Trends in surgical approach to hysterectomy and perioperative outcomes in Michigan hospitals from 2010 through 2020.

The objective of this study was to determine the trends in surgical approach to hysterectomy over the last decade and compare perioperative outcomes and complications. This retrospective cohort study used clinical registry data from the Michigan Hospitals that participated in Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC) from January 1st, 2010 through December 30th, 2020. A multigroup time series analysis was performed to determine how surgical approach to hysterectomy [open/TAH, laparoscopic (TLH/LAVH), and robotic-assisted (RA)] has changed over the last decade. Abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, endometriosis, pelvic mass, and endometrial cancer were the most common indications for hysterectomy. The open approach to hysterectomy declined from 32.6 to 16.9%, a 1.9-fold decrease, with an average decline of 1.6% per year (95% CI - 2.3 to - 0.9%). Laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomies decreased from 27.2 to 23.8%, a 1.5-fold decrease, with an average decrease of 0.1% per year (95% CI - 0.7 to 0.6%). Finally, the robotic-assisted approach increased from 38.3 to 49.3%, a 1.25-fold increase, with an average of 1.1% per year (95% CI 0.5 to 1.7%). For malignant cases, open procedures decreased from 71.4 to 26.6%, a 2.7-fold decrease, while RA-hysterectomy increased from 19.0 to 58.7%, a 3.1-fold increase. After controlling for the confounding variables age, race, and gynecologic malignancy, RA hysterectomy was found to have the lowest rate of complications when compared to the vaginal, laparoscopic and open approaches. Finally, after controlling for uterine weight, black patients were twice as likely to undergo an open hysterectomy compared to white patients.

Pain With Differing Insufflation Pressures During Robotic Sacrocolpopexy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether decreasing insufflation pressure reduces postoperative pain and opioid use in women undergoing robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: In a single-blinded randomized trial, women with pelvic organ prolapse underwent robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy at either 12 mm Hg (experimental) or 15 mm Hg (standard) insufflation pressure. The primary outcome was pain rating on a visual analog scale (VAS) on postoperative day 1 within 24 hours of surgery. Secondary outcomes included VAS pain rating at outpatient follow-up, inpatient and outpatient use of opioids, operative time, and estimated blood loss. A margin of 15 mm was considered clinically different on the VAS, and at 80% power, a sample size of at least 64 participants was needed to show significance. RESULTS: From April 27, 2021, to May 17, 2022, 80 women were enrolled, with 41 in the experimental group and 39 in the standard group. All participants underwent surgery as planned and attended a 2-week postoperative follow-up. Participants in the experimental group had less pain on postoperative day 1 with median VAS of 17.0 mm (interquartile range 26.0) compared with 29.0 mm (interquartile range 32.0, P=.007) in the standard group. No differences were noted in the secondary outcomes of operative time, estimated blood loss, or length of stay. Participants in the experimental group were noted to use fewer opioids while an inpatient (P=.04) and outpatient (P=.02). In multivariable analyses, lower insufflation pressure and increasing age were negatively associated with postoperative VAS scores. CONCLUSION: Lowering insufflation pressure (12 mm Hg) during robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy safely reduced postoperative pain and opioid use compared with standard pressure (15 mm Hg). CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinialTrials.gov, NCT04858438.

Urinary tract injury during hysterectomy: Does surgeon specialty and surgical volume matter?

BACKGROUND: Ureteral injury is a known complication of hysterectomies. Recent studies have attempted to correlate surgeon volume and experience with incidence of urinary tract injuries during hysterectomies. Some studies have reported that as surgeon volume increases, urinary tract injury rates decrease. To our knowledge, no studies have assessed the relationship between surgeon subspecialty and the rate of urinary tract injury rates during minimally invasive hysterectomy. AIM: To determine the incidence of urinary tract injury between urogynecologists, gynecologic oncologists, and general gynecologists. METHODS: The study took place from January 1, 2016 to December 1, 2021 at a large community hospital in Detroit, Michigan. We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients who underwent minimally invasive hysterectomy. After we identified eligible patients, the surgeon subspecialty was identified and the surgeon's volume per year was calculated. Patient demographics, medical history, physician-dictated operative reports, and all hospital visits postoperatively were reviewed. RESULTS: Urologic injury occurred in four patients (2%) in the general gynecologist group, in one patient (1%) in the gynecologic oncologist group, and in one patient (1%) in the urogynecologist group. When comparing high and low-volume surgeons, there was no statistically significant difference in urinary tract injury (1% vs 2%) or bowel injury (1% vs 0%). There were more complications in the low-volume group vs the high-volume group excluding urinary tract, bowel, or major vessel injury. High-volume surgeons had four (1%) patients with a complication and low-volume surgeons had 12 (4%) patients with a complication (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that there was no difference in the urinary tract injury rate in general gynecologists vs subspecialists, however our study was underpowered.

Decreased incidence of febrile neutropenia in Michigan following masking and social distancing orders for the COVID-19 pandemic: A population based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: It has been theorized that 75%-80% of febrile neutropenia (FN) is caused by endogenous pathogens, while up to 20% of cases are thought to be caused by a viral infection. It is unknown if precautions such as masking and social distancing reduce the risk of FN in susceptible populations. AIM: To determine whether coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection mitigation efforts, namely masking and social distancing, were associated with a reduction in the incidence of FN. METHODS: This was a retrospective population based cohort study comparing the incidence of FN in the 13 mo prior to (Year 0) and 13 mo following (Year 1) the public health executive orders (PHEO) in Michigan. Data was queried for all emergency department (ED) visits from April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2021 from the National Syndromic Surveillance Program, a program which collects data that is voluntarily submitted by approximately 89% of Michigan EDs. The primary study outcome was the incidence of FN as a proportion of ED visits in the 13-mo before and 13-mo after COVID-19 mitigations efforts, namely masking and social distancing. We hypothesized that there would be a significant decrease in the incidence of FN in the period following the PHEO aimed at reducing the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus. RESULTS: There was a total of 8979221 total ED visits captured during the study period. In Year 0 there were 5073081 recorded ED visits and 3906140 in Year 1. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of total ED visits with a diagnosis of FN, decreasing 13.3% across periods (0.15% vs 0.13%, P = 0.036). In patients with a hematologic malignancy a more impressive reduction in the incidence of FN was evident following PHEO (22% vs 17%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: We found a significant association between social distancing and mask guidelines implemented on a large public scale with decreased rates of FN, particularly in those with a hematologic malignancy. These findings may be useful in the design of future research and recommendations regarding the prevention of FN.

Failure Rate of Retropubic Midurethral Sling With and Without Concomitant Robotic Sacrocolpopexy.

IMPORTANCE: The retropubic midurethral sling (rMUS) and sacrocolpopexy are treatments for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse, respectively, which are often performed concomitantly. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify whether a difference exists in the failure rates of rMUS when placed alone or at the time of robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent rMUS placement between December 2015 and March 2020. The primary outcome was rMUS failure defined as additional treatment for SUI at any point. RESULTS: There were 160 patients who underwent isolated rMUS and 175 patients who underwent rMUS and RSC. Patients who underwent isolated rMUS were more likely to be obese (P < 0.01). Patients who underwent RSC were older (63.3 ± 9.9 vs 57.7 ± 13.7 years, P < 0.0001) and more likely to be White (P = 0.02). Follow-up ranged from 0 to 46 months (median, 3 months; interquartile range, 3 months). Failure was observed in 2.3% of rMUS placed alone and 8.6% of rMUS with RSC. Patients who underwent rMUS and RSC had an odds ratio of 3.63 for rMUS failure (P = 0.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-11.38). Hypertension was associated with 4 times higher rMUS failure (odds ratio, 4.18; P = 0.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-13.58). CONCLUSIONS: We observed a significantly increased rate of rMUS failure from those placed alone to those placed at the time of RSC. Retropubic midurethral sling at the time of RSC was 4 times more likely to result in additional SUI treatment.

Short-Term Urinary Retention After Tension-Free Vaginal Tape Midurethral Sling Performed Alone or as a Concomitant Procedure.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether a difference exists in short-term urinary retention after tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) midurethral sling placement when performed alone compared with when placed during a concomitant prolapse procedure. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study that compared TVT procedures performed alone (group 1) to those with a concomitant prolapse procedure (group 2). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients discharged with an indwelling Foley catheter after failing postoperative voiding trial. RESULTS: There were 100 women in group 1 and 267 women in group 2. Concomitant prolapse procedures included vaginal approach (n = 47), robotic (n = 218), or both (n = 2). Forty-nine patients (13.4%) failed the initial voiding trial and 21 patients (5.7%) were discharged with an indwelling Foley catheter. The rate of short-term urinary retention requiring an indwelling catheter at discharge was not significantly different between group 1 and group 2 (9 [9.0%] vs 12 [4.5%], P = 0.1). The duration of catheterization after discharge was shorter in group 1 compared with group 2 (2.1 ± 1.1 vs 4.3 ± 2.0 days, P = 0.008). In multivariate analysis, patients discharged with a catheter were more likely to have diabetes with an odds ratio of 3.1 (95th confidence interval, 1.2-8.1). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of patients discharged with an indwelling catheter did not significantly differ if TVT was performed alone or at the time of a concomitant prolapse procedure (9.0% vs 4.5%, P = 0.1).

Minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications-surgical volume matters: a retrospective cohort study comparing complications of robotic-assisted and conventional laparoscopic hysterectomies.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of perioperative complications in robotic-assisted hysterectomies performed by high-volume robotic surgeons compared to conventional laparoscopic hysterectomies performed by all gynecologic surgeons. This retrospective cohort study was performed at a single-center community based hospital and medical center. A total of 332 patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign indications were included in this study. Half of these patients (n = 166) underwent conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy and the other half underwent a robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy. The main outcome measures included composite complication rate, estimated blood loss (EBL), and hospital length of stay (LOS). Median (IQR) EBL was significantly lower for robotic hysterectomy [22.5 (30) mL] compared to laparoscopic hysterectomy [100 (150) mL, p < 0.0001]. LOS was significantly shorter for robotic hysterectomy (1.0 ± 0.2 day) compared to laparoscopic hysterectomy (1.2 ± 0.7 days, p = 0.04). Despite averaging 3.0 (IQR 1.0) concomitant procedures compared to 0 (IQR 1.0) for the conventional laparoscopic hysterectomies, the incidence of any type of complication was lower in the robotic hysterectomy group (2 vs. 6%, p = 0.05). Finally, in a logistic regression model controlling for multiple confounders, robotic-assisted hysterectomy was less likely to result in a perioperative complication compared to traditional laparoscopic hysterectomy [odds ratio (95% CI) = 0.2 (0.1, 0.90), p = 0.04]. In conclusion, robotic-assisted hysterectomy may reduce complications compared with conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy when performed by high volume surgeons, especially in the setting of other concomitant gynecologic surgeries.

Diagnostic dilemma of isolated fallopian tube torsion.

Paratubal cysts are fluid-filled sacs that grow adjacent to the fallopian tube which can rarely result in torsion. Isolated fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) is a gynaecological emergency that warrants urgent laparoscopic detorsion to salvage the affected tube. IFTT has a proclivity to affect adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15 years and is rarely seen in premenarchal or perimenopausal women. Due to a lack of pathognomonical features, IFTT is difficult to diagnose. Adnexal torsion, including IFTT is a surgical diagnosis and no clinical or imaging criteria is sufficient to diagnose IFTT. Urgent laparoscopy and detorsion are required for preservation of the affected fallopian tube. However, given the diagnostic ambiguity, IFTT diagnosis is often delayed. IFTT should be included in the differential diagnoses for adolescent patients with acute abdomen when imaging demonstrates a normal appendix and ovaries. We report a 15-year-old girl with a 4-day history of abdominopelvic pain and bilateral paratubal cysts resulting in right IFTT.

Does ventral mesh rectopexy at the time of sacrocolpopexy prevent subsequent posterior wall prolapse?

Objective: To determine whether ventral mesh rectopexy at the time of sacrocolpopexy reduces the rate of future posterior wall prolapse. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) who underwent sacrocolpopexy or without concomitant rectopexy at a single community hospital from December 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019. Preoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) and urodynamic testing was used in evaluation of POP. Patients were followed for 12-weeks postoperatively and a 12-week postoperative POP-Q assessment was completed. The incidence of new or recurrent posterior prolapse was compared between cohorts. Results: Women with POP (n=150) were recruited, of whom 41 (27.3%) underwent sacrocolpopexy while the remainder (n=109, 72.7%) did not receive rectopexy. Patient demographics did not statistically differ between cohorts. Post-surgical posterior wall prolapse was reduced in the robotic assisted sacrocolpopexy (RASC) + rectopexy group compared to RASC alone, however this did not reach statistical significance. There were no patients who underwent concomitant rectopexy and RASC that needed recurrent posterior wall prolapse surgery, compared to eight-percent of patients that underwent isolated RASC procedures. Conclusion: Our findings suggest a reduction in the need for subsequent posterior wall surgery when rectopexy is performed at the time of sacrocolpopexy. In our study, no future surgery for POP was found in the concomitant sacrocolpopexy and rectopexy group, while a small proportion of the RASC only group required future POP surgery. Our study, however, was underpowered to elucidate a statistically significant difference between groups. Future larger studies are needed to confirm a reduced risk of posterior wall prolapse in patients who undergo concomitant RASC and rectopexy.

Randomized clinical trial comparing skin closure with tissue adhesives vs subcuticular suture after robotic urogynecologic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Skin closure techniques during minimally-invasive gynecologic surgery is largely based on surgeon preference. The optimum technique would theoretically be safe, rapid, inexpensive, and result in good cosmetic appearance. Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (Dermabond) may be a comparable and safe option for port site closure as compared with subcuticular suture. In this randomized clinical trial, we hypothesized that operative time for skin closure would be less than subcuticular suture during robotic urogynecologic procedures. AIM: To compare skin closure during robotic urogynecologic surgeries for tissue adhesives and subcuticular suture. METHODS: Fifty female subjects > 18 years of age undergoing robotic urogynecologic procedures were randomized to have port site closure with either cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (n = 25) or subcuticular suture (n = 25). All procedures and postoperative evaluations were performed by the same board certified Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgeon. Incisional closure time was recorded. Each subject was followed for 12-wk postoperatively. Incision cosmesis was evaluated using the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale. RESULTS: A total of 47 subjects (cyanoacrylate group, n = 23; suture group, n = 24) completed the 12-wk postoperative evaluation. Closure time was significantly less (P < 0.0005) using cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (5.4 ± 2.0 min) than subcuticular suture (24.9 ± 5.6 min). Cosmesis scores were significantly higher in the cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive group than subcuticular suture (P = 0.025). No differences were found between bleeding, infection, or dehiscence (P = 1.00, P = 0.609, P = 0.234, respectively). No statistical demographical differences existed between the two study arms. CONCLUSION: Our study supported our original hypothesis that cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive for port site closure during robotic urogynecolgic procedures uses less time than with subcuticular suture. Our study also supports that tissue adhesive is comparable to cosmetic outcome while not jeopardizing rates of bleeding, infection, or dehiscence.

When to Remove the Indwelling Catheter After Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy? CARESS (CAtheter REmoval after Sacrocolpopexy Surgery).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the best practice guidelines regarding the use of indwelling catheters after minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: Multicenter (3 sites) randomized control trial comparing the standard overnight indwelling urethral catheterization (group 2) with removal of catheter immediately after surgery (group 1). Our primary outcome is the need for recatheterization. Secondary outcomes include the number of patients discharged with a catheter, length of hospital stay, number of urinary tract infections, patient satisfaction/pain scores, and whether patients would use the same treatment again. RESULTS: There were 32 patients (43.8%) in group 1 and 41 patients (56.2%) in group 2. On average, patients in group 1 required straight catheterization 0.8 (SD = 0.9) times versus 0.6 (SD = 0.9) times for group 2 (P = 0.239). The number of days with a catheter between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. There was no statistical significance between group 1 and group 2 in terms of operative time, times to leave the operating room, and hospital. Zero patients in group 1 and 2 patients in group 2 had a urinary tract infection. After dividing the groups based on whether or not they underwent a transvaginal tape procedure, the final results were similar. CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe a difference in the risk of recatheterization or discharge home with a urinary catheter between the 2 groups. Addition of transvaginal tape to sacrocolpopexy did not show a difference in the risk of recatheterization. One reason for the lack of difference between the 2 groups could be due to a lack of power in our study.

Treatment patterns of primary care physicians vs specialists prior to subspecialty urogynaecology referral for women suffering from pelvic floor disorders.

BACKGROUND: There are approximately 25% of women in the United States suffering from pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) and this number is predicted to rise. The potential complications and increasing healthcare costs that exist with an operation indicate the importance of conservative treatment options prior to attempting surgery. Considering the prevalence of PFDs, it is important for primary care physician and specialists (obstetricians and gynecologists) to be familiar with the initial work-up and the available conservative treatment options prior to subspecialist (urogynecologist) referral. AIM: To assess the types of treatments that specialists attempted prior to subspecialty referral and determine the differences in referral patterns. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 234 patients from a community teaching hospital referred to a single female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) provider for PFD. Specialist vs primary care provider (PCP) referrals were compared. Number, length and treatment types were studied using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: There were 184 referrals (78.6%) by specialists and 50 (21.4%) by PCP. Treatment (with Kegel exercises, pessary placements, and anticholinergic medications) was attempted on 51% (n = 26) of the PCP compared to 48% (n = 88) of the specialist referrals prior to FPMRS referral (P = 0.6). There was no significant difference in length of treatment prior to referral for PCPs vs specialists (14 mo vs 16 mo, respectively, P = 0.88). However, there was a significant difference in the patient's average time with the condition prior to referral (35 mo vs 58 mo for PCP compared to specialist referrals) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: One half of the patients referred to FPMRS clinic received treatment prior to referral. Thus, specialists and generalists can benefit from education regarding therapies for PFD before subspecialty referral.

Anatomical Outcomes Based on Suturing Technique During Vaginal Mesh Attachment in Robotic Sacrocolpopexy.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assessed the difference in anatomical outcomes using the barbed, self-anchoring, delayed absorbable suture when compared with the traditional knot-tying interrupted suture technique during vaginal mesh attachment in robotic sacrocolpopexy. In addition, we compared the rates of mesh erosion with the 2 techniques. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 131 women who underwent minimally invasive robotic sacrocolpopexy at 2 sites. There were 65 subjects at site 1 (barbed, self-anchoring, delayed absorbable suture) and 66 from site 2 (traditional knot-tying technique). The primary outcome was anatomical success (measured by all Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System points <0 postsurgery) in the barbed suture technique at site 1 compared with the traditional knot-tying technique at site 2. The secondary outcome was mesh erosion rates at these sites. RESULTS: In the barbed suture group, performed at site 1, 98% (n = 59/60) had postoperative success at the 3-month follow-up period compared with 62% (n = 40/65) in the traditional knot-tying group at site 2 during the 12-month postoperative follow-up (P < 0.0001). During this time period, 2% (n = 1) in the barbed suture group and 8% (n = 5) in the traditional knot-tying group experienced sacrocolpopexy mesh erosion (P = 0.208). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the barbed, self-anchoring, delayed absorbable suture is associated with less anatomical failures compared with traditional knot tying. The use of barbed suture is a safe technique and can be adopted in place of the traditional knot-tying technique. We also found less mesh erosion in the barbed suture group.

Delayed diagnosis of vascular injury with a retropubic midurethral sling.

BACKGROUND: Retropubic midurethral slings are the mainstay of treatment for female stress urinary incontinence. Complications of this approach may have long-term implications. CASE: A 55-year-old woman underwent tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) placement. Five years later back pain and gross hematuria prompted cystoscopy and diagnosis of bladder mesh erosion. During surgery to remove the mesh, the left arm of the mesh was found to be through the external iliac vein. The right mesh arm traversed the bladder, laterally around the obturator nerve and right iliac vein, exiting through the peritoneal cavity. CONCLUSION: Neurovascular injury is a rare but serious consequence of TVT. Delayed diagnosis is possible. This case highlights the importance of using recognized landmarks and established surgical technique for TVT placement.

Changes in plasma müllerian-inhibiting substance and brain-derived neurotrophic factor after chemotherapy in premenopausal women.

Eight premenopausal women with cancer had blood drawn for analysis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and müllerian-inhibiting substance (MIS) before and 3 months after receiving chemotherapy. Unlike MIS, BDNF levels were not reduced after chemotherapy.

The Relationship between Tests of Neurocognition and Performance on a Laparoscopic Simulator.

Objective. To estimate if there is a relationship between the results of tests of neurocognition and performance on a laparoscopic surgery simulator. Methods and Materials. Twenty participants with no prior laparoscopic experience had baseline cognitive tests administered (Trail Making Test, Part A and B (TMT-A and TMT-B), Grooved Peg Board Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Symbol Digit Recall Test, and Stroop Interference Test), completed a demographic questionnaire, and then performed laparoscopy using a simulator. We correlated the results of cognitive tests with laparoscopic surgical performance. Results. One cognitive test sensitive to frontal lobe function, TMT-A, significantly correlated with laparoscopic surgical performance on the simulator (correlation coefficient of 0.534 with P < .05). However, the correlation between performance and other cognitive tests (TMT-B, Grooved Peg Board Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Symbol Digit Recall Test, and Stroop Interference Test) was not statistically significant. Conclusion. Laparoscopic performance may be related to measures of frontal lobe function. Neurocognitive tests may predict motor skills abilities and performance on laparoscopic simulator.

Pyometra after ovum retrieval for in vitro fertilization resulting in hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To report infection and pyometra after ovum retrieval for IVF. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Community hospital. PATIENT(S): A 43-year-old woman with a recent history of ovum retrieval presented with high fever, chills, and no gynecologic symptoms. The patient was admitted to the medical intensive care unit due to septicemia. After an extensive workup for fever, the patient was diagnosed with pyometra, and biopsy of the endometrial cavity revealed vancomycin-resistant enterococci. INTERVENTION(S): The patient was treated with antibiotics and then discharged home. Two weeks later she presented with unrelenting fever and abdominal pain and underwent hysterectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Unrelenting infection despite antibiotic treatment resulting in hysterectomy, which showed autolyzed endometrium, subserosal and intramural abscess. RESULT(S): Infection resolved after hysterectomy. CONCLUSION(S): Pyometra should be considered in the differential diagnosis of fever after ovum retrieval as it may result in serious consequences and can be life threatening.