine toxicity is increased with concomitant procedures.

Transfusion Rates and the Utility of Type and Screen for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Limited data exist directly comparing the likelihood of blood transfusion by route of apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. In addition, limited evidence is available regarding the risk of not ordering preoperative type and screen (T&S) in apical POP surgery. The objectives of the study are to (1) provide baseline data regarding the current need for preoperative T&S by comparing perioperative blood transfusion rates between 3 routes of apical POP surgery and (2) determine the rate of a positive preoperative antibody screen in women who underwent apical POP surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent apical POP surgery by 3 different routes: abdominal (abdominal sacrocolpopexy), robotic (robotic sacrocolpopexy), or vaginal (uterosacral or sacrospinous ligament fixation). RESULTS: Among 610 women who underwent apical POP surgeries between May 2005 and May 2016, 24 women (3.9%) received a perioperative blood transfusion. The rate of transfusion was higher in the abdominal group (11.1%) compared with robotic (0.5%, P < 0.001) and vaginal (0.5%, P < 0.001). In a logistic regression model, abdominal route of POP surgery remained significantly associated with transfusion (odds ratio, 20.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.7-156.6). Among the 572 women who had a preoperative T&S performed, 9 (1.5%) had a positive antibody screen. CONCLUSIONS: Blood transfusion was significantly more common in abdominal compared with robotic and vaginal apical POP surgeries. The rate of a positive antibody screen was low, suggesting that type O blood is low risk if cross-matched blood is not available. Thus, it may be reasonable to not order a preoperative T&S prior to robotic or vaginal apical POP surgery.

Variation in bony landmarks and predictors of success with sacral neuromodulation.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We assessed variations in sacral anatomy and lead placement as predictors of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) success. Based solely on bony landmarks, we also assessed the accuracy of the 9 and 2 protocol for locating S3. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study performed from October 2008 to December 2016 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Fluoroscopic images were used to assess sacral anatomy and lead location. Success was defined as >50% symptom improvement after stage I and clinical response at most recent follow-up. RESULTS: Of 249 procedures, 209 were primary implants and 40 were revisions among 187 (89.5%) women and 22 (10.5%) men. Success rate was 83.3% for primary implants and 89.4% for revisions. Success was associated with shorter implant duration (21.3 ± 22.2 vs 33.6 ± 25.8 months), higher body mass index (30.3 ± 7.8 vs 27.6 ± 6.1 kg/m2), and straight vs curved lead (90.5% vs 80.5%) (all p = .05), but not with sacral anatomy or lead placement. In assessing the 9 and 2 protocol, mean distance from coccyx to S3 did not equal 9 cm: 7.4 ± 1.0 vs 7.2 ± 0.8 cm (p = .26), while mean distance from midline to S3 did equal 2 cm: 1.9 ± 0.4 vs 2.0 ± 0.7 cm (p = .37). CONCLUSIONS: Variations in sacral anatomy and lead placement did not predict SNM success. The 2-cm protocol was verified while the 9-cm protocol was not, although neither was predictive of success, which may obviate the need to mark bony landmarks prior to fluoroscopy.

Predictors of Opioid Administration in the Acute Postoperative Period.

OBJECTIVES: Our primary objective was to evaluate age as a predictor of postanesthesia care unit (PACU) opioid administration in women undergoing reconstructive pelvic surgery. Our secondary objective was to identify additional predictors of PACU opioid administration. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing outpatient urogynecologic surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence between September 2015 to October 2016 at 1 academic medical center. We compared 2 cohorts (1) women older than 65 years and (2) women older than 65 years. Our primary outcome was any opioid medication administered during the PACU admission. RESULTS: A total of 183 women were included in the study; 124 (68%) were younger than 65 years, and 59 (32%) were 65 years or older. For our primary outcome, women younger than 65 years were more likely to be given any opioids in PACU than women 65 years (70% vs 54%, P = 0.04, respectively). Women younger than 65 years were also given higher total amounts of opioid narcotics postoperatively (9.0 ± 8.3 vs 5.1 ± 6.0 mg, P < 0.05). For our secondary outcome, we found that PACU opioid administration was associated with midurethral sling (MUS) surgery (70% MUS vs 30% no MUS, P = 0.04) and high maximum PACU pain score (97% high vs 3% low, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In women undergoing urogynecologic surgery, age younger than 65 years is a predictor of high PACU pain score and resultant PACU opioid dispensation. This population should be targeted in future studies addressing the use of nonopioid multimodal therapies in the treatment of postoperative pain.

The Utility of Preoperative Laboratory Testing Before Urogynecologic Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: National guidelines for preoperative laboratory testing are based on limited, low-quality evidence. The role of age as a risk factor for testing is unclear. We sought to compare the prevalence of abnormal preoperative laboratory results in older vs younger urogynecologic surgical patients. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study of women undergoing urogynecologic surgery, we compared older (age, ≥65 years) with younger (age, 50-64 years) women. Our primary outcome was the prevalence of an abnormal preoperative laboratory result. RESULTS: We included 317 women, with 167 (52.7%) in the older cohort (ages, 65-91 years; mean, 73.3 ± 5.6 years) and 150 (47.3%) in the younger cohort (ages, 50-64 years; mean, 57.3 ± 4.1 years). Overall, 18.3% of participants had at least one abnormal preoperative laboratory, with older women more likely to have an abnormal result (28.7% vs 10.7%, P < 0.001). Compared with the younger cohort, older women had higher rates of abnormal hemoglobin (13.8% vs 6.0%, P = 0.02) and creatinine values (10.8% vs 2.7%, P = 0.005), with no significant differences for platelets (3.0% vs 1.3%, P = 0.53), sodium (3.0% vs 0.7%, P = 0.22), or potassium (6.0% vs 3.3%, P = 0.27). After adjusting for potential confounders, older age remained associated with an abnormal preoperative result (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-7.1). CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, women 65 years or older had a greater than 25% chance of having an abnormal preoperative laboratory result and were at higher risk compared with younger women. Age 65 years or greater should be considered as a criterion for preoperative laboratory testing in urogynecologic patients.