From Imaging to Visualization: Seeing the Future of Endometriosis Care.

OBJECTIVE: To describe how the knowledge from standard imaging practices can be translated into three-dimensional visualization techniques and utilized in the surgical planning and management of endometriosis. SETTING: Tertiary care academic centre. PARTICIPANTS: Two case studies of patients with endometriosis are described. INTERVENTIONS: Transvaginal ultrasound (1), magnetic resonance imaging, three-dimensional printing (2), and three-dimensional virtual reality modeling (3) were utilized during patient workup and preparation. Three-dimensional modeling was performed by a virtual reality technician and verified for accuracy by a fellowship trained radiologist. Surgical management for endometriosis was performed. CONCLUSION: While expert transvaginal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging suffice for the majority of cases, three-dimensional printing and virtual reality modeling are a novel adjunct to standard imaging modalities. Rendering two-dimensional images into a three-dimensional representation allows users to interact with the anatomy and is particularly useful when distorted by complex pathology. These techniques contributed to improved patient understanding and experience, and helped medical learners better grasp regular imaging techniques and its translation to pelvic anatomy. Last, it augmented surgeon comprehension of the relationship between the pelvic structures, allowing for enhanced surgical planning and intraoperative decision making. Further study is being performed to quantify these effects.

Guideline No. 445: Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain.

OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of chronic pelvic pain in females. TARGET POPULATION: This guideline is specific to pelvic pain in adolescent and adult females and excluded literature that looked at pelvic pain in males. It also did not address genital pain. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: The intent is to benefit patients with chronic pelvic pain by providing an evidence-based approach to management. Access to certain interventions such as physiotherapy and psychological treatments, and to interdisciplinary care overall, may be limited by costs and service availability. EVIDENCE: Medline and the Cochrane Database from 1990 to 2020 were searched for articles in English on subjects related to chronic pelvic pain, including diagnosis, overlapping pain conditions, central sensitization, management, medications, surgery, physiotherapy, psychological therapies, alternative and complementary therapies, and multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary care. The committee reviewed the literature and available data and used a consensus approach to develop recommendations. Only articles in English and pertaining to female subjects were included. VALIDATION METHODS: The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and conditional [weak] recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: Family physicians, gynaecologists, urologists, pain specialists, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Management of chronic pelvic pain should consider multifactorial contributors, including underlying central sensitization/nociplastic pain, and employ an interdisciplinary biopsychosocial approach that includes pain education, physiotherapy, and psychological & medical treatments. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.

Guideline No. 449: Diagnosis and Impact of Endometriosis - A Canadian Guideline.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a contemporary approach to the understanding of the impact and methods for the diagnosis of endometriosis in Canada. TARGET POPULATION: Individuals, families, communities, health care providers, and health care administrators who are affected by, care for patients with, or manage delivery of services for endometriosis. OPTIONS: The diagnosis of endometriosis is facilitated by a detailed history, examination, and imaging tests with providers who are experienced in endometriosis care. Surgical evaluation with pathology confirms a diagnosis of endometriosis; however, it is not required for those whose diagnosis was confirmed with imaging. OUTCOMES: There is a need to address earlier recognition of endometriosis to facilitate timely access to care and support. Education directed at the public, affected individuals and families, health care providers, and health care administrators are essential to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: Increased awareness and education about the impact and approach to diagnosis may support timely access to care for patients and families affected by endometriosis. Earlier and appropriate care may support a reduced health care system burden; however, improved clinical evaluation may require initial investments. EVIDENCE: Each section was reviewed with a unique search strategy representative of the evidence available in the literature related to the area of focus. The literature searches for each section of this guideline are listed in Appendix A and include information from published systematic reviews described in the text. VALIDATION METHODS: The recommendations were developed following two rounds of review by a national expert panel through an iterative 2-year consensus process. Further details on the process are shared in Appendix B. The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See Appendix C (Table C1 for definitions and Table C2 for interpretations of strong and conditional recommendations). INTENDED AUDIENCE: This guideline is intended to support health care providers and policymakers involved in the care of those impacted by endometriosis and the systems required to support them. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Endometriosis impact and diagnosis updated guidelines for Canadian health care providers and policymakers. SUMMARY STATEMENTS: RECOMMENDATIONS.

Endometriosis Imaging: Enter the Metaverse of Possibilities.

Although laparoscopy has classically been defined as the gold standard for diagnosis of endometriosis, there is now a strong recommendation for the use of advanced imaging in diagnosing the disease. In addition to playing a crucial role in the diagnosis of endometriosis, advanced imaging is also essential for assisting gynaecologic surgeons in planning the surgical management of complex cases of deep endometriosis. This case demonstrates a metaverse of high-level imaging modalities, including advanced ultrasound and magnetic resonance, which were further enhanced with medical virtual reality and used for the assessment of a patient seen in an outpatient tertiary care gynaecology clinic.

Placenta Accreta Spectrum Disorders: A National Survey.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the current practice of Canadian obstetricians-gynaecologists in managing placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders from suspicion of diagnosis to delivery planning and explore the impact of the latest national practice guidelines on this topic. METHODS: We distributed a cross-sectional bilingual electronic survey to Canadian obstetricians-gynaecologists in March-April 2021. Demographic data and information on screening, diagnosis, and management were collected using a 39-item questionnaire. The survey was validated and pretested among a sample population. Descriptive statistics were used to present the results. RESULTS: We received 142 responses. Almost 60% of respondents said they had read the latest Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada clinical practice guideline on PAS disorders, published in July 2019. Nearly 1 in 3 respondents changed their practice following this guideline. Respondents highlighted the importance of 4 key points: (1) limiting travel to thereby remain close to a regional care centre, (2) preoperative anemia optimization, (3) performance of cesarean-hysterectomy leaving the placenta in situ (83%), (4) access via midline laparotomy (65%). Most respondents recognized the importance of perioperative blood loss reduction strategies such as tranexamic acid and perioperative thromboprophylaxis via sequential compression devices and low-molecular-weight heparin until full mobilization. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the impact of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada's PAS clinical practice guideline on management choices made by Canadian clinicians. Our study highlights the value of a multidisciplinary approach to reducing maternal morbidity in individuals facing surgery for a PAS disorder and the importance of regionalized care that is resourced to provide maternal-fetal medicine and surgical expertise, transfusion medicine, and critical care support.

The HOPE study: evaluating the impact of an online educational resource for heavy menstrual bleeding on the patient-physician dynamic.

The Heavy menstrual bleeding: Evidence-based Learning for best Practice (HELP) Group developed an educational website about heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). The "HMB improving Outcomes with Patient counseling and Education" (HOPE) project examined the website's impact on women's knowledge, confidence, and consultations with healthcare providers (HCPs). HOPE was a quantitative online survey of gynecologists and women with HMB in Brazil. After an initial consultation, patients had unlimited access to the website and completed a survey. HCPs also completed a survey about the sconsultation. After a second consultation, HCPs and patients completed another survey. HCP surveys assessed their perception of patients' awareness, understanding, and willingness to discuss HMB. Patient surveys assessed their knowledge, experience, and confidence in discussing HMB. Forty HCPs recruited 400 women with HMB. Based on HCP perceptions at the first consultation, 18 percent of patients had "good knowledge" or "very good knowledge" of HMB, increasing to 69 percent after patients had visited the website. Before and after visiting the website, 34 percent and 69 percent of patients, respectively, regarded their HMB knowledge as "goo.d" Additionally, 17 percent of women reported their anxiety as "highest" during the first consultation; this decreased to 7 percent during the second consultation. After visiting the HELP website, patients' knowledge of HMB improved and they were less anxious.

What Are Patients Reading? Quality Assessment of Endometriosis Information on the Internet.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the quality of information reported online about endometriosis and period pain. METHODS: An online search identified the top 20 websites for 4 search engines (Google, Ask, Bing, Yahoo). Videos, duplicates, and websites not containing information related to endometriosis and period pain were excluded. Three independent authors screened websites and systematically extracted data on website characteristics and on diagnosis and treatment mentions. Website accuracy and completeness were rated for a score out of 15. The Flesch readability ease score (FRES) was used to assess readability. RESULTS: Of 34 websites included, most were news related (44.1%) and health care affiliated (26.5%). Websites with affiliations had significantly higher accuracy scores than those without. Those with references had significantly higher completeness than those without. Non-news-related websites had significantly higher accuracy and completeness than news-related websites. The most commonly reported symptoms were dysmenorrhea (97.1% of websites), infertility (88.2%), and dyspareunia (82.4%). Cancer was mentioned on 41.1% of websites. Diagnostic laparoscopy (91.0%) and ultrasound (88.3%) were the most commonly mentioned diagnostic tools. Commonly reported therapeutics included the oral contraceptive pill (79.4%), laparoscopy (70.6%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; 67.6%), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists (64.7%). Hysterectomy (59.0%) was mentioned more than progestins (53.0%). Overall, 18 of 34 websites (53%) contained 1 or more inaccurate or misleading statements. CONCLUSION: While most websites contained accurate statements, commonly reported misconceptions included an emphasized risk of cancer, lack of use/benefit of ultrasound for diagnosis, and a bias for surgical over medical management, where laparoscopy was mentioned more than first-line medications. This study highlights the importance of directing patients to evidence-based resources.

Outpatient hysteroscopy is effective for uterine cavity evaluation following failed office-based endometrial biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Failure to obtain an office-based endometrial biopsy for abnormal uterine bleeding is not uncommon. Although operating room-based procedures are traditionally considered the gold standard assessment tool in these circumstances, outpatient hysteroscopy is a less invasive, more cost-effective, and safer alternative. However, there is no contemporary Canadian literature on the effectiveness of an outpatient approach for this specific population. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the effectiveness and outcomes of outpatient hysteroscopy for uterine cavity evaluation for patients who have failed an in-office endometrial biopsy attempt. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients referred to an academic outpatient hysteroscopy unit between January 2015 and January 2018, who underwent an outpatient hysteroscopy following failed endometrial biopsy. Data were collected from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Of the 407 consecutive patients who underwent an outpatient hysteroscopic procedure, 68 met inclusion criteria. Postmenopausal bleeding was the most common indication for initial biopsy, and most failures were attributed to cervical stenosis. Outpatient hysteroscopies were successfully completed in 96% of cases (n = 65/68). Failure resulted from either anxiety and discomfort (n = 2), or severe intrauterine adhesions (n = 1). Overall, 10% of patients subsequently required an operating room-based hysteroscopy, either to complete a myomectomy or polypectomy, or to allow general anesthesia. Outpatient hysteroscopy identified endometrial hyperplasia and cancer in 4.5% and 3% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Outpatient hysteroscopy following unsuccessful office endometrial biopsy attempts appears to be a feasible, safe, and cost-effective investigation strategy that may prevent the need for an operating room-based procedure in 90% of cases.

Understanding Minimally Invasive Gynaecologic Surgery Fellowship Training in Canada: A National Survey of Recent Graduates.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize fellowship training experiences in the 11 Canadian minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery (MIGS) programs and compare the surgical exposure of fellows in these programs to that of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) accredited fellowship in MIGS (FMIGS). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 2017 and 2018 MIGS fellowship graduates across Canada were given a web-based survey via SurveyMonkey software to evaluate 5 key components of postgraduate fellowship curricula: 1) surgical exposure; 2) teaching and evaluation methods; 3) research experience; 4) clinical responsibilities; and 5) pursuit of other academic endeavours. Interest in creating a national standardized curriculum and seeking accreditation for MIGS fellowships were also examined. RESULTS: The survey attained a 91% (20/22) response rate of the target population. All Canadian MIGS programs met the minimum standards for at least 62% (8/13) of the surgical competencies listed by the AAGL, with office hysteroscopy being the procedure with the largest discordance. Half of respondents (10/20) attended a program with an established curriculum, and 75% (15/20) believed there would be a benefit to standardizing training nationwide. Seventy percent (14/20) had published at least one manuscript during their fellowship and 60% (12/20) pursued postgraduate degrees. The majority (55%; 11/20) felt certain that MIGS should become a credentialed fellowship in Canada. CONCLUSION: Canada has made meaningful progress in MIGS training over the past decade with 11 well-established fellowship programs. Although this survey identifies a general interest in standardized training and accreditation for Canadian MIGS programs, more research is needed on how best to accomplish this.

Venous Thromboembolism After Blood Transfusions in Women Undergoing Hysterectomy for Non-Malignant Indications: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the effect of blood transfusion on the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among women undergoing hysterectomy for non-malignant indications. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) was conducted. Women who underwent hysterectomy for non-malignant indications between 2011 and 2016 were identified using the Current Procedural Terminology and Internationally Classification of Diseases codes. The primary outcome was development of VTE. Data on patient demographics and perioperative variables were obtained. Pair-wise comparison using χ2 tests were performed to compare women with and without VTE. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for potential confounders and identify independent predictors of VTE. RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2016, 169 593 women underwent hysterectomy for non-malignant indications. The overall incidence of VTE was 0.32%. Patient characteristics associated with VTE included obesity and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status. Associated operative factors included abdominal surgery, blood transfusion, and prolonged operative time (P < 0.05 for all). Following adjustment for potential confounders, abdominal hysterectomy was associated with greater odds of VTE than laparoscopic or vaginal approaches (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.81; 95% CI 1.48-2.21 and aOR 2.31; 95% CI 1.62-3.28, respectively). Greater odds of VTE were also observed with OR time >150 minutes (aOR 1.88; 95% CI 1.46-2.42), ASA class ≥III (aOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.05-2.26), and intra- and postoperative transfusion (aOR 2.65; 95% CI 1.78-3.95 and aOR 2.98; 95% CI 1.95-4.55, respectively). CONCLUSION: The risk of VTE is low in women undergoing hysterectomy for non-malignant indications. Blood transfusion was associated with the highest risk of VTE.

Intraoperative injuries from abdominopelvic surgery: an analysis of national medicolegal data.

Background: Intraoperative injuries during abdominopelvic surgery can be associated with substantial patient harm. The objective of this study was to describe abdominopelvic intraoperative injuries and their contributing factors among medicolegal cases. Methods: This study was a descriptive analysis of medicolegal matters reported to a national body, with subgroup analyses by type of surgery. We reviewed medicolegal matters involving a population-based sample of physicians who were subject to a civil legal action or complaint to a regulatory authority that was closed between 2013 and 2017 in Canada. Results: Our analysis included 181 civil legal cases and 88 complaints to a regulatory authority. Among legal cases, 155 patients (85.6%) (median age 47 yr) underwent elective procedures. The most common injury site was the bowel (53 cases [29.3%]). Injuries frequently occurred during dissection (79 [43.6%]) and ligation (38 [21.0%]), were identified postoperatively (138 [76.2%]) and necessitated further surgery (139 [76.8%]). Many patients experienced severe harm (55 [30.4%]) or died (25 [13.8%]). Peer experts in nongynecologic cases were more likely than those in gynecologic cases to include criticisms of a provider in a harmful incident (79 [71.2%] v. 30 [42.9%], p < 0.01). Peer expert criticisms often related to clinical evaluation, decision-making and misidentification of anatomy. Criticisms of nontechnical skills identified documentation and communication deficiencies. Conclusion: This study confirms the importance of provider and team training to improve clinical evaluation and decision-making, documentation and communication. Effective protocols may help support clinicians in providing safer surgical care.

Contexte: Les blessures survenant durant une chirurgie abdominopelvienne peuvent être associées à d'importants préjudices chez les patients. La présente étude avait pour but de décrire les blessures peropératoires abdominopelviennes faisant l'objet d'enquêtes médicolégales et à connaître leurs facteurs contributifs. Méthodes: Cette étude comprend une analyse descriptive d'affaires médicolégales signalées à un organisme de réglementation national, ainsi que des analyses par sousgroupes selon le type de chirurgie. Nous avons examiné des cas impliquant un échantillon de médecins canadiens représentatifs de la population qui avaient fait l'objet d'une poursuite au civil ou d'une plainte auprès d'un organisme de réglementation. Toutes les poursuites et plaintes étudiées ont été résolues entre 2013 et 2017. Résultats: Notre analyse comprenait 181 poursuites au civil et 88 plaintes auprès d'un organisme de réglementation. En ce qui concerne les poursuites au civil, 155 patients (85,6 %) (âge médian 47 ans) avaient subi une intervention non urgente. Les blessures déclarées touchaient généralement les intestins (53 cas [29,3 %]). Elles sont fréquemment survenues durant la dissection (79 cas [43,6 %]) et la ligature (38 cas [21,0 %]), ont été repérées en période postopératoire (138 cas [76,2 %]) et ont nécessité une autre chirurgie (139 cas [76,8 %]). De nombreux patients ont subi de graves préjudices (55 cas [30,4 %]) ou sont décédés (25 cas [13,8 %]). Les pairs experts dans un domaine autre que la gynécologie étaient plus susceptibles que ceux experts en gynécologie de critiquer un fournisseur en cas d'incident avec préjudice (79 cas [71,2 %] c. 30 cas [42,9 %]; p < 0,01). Les critiques formulées par les pairs experts portaient souvent sur l'évaluation clinique, la prise de décision et les erreurs d'identification des structures anatomiques. Les critiques visant les habiletés non techniques avaient trait aux lacunes dans la documentation et la communication. Conclusion: Cette étude vient confirmer l'importance que revêt la formation des fournisseurs et de leur équipe dans l'amélioration de la prise de décision, de la documentation et de la communication. Des protocoles efficaces pourraient soutenir l'offre de soins chirurgicaux sûrs par les professionnels de la santé.

Evaluating the Prevalence of Regret With the Decision to Proceed With a Hysterectomy in Women Younger than Age 35.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate prevalence of regret with the decision to undergo a hysterectomy at a young age. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed at two centres and included patients who underwent an elective hysterectomy for benign indications under age 35, between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2015. Eligible patients were contacted and completed a validated decision regret survey and patient health questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients met the study criteria. Of the 95 patients who could be contacted, 71 consented to participate (response rate, 75%). The most common indications for surgery were menorrhagia (35.2%), uterine fibroids (22.5%), endometriosis (19.7%), and pain (15.5%). Overall, 91.5% of patients agreed that having this surgery was the right decision for them, and 90% said that they would make the same choice in the future. A total of 2.8% regretted the choice that they made, and 14% responded that this caused them harm. Over 95% of patients reported that the decision was either mostly patient driven or shared with the physician. CONCLUSION: This is the first evaluation of regret after hysterectomy specifically examining a younger patient population. The study results suggest that patients who are appropriately counselled do not regret their decision to proceed with hysterectomy.

Surgical Outcomes in Patients With Endometriosis: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Among women treated surgically for endometriosis-associated pain, comprehensive data are lacking on the proportions of patients who experience little or no symptom relief, develop recurrent symptoms, or require further surgical treatment for endometriosis. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of surgical procedures used to treat endometriosis-associated pain. METHODS: Medline and Embase were searched on October 13, 2016. Articles referring to women undergoing surgery for the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain were screened by two independent investigators. For each included treatment arm, data were extracted for the proportion of patients reporting partial or no improvement after surgery for endometriosis-associated pain, pain recurrence, or requirement for further surgery. RESULTS: A total of 38 studies were included. Most studies did not report relevant outcomes to evaluate pain (71.1%) and recurrent surgery (68.4%). Of the women who underwent lesion excision, 11.8% reported no improvement in pain, and 22.6% underwent further surgery. Postoperative pain, recurrent pain, and adverse events were reported by 34.3%, 28.7%, and 14.8%, respectively, of patients who underwent excision or ablation of endometriosis combined with pelvic denervation and in 25.0%, 15.8%, and 8.1% of women who underwent lesion excision alone. Of the patients who were treated surgically for deep endometriosis affecting the bowel and/or bladder, 7.0% experienced recurrent symptoms, and 4.1% underwent further surgery. CONCLUSION: This review supports the findings of previous studies and highlights the need for standardized reporting and more detailed follow-up after surgery for endometriosis-associated pain.

Surgical Outcomes for Transgender Men Undergoing Hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to assess surgical outcomes of hysterectomy performed for transgender individuals compared with hysterectomy for individuals with menstrual disorders. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Data of transgender individuals who underwent hysterectomy and individuals who underwent hysterectomy for menstrual disorders were extracted from the participant use data file (2015-2016). Transgender individuals were compared with individuals with menstrual disorders for surgical outcomes within 30 days of hysterectomy, by using appropriate statistical tests. A two-sided P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). RESULTS: The study identified 89 cases of hysterectomy for transgender individuals and 4439 cases of hysterectomy for menstrual disorders. Compared with patients who underwent hysterectomy for menstrual disorders, transgender patients were more likely to be younger (mean ± SD 30.79 ± 9.68 years vs. 42.6 ± 7.04 years), have a normal body mass index (25.84% vs. 17.77%), be classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists class I (34.09% vs. 10.46%), and have outpatient surgery (76.40% vs. 53.55%) (P < 0.05). Overall incidence of postoperative complications was low for both groups. No significant difference in surgical outcomes was observed for re-admission, superficial or deep/organ space infections, wound dehiscence, sepsis, blood transfusion, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or death. Transgender patients who underwent hysterectomy on average required decreased operative time (120.4 ± 79.2 minutes vs. 131.2 ± 64.3 minutes) and decreased lengths of stay (0.82 ± 0.82 days vs. 1.35 ± 2.73 days). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that transgender patients undergoing hysterectomy were younger and healthier than patients undergoing hysterectomy for menstrual disorders. Surgical complications were low for both groups, and significant differences in surgical outcomes were not observed.

Interventional Uterine-Sparing Therapies for Leiomyomas: A Commentary on Myolysis.

Uterine leiomyomas (myomas, fibroids) are very common in premenopausal women and frequently are associated with abnormal uterine bleeding, bulk effects, and reproductive issues. In women who wish to retain their uterus and/or to enhance or retain fertility, interventional therapies have been introduced, including radiofrequency, laser (chromo), cryotherapy, and magnetic resonance (MR)-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) myolysis. In formulating this commentary, all modalities of myolysis from systematic reviews, randomized controlled clinical trials, and observational studies through December 2018 were reviewed. There are only two treatment modalities available in Canada: the laparoscopic radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation of fibroids (RFVTA) and MRgHIFU systems. In women who wish to enhance or retain their fertility, the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency and HIFU myolysis have not been clearly established, and these treatments should be offered only after extensive counselling and informed consent. Given the recent concerns regarding the incidence of undiagnosed malignant tumours, the lack of histological confirmation before or after these therapies for symptomatic fibroids mandates a thorough process of informed patient consent before any such interventions.

Behind the times: revisiting endometriosis and race.

Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition, affecting approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women. It commonly presents with pelvic pain, painful periods, and infertility and can significantly have an impact on one's quality of life. Early exploration into the pathophysiology of this condition identified race as a risk factor for endometriosis, with the condition predominantly identified in white women. It is still unclear whether there is a biological basis for this conviction or whether it can be explained by methodological and social bias that existed in the literature at that time. Although there is more recent literature exploring the association between endometriosis and race/ethnicity, studies have continued to focus on the prevalence of disease and have not taken into account possible variation in disease presentation among women of different ethnicities. Furthermore, information on diverse populations by race/ethnicity, other than white or black, is quite limited. This paper explores the history of how the association between endometriosis and whiteness was established and whether we still ascribe to a certain stereotype of a typical endometriosis patient today. Furthermore, we discuss the potential implications of such a racial bias on patient care and suggest areas of focus to achieve a personalized and patient focused approach in endometriosis care.

Clinical diagnosis of endometriosis: a call to action.

Endometriosis can have a profound impact on women's lives, including associated pain, infertility, decreased quality of life, and interference with daily life, relationships, and livelihood. The first step in alleviating these adverse sequelae is to diagnose the underlying condition. For many women, the journey to endometriosis diagnosis is long and fraught with barriers and misdiagnoses. Inherent challenges include a gold standard based on an invasive surgical procedure (laparoscopy) and diverse symptomatology, contributing to the well-established delay of 4-11 years from first symptom onset to surgical diagnosis. We believe that remedying the diagnostic delay requires increased patient education and timely referral to a women's healthcare provider and a shift in physician approach to the disorder. Endometriosis should be approached as a chronic, systemic, inflammatory, and heterogeneous disease that presents with symptoms of pelvic pain and/or infertility, rather than focusing primarily on surgical findings and pelvic lesions. Using this approach, symptoms, signs, and clinical findings of endometriosis are anticipated to become the main drivers of clinical diagnosis and earlier intervention. Combining these factors into a practical algorithm is expected to simplify endometriosis diagnosis and make the process accessible to more clinicians and patients, culminating in earlier effective management. The time has come to bridge disparities and to minimize delays in endometriosis diagnosis and treatment for the benefit of women worldwide.

Relationship between Race/Ethnicity and Hysterectomy Outcomes for Benign Gynecologic Conditions.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between race/ethnicity, route of hysterectomy, and risk of inpatient surgical complications. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Inpatient hospitals in the United States. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: There were 114 719 women aged 18 and older from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample who underwent an elective hysterectomy for benign indications using International Classification of Diseases codes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between race/ethnicity and route of hysterectomy and surgical complications, after adjusting for patient characteristics, clinical factors, and hospital characteristics. Analyses were weighted to provide national estimates of prevalence. The rate of minimally invasive hysterectomy was 55.0% in white women, 28.6% in black women, 50.1% in Hispanic women, and 45.6% in other race/ethnic categories. Compared with white women, black women had a .55 odds (95% confidence interval, .52-.59) of undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy, after adjusting for patient, clinical, and hospital characteristics. This finding remained consistent across quartiles of median household income of residence, primary payer, and diagnosis of myomas. Among women who had an elective hysterectomy, 6091 experienced a complication, representing an estimated 30 455 women nationwide. The rate of surgical complications was 5.3% in white women, 5.9% in black women, 4.6% in Hispanic women, and 5.1% in women of other racial/ethnic groups. There was no difference in odds of experiencing a surgical complication between white and black women (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, .93-1.13) after adjusting for patient, clinical, and hospital characteristics. This finding remained consistent across quartiles of median household income of residence, primary payer, and route of hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Among women undergoing an elective hysterectomy, black women were less likely to receive minimally invasive hysterectomy compared with white women. However, the rate of inpatient surgical complications did not vary significantly by race/ethnicity. Further research is encouraged to identify and address the influential factors behind the disparity in minimally invasive hysterectomy use among black women in the United States.

Type of Pelvic Disease as a Risk Factor for Surgical Site Infectionin Women Undergoing Hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To quantify the relationship between type of benign pelvic disease and risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after hysterectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). PATIENTS: Women who underwent hysterectomy from 2006-2015 and recorded in NSQIP database. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: SSI risk was compared for type of benign pelvic disease, patient characteristics (i.e., age, race, and selected comorbidities) and process of care variables (i.e., admission status, type of hysterectomy, and operative time). SSI occurred in 2.48% of the 125,337 women who underwent hysterectomy. SSI was most frequent in patients with endometriosis and least frequent in those with genital prolapse (3.13% vs 1.39%; p <.0001). Following adjustment for potential confounders, the odds of SSI were higher in women undergoing hysterectomy for endometriosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43- 2.25), uterine myomas (aOR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05-1.55), menstrual disorders (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.20-1.78), and pelvic pain (aOR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.34-2.27) compared with women undergoing hysterectomy for genital prolapse. Other patient factors associated with SSI included age, body mass index, smoking, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Among process-of-care factors, inpatient status, route of hysterectomy, total vs subtotal hysterectomy, and operative time were also associated with SSI. CONCLUSION: In addition to various patient and process-of-care factors known to be associated with SSI, type of underlying pelvic disease is an independent risk factor for SSI in women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications.