Benefit and burden in the Dutch cytology-based vs high-risk human papillomavirus-based cervical cancer screening program.

BACKGROUND: In 2017, the Dutch cervical cancer screening program had replaced the primary cytology-based screening with primary high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening, including the opportunity to participate through self-sampling. Evaluation and balancing benefit (detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) and burden of screening (unnecessary referrals, invasive diagnostics, and overtreatment) is needed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the referral rates, detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment in the new high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening program, including physician-sampled and self-sampled material, with the previous cytology-based screening program in the Netherlands. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted within the Dutch population-based cervical cancer screening program. Screenees with referrals for colposcopy between 2014 and 2015 (cytology-based screening) and 2017 and 2018 (high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening) were included. Data were retrieved from the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA) and compared between the 2 screening programs. The main outcome measures were referral rate, detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse, overdiagnosis (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or less in the histologic specimen), and overtreatment (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or less in the treatment specimen). RESULTS: Of the women included in the study, 19,109 received cytology-based screening, and 26,171 received high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening. Referral rates increased from 2.5% in cytology-based screening to 4.2% in high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening (+70.2%). Detection rates increased to 46.2% for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse, 32.2% for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse, and 31.0% for cervical cancer, and overdiagnosis increased to 143.4% with high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening. Overtreatment rates were similar in both screening periods. The positive predictive value of referral for detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse in high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening was 34.6% compared with 40.2% in cytology-based screening. Women screened through self-sampling were at higher risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse detection (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.59) and receiving treatment (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.48) than those screened through physician-sampling. CONCLUSION: Compared with cytology-based screening, high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening increases detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, with 462 more cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse cases per 100,000 women but at the expense of 850 more cases per 100,000 women with invasive diagnostics indicating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or less.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure or Cervical Conization to Exclude Cervical Cancer Before Simple Hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine which women require loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) or cervical conization (cone) to exclude cervical cancer after colposcopy for evaluation of abnormal cervical cancer screening tests yet before simple hysterectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Review of electronic medical records from colposcopy clinics followed by chart review of women with cervical cancer was conducted. RESULTS: Of 18,537 cervical colposcopies for evaluation of abnormal cervical cancer screening tests, 0.6% (103/18,537) had cervical cancer; of 103 women with cervical cancer, 57 had neither cervical biopsy nor endocervical curettage (ECC) showing cancer or rule-out cancer (occult cancers) and were diagnosed by subsequent LEEP (n = 22), cone (n = 31), failed cone (n = 1), or hysterectomy (n = 3). The relative risk of occult cervical cancer at colposcopy for ECC of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or CIN 3 versus ECC not CIN 2 or CIN 3 was 51.5 (5.0% vs 0.1%), for cervical biopsy of CIN 3 versus not CIN 3, was 34.5 (3.9% vs 0.1%), and for colposcopic impression of CIN 2, CIN 3, or cancer (CIN 2+) versus impression not CIN 2+, was 8.5 (1.9% vs 0.2%). If the 10.9% (2,018/18,537) of colposcopies with ECC of CIN 2 or CIN 3, cervical biopsy of CIN 3, or colposcopic impression of CIN 2+ had subsequent LEEP or cone, 96.5% (55/57) of occult cervical cancers would be detected before hysterectomy. CONCLUSIONS: After colposcopy, women with ECC of CIN 2 or CIN 3, cervical biopsy of CIN 3, or colposcopic impression of CIN 2+ require LEEP or cone before simple hysterectomy.

Pediatric dermatologic surgery: our experience.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for pediatric skin disorders is used for diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. We underline these procedures are usually easy and uncomplicated without the need for general anesthesia. Objective of this study was to share our experience in the field of pediatric dermatologic surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed records of all pediatric patients receiving surgical therapy at the Dermatology Department of Spedali Civili of Brescia. Demographic data and treatments characteristics were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period of one year, 670 surgical treatments concerning pediatric patients were collected. Number of procedures progressively grows with increasing age. All treatments were performed under local anesthesia except for a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans for which general anesthesia was needed. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that cryosurgery, electrodessication and excisional surgery constitute with equal proportion almost the whole of surgical procedures in dermatologic pediatric patients. Dermatologist's habit to perform surgery in local anesthesia avoids the risk of overtreatments, limits discomfort, anxiety, and pain perception linked to procedures performed.

Urothelial Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter: Does Location Make a Difference?

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) arising from the renal pelvis (RPUC) versus UTUC arising from the ureter (UUC). The published literature is conflicting, and there is no consensus on patient prognosis based on disease location. The aim of this study is to compare clinical and survival outcomes based on location of primary tumor using a large national registry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried from 2010 to 2016 for patients with localized (cN0M0) UTUC. Patients were stratified based on location of tumor. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard regression and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted Kaplan-Meier curves. We also performed exploratory analyses based on tumor stage. RESULTS: We identified 11,922 patients who underwent surgical treatment. The median follow-up was 32.1 months. Patients with RPUC presented with higher tumor stage and grade. Patients with UUC were treated with less radical nephroureterectomy (56.4% vs. 84.3%; P < .01). IPTW-adjusted Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated higher median overall survival for RPUC versus UUC (71.1 vs. 66.8 months, respectively; P = .01). This benefit was consistent across tumor stage subgroups, reaching statistical significance in patients with T1 disease. On multivariable analysis, ureteral location of tumor was a predictor of worse survival. CONCLUSION: Patients with UUC were found to be treated with less radical surgery and to have worse survival than those with RPUC. These patients may suffer from poor initial staging and suboptimal treatments. Further studies are needed to evaluate potential biological differences of UTUC based on tumor location.

Clinical practice variation and overtreatment risk in women with abnormal cervical cytology in the Netherlands: two-step versus see-and-treat approach.

BACKGROUND: Only a few small studies have compared the 2-step method (biopsy followed by treatment) with a see-and-treat (immediate treatment) approach in women both low-grade or high-grade referral cytology. The clinical practice variation in the Netherlands has not been reviewed before. OBJECTIVES: To determine overtreatment rates in the 2-step versus see-and-treat approach in women referred for colposcopy because of abnormal cytology results, and to evaluate clinical practice variation in the Netherlands. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a population-based retrospective cohort study including 36,581 women with a histologic result of the cervix identified from the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA) between 2016 and 2017. Odds ratios for overtreatment, defined primarily as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or less, were determined for the 2-step and see-and-treat approach in relation to age, high-risk human papillomavirus status, and referral cytology. RESULTS: Of the included women 10,713 women (29.3%) received the 2-step method; 6,851 women (18.7%) underwent see-and-treat; and 19,017 women (52.0%) received conservative management after colposcopy with histologic assessment with cytologic follow-up or another type of treatment. Despite the existence of a national guideline advising see-and-treat only in case of suspected high-grade disease in women who have completed their childbearing, there is a wide practice variation between the 2 strategies in the Netherlands, with 7.0-88.3% of the women receiving see-and-treat per laboratory. The median time between cytology and treatment was 1-2 months (range, 0-12 months) in women receiving see-and-treat and the 2-step method, respectively. A total of 4119 women (23.5%) were overtreated, with older women, high-risk human papillomavirus-negative women, and women with low-grade cytology results being more likely to be overtreated. Women with low-grade cytology results and see-and-treat were associated with a higher overtreatment rate than women receiving the 2-step method (65.0% [1414 of 2174] versus 32.1% [1161 of 3613], respectively; odds ratio, 3.34; 95% confidence interval, 2.92-3.82). However, in women with high-grade cytology results, see-and-treat was inversely associated with overtreatment (11.3% [529 of 4677] versus 14.3% [1015 of 7100], respectively; odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.81). CONCLUSION: A see-and-treat approach is justified only in women with high-grade cytology results who have completed their childbearing. There is a wide practice variation between the 2 strategies in the Netherlands, and gynecologists should adhere to the guideline to prevent overtreatment.

Maternal History of Cervical Surgery and Preterm Delivery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: Our aim was to investigate whether cervical conization and/or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) increases the risk of preterm delivery. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of singleton deliveries at our institution from 2010 to 2015. Women aged 16-49 years were included in our study. Univariate and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. An interaction test was used to assess whether maternal human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity within the 3 years before delivery (referred to as maternal HPV status in this study) is an effect modifier. Results: Of 3933 women who delivered at our institution, 19.8% (n = 792) delivered prematurely. Of these women, 9.1% (n = 362) had a history of cervical surgery, including cervical conization and/or LEEP. Notably, a history of cervical surgery was not associated with current HPV status based on the most recent Pap smear results (p > 0.05). In univariate analysis, a history of cervical surgery was associated with preterm delivery (odds ratio [OR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.26-1.88). This effect was the same among mothers positive (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.16-3.28) and negative (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.10-3.30) for HPV. Pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm premature rupture of membranes, bacterial vaginosis infection, HPV infection, placenta previa, placental abruption, ethnicity, maternal body mass index, nulliparity, and smoking or drug use were also associated with preterm delivery (p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, history of cervical surgery remained associated with preterm delivery (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.31-2.33). There was no interaction (p = 0.91) between maternal HPV status and history of cervical conization or LEEP. Discussion and Conclusions: Maternal history of cervical conization and/or LEEP increases the risk of preterm delivery irrespective of concurrent maternal HPV positivity within the 3 years preceding delivery. Maternal HPV status does not modify the effect of history of cervical conization and/or LEEP on preterm delivery.

Population-based assessment of re-treatment and healthcare utilisation after photoselective vaporisation of the prostate or electrosurgical transurethral resection of the prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the healthcare utilisation and repeat surgical treatment rate amongst older men undergoing an electrosurgical-transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) vs photoselective vaporisation of the prostate (PVP), as the real-world implementation and outcomes of laser-based treatment have not been well studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used administrative data from the province of Ontario, Canada, to identify all men aged >66 years who underwent their first electrosurgical-TURP/PVP between 2003 and 2016. Our primary exposure was type of procedure (PVP or electrosurgical-TURP). Our primary outcome was need for repeat surgical treatment. The primary analysis was an adjusted marginal Cox model approach, which accounted for clustering of patients within surgeons; adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) or odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported. RESULTS: We identified 52 748 men: 6838 (13%) underwent PVP, and 45 910 (87%) underwent electrosurgical-TURP. The median age was similar, and PVP became more common with time. Compared to the PVP group, more patients in the electrosurgical-TURP group had prior gross haematuria or urinary retention, and fewer had used anticoagulants, α-blockers, or 5α-reductase inhibitors. The need for repeat surgical treatment was significantly higher amongst men who had PVP (aHR 1.57, 95% CI 1.38-1.78; absolute risk difference +2.3%). PVP was also associated with a slightly higher risk of return to the emergency room within 30 days (aOR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.22) and a significantly lower risk of blood transfusion (aOR 0.24, CI 0.16-0.37); the majority of PVP cases were done with a <24 h stay (73%) vs electrosurgical-TURP (7%). CONCLUSIONS: While some of the expected benefits of PVP (such as reduced transfusion risk and shorter length of stay) were observed, the significantly higher rate of repeat surgical treatment compared to electrosurgical-TURP may represent an important difference in implementation of this technology outside of clinical trials.

Electrosurgery: short-circuit between education and practice.

Introduction: Electrosurgery is used in 80% of surgical procedures. The technique allows surgeons to skilfully dissect tissues and achieve haemostasis. Since improper use of electrosurgery can lead to serious adverse events, training is required to potentially reduce the number and severity of these events. In this study we evaluate education and training in electrosurgery for surgical residents. Material and methods: Residents from six surgical subspecialties in the Netherlands were invited to anonymously complete a digital questionnaire about training, supervision and adverse events regarding electrosurgery. Results: Of the 197 respondents, 69% had received some form of training; mostly a single theoretical lecture. The feeling of competence in theory and practical skills was positively rated by 39% and 71%, respectively. Moreover, 35% judged the theoretical knowledge of their supervisors as insufficient and 65% changed their electrosurgical application technique to the preference of the supervisor. 30% of the residents had encountered a serious adverse event (e.g., burn wounds) related to the application of electrosurgery. Conclusions: The training of residents in theoretical aspects of electrosurgery is limited. Residents are not satisfied with the acquired theoretical knowledge of themselves and of their supervisors. Since adverse events related to electrosurgery occur frequently, more extensive education for both residents and their supervisors is needed to enhance patient safety.

Comparison of radiofrequency and transoral robotic surgery in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Radiofrequency tissue ablation (RFTA) and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) are the methods used in OSAS surgery. We also aimed to compare the advantages and disadvantages of RF and TORS as treatment methods applied in OSAS patients in terms of many parameters, especially apnea hypopnea index (AHI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were classified by performing a detailed examination and evaluation before surgery. 20 patients treated with anterior palatoplasty and uvulectomy -/+ tonsillectomy + RFTA (17 males, 3 females) and 20 patients treated with anterior palatoplasty and uvulectomy -/+ tonsillectomy + TORS (16 males, 4 females) were included in the study. PSG was performed preoperatively and postoperatively in all patients and Epworth sleepiness questionnaire was applied. All operations were performed by the same surgeon and these surgical methods -RF and TORS- were compared in terms of many parameters. RESULTS: When the patients treated with RF and TORS were compared in operation time, length of hospitalization and duration of transition to oral feeding; all parameters were significantly greater in the patients treated with TORS. CONCLUSIONS: TORS technique was found to be more successful than RF in terms of reduction of AHI value, correcting minimum arterial oxygen saturation value and decreasing Epworth Sleepiness Scale score.

Should the Risk of Invasive Cancer in Pregnancy and the Safety of Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure During the First 15 Weeks Change Our Practice?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to describe the outcome of women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades 2 or 3 in pregnancy either observed or treated by loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in the first 15 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Loop electrosurgical excision procedure during the first 15 gestational weeks compared with observation of CIN2/3. This is a retrospective analysis of a nonrandomized study at tertiary, academic, and referring centers in Israel. Ninety-three pregnant women diagnosed with CIN2/3 between 2006 and 2016 were included in this study. Fifty patients with CIN2/3 on cervical biopsy were conservatively followed-up, and 43 patients have undergone LEEP during the first 15 gestational weeks. Main outcome measures were ultimate diagnosis of invasive cancer or CIN, pregnancy outcome, and complications. RESULTS: In 5.4% of CIN2/3 during pregnancy, the final diagnosis was invasive cancer. The postpartum results of 50 women who were conservatively observed were as follows: 3 (6.0%) had cervical cancer and undergone radical hysterectomy, 33 (66.6%) had CIN2/3, and 14 (28%) had CIN1 or normal histology. The diagnoses of the 43 patients who have undergone LEEP were invasive cancer in 2 patients (4.6%) but did not undergo hysterectomy, CIN2/3 or adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) in 38 patients (88.4%), and 3 women (7%) had CIN1 or normal histology. None of them suffered severe bleeding. Thirty-seven women continued their pregnancy, 34 (91.9%) had term deliveries, 2 (5.4%) gave birth at 34 and 36 weeks, and 1 patient had missed abortion (2.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The LEEP procedure during the first 15 weeks of pregnancy is safe. A total of 5.4% of the women with CIN2/3 during pregnancy were diagnosed with invasive cancer. It is time to reconsider the recommendations about CIN2/3 in early gestation.

Outcomes in Women With Cytology Showing Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance With vs Without Human Papillomavirus Testing.

IMPORTANCE: Little is known about the long-term yield of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and the influence on biopsy and treatment rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) triage of cytology showing atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (hereafter ASC-US cytology). OBJECTIVE: To examine 5-year outcomes after ASC-US cytology with vs without HPV testing. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this observational study, all cervical cytology and HPV testing reports from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2012, were obtained for women throughout New Mexico and linked to pathology reports. The dates of the analysis were May 4, 2015, to January 13, 2017. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Influence of HPV testing on disease yield, time to histologically confirmed disease, and biopsy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure rates. RESULTS: A total of 457 317 women (mean [SD] age, 39.8 [12.5] years) with a screening test were recorded between 2008 and 2012, and 20 677 (4.5%) of the first cytology results per woman were reported as ASC-US. CIN grade 3 or more severe (CIN3+) lesions were detected in 2.49% of women with HPV testing vs 2.15% of women without HPV testing (P = .23). Time to CIN3+ detection was much shorter in those with HPV testing vs those without testing (median, 103 vs 393 days; P < .001). CIN grade 1 was detected in 11.6% of women with HPV testing vs 6.6% without testing (relative risk, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.56-2.00; P < .001). Loop electrosurgical excision procedure rates within 5 years were 20.0% higher in those who underwent HPV testing, resulting in more CIN2+ and CIN3+ detection. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Human papillomavirus testing led to faster and more complete diagnosis of cervical disease, but 55.8% more biopsies and 20.0% more loop electrosurgical excision procedures were performed. In those tested, virtually all high-grade disease occurred in the 43.1% of women who were HPV positive, allowing clinical resources to be focused on women who need them most. These data provide essential information for cervical screening guidelines and public health policy.

Predictors of intraoperative electrosurgery-induced implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) detection.

BACKGROUND: In the USA, the number of people needing implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) has grown dramatically. Many ICD recipients will need to undergo a surgical procedure at some point following ICD implantation. Most surgeries involve the use of electrocautery. Currently, the effects of electrocautery-induced electromagnetic interference (EI-EMI) on ICDs are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to study EI-EMI using prospectively collected clinical data. METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected ICD data from patients undergoing a surgical procedure at Mayo Clinic between 2011 and 2012. Information on clinical, device history, device interrogation pre- and post-surgery, and surgical information were collected for all patients. ICDs were programmed with detections on and therapies off. The patients were then categorized into two groups: those with EI-EMI inappropriate arrhythmia detection and those without detection. The stored electrograms were reviewed. Clinical and device parameters were analyzed to identify predictors of EI-EMI. RESULTS: Of 103 patients studied, bipolar cautery did not induce EI-EMI (0/11 cases), whereas monopolar cautery resulted in noise detection in 11/92 procedures. Among 11 inappropriate episodes of detection, 10 had surgery at chest, neck, and upper extremity sites with cautery current across the ICD lead tip; 1 had abdominal surgery; and none had back or low extremity surgery. On average, the near-field electrogram amplitude values were greater than the far-field amplitude values. CONCLUSIONS: EI-EMI does not occur when bipolar cautery or monopolar cautery is used below the hips with the dispersive ground pad applied to the lower extremities. In contrast to external EMI, EI-EMI may be larger on near-field than far-field electrograms.

Comparison of Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure Using a Ring-Shaped Loop Versus a Right-Angled Triangular Loop.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the resection margin (RM) status and postoperative severe hemorrhage using different loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) techniques for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 treatment. STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed 278 patients who underwent LEEPs for CIN 2/3 treatment at our institute between 2005­2014. In type A surgery (N=148), a ring-shaped loop was used. If the first pass failed to remove the entire lesion, separate loop excisions for the intracervical portion were performed. In type B surgery (N=130), a right-angled triangular loop in a single pass was used. Surgical outcomes and postoperative severe hemorrhage were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of RM status. RESULTS: The mean LEEP depth was larger after type A surgery (2.2 vs. 2.0 cm, respectively; p=0.04). Type B surgery showed lower rate of 30-day postoperative hemorrhage (13.8% vs. 26.4%, p<0.05) and higher rate of negative RM (68.9% vs. 82.3%, p<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified the surgery type (p=0.01, OR=0.45 [0.24­0.83]) and a postoperative pathological diagnosis of CIN3 (p=0.01, OR=2.53 [1.22­5.26]) as independent risk factors for positive RM. CONCLUSION: LEEPs using a right-angled triangular loop could reduce positive RMs.

ICD-ON Registry for Perioperative Management of CIEDs: Most Require No Change.

BACKGROUND: There is significant variability in the perioperative management of patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIEDs) undergoing procedures requiring electrosurgery. METHODS: We performed a multicenter registry from February 2014 to August 2015 at three suburban Chicago hospitals. Patients with transvenous CIEDs undergoing procedures requiring electrosurgery were assigned to one of three groups: (1) reprogram, (2) magnet, or (3) no change. Subjects with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) or those pacemaker dependent having surgical procedures within 6 inches of their CIED were assigned to the reprogram group, whereby ICD therapies were programmed off with asynchronous pacing if pacemaker dependent. Subjects with ICDs ≥ 6 inches from their surgical site but above the iliac crest were assigned to the magnet group. All others were in the no change group. We evaluated electromagnetic interference (EMI) and postoperative device reset based on surgical location. RESULTS: All patients (n = 331) had pectoral CIEDs with mean age 73 years, 65% male, ejection fraction 56% for pacemaker subjects, 35% for ICD subjects with 22% pacemaker dependent. Assignments were n = 52 (16%) reprogram group, n = 51 (15%) magnet group, and n = 228 (69%) no change. There was EMI in 45% of thoracic cases, 35% of head/neck, 15% of upper extremity, and 3% of abdominal cases above iliac crest. There was no EMI in procedures below the iliac crest. There were no inappropriate therapies or device reset. CONCLUSION: Results of the ICD-ON protocol demonstrate safe and efficient management of patients with CIEDs based on electrosurgery location, with 69% requiring no reprogramming or magnet application.

See-and-Treat Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure for High-Grade Cervical Cytology: Are We Overtreating?

OBJECTIVES: To report the overtreatment rate for see-and-treat versus 3-step conventional strategy (cervical cytology, colposcopic biopsies, then LEEP) for patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) cytology. Our second aim was to identify risk factors for overtreatment. METHODS: We included 178 women with HSIL cytology from our university-based colposcopy clinic who underwent LEEP between 2007 and 2014. Overtreatment was defined as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1 or less on LEEP specimen. Differences between treatment groups were compared using chi-square test, 2-sample t test, or Mann-Whitney rank-sum test as appropriate. RESULTS: CIN2+ was found in 69 (80%) of women in the see-and-treat group and 69 (75%) of the conventional management group (P = 0.093), with overtreatment in 17 (20%) and 23 (25%, P = 0.403), respectively. Women who underwent see-and-treat (n = 86) were older (mean age, 36 vs 31 years; P = 0.007), and a greater proportion completed childbearing (30% vs 13%, P = 0.024). There were no differences in top hat excision; however, a higher proportion of the see-and-treat group had CIN2+ in endocervical samples (54% vs 27%, P = 0.047). Overtreatment, regardless of management strategy, was associated with age at time of LEEP, where older women were more likely to be overtreated (median age, 37 vs 32 years, respectively; OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: A see-and-treat strategy minimizes risk of loss to follow-up with a similar overtreatment rate compared with conventional management. With CIN2+ in some three-fourths of women with HSIL, a see-and-treat should be favored especially when adherence to follow-up is questionable.

Hysteroscopic Morcellation Versus Resection for the Treatment of Uterine Cavitary Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis compares hysteroscopic morcellation with electrosurgical resection to treat uterine cavitary lesions. A search of Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted through August 18, 2015, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective and retrospective studies, regardless of surgical indication and study language or sample size. Seven studies were eventually included (4 RCTs and 3 retrospective observational studies), enrolling 650 women. The meta-analysis showed that the total procedure time was significantly shorter for morcellation than for resection (weighted mean difference = 9.36 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], -15.08 to -3.64). When reviewing RCTs only, intrauterine morcellation was associated with a smaller fluid deficit and lower odds of incomplete lesion removal. This difference was not statistically significant in observational studies. There was no significant difference in the odds of surgical complications (odds ratio = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.20-2.57) or the number of insertions (weighted mean difference = -3.04; 95% CI, -7.86-1.78). In conclusion, compared with hysteroscopic resection, hysteroscopic morcellation is associated with a shorter operative time and possibly lower odds of incomplete lesion removal. The certainty in evidence was limited by heterogeneity and the small sample size.

Procedures of cervical conization: a national survey among Italian colposcopy units.

BACKGROUND: The recent evolution of surgical techniques, anesthesia and treatment strategies has led to a decrease in the number of cervical conization procedures performed in ordinary hospitalization or with anesthetics other than local infiltration anesthesia of the cervix. Conization should be as least invasive as possible, favor women's compliance and resumption of normal daily activities after surgery. We evaluated various aspects of patient care revolving around conization (technical, healthcare, and administrative aspects) in the clinical practice of 26 Italian colposcopy units. METHODS: A standard multiple-choice questionnaire was used. The retrospective study covered a period of 10 years. RESULTS: The overall number of conization procedures performed over the 10 years' observation period ranged from 20,000 to 37,500. The techniques used were the loop electrosurgical excision procedure in 79.9% of cases, CO2 laser in 16.7%, and the cold-knife biopsy in 3.4%. An outpatient regimen was reported in 62.1% of cases, a day-surgery regimen in 35.2% and an ordinary hospitalization in 2.7%. Local anesthesia, deep sedation and general anesthesia were usually performed in 86.7%, 11.9% and in 1.4% of cases, respectively. The use of prophylactic antibiotics was common only in 8% of cases. The rate of major adverse events recorded over the observed period varied between 0.04% and 0.02% (15,000-29,000 conizations). CONCLUSIONS: The administrative regimen in which conizations are performed is an expression of behaviors of different health authorities and hospitals in relation to the costs that this procedure entails.

p16 Staining of Cervical Biopsies May Decrease the Frequency of Unnecessary Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: Loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEPs) are negative for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2+) after a hematoxylin and eosin-based CIN 2+ colposcopic biopsy diagnosis in 14% to 24% of cases. This may be due to diagnostic errors or biopsy-related regression of the dysplasia. Because p16 immunohistochemical staining of cervical biopsies improves diagnostic accuracy, we hypothesized that p16-based cervical biopsy diagnoses may reduce the frequency of negative LEEPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of all cervical LEEPs completed at our institution from 2002 to 2012. We recorded patient age, sexual history, smoking history, pathologic diagnoses (including whether the diagnosis was p16 based), the number of days from biopsy to follow-up LEEP, and clinical follow-up. This yielded 593 study subjects meeting inclusion criteria of CIN 2+ colposcopic diagnoses with follow-up LEEP and 2 years of clinical follow-up. Colposcopic biopsies and follow-up LEEPs were reviewed and p16 immunostaining was performed on all samples to provide criterion standard results. Data were analyzed by χ and regression modeling. RESULTS: Our practice employed p16 to aid cervical biopsy diagnoses by 2006. The frequency of negative LEEPs before 2006 was 12 (10%) of 126. The frequency dropped during the p16 era (2006-2012) to 23 (5%) of 467. Overall, we observed an inverse relationship between the frequency of p16 employment and the frequency of negative LEEP outcomes (R = 0.71; p < .001), independent of potential covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that more accurate p16-based diagnoses may reduce the frequency of unnecessary LEEPs.

Is there a safer electrosurgical current for endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with liver cirrhosis?

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sphincterotomy has a higher risk of bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. Advanced Child stage and coagulopathy are well-known risk factors. We aimed to determine the role of electrosurgical currents in the development of endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: The study was a retrospective observational study and included 19,642 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between 2004 and 2013. The incidence of endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding in cirrhotic patients who underwent sphincterotomy after 2009 with an electrosurgical generator applying alternating current in the pulse cut mode (Group 2) was compared with a historical control group who underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy between 2004 and 2009 via blended current (Group 1). RESULTS: Group 1 included 15 patients (six women, nine men, mean age: 62.2 ± 12.9 years). Group 2 included 14 patients (six women, eight men, mean age: 63.6 ± 16.9 years). There was no statistically significant difference between the demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups. Endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding was observed in three patients in Group 1 (two endoscopic bleeding and one clinically significant bleeding) and none of the patients in Group 2 (p = 0.77). There were no cases of perforation or pancreatitis in both groups. One patient in Group 2 developed cholangitis. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding is less frequently observed in patients with cirrhosis who underwent sphincterotomy with alternating mixed current in the pulse cut mode compared with those with blended current.