Using virtual-reality simulation to ensure basic competence in hysteroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Hysteroscopy is a technically challenging procedure. Specialty curricula of obstetrics and gynaecology appraise hysteroscopy for trainees but there is no present evidence-based training program that certifies the fundamental technical skills before performance on patients. The objectives of this study were to develop and gather validity evidence for a simulation-based test that can ensure basic competence in hysteroscopy. METHODS: We used the virtual-reality simulator HystMentor™. Six experts evaluated the feasibility and clinical relevance of the simulator modules. Six modules were selected for the test and a pilot study was carried out. Subsequently, medical students, residents, and experienced gynaecologists were enrolled for testing. Outcomes were based on generated simulator metrics. Validity evidence was explored for all five sources of evidence (content, response process, internal structure, relations to other variables, consequences of testing). RESULTS: Inter-case reliability was high for four out of five metrics (Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.80). Significant differences were identified when comparing the three groups' performances (p values < 0.05). Participants' clinical experience was significantly correlated to their simulator test score (Pearson's r = 0.49, p < 0.001). A single medical student managed to achieve the established pass/fail score (6.7% false positive) and three experienced gynaecologists failed the test (27.3% false negative). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a virtual-reality simulation-based test in hysteroscopy with supporting validity evidence. The test is intended to ensure competency in a mastery learning program where trainees practise on the simulator until they are able to pass before they proceed to supervised training on patients.

Lateral coagulation of the uterine artery at its origin prior to total laparoscopic hysterectomy. A randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Lateral occlusion prior to TLH has been suggested to reduce perioperative bleeding, operative time, and hospital stay. Furthermore, reducing the amount of bleeding and the length of the operation may affect parameters such as postoperative pain and the number of patients with postoperative vaginal vault hematoma. METHODS: This RCT was conducted at a single center at Odense University Hospital in Denmark. Between February 2016 and February 2019, a total of 58 patients undergoing TLH and bilateral salpingectomy for benign cases were recruited to the study. RESULTS: The mean operating time was significantly longer in the LA group with a mean difference between the two groups of six minutes. No other discrepancy regarding the primary outcomes was observed between the two groups. Total blood loss was similar in the two groups as well as the average hospital stay and the VAS score during the first seven days. 93% of the patients were discharged from the hospital within the first 24 h postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This RCT demonstrates that lateral occlusion of the uterine artery prior to TLH does not improve outcome for the patients and should therefore not be used as a standard procedure.

[Uterine fibroids].

Uterine fibroids are common, and only women with symptoms need treatment. Hysterectomy has been the most common treatment, but current management strategies offer a wide variety of treatment options ranging from medical, radiological to surgical treatment. The treatment needs to be individualized to each patient according to symptoms, age, number and position of fibroids and wish for future fertility.

[A case of primary peritoneal carcinoma]. / Et tilfaelde af primaert peritonealt karcinom.

A case of a 62-year-old woman with perforation of the colon caused by primary peritoneal cancer is described. The diagnosis and its relation with c. ovarii is discussed.

[Syphilis as cause of foetal death]. / Syfilis som årsag til dødfødsel.

Syphilis is a well-known cause of foetal death. We describe a Danish case of foetal death in week 31 + 0 in an Iraqi-born woman. The foetus had ascites. Blood samples were positive for IgG and IgM, for syphilis, and immunohistochemical staining of the placenta showed Treponema pallidum in relation to the vessels of the umbilical cord. Congenital syphilis should be kept in mind even though it is rare in Denmark.