Use of a mobile health patient engagement technology improves perioperative outcomes in gynecologic oncology patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a mobile health patient engagement technology (PET) on postoperative outcomes in gynecologic oncology patients. METHODS: All gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy on an enhanced recovery program (ERP) were approached from July 2019 to May 2021 to enroll in a PET, which can be accessed by computer, tablet, or smart phone. This platform provides enhanced pre- and postoperative patient education and remote patient monitoring. Patients who elected to participate were provided with targeted education based on their age and comorbidities and were asked to complete daily health checks during the postoperative period. Participants in the PET were compared to patients who opted out as well as to a historical cohort from prior to PET implementation. Patient and procedure-level factors were recorded. The primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission rate. Analysis was performed using SPSS v.26. RESULTS: 682 women met inclusion criteria during the study time; 347 in the PET group and 335 in the control group. Demographic and other factors including race, BMI (kg/m2), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), surgical complexity, and insurance status were not different between the PET and control group; however, patients in the PET cohort were slightly younger (55.0 yo vs. 57.2 yo; p = 0.04). Patients in the PET group had a significantly shorter LOS (2.9 days vs. 3.6 days; p < 0.01) and lower readmission rate (4.3% vs. 8.6%; p < 0.01) when compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a PET in our gynecologic oncology patients decreased LOS by nearly one day despite an absence of differences in other demographic and surgical factors other than age. Furthermore, there was a 50% reduction in readmission rates in the PET group. The use of a PET allows for healthcare professionals to engage, evaluate, and treat patients in a way that improves perioperative care.

Moderate to severe distress in half of ovarian cancer patients undergoing treatment highlights a need for more proactive symptom and psychosocial management.

OBJECTIVE: Distress screening and management is a recommended component of oncology care. Our objective was to evaluate distress rate, sources, and compliance with psychosocial follow-up among ovarian cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: We reviewed patient distress surveys completed by ovarian cancer patients receiving chemotherapy from 10/2017-6/2019. Lay or nurse navigators conducted screening with the NCCN Distress Thermometer from 0 (none) to 10 (highest distress). A distress score ≥ 4 (moderate/severe) was considered a positive screen. A recommendation for psychosocial follow-up was automatically generated in the treatment care plan based upon a yes response to any depression-related concern, independent of distress score. Documentation of referral to a mental health professional or social worker for counseling was considered compliant with psychosocial follow-up. We performed descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses. RESULTS: 97/211 (46%) ovarian cancer patients screened positive for distress. Average score was 6.1 for those who screened positive and 3.3 for the entire cohort (range 0-10). Unmarried status (p < 0.01) was associated with positive screen, whereas non-white race (p = 0.26) and recurrent disease (p = 0.21) were not. Median age was older for patients with a positive distress screen (p < 0.01). Among screened patients, the most frequent sources of distress were: cognitive/physical (87%), psychosocial (62%), practical (84%), and family concerns (40%). Of 50 patients recommended to have psychosocial referral, 4 (8%) patients had documented psychiatric follow-up and 19 (38%) patients had documented psychosocial counseling by a social worker. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of ovarian cancer patients screened positive for moderate/severe distress. Cancer/treatment-related cognitive/physical symptoms were the most frequent sources. Improved methods of symptom monitoring and management during treatment and resources to address psychosocial concerns are needed to improve distress management of ovarian cancer patients.

An enhanced recovery protocol decreases complication rates in high-risk gynecologic oncology patients undergoing non-emergent laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Enhanced recovery protocols are now established as the standard of care leading to improved perioperative outcomes and associated cost-benefits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an enhanced recovery program on complication rates in high-risk gynecologic oncology patients undergoing surgery. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included gynecologic oncology patients with pathology-proven malignancy undergoing non-emergent laparotomy from October 2016 to December 2018 managed on an enhanced recovery protocol, and a control group from October 2015 through September 2016 prior to enhanced recovery protocol implementation. The primary outcome was complication rates in a high-risk population pre- and post-enhanced recovery protocol. High-risk patients were defined as those with obesity (body mass index >30 kg/m2) and/or age ≥65 years. Analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v.24. RESULTS: A total of 363 patients met the inclusion criteria: 104 in the control group and 259 in the enhanced recovery protocol group. Patient demographics, including age, body mass index, diagnosis, and performance status, were similar. Overall complication rates were less in the enhanced recovery protocol group (29% vs 53.8%; p<0.0001). The enhanced recovery protocol group had a shorter length-of-stay compared with control (3.3 vs 4.2 days; p<0.0001). The 30-day readmission rates were similar between the groups (9.6% vs 13.5%; p=0.19). In the enhanced recovery protocol group compared with control, complication rates were less in obese patients (29.4% vs 57.8%; p<0.0001), morbidly obese patients (20.9% vs 76.2%; p<0.0001), and age ≥65 (36.1% vs 57.1%; p<0.0001). The most common complications in the enhanced recovery protocol group were ileus (9.7%), pulmonary complications (2.7%), and blood transfusions (10.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol decreases complication rates and length-of-stay in morbidly obese and geriatric patients with gynecologic malignancy without an increase in readmission rates.

The financial impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in an academic gynecologic oncology practice.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the financial impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in gynecologic oncology patients. METHODS: This study identified gynecologic oncology patients who were placed on the ERAS protocol after elective laparotomy from 10/2016-6/2017. A control group was identified from the year prior to ERAS implementation. Financial experts assisted in procuring data for these patient encounters, including payer status, direct and indirect costs, contribution margin, and length of stay (LOS). SPSS Statistics v. 24 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 376 patients met criteria for inclusion: 179 in the ERAS group and 197 in the control group. Patient demographics were similar between the two cohorts. Payer status across the groups was not statistically significant in patients with private insurance (control 43.7% vs. ERAS 41.3%), Medicare (38.1% vs. 31.8%), or self-pay patients (12.2% vs. 15.1%). There was a significantly higher number of Medicaid patients in the ERAS group (6.1% vs. 11.7%; p = 0.05). Hospital direct costs ($5596 vs. 5346) and indirect costs ($5182 vs. $4954) per encounter were similar between groups. However, overall contribution margin per encounter decreased in the ERAS group ($11,619 vs. $8528; p = 0.01). LOS was significantly lower in the ERAS group (4.1 vs. 2.9 days; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the ERAS protocol in gynecologic oncology patients does not lead to increased costs for the patient or hospital system. The decreased contribution margin is likely due to a reduction in per diem payments caused by the reduction in LOS. On a per-patient-day basis, contribution margin was the same for both groups ($2877 vs $2857). The reduction in LOS also created capacity for additional cases, the financial impact of which was not evaluated.

Decreasing opioid use in postoperative gynecologic oncology patients through a restrictive opioid prescribing algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a post-surgical restrictive opioid prescribing algorithm (ROPA) in gynecologic oncology patients. METHODS: This cohort study included gynecologic oncology patients undergoing any surgical procedure from 08/2018-7/2019 after implementation of a ROPA. Patients were compared to historical controls managed without a ROPA from 10/2016-9/2017. Patients were educated preoperatively about pain management goals, the ROPA, and opioid disposal. A 4-tiered system was developed to standardize prescriptions at discharge based on surgical complexity and inpatient opioid requirements. Patients were surveyed at their postoperative visit to assess home opioid use and satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v.24. RESULTS: 2549 patients met inclusion criteria; 1321 in the historical control group and 1228 in the ROPA group. Demographics, including age, BMI, and performance status were similar. Compared with the control group, the average number of opioid pills prescribed was significantly lower in the ROPA group (30.5 vs 11.3; p < 0.001) along with the morphine milligram equivalents (MME) (152.5 MME vs. 83.3 MME; p < 0.001). The percentage of patients requiring opioid refill within 30 days was similar (13.0% vs. 12.6%; p = 0.71). 95.7% of patients surveyed were satisfied with their pain regimen. The total number of pills prescribed annually decreased from 34,130 in the control group to 13,888 in the ROPA group. CONCLUSIONS: A restrictive prescribing practice allows for a significantly lower number of opioids to be prescribed to postoperative patients while maintaining patient satisfaction. There was no increase in opioid refill requests using a ROPA in patients undergoing surgery.

Reducing emergency department (ED) computed tomography (CT) utilization in women treated for gynecologic cancers.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this quality improvement (QI) project was to decrease the rate of low-value computed tomography (CT) imaging in established gynecologic oncology patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This was a cohort study with a before and after design that evaluated implementation of a QI project designed to decrease CT utilization in established gynecologic oncology patients in the ED. The pre-intervention cohort included patients admitted through the ED from 4/1/17 to 5/31/18, while the post-intervention cohort was from 6/1/18 to 5/31/19. The intervention included gynecologic oncology consultation before CT on patients who had imaging within the prior 3 weeks. Details regarding CT, ED length of stay (LOS), and oncologic history were abstracted. The value of CT was determined by consensus from 2 reviewers. Prospective data monitoring evaluated for patient safety. RESULTS: Prior to intervention, there were 129 unique ED encounters in gynecologic oncology patients leading to admission. CT scans were performed in 101 (78.3%) encounters, 57.7% of which were deemed to be of low-value. Following implementation, the CT utilization rate decreased significantly from median monthly rate of 75.2% to 49.1% (p < 0.00001), and the ED LOS decreased from 8.1 to 6.9 h (p = 0.0102). The number of CT scans deemed to be low-value in the post-intervention group decreased to 2 (3.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an early consultation policy and imaging guidelines led to a significant decrease in unnecessary CT utilization and shorter ED LOS in gynecologic oncology patients presenting to the ED.

Niraparib maintenance in frontline management of ovarian cancer: a cost effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Niraparib maintenance after frontline chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer extends progression free survival. The objective of this study was to determine the cost effectiveness of niraparib maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer. METHODS: Decision analysis models compared the cost of observation versus niraparib maintenance following chemotherapy for five groups: all newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients (overall), those with homologous recombination deficiency, those harboring BRCA mutations (BRCA), homologous recombination deficiency patients without BRCA mutations (homologous recombination deficiency non-BRCA), and non-homologous recombination deficiency patients. Drug costs were estimated using average wholesale prices. Progression free survival was estimated from published data and used to estimate projected overall survival. Incremental cost effectiveness ratios per quality adjusted life year were calculated. Sensitivity analyses varying the cost of niraparib were performed. The willingness-to-pay threshold was set at US$100 000 per quality adjusted life year saved. RESULTS: For the overall group, the cost of observation was US$5.8 billion versus $20.5 billion for niraparib maintenance, with an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of $72 829. For the homologous recombination deficiency group, the observation cost was $3.0 billion versus $14.8 billion for niraparib maintenance (incremental cost effectiveness ratio $56 329). Incremental cost effectiveness ratios for the BRCA, homologous recombination deficiency non-BRCA, and non-homologous recombination deficiency groups were $58 348, $50 914, and $88 741, respectively. For the overall and homologous recombination deficiency groups, niraparib remained cost effective if projected overall survival was 2.2 and 1.5 times progression free survival, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer, maintenance therapy with niraparib was cost effective. Cost effectiveness was improved when analyzing those patients with homologous recombination deficiency and BRCA mutations. Efforts should continue to optimize poly-ADP-ribose polymerase utilization strategies.

Pembrolizumab in advanced recurrent endometrial cancer: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent endometrial cancer that have failed first-line chemotherapy. METHODS: We created a model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab compared to pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) or bevacizumab for the treatment of women with recurrent endometrial cancer who have failed carboplatin and paclitaxel. Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) and non-microsatellite instability-high (non-MSI-H) tumors were evaluated. We included 4400 patients in the model; 800 patients were assumed to have MSI-H tumors. Drug costs were calculated using 2016-2017 wholesale acquisition costs, and cost of Grade III-IV toxicities was estimated from clinical experience. Effectiveness was calculated as 2-year overall survival (OS). We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) to determine the cost per 2-year survivor. Univariate sensitivity analyses were performed. The willingness to pay threshold was $100,000 per year of OS. RESULTS: The cost of therapy with PLD and bevacizumab were $33.2 million (M) and $167.9 M, respectively. The cost of pembrolizumab therapy was $318.3 M for non-MSI-H patients compared to $57.9 M for MSI-H patients. For non-MSI-H patients, bevacizumab was cost-effective relative to PLD with an ICER of $153,028, while pembrolizumab was not cost-effective relative to bevacizumab with an ICER of $341,830. For MSI-H patients, pembrolizumab was cost-effective compared to PLD with an ICER of $147,249, while bevacizumab was subjected to extended dominance. Sensitivity analysis revealed that for non-MSI-H patients, one cycle of pembrolizumab would need to cost $7253 or less to be cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with MSI-H recurrent endometrial cancers who have failed first-line chemotherapy, pembrolizumab is cost-effective relative to other single agent drugs. To be cost-effective in non-MSI-H patients, the cost of pembrolizumab should decrease substantially.

The antitumor effects of entinostat in ovarian cancer require adaptive immunity.

BACKGROUND: Ovarian cancer is poorly immunogenic; however, increased major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) expression correlates with improved immune response and prolonged survival in patients with ovarian cancer. The authors previously demonstrated that the histone deacetylase inhibitor entinostat increases MHCII expression on ovarian cancer cells. In the current study, they evaluated whether entinostat treatment and resultant MHCII expression would enhance beneficial immune responses and impair tumor growth in mice with ovarian cancer. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice bearing intraperitoneal ID8 tumors were randomized to receive entinostat 20 mg/kg daily versus control. Changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of 46 genes important for antitumor immunity were evaluated using NanoString analysis, and multicolor flow cytometry was used to measure changes in protein expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. RESULTS: Entinostat treatment decreased the growth of both subcutaneously and omental ID8 tumors and prolonged survival in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. NanoString analysis revealed significant changes in mRNA expression in 21 of 46 genes, including increased expression of the MHCI pathway, the MHCII transactivator (CIITA), interferon γ, and granzyme B. C57BL/6 mice that received entinostat had increased MHCII expression on omental tumor cells and a higher frequency of tumor-infiltrating, CD8-positive T cells by flow cytometry. In immunocompromised mice, treatment with entinostat had no effect on tumor size and did not increase MHCII expression. CONCLUSIONS: In the current murine ovarian cancer model, entinostat treatment enhances beneficial immune responses. Moreover, these antitumor effects of entinostat are dependent on an intact immune system. Future studies combining entinostat with checkpoint inhibitors or other immunomodulatory agents may achieve more durable antitumor responses in patients with ovarian cancer.

Treatment of low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma in a nulligravid woman.

A 32 year-old nulligravid woman with a uterine mass underwent exploratory laparotomy with myomectomy. Final pathology revealed a low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) with positive margins. She subsequently underwent definitive robotic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy with ovarian preservation. She was diagnosed with a stage IB low-grade ESS. She is currently undergoing observation. Discussion of classification, surgical options, and adjuvant therapy is presented.

Impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol on gastrointestinal function in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on postoperative gastrointestinal function in gynecologic oncology patients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study compared gynecology oncology patients undergoing non-emergent laparotomy from 10/2016 to 6/2017 managed on an ERAS protocol to a control cohort from the year prior to ERAS implementation. Major changes to postoperative care after ERAS implementation included multimodal analgesia, early feeding, goal-directed fluid resuscitation, and early ambulation. The primary outcome was rate of postoperative ileus, defined as nausea and vomiting requiring nothing-per-mouth status or nasogastric tube (NGT) placement. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) and 30-day readmission. RESULTS: 376 patients met inclusion criteria; 197 in the control group and 179 in the ERAS group. Patient demographics were similar between groups. Ileus rate was significantly lower in the ERAS group (2.8% vs. 15.7%; p < 0.001), and fewer patients in the ERAS group required NGT placement (2.2% vs. 7.1%; p = 0.06). ERAS remained independently associated with decreased ileus rates when controlling for other patient and surgical factors (OR 0.2; p = 0.01). Epidural use was correlated with a significant increase in ileus risk (OR 2.6; p = 0.03), as was increased Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR 1.2; p < 0.01). LOS was significantly decreased in the ERAS group (2.9 vs. 4.0 days; p = 0.04), while 30-day readmission rates were similar (10.1% vs. 10.7%; p = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an ERAS protocol significantly decreases the risk of postoperative ileus in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy. ERAS also reduced LOS compared to pre-ERAS controls.

Predictors of Unplanned Reoperation for Ovarian Cancer Patients From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine preoperative risk factors associated with unplanned reoperation within 30 days for patients undergoing major surgery for primary ovarian cancer using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify patients undergoing primary ovarian cancer surgery from 2012 to 2014. Patients who had a reoperation within 30 days of their primary surgery were identified. Demographics and clinical covariates were calculated. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression approaches to assess the association. RESULTS: A total of 4260 patients were identified during the study period. One hundred forty-eight patients (3.5%) underwent a reoperation within 30 days of their primary surgery. In univariate analysis, preoperative creatinine 1.5 mg/dL or greater (P = 0.010), smoking (P = 0.003), and both insulin-dependent (P = 0.029) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (P = 0.048) were predictive of a reoperation. Multivariate analysis noted that smoking (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.26-2.99), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.08-4.40), non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.01-2.72), and preoperative creatinine (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.26-5.58) were predictive of a reoperation. Age 50 to 60 years was protective against reoperation when compared with age younger than 50 years (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to reduce reoperation rates should focus on identifying high-risk patients by utilizing objective preoperative data. Optimizing their medical status prior to surgery may decrease the reoperation rate in patients with ovarian cancer, thereby improving outcomes and providing a probable cost benefit.

The impact of physician burnout on clinical and academic productivity of gynecologic oncologists: A decision analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Physician burnout is associated with mental illness, alcohol abuse, and job dissatisfaction. Our objective was to estimate the impact of burnout on productivity of gynecologic oncologists during the first half of their career. METHODS: A decision model evaluated the impact of burnout on total relative value (RVU) production during the first 15years of practice for gynecologic oncologists entering the workforce from 2011 to 2015. The SGO practice survey provided physician demographics and mean annual RVUs. Published data were used to estimate probability of burnout for male and female gynecologic oncologists, and the impact of depression, alcohol abuse, and early retirement. Academic productivity was defined as annual PubMed publications since finishing fellowship. RESULTS: Without burnout, RVU production for the cohort of 250 gynecologic oncologists was 26.2 million (M) RVUs over 15years. With burnout, RVU production decreased by 1.6 M (5.9% decrease). Disproportionate rates of burnout among females resulted in 1.1 M lost RVUs for females vs. 488 K for males. Academic production without burnout was estimated at 9277 publications for the cohort. Burnout resulted in 1383 estimated fewer publications over 15years (14.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The impact of burnout on clinical and academic productivity is substantial across all specialties. As health care systems struggle with human resource shortages, this study highlights the need for effective burnout prevention and wellness programs for gynecologic oncologists. Unless significant resources are designated to wellness programs, burnout will increasingly affect the care of our patients and the advancement of our field.

Early warning score: An indicator of adverse outcomes in postoperative patients on a gynecologic oncology service.

OBJECTIVE: In 2014, our hospital implemented an early warning score (EWS) to identify inpatients at risk for clinical deterioration. EWS≥8 is associated with ≥10% mortality in medical admissions. Since postoperative hemodynamic changes may alter EWS, we evaluated EWS in post-laparotomy patients. METHODS: Gynecologic oncology patients admitted for laparotomy from 9/1/2014 to 7/31/2015 were categorized by highest EWS during admission: <5, 5-7, and ≥8. The primary outcome was a composite including death, ICU transfer, rapid response team activation, pulmonary embolus, sepsis, and reoperation. For patients with the composite, highest EWS prior to that outcome was evaluated. Secondary outcomes were length of stay (LOS), readmission, and transfusion. Groups were compared using chi-square test for trend, analysis of variance, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve estimated the association between EWS and the composite outcome. RESULTS: 411 patients were included: 217 (52.8%) with EWS<5, 151 (36.7%) with EWS 5-7, and 43 (10.5%) with EWS≥8. The composite occurred in 32.6% of patients with EWS≥8, 7.3% with EWS 5-7, and 0% with EWS<5 (p<0.01). EWS≥8 was associated with longer LOS, higher readmission rate, and more transfusions. For the composite, the area under the ROC curve was 0.89 (95% CI 0.84-0.94). EWS≥5 had 100% sensitivity and 56.2% specificity for the primary outcome; EWS≥8 had 56.0% sensitivity and 92.5% specificity for the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: EWS≥5 after laparotomy is associated with adverse outcomes. Future studies should evaluate the ability of EWS to predict and prevent these outcomes.

See-and-Treat for High-Grade Cytology: Do Young Women Have Different Rates of High-Grade Histology?

OBJECTIVE: To compare rates of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or greater (CIN3+) between women aged 21 to 24 and women aged 25 or older undergoing a see-and-treat strategy for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) cytology. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, women treated with a see-and-treat loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP) for HSIL cytology at our university-based colposcopy clinic between 2008 and 2013 were identified. Data collected included age, race, parity, smoking status, method of contraception, history of abnormal cytology, HIV status, and LEEP histology. Cohorts were compared using Pearson chi-squared test of association and Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-nine women were included in this analysis. The mean age was 30 (SD, 7.2; range, 21-56). Ninety-seven women (26.3%) were 21 to 24 years old. The rate of CIN3 in all women undergoing a see-and-treat LEEP for HSIL cytology was 65.9% (95% CI, 60.8-70.5). The rate of CIN 2 was 15.2% (95% CI, 11.9-19.2). Three women (1.1%) had invasive carcinoma. There was no difference in risk of CIN3+ in the young women compared with women aged 25 years or older (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.92-2.02). Within this see-and-treat population, there was no correlation between presence of CIN3+ and race, smoking, contraception, or HIV status. CONCLUSIONS: Most women undergoing see-and-treat for HSIL cytology will have CIN3 on final histology. In this large cohort, women aged 21 to 24 did not have lower rates of CIN3 compared with women aged 25 and older, suggesting that see-and-treat is still a valid treatment option for the prevention of invasive disease in young women.

PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy for patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the cost-effectiveness of olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, as maintenance therapy for platinum-sensitive (PS) recurrent ovarian cancer. METHODS: Two separate decision analysis models compared the cost of observation versus olaparib maintenance therapy in patients with PS recurrent ovarian cancer, one for patients with a germline BRCA1/2 mutation and one for patients with wild-type BRCA1/2. Patients received six cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin. Drug costs were estimated using 2014-2015 wholesale acquisition costs. The cost of olaparib was estimated at $13,440 per month. Rate of germline BRCA1/2 mutation was estimated at 20%. Progression-free survival was determined from published data. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per progression-free life-year saved (PF-LYS) were calculated. A sensitivity analysis estimated the cost at which olaparib would be cost-effective. RESULTS: We estimated that there were 5549 patients diagnosed with PS recurrent ovarian cancer in the United States annually. The cost of observation in 1110 patients with a BRCA1/2 mutation was $5.5 million (M) versus $169.2M for maintenance therapy with olaparib. The ICER for olaparib maintenance therapy in patients with a BRCA mutation was $258,864 per PF-LYS. If the cost of olaparib was decreased to $2500 per month, the ICER was $49,584. For the 4439 patients with wild-type BRCA, the cost of maintenance therapy was $444.2M; the ICER was $600,552 per PF-LYS. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with a germline BRCA1/2 mutation, maintenance therapy with olaparib is not cost-effective with an ICER of $258,864 per PF-LYS. To achieve an ICER of less than $50,000, the cost of olaparib should be $2500 or less per month. For wild-type BRCA1/2 patients, maintenance therapy with olaparib is not cost-effective.

Impact of steroid use and glycemic control on postoperative complications in diabetic gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy.

Objective: We aimed to assess the impact of preoperative steroid administration and perioperative glycemic control on postoperative complications in diabetic gynecologic oncology patients undergoing laparotomy. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included gynecologic oncology patients with Type I and Type II diabetes (DM) undergoing laparotomy for any gynecologic indication at a single academic center from 10/2017 to 09/2020. The primary outcome was the rate of postoperative complications. Preoperative steroid administration and 24-hour postoperative average serum blood glucose (BG) ≥ 180 mg/dL were the studied exposures. Data was analyzed with SPSS Statistics v.28. Results: 225 patients met inclusion criteria; 47.6 % had postoperative complications. Patient demographics were similar between patients with and without postoperative complications. Patients with complications had higher BMIs (36.8 vs. 34.0; p = 0.03), bowel surgery (33.0 % vs. 17.1 %; p = 0.008), operative time ≥ 240 min (14.2 % vs. 5.1 %; p = 0.02) and average BG ≥ 180 (63.6 % vs. 40.2 %; p < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, bowel surgery (OR 2.4 (1.2-4.8); p = 0.01) and average BG ≥ 180 (OR 2.8 (1.6-4.9); p < 0.01) remained significant predictors of postoperative complications. There were no differences in complication rates (42.3 % vs. 42.6 %; p = 1.0) between patients who received preoperative steroids and those who did not. When stratified by average postoperative BG < 180 mg/dL vs. BG ≥ 180 mg/dL, there was no difference in Clavien-Dindo classification, 30-day readmission rate (28.2 % vs. 22.1 %; p = 0.49) or 30-day mortality rate (2.9 % vs. 0.0 %; p = 0.53). Conclusion: The administration of preoperative steroids did not increase complication rates. Perioperative hyperglycemia was associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Optimizing perioperative glycemic control is imperative to decrease postoperative complications.

Perioperative morbidity and mortality in octogenarians with ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: The decision to choose surgical cytoreduction in patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer may be influenced by their age. We compared perioperative morbidity and mortality of octogenarians compared with younger patients undergoing surgical cytoreduction. METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified patients who underwent primary surgical cytoreduction for ovarian cancer between January 2005 and December 2009. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: younger than 80 years and 80 years or older (octogenarian). Patient demographics, surgical procedures, 30-day readmission, length of stay, 30-day mortality rates, and chemotherapy administration were examined. Student t test and χ test were used to evaluate statistical significance. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-four patients who underwent surgical cytoreduction for ovarian cancer were identified. Three hundred fifty-two patients (91.7%) were younger than 80 years, whereas 32 patients (8.3%) were 80 years or older. Two hundred thirty-six women (67.0%) in the younger cohort had optimal cytoreduction (<1 cm) compared with 17 women (53.1%) in the older cohort (P = 0.12). Thirty-day readmission rates and postoperative complications were similar. More patients in the older cohort required preoperative admission for medical clearance (P < 0.01). Mean length of stay was significantly longer in the older cohort (10.0 vs 7.5; P = 0.02). The number of patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly lower in the older cohort (71.9% vs 93.8%; P < 0.01). The 30-day mortality rate was significantly higher in the older cohort (18.8% vs 4.0%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Although octogenarians with ovarian cancer have similar surgical complication rates as their younger counterparts, they require more medical clearance and have a longer hospital stay. Older patients are less likely to undergo chemotherapy and have a higher 30-day mortality rate than are younger patients.

Using an Environmentally Friendly Disposal Bag to Discard Leftover Opioids After Gynecologic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of an environmentally friendly drug deactivation bag on opioid disposal among patients undergoing gynecologic surgery. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included patients undergoing gynecologic procedures requiring an opioid prescription from March 2020 to December 2020. Patients were managed on a restrictive opioid prescribing algorithm and given an opioid disposal bag. The carbon drug deactivation bag neutralizes the opioid medication and can be discarded safely in the trash. Patients were educated about pain management goals and the disposal bag. Patients were surveyed at their postoperative visit to evaluate satisfaction, number of leftover pills, and disposal methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics 26. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were asked to complete the survey, with a response rate of 78%. The most common procedures were exploratory laparotomy (50%) and minimally invasive hysterectomy (41%). Most patients (91%, 95% CI 91-97) filled their opioid prescription and 64 (41%, 95% CI 34-48) had leftover opioid pills. Most patients with leftover opioid pills (73%, 95% CI 67-79) discarded them; 78%, 95% CI 69-80 used the disposal bag. Patients undergoing an exploratory laparotomy most commonly used the disposal bag. All patients who used the disposal bag stated they would use it again. CONCLUSION: Despite a restrictive opioid prescribing algorithm, 41% of gynecologic surgical patients had leftover opioid pills. This study demonstrated that leftover opioid pills were safely discarded 73% of the time when patients were provided an opioid disposal bag and preoperative education.

Implementation and evaluation of a novel subspecialty society fellows robotic surgical course: the SGO minimally invasive academy surgical curriculum.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of a society-based robotic surgery training program for fellows in gynecologic oncology. METHODS: All participants underwent a 2-day robotic surgery training course between 2015-2017. The course included interactive didactic sessions with video, dry labs, and robotic cadaver labs. The labs encompassed a wide range of subject matter including troubleshooting, instrument variation, radical hysterectomies, and lymph node dissections. Participants completed a pre- and post-course survey using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "not confident" to "extremely confident" on various measures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics v. 24. RESULTS: The response rate was high with 86% of the 70 participants completing the survey. Sixteen (26.7%) of these individuals were attending physicians and 44 (73.3%) were fellows. In general, there was a significant increase in confidence in more complex procedures and concepts such as radical hysterectomy (p=0.01), lymph node dissection (p=0.01), troubleshooting (p=0.001), and managing complications (p=0.004). Faculty comfort and practice patterns were cited as the primary reason (58.9%) for limitations during robotic procedures followed secondarily by surgical resources (34.0%). CONCLUSION: In both gynecologic oncology fellows and attendings, this educational theory-based curriculum significantly improved confidence in the majority of procedures and concepts taught, emphasizing the value of hands-on skill labs.