Outcomes of gynecologic oncology patients undergoing gastrografin small bowel follow-through studies.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the outcomes of gynecologic oncology patients undergoing small bowel follow-throughs (SBFTs) with Gastrografin at our institution. STUDY DESIGN: We identified all gynecologic oncology patients undergoing an SBFT from January 2004 to December 2009. We characterized the SBFT as normal, delayed transit, partial obstruction, or complete obstruction. Patient outcomes were correlated with the SBFT results. RESULTS: Seventy patients underwent 79 SBFT examinations with Gastrografin to evaluate their bowel dysfunction. The overall rate of operative intervention was 23%. A total of 69% of patients with a complete obstruction underwent surgery as compared to 21% of patients with a partial obstruction (p = 0.002). Return of bowel function was significantly longer in patients with complete obstructions as compared to patients with partial obstructions (48 vs. 8 hours, p = 0.006). Length of stay was longest in patients with complete obstructions. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with a complete obstruction on SBFT will require surgical intervention and have a protracted hospital stay. Patients with delayed transit or a partial obstruction on SBFT usually will have resolution of their bowel dysfunction with conservative management.

Folate and folate receptor alpha antagonists mechanism of action in ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this report is to review the activity of promising antifolate and folate receptor agents being developed for ovarian cancer including thymidylate synthase inhibitors, antifolate receptor antibodies, and folate-chemotherapy conjugates. METHODS: A literature search was performed over the last 5 years using the terms "folate receptor" and "ovarian cancer" and those that specifically addressed the MOA were included. Abstracts presented within the last 3 years were also searched and included in this review where appropriate. RESULTS: Thymidylate synthase inhibitors are a promising avenue for ovarian cancer treatment. Phase II trials have shown pemetrexed to have activity in patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer. Several other thymidylate synthase inhibitors are in the early phase of development including BGC 945 and ZD-9331. Monoclonal antibodies that target the folate receptor have also shown potential in the development of ovarian cancer therapies. Farletuzumab is one of these antibodies. A recent phase III trial found that farletuzumab in combination with carboplatin and taxane did not meet the study's primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS). The post hoc exploratory analysis showed, however, a trend toward improved PFS in some patient subsets and further analysis is ongoing. The folate receptor is also utilized through folate conjugates. Vintafolide is one such agent which is currently in phase III development. Encouraging data from phase II trials showed an improvement in PFS from 2.7 months to 5 months. Folate can also be conjugated to radioisotopes for both therapeutic and imaging purposes, and early studies have shown correlation with amount of disease to therapy response. CONCLUSION: Folate targeted agents continue to show promising antitumor activity in ovarian malignancy and initial clinical experience has demonstrated favorable toxicity profiles. Further development and resources targeted toward these therapies appear to be warranted.

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.

Constructing a Novel Simple LEEP Training Model.

BACKGROUND: Duty hour restrictions and enhanced focus on patient safety have prompted the development of new instruction models for practice of surgical techniques outside the operating room, including models for teaching loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP), a common procedure that gynecology residents perform to diagnose and manage cervical disease. OBJECTIVE: We sought to develop an inexpensive and reusable training model for guided practice opportunities that will improve gynecology residents' LEEP technique. METHODS: Polyvinyl chloride, foam, and a polish sausage are used to simulate the basic anatomy of the vagina and cervix. A 2-in-diameter polyvinyl chloride pipe and high-density foam are used to create a realistic representation with the sausage simulating the cervix. An electrosurgical pad is attached to the sausage and a standard operating room electrosurgical generator is used. RESULTS: After a brief lecture and demonstration of the LEEP procedure, gynecology residents are positioned at individual stations. Use of 2 to 3 instructors allows for the provision of directions and feedback to residents as they perform the simulated LEEP. During the last 6 years, this model has continued to improve residents' confidence and skills with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: An anatomically accurate LEEP model can not only improve resident knowledge, skills, and confidence, but also improve quality and patient safety. This training model allows residents to refine their surgical skills through guided practice and instructors to monitor performance before residents to perform the procedure on patients.