The effect of groin treatment modality and sequence on clinically significant chronic lymphedema in patients with vulvar carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic lymphedema (CL) after inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) or radiotherapy (RT) is a significant problem for vulvar cancer survivors. The treatment modality or combination of therapies that poses the greatest risk is not known. The objective of this study was to describe rates of clinically significant CL conferred by different groin treatment modalities. METHODS: Medical records of vulvar cancer patients who had groin treatment with ILND, RT, or both were retrospectively reviewed. Each treated groin was considered individually, and divided into 4 treatment groups: ILND alone, ILND with adjuvant RT, neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NCRT), or NCRT followed by ILND. Clinically significant CL was defined as that which required treatment and was recorded by laterality. Differences among groups were evaluated with χ(2) and Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2010, 146 patients with vulvar cancer who underwent therapy to 1 or both groins were identified for a total of 266 treated groins. The rates of CL for single-modality treatment, ILND or NCRT, were 10.9% and 6.7%, respectively. Multimodal treatment resulted in higher rates of CL, 13.5% for ILND followed by RT and 17.2% for NCRT followed by ILND, although differences were not significant (P = 0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant CL was not different between treatment modalities in this study, but is underpowered. The results provide valuable information about treatment complications that will be useful for patient-centered counseling. Prospective evaluation of CL and its impact on quality of life is warranted.

Dual-console robotic surgery compared to laparoscopic surgery with respect to surgical outcomes in a gynecologic oncology fellowship program.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive surgical techniques decrease surgical morbidity and recovery time. Studies demonstrate similar surgical outcomes comparing robotic to laparoscopic surgery. These studies have not accounted for the incorporation of fellow education. With the dual-console da Vinci Si Surgical System®, a two surgeon approach could be performed. We sought to compare surgical outcomes at a gynecologic oncology fellowship program of traditional laparoscopic to robotic surgeries using the dual-console system. METHODS: We identified patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic surgery performed by a gynecologic oncologist from November 2009-November 2010. Robotic surgeries were conducted using the dual-console, utilizing a two surgeon approach. Surgeries involved a staff physician with a gynecologic oncology fellow. Statistical analysis was performed using student t-test and chi-squared analysis. RESULTS: A total of 222 cases were identified. Cases were analyzed in groups: all cases identified, all cancer cases, and endometrial cancer cases only. When analyzing all cases, no statistical difference was noted in total operating room time (172 vs. 175 min; p=0.6), pelvic lymph nodes removed (10.1 vs. 9.6; p=0.69), para-aortic lymph nodes dissected (3.7 vs. 3.8; p=0.91), or length of stay (1.5 vs. 1.3 days; p=0.3). There was a significant difference in total surgical time (131 vs.110 min; p<0.0001) and EBL (157 vs.94 ml; p<0.0001), favoring robotic surgery. When analyzing all cancer cases, the advantage in total surgical time for robotic surgery was lost. Complications were similar between cohorts. CONCLUSION: Incorporating fellow education into robotic surgery does not adversely affect outcomes when compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery.

Dual-console robotic surgery: a new teaching paradigm.

Robotic surgery has emerged as an alternative option in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. The development of the dual-console da Vinci Si Surgical System(®) has enabled modification of the training atmosphere. We sought to investigate operative times and surgical outcomes while operating with the dual-console model in a training environment for our first fifty cases. We identified the first fifty patients who underwent robot-assisted total hysterectomy (TRH), with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), with or without pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection (PPALND), by use of the dual-console robotic system. Records were reviewed for patient demographics and surgical details. All surgery was conducted using the dual-console system and performed by staff physicians and fellows. Operative time was calculated from robotic docking until completion of the procedure. Cases were identified from November 2009 through July 2010. Mean age was 56.2 years (SD 13.35, 95 % CI 52.46-59.86). Mean BMI was 29.5 (SD 7.67, 95 % CI 27.35-31.61). Seventy-eight percent of these patients were considered overweight, including 12 defined as obese (BMI 30-34.9) and 10 patients classified as morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 35). Surgery completed included PPALND alone (n = 1); radical hysterectomy (n = 1); TRH only (n = 3); TRH/BSO (n = 25); and TRH/BSO/PPALND (n = 20). Mean total operating room time was 188.8 min (SD 55.31, 95 % CI 173.45-204.11). Mean total surgical time for all cases was 118.1 min (SD 44.28, 95 % CI 105.87-130.41). Two vascular injuries were encountered, with one requiring conversion to laparotomy. These results compare favorably with historically reported outcomes from single-console systems. Utilizing the dual-console enables use of an integrated teaching and supervising environment without compromising operative times or patient outcomes.

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor: a case report and review of the literature.

Epithelioid trophoblastic tumor (ETT) is a rare gestational trophoblastic tumor. Cases of ETT present as abnormal vaginal bleeding in women of reproductive age, with low human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels. ETT can be a sequela of any gestational event and can present in both intrauterine and extrauterine sites. Metastasis and death have been reported. We present a case of a 44-year-old female incidentally diagnosed with ETT following laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Postoperative evaluation for metastatic disease was negative. The patient has been closely followed and remains disease free 8 months postoperatively. ETT presents a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and histologic resemblance to other pathologies. ETT is relatively chemoresistant and managed surgically. Misdiagnosis delays effective treatment and affects survival.