Hysteroscopy needs of indigenous communities in Northern Quebec: a retrospective cohort study.

We aimed to determine the surgical output for patients from Nunavik undergoing transfer to an urban centre for hysteroscopy, and associated costs. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients from the 14 villages of Nunavik transferred for hysteroscopic surgery from 2016 to 2021. Diagnoses, surgical intervention, and nature of the procedure were all extracted from the patient charts, and costs/length of stay obtained from logisticians and administrators servicing the Nunavik region. Over a 5-year period, 22 patients were transferred from Nunavik for hysteroscopy, of which all were elective save one. The most common diagnosis was endometrial or cervical polyp and the most common procedure was diagnostic hysteroscopy. The average cost for patient transfer and lodging to undergo hysteroscopy in Montreal ranged from $6,000 to $15,000 CDN. On average, 4-5 patient transfers occur annually for hysteroscopy, most commonly for management of endometrial polyps, at a cost of $6,000 to $15,000 CDN, suggesting the need to investigate local capacity building in Nunavik and assess cost-effectiveness.

Medical Management of Ovarian Endometriomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of medical management on the size of ovarian endometriomas. DATA SOURCE: Online databases were searched from inception to October 2022, including Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, PubMed, EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials.gov , and Web of Science. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we included all English-language, full-text articles that reported on change in endometrioma size (either diameter or volume) after medical interventions. Studies evaluating surgical interventions or postoperative recurrence were excluded. All screening and data extraction were performed independently by two authors. Risk of bias assessment was performed with either the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized controlled trials or a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: After removal of duplicates, 9,332 studies were screened, with 33 full-text articles deemed eligible for inclusion. In the meta-analysis, dienogest showed significant reduction in cyst diameter (reduction 1.32 cm, 95% CI, 0.91-1.73, eight studies, n=418 cysts) and volume (mean difference of log-transformed volume 1.35, 95% CI, 0.87-1.83, seven studies, n=282 cysts). Similarly, significant reductions were seen with the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) (1.06 cm, 95% CI, 0.59-1.53, nine studies, n=455), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists (1.17 cm, 95% CI, 0.42-1.92, four studies, n=128 cysts), norethindrone acetate (0.6 cm, 95% CI, 0.27-0.94, two studies, n=88 cysts), and danazol (1.95 cm, 95% CI, 1.18-2.73, two studies, n=34 cysts). Norethindrone acetate with aromatase inhibitor was also effective in reducing endometrioma volume (mean difference of log-transformed volume 1.47, 95% CI, 0.16-2.78, two studies, n=34 cysts). CONCLUSION: Medical management with dienogest, OCPs, GnRH agonists, norethindrone acetate, norethindrone acetate with aromatase inhibitor, or danazol can reduce the size of ovarian endometriomas. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD 42022363319.

Molar Pregnancy-Induced Hyperthyroidism: The Importance of Early Recognition and Timely Preoperative Management.

Hyperthyroidism due to gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Optimal perioperative management is crucial for favorable outcomes and prevention of thyroid storm. However, scarce data exist defining the ideal approach to this complex clinical presentation. This case report describes a first-time pregnant 32-year-old woman who was found to be biochemically hyperthyroid in the context of a 10-week gestation molar pregnancy. Despite her biochemical values, the patient remained clinically asymptomatic of her thyroid disease. The Gynecology and Anesthesiology services urgently consulted Endocrinology, and empiric treatment for prevention of potential impending thyroid storm was initiated prior to operative uterine evacuation. After 2 uneventful dilation and curettages with chemotherapy and a transient prescription of antithyroid medication, the patient normalized her human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level and recovered to biochemical euthyroidism. Other than a pruritic rash that may have been due to propylthiouracil, the patient's hyperthyroidism improved without further complications. This case highlights the importance of recognizing the link between GTD and thyrotoxicosis to allow for timely initiation of appropriate preoperative treatment. Fortunately, the multidisciplinary approach facilitated management to prevent evolution to thyroid storm.

Pharmacologic Interventions to Minimize Fluid Absorption at the Time of Hysteroscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess which interventions are effective in reducing fluid absorption at the time of hysteroscopy. DATA SOURCE: Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, PubMed (non-MEDLINE records only), EBM Reviews-Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ClinicalTrials.gov , and Web of Science were searched from inception to February 2022 without restriction on language or geographic origin. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, all English-language, full-text articles reporting fluid balance, with an intervention and comparator arm, were included. Title and abstract screening and full-text review were completed independently by two authors. Conflicts were resolved through discussion and consensus. Studies' risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: The search identified 906 studies, 28 of which were eligible for inclusion, examining the following interventions: gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist; ulipristal acetate; vasopressin; danazol; oxytocin; and local, general, and regional anesthesia. A significant reduction in mean fluid absorption was seen in patients preoperatively treated with danazol (-175.7 mL, 95% CI -325.4 to -26.0) and a GnRH agonist (-139.68 mL, 95% CI -203.2, -76.2) compared with patients in a control group. Ulipristal acetate and type of anesthesia showed no difference. Data on type of anesthesia and vasopressin use were not amenable to meta-analysis; however, four studies favored vasopressin over control regarding fluid absorption. Mean operative time was reduced after preoperative treatment with ulipristal acetate (-7.1 min, 95% CI -11.31 to -2.9), danazol (-7.5 min, 95% CI -8.7 to -6.3), and a GnRH agonist (-3.3 min, 95% CI -5.6 to -0.98). CONCLUSION: Preoperative treatment with a GnRH agonist and danazol were both found to be effective in reducing fluid absorption and operative time across a range of hysteroscopic procedures. High-quality research aimed at evaluating other interventions, such as combined hormonal contraception, progestin therapy, and vasopressin, are still lacking in the literature. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42021233804.

Task shifting cesarean sections in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Safe and timely access to cesarean section (CS) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) remains a significant challenge. OBJECTIVES: To compare maternal and perinatal outcomes of CS by non-physician clinicians (NPCs) versus physicians in LMIC. SEARCH STRATEGY AND SELECTION CRITERIA: A systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library (including CENTRAL), Web of Science, and LILACS was performed from inception to January 2022. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and meta-analysis was performed when possible. MAIN RESULTS: Ten studies from seven African countries were included. There was no significant difference in maternal mortality for CS performed by NPCs versus physicians (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-2.14, P = 0.8, I2  = 70%, P < 0.05, eight studies, n = 20 711) or in perinatal mortality (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.86-1.61, P = 0.3, I2  = 88%, n = 19 716). Despite heterogeneous clinical settings between providers, there was no difference in the rates of wound infection or re-operation, although there was a higher rate of wound complications (such as dehiscence) in the NPC group (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.21-2.95, P = 0.005, n = 6507). CONCLUSIONS: NPCs have comparable maternal and neonatal outcomes for CS compared with standard providers, albeit with increased odds of wound complication. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42020217966.

vNOTES Hysterectomy, Adnexectomy, and Uterosacral Ligament Suspension: A Walk-Through Guide.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a stepwise guide to performing vNOTES hysterectomy, adnexectomy, and vault suspension, using 2 access platform methods. DESIGN: Narrated surgical video based on 2 cases of vNOTES for abnormal uterine bleeding and endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia. SETTING: A single tertiary-care academic center. INTERVENTIONS: Step-by-step walk-through is shown to demonstrate the successful completion of a hysterectomy, adnexectomy, and vault suspension. Use of a traditional glove platform and that of an advanced access system, the GelPOINT Access System (Applied Medical), are illustrated. The surgical steps are summarized as follows: (1) colpotomy and abdominal entry, (2) transection of the uterosacral ligaments, (3) placement of an access platform, (4) upper abdominal survey, (5) transection of the uterine and cornual pedicles, (6) identification of the ureters, (7) bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, (8) uterosacral ligament suspension, (9) cystoscopy, and (10) vaginal vault closure and tying of the suspension sutures. CONCLUSION: This video demonstrates the steps to safely reproduce a vNOTES hysterectomy, adnexectomy, and uterosacral ligament suspension with 2 access techniques. vNOTES offers scar-free surgery, improved access to high pedicles and surgical fields, and a favorable recovery profile, making it an attractive surgical route in appropriate candidates.

Stepwise approach to the laparoscopic excision of bladder endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a stepwise approach to the laparoscopic excision of bladder endometriosis. DESIGN: Narrated surgical video. SETTING: Academic tertiary care hospital. PATIENT(S): Surgical footage was obtained from three patients who underwent surgery for bladder endometriosis. Institutional review board approval was not required in accordance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement of Canada, article 2.5. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic excision of bladder endometriotic nodules by partial cystectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Overview of the relevant anatomy, disease overview, surgical planning and perioperative care, and the approach to the excision of bladder endometriotic nodules. RESULT(S): The approach to excision of bladder endometriotic nodules can be standardized in six reproducible steps: cystoscopy with or without ureteral stent placement; abdominal survey and treatment of posterior compartment disease; bladder mobilization; partial bladder cystectomy under cystoscopic guidance; cystotomy closure; and water-leak test. CONCLUSION(S): The safe and complete excision of bladder endometriosis relies on the understanding of surgical anatomy, the multidisciplinary aspect of patient care, and the standardization of the surgical approach.

Bowel surgery for endometriosis: A practical look at short- and long-term complications.

Endometriosis involving the bowel requires a thorough evaluation prior to deciding upon surgical treatment. Patient symptoms, treatment goals, extent and location of disease, surgeon experience, and anticipated risks all play a part in the preoperative decision-making process. Short- and long-term complications after bowel surgery for endometriosis are the focus of this article. Unfortunately, the literature to date has inherent limitations that prevent generalizability. Most studies are retrospective or prospective single-center case series. Publication bias is unavoidable with mainly large volume experts sharing their experience. As a result, there is a need for high-quality prospective studies that standardize inclusion criteria and outcome measures among various centers with an aim to present long-term outcomes. In the meantime, care for those with endometriosis involving the bowel requires a thorough preoperative plan to minimize risks and a need for early diagnosis and management of complications unique to bowel surgery.

Laparoscopic excision of pericardial and diaphragmatic endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To present a five-step approach to the laparoscopic excision of pericardial and diaphragmatic endometriosis. DESIGN: Surgical video. SETTING: Academic tertiary care hospital. PATIENT(S): 35-year-old nulliparous woman observed for chronic pelvic pain and infertility with a diagnosis of diaphragmatic endometriosis at a prior laparoscopy. Symptoms included severe chest pain and right shoulder tip pain, refractory to multiple medical therapies. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic excision of pericardial and diaphragmatic endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Description of the relevant anatomy, the literature surrounding pericardial and diaphragmatic endometriosis, and the approach to the surgical intervention and postoperative care. RESULT(S): The laparoscopic excision of the full-thickness pericardial and diaphragmatic endometriotic lesions was successfully completed according to five reproducible steps: upper abdominal survey, liver mobilization, excision of diaphragmatic endometriosis, intrathoracic laparoscopic exploration, and closure of the diaphragmatic defect. CONCLUSION(S): Although rare and challenging to diagnose and treat, pericardial and diaphragmatic endometriosis and its potentially debilitating symptoms can be successfully managed through a multidisciplinary and stepwise surgical intervention.

The effect of rural vs. urban setting on the management and outcomes of surgery for endometrial cancer.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the proportion of endometrial cancers surgically managed in rural centers, and to compare the surgical management and perioperative morbidity of hysterectomies for endometrial cancer performed in rural settings with those performed in urban settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2003 to 2010. We included all patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer who underwent a hysterectomy and compared surgical approaches, lymph node dissection rates, perioperative complication rates, and lengths of stay according to location of care provided (rural versus urban centers), using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of the 52,299 women who underwent surgery for endometrial cancer, 6% were performed in rural centers-a proportion that trended down over the study period. A disparity in surgical management was noted between rural versus urban settings, with rural centers having lower rates of laparoscopy and robotics (6.9% vs. 18.5%; OR 0.35, CI 0.30-0.40), and lower rates of lymph node dissection both overall (39.4% vs. 67.0%; OR 0.32, CI 0.30-0.35) and for early (37.2% vs. 66.2%; OR 0.30, 95%CI 0.28-0.33) and advanced (57.7% vs. 71.7%; OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.44-0.70) stage disease. Perioperative morbidity was comparable in both settings, with lower rates of transfusion, sepsis, wound infection, ileus, and prolonged hospitalization in rural settings. CONCLUSIONS: Although women obtaining care for endometrial cancer in rural centers receive differential surgical management than women cared for in urban centers, perioperative morbidity appears to be overall comparable.

Effect of Hospital Choice on the Risk of Caesarean Delivery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the variation in Caesarean delivery rate (CDR) among hospitals across the United States, its effect on maternal and neonatal outcomes, and whether differences in pregnancy and hospital characteristics can explain the higher CDRs seen in certain hospitals. METHODS: This retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using the 2014 Healthcare and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample. The investigators identified all hospitals with birth admissions and compared hospitals with high CDRs with hospitals with low/mid CDRs, in terms of hospital characteristics, maternal characteristics, and maternal and neonatal outcomes. Regression analyses within multiple hospital and patient characteristic strata were used to evaluate the adjusted independent effect of the hospital on the risk of Caesarean delivery (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). RESULTS: In this study population, 96% of U.S. hospitals had a CDR above 20%, and 5% had a CDR >40%. High-CDR hospitals (>40%) were more often privately owned, non-teaching hospitals with an older patient population. When adjusting for baseline obstetrical and hospital characteristics, high-CDR hospitals remained independently associated with an elevated risk of Caesarean delivery. These findings persisted in stratified analyses of each hospital and patient-level characteristic. Obstetrical and neonatal outcomes were comparable in all hospitals irrespective of CDR. CONCLUSION: Hospital characteristics and case mix do not account for the significant variation in CDRs across U.S. hospitals. Individual hospitals are in themselves independent risk factors for Caesarean delivery. Choosing to give birth in a certain hospital may put women at an increased risk of having a Caesarean delivery, without maternal or neonatal benefit.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome After Uterine Artery Embolization.

INTRODUCTION: Although uterine artery embolization has been established as a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas, it is not devoid of life-threatening complications. CASE: We present the case of a 44-year-old patient who developed a severe systemic inflammatory response and acute respiratory distress syndrome 5 weeks after uterine artery embolization of a large multileiomyomatous uterus. Deterioration of her clinical status prompted an emergency hysterectomy that led to rapid improvement. CONCLUSION: Although fatalities from septicemia after uterine artery embolization have been reported, aseptic inflammatory responses to uterine degeneration can also lead to multiorgan failure. With recent studies refuting uterine size and leiomyoma location as risk factors, further research is needed to help select appropriate uterine artery embolization candidates.

Prevalence of nonlesional focal epilepsy in an adult epilepsy clinic.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of nonlesional focal epilepsy in an adult epilepsy clinic and its refractoriness to antiepileptic drug therapy. BACKGROUND: Focal epilepsy is frequently, but not always, associated with structural epileptogenic lesions identifiable on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: We analyzed the data from all patients evaluated at an adult epilepsy clinic from January 2002 to December 2011. Clinical and paraclinical findings were used to diagnose focal epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed and classified as normal, with an epileptogenic lesion, or with a lesion of unclear epileptogenicity. Epileptogenic lesions were further categorized as tumours, vascular malformations, gliosis (including hippocampal atrophy/sclerosis), and malformations of cortical development. Our study group included patients with no lesions on MRI. Pharmacoresistance of patients with nonlesional focal epilepsy was assessed using the ILAE and Perucca's criterias. RESULTS: Out of 1521 patients evaluated (mean age 44 years; range 14-93 years), 843 had focal epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging data, available for 806 (96%) subjects, showed epileptogenic lesions in 65%, no obvious epileptogenic lesions in 31% and lesions of unclear epileptogenicity in 4%. Magnetic resonance imaging-identified lesions included gliosis due to an acquired insult (52% including 17% of hippocampal atrophy or sclerosis), tumours (29%), vascular malformations (16%) and malformations of cortical development (10%). Fifty-two percent of nonlesional focal epileptic patients were drug-refractory. CONCLUSION: In a tertiary epilepsy clinic, close to a third of patients with focal epilepsy were found to be nonlesional, half of which were drug-resistant.

Insular cortex epilepsy: an overview.

In this review the authors discuss insular cortex epilepsy, an under-recognized localization-related syndrome that may explain some temporal (but also frontal and parietal lobe) epilepsy surgery failures. The insula may generate a variety of symptoms (including visceral, motor and somatosensory) that mimic temporal, frontal or parietal lobe onset seizures. Intracerebral electrodes directly implanted in the insula are currently the only way to confirm insular seizures. Consideration should be given to exploration of the insular cortex in MRI negative patients with seizure semiology consistent with insular onset seizures. Electroencephalographers should have a low threshold to sample this region, especially in the absence of a structural lesion. Microneurosurgical technical advances allow resective surgery of the insula with relatively low morbidity.

Microsurgery of epileptic foci in the insular region.

OBJECT: The insular region has long been neglected in the investigation and treatment of refractory epilepsy. Surgery in the insular region is rarely performed because of the risk of injury to the opercula, the arteries transiting on the surface of the insula, and the deep structures such as the basal ganglia and the internal capsule. This study was undertaken to report the results of insular surgery using modern microsurgical techniques in patients with epilepsy. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective study of cases involving patients who underwent surgery for insular lesions associated with epilepsy over the last 10 years. In the majority of patients, intracranial electrodes were implanted with neuronavigation guidance to confirm the localization of the epileptic foci. RESULTS: Nine patients underwent insular surgery: 7 for refractory epilepsy with no tumor and 2 for tumors associated with seizures. Four of the resections were performed in the left hemisphere. After an average follow-up of 54 months (range 14-122 months), Engel Class IA outcome had been achieved in 6 of 7 cases in the Epilepsy Surgery Group. The remaining patient had an Engel Class III outcome after partial insular resection but later became seizurefree (Engel Class IA) following insular Gamma Knife surgery. Postoperatively, the majority of patients suffered from minor reversible hemipareses that disappeared completely within a few months. There was no surgical mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Insular surgery is both safe and beneficial when it is well planned and performed with modern microsurgical techniques and good anatomical knowledge. Insulectomy is associated with little permanent morbidity and a high rate of seizure control. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first series of insulectomies predominantly performed for refractory epilepsy since those performed by Penfield.

Revisiting the role of the insula in refractory partial epilepsy.

PURPOSE: Recent evidence suggesting that some epilepsy surgery failures could be related to unrecognized insular epilepsy have led us to lower our threshold to sample the insula with intracerebral electrodes. In this study, we report our experience resulting from this change in strategy. METHODS: During the period extending from October 2004 to June 2007, 18 patients had an intracranial study including 10 with insular coverage. The decision to sample the insula with intracerebral electrodes was made in the context of (1) nonlesional parietal lobe-like epilepsy; (2) nonlesional frontal lobe-like epilepsy; (3) nonlesional temporal lobe-like epilepsy; and (4) atypical temporal lobe-like epilepsy. RESULTS: Intracerebral recordings confirmed the presence of insular lobe seizures in four patients. Cortical stimulation performed in 9 of 10 patients with insular electrodes elicited, in decreasing order of frequency, somatosensory, viscerosensory, motor, auditory, vestibular, and speech symptoms. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that insular cortex epilepsy may mimic temporal, frontal, and parietal lobe epilepsies and that a nonnegligeable proportion of surgical candidates with drug-resistant epilepsy have an epileptogenic zone that involves the insula.