The Effect of Hormonal Treatment on Ovarian Endometriomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of hormonal suppression of endometriosis on the size of endometriotic ovarian cysts. DATA SOURCES: The authors searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 2012 to December 2022. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: We included studies of premenopausal women undergoing hormonal treatment of endometriosis for ≥3 months. The authors excluded studies involving surgical intervention in the follow-up period and those using hormones to prevent endometrioma recurrence after endometriosis surgery. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022385612). TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: The primary outcome was the mean change in endometrioma volume, expressed as a percentage, from baseline to at least 6 months. Secondary outcomes were the change in volume at 3 months and analyses by class of hormonal therapy. The authors included 16 studies (15 cohort studies, 1 randomized controlled trial) of 888 patients treated with dienogest (7 studies), other progestins (4), combined hormonal contraceptives (2), and other suppressive therapy (3). Globally, the decrease in endometrioma volume became statistically significant at 6 months with a mean reduction of 55% (95% confidence interval, -40 to -71; 18 treatment groups; 730 patients; p <.001; I2 = 96%). The reduction was the greatest with dienogest and norethindrone acetate plus letrozole, followed by relugolix and leuprolide acetate. The volume reduction was not statistically significant with combined hormonal contraceptives or other progestins. There was high heterogeneity, and studies were at risk of selection bias. CONCLUSION: Hormonal suppression can substantially reduce endometrioma size, but there is uncertainty in the exact reduction patients may experience.

Determinants of Perioperative Complications in Day-Surgery for Endometriosis: A Retrospective Cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Endometriosis is a common gynaecologic disease for which surgery is often required. Our objective was to evaluate the potential determinants of perioperative complications in day-surgeries for endometriosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing day-surgeries for endometriosis using Canadian administrative data from between 2015 and 2019. A multilevel logistic model with a random intercept at the centre level was created to assess the association between potential determinants, including age, site(s) of endometriosis lesion, centre-volume, surgical intervention, and a composite outcome of complications or specific complications. RESULTS: We observed a higher risk of complications associated with greater age (40-44 vs. 20-24 years, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.58; 95% CI 1.26-1.98); hysterectomies (aOR 2.29; 95% CI 1.73-3.06) compared with minor conservative surgery; lesions of the bowel or urinary tract system (aOR 1.54; 95% CI 1.16-2.06), and extra-pelvic sites of endometriosis (aOR 1.24; 95% CI 1.07-1.52) compared with endometriosis of the uterus; and with comorbidities (aOR 1.59; 95% CI 1.09-2.32). Endometriosis lesions to the bowel and urinary tract system and to extra-pelvic sites (compared with no endometriosis at the site) were associated with a greater risk of accidental damages (aOR 1.84; 95% CI 1.43-2.37) and urinary system complications (aOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.24-2.48), respectively. Among patients undergoing hysterectomies compared with those undergoing minor conservative surgery, infectious complications (aOR 8.56; 95% CI 4.70-15.59) and accidental damages (aOR 2.31; 95% CI 1.70-3.14) were more frequent. CONCLUSIONS: Complications in day-surgeries for endometriosis are more frequent with older age, hysterectomy, comorbidities, and endometriosis of the bowel, urinary tract system, and extra-pelvic locations. More extensive disease is associated with more extensive surgical dissection and a higher risk of complications.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Used in Randomized Controlled Trials Following Surgical Intervention for Endometriosis: A Structured Review from the AAGL Practice Guidelines Group.

OBJECTIVE: No consensus currently exists regarding patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) instruments. This structured review was conducted to identify the PROMs used by randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated surgical treatment in patients with endometriosis. DATA SOURCES: Two parallel searches were conducted by a medical librarian using Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Cochrane Library for RCTs published from 2000 to July 2022. One search focused on studies reporting quality of life (QoL), and the second search focused on studies reporting pain and sexual, bowel, and bladder function. METHOD OF STUDY SELECTION: During the title and abstract screening and reference check, 600 results were identified on PROMs relating to QoL and 465 studies on PROMs relating to pain and sexual, bowel, and/or bladder function and an evaluation of 17 and 12 studies conducted, respectively. The inclusion criteria involved selecting RCTs that focused on surgical intervention and assessing QoL, pain, and sexual, bowel, and/or bladder function using PROMs. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Covidence software was used to organize and identify duplicate articles through screening. We developed a data extraction form to collect key information about each included study, as well as the pertinent PROMs used in the study. Assessment of the risk of bias of each study was also performed. A total of 19 studies were identified involving 2089 participants and a total of 16 PROMs used across the studies; 9 of 19 studies (47%) were rated as having a low risk of bias. There were no high-risk studies identified in this review. CONCLUSION: This study identified a large number of RCTs in surgical treatment of endometriosis that used various PROMs to assess QoL, pain, and bladder, bowel, and sexual function. The PROMs used by high-quality RCTs for QoL include Endometriosis Health Profile-30, Endometriosis Health Profile-5, Short-Form 36, Short-Form 12, and EQ-5D; for bowel-related symptoms Knowles-Eccersley-Scott-Symptom Questionnaire, Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index, and Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Severity Scoring System/Wexner; for bladder-related function Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, International Prostate Symptom Score, Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire, and Urinary Symptom Profile; and finally for sexual function Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire and Sexual Activity Questionnaire. Unlike other domains, only one tool (visual analog scale) was the dominant PROM used for the assessment of pain. In addition, the use of more than one PROM in each study to assess different aspects of patient's health and pain symptoms did not become prevalent until after 2015.

Clinical Risk Factors for Placenta Accreta or Placenta Percreta: A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: Uterine scarring is a risk factor for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorder. We aimed to determine the factors related to PAS in women who had previously undergone a cesarean. METHODS: We performed a case-control study where women who underwent postpartum hysterectomy for placenta accreta/percreta (cases) were matched to all women with a previous cesarean who delivered in the week before each case (controls). Maternal characteristics along with previous cesarean characteristics were compared between cases and controls. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors related to PAS. RESULTS: We compared 64 cases of PAS that required hysterectomy to 192 controls. The factors related to PAS were a history of uterine surgery (OR 27.4; 95% CI 5.1-146.5, P < 0.001) and the number of previous cesareans (2 cesareans: OR 7.2; 95% CI 3.4-15.4, P < 0.001; more than 2 cesareans: OR 7.9; 95% CI 2.9-21.5, P < 0.001). In women with a single previous cesarean without previous uterine surgery, an interdelivery interval of fewer than 18 months (OR 6.3; 95% CI 1.8-22.4, P = 0.004) and smoking (OR 5.8; 95% CI 1.2-27.8, P = 0.03) were related to PAS. The gestational age and the cervical dilatation at previous cesarean were not associated with PAS (all with P > 0.05). The lack of data regarding the closure of the uterus at previous cesareans prevents us from drawing solid conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Previous uterine surgery, the number of previous cesareans, smoking, and an interdelivery interval of fewer than 18 months after cesarean are significant risk factors for PAS requiring postpartum hysterectomy.

Day surgery for endometriosis in Canada: A retrospective cohort of trend and regional variation in types of surgeries and their complications.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of patients with endometriosis require surgery for management of the disease. AIMS: We aimed to assess the trend and regional variation in day surgeries for endometriosis across Canada and to identify perioperative complications associated with types of surgeries and their temporal trend and regional variation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing day surgeries for endometriosis between 2015 and 2019 using Canadian administrative data from the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System, which includes data from four provinces (Ontario (ON), Alberta (AB), Nova Scotia (NS) and Prince Edward Island (PEI)). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to compare perioperative complication rates, while adjusting for site(s) of endometriosis lesion, age, type of surgical intervention, and comorbidities. RESULTS: During the study period, the rate of day surgeries for endometriosis remained nearly constant at 80-90 cases per 100 000 women of reproductive age (P = 0.12). The rate of day surgeries was significantly different between provinces (AB = 94, NS = 93 vs ON = 85 per 100 000 women of reproductive age: P < 0.02). The odds of complications decreased with time (2019 vs 2015; adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.84; 95% CI: 0.73-0.98). There was a significant regional variation in the frequency of perioperative complications (PEI vs ON aOR: 4.13, 95% CI: 2.58-6.62; and NS vs ON aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.11-1.95). CONCLUSION: The rates of day surgery for endometriosis remained stable and the risks of perioperative complications decreased during the five-year study period. However, there were significant regional variations in the risk of perioperative complications.

Other treatments for CSP.

Caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is an increasingly common clinical conundrum. The non-curettage surgical management of CSP can be categorised into hysteroscopic, vaginal, laparoscopic, and open removal modalities and the choice of treatment is surgeon-dependent. A systematic review of original studies reporting surgical treatment outcomes of CSP until March 2023 was conducted to evaluate the non-curettage surgical management of this highly morbid condition. A total of 60 studies of mostly weak methodological quality were identified involving 6720 CSP cases. Success rates were generally high across all treatment modalities although highest in vaginal and laparoscopic excisional approaches. Morbidity was most associated with haemorrhage although unplanned hysterectomy rates remained low across all treatment groups. Subsequent pregnancies are associated with morbidity despite being underreported and the impact of CSP treatment on future pregnancy is poorly understood. Substantive study heterogeneity precludes meta-analyses of pooled data and treatment superiority has not been demonstrated.

Preoperative Mechanical Bowel Preparation for Gynecologic Surgeries: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before benign laparoscopic or vaginal gynecologic surgeries. DATA SOURCES: Database searches of MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (OVID), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Sciences and citations and reference lists published up to December 2021. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Randomized clinical trials in any language comparing MBP with no preparation were included. Two reviewers independently screened 925 records and extracted data from 12 selected articles and assessed the risk of bias with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials tool. A random-effects model was used for the analysis. Surgeon findings (surgical field view, quality of bowel handling and bowel preparation), operative outcomes (blood loss, operative time, length of stay, surgical site infection), and patient's preoperative symptoms and satisfaction were collected. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Thirteen studies (1715 patients) assessing oral and rectal preparations before laparoscopic and vaginal gynecologic surgeries were included. No significant differences were observed with or without MBP on surgical field view (primary outcome, risk ratio [RR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-1.05, p = .66, I2 = 0%), bowel handling (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.95-1.08, p = .78, I2 = 67%), or bowel preparation. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in perioperative findings. MBP was associated with increased pain (mean difference [MD] 11.62[2.80-20.44], I2 = 76, p = .01), weakness (MD 10.73[0.60-20.87], I2 = 94, p = .04), hunger (MD 17.52 [8.04-27.00], I2 = 83, p = .0003), insomnia (MD 10.13[0.57-19.68], I2 = 82, p = .04), and lower satisfaction (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53-0.87, I2 = 76%, p = .002) compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: MBP has not been associated with improved surgical field view, bowel handling, or operative outcome. However, in view of the adverse effects induced, its routine use before benign gynecologic surgeries should be abandoned.

Complications following surgeries for endometriosis: A systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition with a wide range of symptoms, including infertility, dyspareunia, intestinal disorders, and pelvic pain. Laparoscopy and laparotomy are used widely for diagnosing and managing endometriosis. We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aims of reporting complications rates following each type of surgeries for endometriosis and determinants of complications. METHOD: We will search Medline (via PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for both retrospective and prospective cohorts or trials of at least 30 participants reporting perioperative and postoperative complications for endometriosis surgeries. We will restrict the studies to those conducted after 2011, to be representative of current practices, and will exclude studies of surgeries for gynecological cancer, or other concomitant benign gynecologic surgeries such as myomectomy. Two reviewers will independently screen references and select eligible studies. A standardized form will be used to collect data related to the baseline characteristics, potential determinants of complications, types of interventions, and outcomes. Cumulative incidences of complications will be pooled using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects method. The relation between potential determinants and complications will be reported with risk ratios and their 95% of confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis of surgical approach, surgical procedure, superficial and deep infiltrating endometriosis, and the indication of surgery will be conducted. Sensitivity analyses restricted to studies with low risk of bias will be performed. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will provide information on the rates of complications for different surgical approaches and procedures for the treatment of endometriosis. It will contribute to inform patients when making decisions regarding their care. Identifying potential determinants of complications will also help to improve care by identifying women being at higher risk of complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Systematic review registration: CRD42021293865.

Predictive Factors for Morcellation during Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to identify predictors of morcellation during a total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2) taking place in a university hospital center in Quebec, Canada. Participants were women undergoing a TLH for a benign gynaecologic pathology from January 1, 2017, to January 31, 2019. All women underwent a TLH. If the uterus was too voluminous to be removed vaginally, surgeons favoured in-bag morcellation by laparoscopy. Uterine weight and characteristics were assessed before surgery by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging to predict morcellation. RESULTS: A total of 252 women underwent a TLH and the mean age was 46 ± 7 (30-71) years old. The main indications for surgery were abnormal uterine bleeding (77%), chronic pelvic pain (36%) and bulk symptoms (25%). Mean uterine weight was 325 (17-1572) ± 272 grams, with 11/252 (4%) uterus being >1000 grams and 71% of women had at least 1 leiomyoma. Among women with a uterine weight <250 grams, 120 (95%) did not require morcellation. On the opposite, among women with a uterine weight >500 grams, 49 (100%) required morcellation. In addition to the estimated uterine weight (≥250 vs. <250 grams; OR 3.7 [CI 1.8 to 7.7, P < 0.01]), having ≥ 1 leiomyoma (OR 4.1, CI 1.0 to 16.0, P = 0.01) and leiomyoma of ≥5 cm (OR 8.6, CI 4.1 to 17.9, P < 0.01) were other significant predictors morcellation in multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine weight estimated by preoperative imaging as well as the size and number of leiomyomas are useful predictors of the need for morcellation.

Immediate versus delayed urinary catheter removal following non-hysterectomy benign gynaecological laparoscopy: a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare rates of urinary retention and postoperative urinary tract infection between women with immediate versus women with delayed removal of indwelling catheter following benign non-hysterectomy gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. DESIGN: This randomised clinical trial was conducted between February 2012 and December 2019, with follow-up to 6 weeks. SETTING: Two university-affiliated teaching hospitals in Sydney, Australia. POPULATION: Study participants were 693 women aged 18 years or over, undergoing non-hysterectomy laparoscopy for benign gynaecological conditions, excluding pelvic floor or concomitant bowel surgery. METHODS: Three hundred and fifty-five participants were randomised to immediate removal of urinary catheter and 338 participants were randomised to delayed removal of urinary catheter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The co-primary outcomes were urinary retention and urinary tract infection. Secondary outcomes included hospital readmission, analgesia requirements, duration of hospitalisation and validated bladder function questionnaires. RESULTS: Urinary retention was higher after immediate compared with delayed removal of the urinary catheter (8.2% vs 4.2%, RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.0-3.0, p = 0.04). Although urinary tract infection was 7.2% following delayed removal of the urinary catheter and 4.7% following immediate removal of the urinary catheter, the difference was not statistically significant (RR 0.7, 95% CI 0.3-1.2, p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: There is an increased risk of urinary retention with the immediate compared with the delayed removal of the urinary catheter following benign non-hysterectomy gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. The difference in urinary tract infection was not significant. There is 1/12 risk of re-catheterisation after immediate urinary catheter removal. It is important to ensure that patients report normal voiding and emptying prior to discharge, to reduce the need for readmission for the management of urinary retention.

Effect of Postoperative Hormonal Suppression on Fertility in Patients With Endometriosis After Conservative Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of hormonal suppression on fertility when administered to infertile patients or patient wishing to conceive after surgery for endometriosis. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed by two independent reviewers from the databases' inception until December 2020. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: We included randomized controlled trials comparing any suppressive hormonal therapy to an inactive control (placebo or absence of treatment) after conservative surgery for endometriosis. Studies that did not report fertility outcomes after surgery were excluded. TABULATION, INTEGRATION AND RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias as well as the strength of evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines were followed. Relative risks (RRs) were pooled by quantitative random effect meta-analysis. From 3,138 citations, 19 trials (2,028 patients) were included. Overall, no difference was observed between the treatment and the control group for pregnancy (RR 1.15; 95% CI 1.00-1.32) and live births (RR 1.05; 95% CI 0.84-1.32). When pooling all hormonal therapies, the duration of administration of postoperative therapy was identified as a substantial source of heterogeneity between studies (I2 difference=74%) with increased chances of pregnancy compared with control when administered for at least 3 months (RR 1.22; 95% CI 1.04-1.43). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists (14 trials, 1,721 patients) were associated with increased chances of pregnancy compared with placebo or no treatment (RR 1.20; 95% CI 1.03-1.41; I2=25%). Data were limited for other hormonal treatments with no significant difference between groups. Subgroup analyses taking into account the use of fertility treatments (insemination or in vitro fertilization), stages of the disease and risk of bias of included trials did not modify the results. CONCLUSION: Postoperative hormonal suppression should be considered on a case-by-case basis to enhance fertility while balancing this benefit with the risks of delaying conception. If chosen, GnRH agonists would be the treatment of choice, and a duration of at least 3 months should be favored. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42021224424.

Effect of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser vs Sham Treatment on Symptom Severity in Women With Postmenopausal Vaginal Symptoms: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Postmenopausal vaginal symptoms are common and frequently detrimental to a woman's quality of life. Fractional carbon dioxide vaginal laser is increasingly offered as a treatment, but the efficacy remains unproven. Objective: To determine the efficacy of fractional carbon dioxide laser for treatment of vaginal symptoms associated with menopause. Design, Setting, and Participants: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial with 12-month follow-up was undertaken at a single tertiary referral hospital in Sydney, Australia. Enrollment commenced on September 19, 2016, with final follow-up on June 30, 2020. Participants were postmenopausal women with vaginal symptoms substantive enough to seek medical treatment. Of 232 participants approached, 85 were randomized. Interventions: Three treatments using a fractional microablative carbon dioxide laser system performed 4 to 8 weeks apart, with 43 women randomized to the laser group and 42 to the sham group. Main Outcomes and Measures: The co-primary outcomes were symptom severity assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS; range, 0-100; 0 indicates no symptoms and 100 indicates the most severe symptoms) and the Vulvovaginal Symptom Questionnaire (VSQ; range, 0-20; 0 indicates no symptoms and 20 indicates the most severe symptoms) at 12 months. The minimal clinically important difference was specified as a 50% decrease in both VAS and VSQ severity scores. There were 5 prespecified secondary outcomes, including quality of life (range, 0-100; higher scores indicate better quality of life), the Vaginal Health Index Score (range, 5-25; higher scores indicate better health), and vaginal histology (premenopausal or postmenopausal status). Results: Of 85 randomized participants (mean [SD] age, 57 [8] years), 78 (91.7%) completed the 12-month follow-up. From baseline to 12 months, there was no significant difference between the carbon dioxide laser group and the sham group in change in symptom severity (VAS score for overall vaginal symptoms: -17.2 vs -26.6; difference, 9.4 [95% CI, -28.6 to 47.5]; VAS score for the most severe symptom: -24.5 vs -20.4; difference -4.1 [95% CI, -32.5 to 24.3]; VSQ score: -3.1 vs -1.6; difference, -1.5 [95% CI, -5.9 to 3.0]). There were no significant differences between the laser and sham group in the mean quality of life score (6.3 vs 1.4; difference, 4.8 [95% CI, -3.9 to 13.5]) and Vaginal Health Index Score (0.9 vs 1.3; difference, -0.4 [95% CI, -4.3 to 3.6]) or in histological comparisons between laser and sham treatment groups. There were 16 adverse events in the laser group and 17 in the sham group, including vaginal pain/discomfort (44% vs 68%), spotting, discharge, and lower urinary tract symptoms. No severe adverse events were reported in either group. Conclusions and Relevance: Among women with postmenopausal vaginal symptoms, treatment with fractional carbon dioxide laser vs sham treatment did not significantly improve vaginal symptoms after 12 months. Trial Registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12616001403426.

Is an abdominal cerclage indicated with a cervical myomectomy? A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical myomectomy can compromise cervical integrity and the risk of subsequent cervical incompetence is unclear. In this case report, the literature on cervical myomectomies is reviewed as well as that on the potential benefits of cervical cerclage. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30-year-old woman, nulligravida, with a 12 cm cervical leiomyoma consulted for heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. After failure of multiple medical therapies, a laparoscopic cervical myomectomy was successfully performed after pre-operative uterine artery embolization using absorbable gelatin sponges to reduce surgical blood loss. DISCUSSION: A concomitant laparoscopic cerclage was achieved in order to prevent cervical incompetence, given that the full thickness of the anterior cervix was penetrated during the myomectomy.

Technicity in Canada: A Nationwide Whole-Population Analysis of Temporal Trends and Variation in Minimally Invasive Hysterectomies.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to provide a contemporary description of hysterectomy practice and temporal trends in Canada. DESIGN: A national whole-population retrospective analysis of data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. SETTING: Canada. PATIENTS: All women who underwent hysterectomy for benign indication from April 1, 2007, to March 31, 2017, in Canada. INTERVENTIONS: Hysterectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 369 520 hysterectomies were performed in Canada during the 10-year period, during which the hysterectomy rate decreased from 313 to 243 per 100 000 women. The proportion of abdominal hysterectomies decreased (59.5% to 36.9%), laparoscopic hysterectomies increased (10.8% to 38.6%), and vaginal hysterectomies decreased (29.7% to 24.5%), whereas the national technicity index increased from 40.5% to 63.1% (p <.001, all trends). The median length of stay decreased from 3 (interquartile range 2-4) days to 2 (interquartile range 1-3), and the proportion of patients discharged within 24 hours increased from 2.1% to 7.2%. In year 2016-17, women aged 40 to 49 years had significantly increased risk of abdominal hysterectomy compared with women undergoing hysterectomy in other age categories (p <.001). Comparing women with menstrual bleeding disorders, women undergoing hysterectomy for endometriosis (adjusted relative risk [aRR] 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-1.44) and myomas (aRR 2.01; 95% CI, 1.94-2.08) were at increased risk of abdominal hysterectomy, whereas women undergoing hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain (aRR 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41-1.53) were at decreased risk. Using Ontario as the comparator, Nova Scotia (aRR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.27-1.43), New Brunswick (aRR 1.25; 95% CI, 1.18-1.32]), Manitoba (aRR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.28-1.43), and Newfoundland and Labrador (aRR 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.27) had significantly higher risks of abdominal hysterectomy. In contrast, Saskatchewan (aRR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.74-0.77) and British Columbia (aRR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.85-0.88) had significantly lower risks, whereas Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Alberta were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The proportion of minimally invasive hysterectomies for benign indication has increased significantly in Canada. The declining use of vaginal approaches and the variation among provinces are of concern and necessitate further study.

The Efficacy of Vaginal Laser and Other Energy-based Treatments on Genital Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review examined energy-based treatments of the vagina for postmenopausal vaginal symptoms. DATA SOURCES: We performed a systematic review from April 2017 (the end date of our previous review) to April 2020, searching Medline, Embase, and Scopus. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: The inclusion criteria were all randomized studies, prospective studies with >10 cases, and retrospective studies with >20 cases published in English or French that assessed change in postmenopausal vaginal symptoms and/or sexual function in women after energy-based vaginal treatments. Meta-analyses were performed on randomized data. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Of the 989 results retrieved, 3 randomized studies, 16 prospective studies, and 7 retrospective studies were included in the review, representing data from 2678 participants. Pooled data from 3 randomized controlled trials show no difference between vaginal laser and topical hormonal treatments for change in vaginal symptoms (-0.14, 95% confidence interval -1.07 to 0.80) or sexual function scores (2.22, 95% confidence interval -0.56 to 5.00). Furthermore, no difference among vaginal laser, topical hormone, and lubricant was demonstrated in sexual function (p = .577). As in our previous review, non-randomized data support energy-based treatments in improving vaginal symptoms, sexual function, and clinician-reported outcomes. No severe adverse events were reported in the included studies. Significant heterogeneity of data arising from differing measures and reported outcomes continues to be an issue, with data remaining low quality, with high risk of bias, and no double-blind or placebo-controlled randomized trials yet reported, although 1 has now completed recruitment. CONCLUSION: There are 3 randomized trials comparing energy-based systems with hormonal treatment, with no clinical difference in these 2 approaches. Although prospective data continue to show promising outcomes, without strong evidence from well-powered, double-blind placebo-controlled trials to determine the efficacy of treatment compared with placebo, the use of energy-based treatments should continue to be undertaken in research studies only, with high-quality studies essentially free from bias (International Prospective Register of Systematic Review registration number: 178346).

Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy Rates in Québec: Trends Over the Last Decade and Predictors of Technicity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess trends and predictors of a high technicity index for hysterectomies performed in the province of Québec. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study using the ADAM database to determine the annual number hysterectomies performed for a suspected benign condition and the surgical approach used across 81 hospitals in the province of Québec from 2007 to 2017. We calculated the technicity index for each hospital and analyzed trends in surgical approach using the Cochran-Armitage test. We used logistic regression to assess potential predictors of a high technicity index (>70%), including academic centre, urban area, high volume of hysterectomies performed, and greater number of gynaecologists per hospital. RESULTS: Fifty-nine hospitals were eligible for inclusion, representing 96 431 hysterectomies during the study period. Over the decade, the technicity index increased from 43% to 66% (P < 0.001, with a 198% increase in laparoscopic hysterectomies (from 685 to 2039 per year; P < 0.001), a 50% decrease in abdominal hysterectomies (from 5528 to 2790 per year; P < 0.001), and a 8% decrease in vaginal hysterectomies (form 3551 to 3257 per year; P < 0.001). Meanwhile, the total number of hysterectomies per year declined by 17% (P < 0.001). Being an academic centre was the only significant predictor of a high technicity index >70% (68% vs. 38%; OR 7.5; P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Technicity is increasing in the province of Québec and the majority of hysterectomies are now performed using a minimally invasive approach. This shift has mainly occurred through an increase in the laparoscopic approach and a decrease in the abdominal approach. Academic centres are more likely to have high technicity indexes.

Morcellation During Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomies: Implications of the Use of a Contained Bag System.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to report the feasibility and clinical implications of in-bag morcellation for total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). METHODS: Women who required uterine morcellation during TLH from January 2017 to December 2018 (at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec - CHUL, Québec, QC) were included. Women with a preoperative suspicion of malignancy were excluded (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). RESULTS: During the 2-year study period, uterine morcellation was required in 42% (106 of 252) of women undergoing TLH. Mean uterine weight of morcellated uterus was 541 ± 291 g, with 11 of 106 uteri weighing >1000 g. In-bag morcellation was attempted in 84 of 106 (79%) and successfully performed in 79 of 84 (94%) women. Failures resulted from inability to insert the specimen into the bag or apparent perforation. Uncontained morcellation was chosen for 22 of 106 (21%) women, most of whom underwent vaginal morcellation of the uterus. Total operative time was 40 minutes longer for the in-bag morcellation group (170 ± 48 vs. 130 ± 43 min; P < 0.001), although this difference can be partly explained by the higher mean uterine size compared with the uncontained morcellation group (580 ± 309 vs. 391 ± 122 g; P = 0.01). In a subgroup analysis of 16 women, the mean times of installation and extraction of the bag were estimated to be 17 ± 9 and 4 ± 3 minutes, respectively. Complications were infrequent (2 of 106) and occurred in the in-bag morcellation group. CONCLUSION: In-bag morcellation is feasible in a high proportion of women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy and is associated with an increase in operative time. Larger studies will be required in order to better assess the risk of complications with in-bag morcellation and the potential benefits of this technique, namely, reducing the spread of tissue.

Contained Morcellation of Very Large Uterus.

A 38-year-old woman was referred to our centre for symptomatic leiomyoma. The patient had a large uterus, heavy menstrual bleeding, and compressive symptoms refractory to medical treatments. The patient was then scheduled for total laparoscopic hysterectomy with contained morcellation. After circular colpotomy completion, a strong, folded, 4-L bag with an additional sleeve for the optics was inserted into the abdominal cavity through the vagina. The colored tabs on the edge of the bag mouth served as landmarks during bag deployment. After ensuring optimal positioning, the entire bag was fully deployed, and the specimen was placed inside. Thereafter, the coloured tabs were joined together, and a monofilament drawstring was cinched to close the bag and pulled out through the suprapubic trocar. Next, the small extra sleeve was brought up through the umbilical incision. The bag was then insufflated, and the power morcellator was inserted through the suprapubic incision. After completing the morcellation, the pneumo bag was evacuated, and knots were made in both openings of the bag to avoid spillage. The closed bag was finally removed through the vagina, with final laparoscopic closure of the vaginal vault.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Intraoperative Tools for Detecting Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative laparoscopic imaging tools in reference to that of histopathology for detecting endometriotic lesions and to compare them with conventional white-light inspection by performing a systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases in addition to citations and reference lists until the end of February 2019. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Two authors screened 1038 citations for eligibility. We included randomized controlled trials or prospective cohort studies published in English, assessing the accuracy of intraoperative imaging tools for diagnosing endometriosis during laparoscopy. We considered studies using histopathologic evaluation as a standard criterion. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Seven studies were eligible, including 472 women and 1717 histopathologic specimens, and they involved study of the use of narrow-band imaging (2 studies), 5-aminolevulinic acid-induced fluorescence (2 studies), autofluorescence imaging (1 study), indocyanine green (1 study), and a 3-dimensional robotic laparoscopy (1 study). Two authors extracted data and assessed the validity of the included studies. Bivariate random-effects models and McNemar's test were used to compare the tests and evaluate sources of heterogeneity. Four studies were attributed a high risk of bias, and biopsies of normal-looking peritoneum were not performed to verify the results in 3 studies; both factors were identified as significant sources of heterogeneity, leading to the overestimation of the sensitivity and underestimation of the specificity of imaging tools. In all studies, additional endometriotic lesions were diagnosed with the enhanced imaging tool compared with white-light inspection alone. In the 4 studies that appropriately performed control biopsies (171 women, 448 specimens), enhanced imaging techniques were associated with a higher sensitivity and specificity compared with white-light inspection (0.84 and 0.89 compared with 0.75 and 0.76, respectively, p ≤.001). Adverse events were uncommon (n = 5) and reported only with the use of exogeneous photosensitizers. There were no reports of long-term changes in patient-reported outcomes arising from better detection of endometriosis lesions. CONCLUSION: Studies report that enhanced imaging allows for the detection of additional endometriotic lesions missed by conventional white-light laparoscopy. The benefits of finding these additional lesions using enhanced imaging compared with white-light inspection alone on long-term postoperative outcomes have not been determined, and these tools should be considered only in a research context at this time.

Association between fertility treatments and early placentation markers.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnancies resulting from fertility treatments are at higher risk of placenta-mediated complications. Hence, we aimed to estimate the association between fertility treatment and levels of first-trimester markers of placentation. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study in an academic center from 03/2011 to 12/2014. Adult nulliparous women with singleton pregnancies were recruited between 11 + 0 and 13 + 6 weeks of gestation. Data on maternal characteristics, medical history, and pregnancies conceived through fertility treatments (whether ovulation agents, insemination or assisted reproductive technologies) were collected. Maternal serum concentrations of PlGF, sFlt-1, PAPP-A, AFP, and free ß-hCG were obtained, and notches and UtA-PI were measured using Doppler ultrasound. Mean Multiple of the Medians (MoM) and frequencies were computed to estimate the mean differences (MD) or risk ratios (RR) comparing fertility treatment to spontaneous pregnancies. RESULTS: 427 (9%) pregnancies out of 4815 were conceived through fertility treatments, using ovulation agents (n = 233, 5%), insemination (n = 174, 4%) and/or assisted reproductive technologies (n = 85, 2%). The latter were associated with significantly lower log10PAPP-A MoM (adjusted MD: -0.02, 95%CI: -0.04 to -0.01), lower log10PlGF MoM (adjusted MD: -0.04, 95%CI: -0.06 to -0.01) and higher log10free ß-hCG MoM (adjusted MD: 0.05, 95%CI: 0.01 to 0.09) compared to spontaneous pregnancies. Ovulation agents and insemination were associated with the presence of notches (adjusted RR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.14 to 1.35; and 1.27, 95%CI: 1.15 to 1.42, respectively) and higher log10UtA-PI MoM (adjusted MD: 0.16, 95%CI: 0.08 to 0.24; and 0.17, 95%CI: 0.07 to 0.27, respectively) than spontaneous pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Fertility treatments are associated with significant variations in markers of placentation.