Socioeconomic factors influence surgical wait times for non-emergent gynecologic surgical procedures: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: In various disciplines, an association between surgical wait times and patient outcomes has been identified. This study is among the first to investigate whether practice setting influences wait times for elective surgeries in benign gynecology. METHODS: This retrospective study of patients at three New York hospitals from 10/2019-2/2020 compared surgical wait times among patients seen in federally-qualified health centers (FQHC's) and private practice settings. Emergent surgeries, oncology cases, abortions, urogynecology procedures, and cases concurrently booked with another specialty were excluded. Surgical wait time was defined as the time (days) from the decision to operate to the day of the procedure. A multivariable mixed model was used to model surgical wait time by setting of care, adjusting for age, BMI, race, ethnicity, insurance, need for medical clearance, and scheduled block time. A univariable analysis was then utilized to assess surgical wait times by clinical setting for each insurance type. RESULTS: Five hundred forty patients were identified with a median age of 45.6 years (range 16-87). Average surgical wait time was 27 days (range 1-288 days). In multivariable analysis, longer surgical wait times were associated with being seen preoperatively in a FQHC compared to the private practice setting (102% longer, 59.5 days vs. 22 days, p < 0.0001), and with needing medical clearance (56.4% longer, 45 days vs. 22 days. p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in benign gynecology, surgical wait times are significantly influenced by the practice setting in which a patient gets care, with notable delays in care among patients who are seen in a federally qualified health center preoperatively.

Skeletal muscle relaxants for the treatment of myofascial pelvic pain and high tone pelvic floor disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic pelvic main is a complex process that includes many causes. In gynecology, the treatment of myofascial pelvic pain and high tone pelvic floor disorders can be managed with skeletal muscle relaxants for select clinical indications. A review of skeletal muscle relaxants will be included for gynecologic indications. RECENT FINDINGS: There are limited studies on vaginal skeletal muscle relaxants, but there can be oral forms used for chronic myofascial pelvic pain. They function as antispastic, antispasmodic, and combination of the two modes of action. Diazepam is the most studied for myofascial pelvic pain in both oral and vaginal formulations. Its use can be combined with multimodal management to optimize outcomes. Other medications have limitations due to dependency and limited studies that demonstrate improvement in pain scales. SUMMARY: Skeletal muscle relaxants have limited high quality studies for chronic myofascial pelvic pain. Their use can be combined with multimodal options to improve clinical outcomes. Additional studies are needed for vaginal preparations and evaluation of safety and clinical efficacy for patient reported outcomes measures in patients living with chronic myofascial pelvic pain.

Role of video self-assessment in laparoscopic simulation training: a randomized pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Residency programs have implemented simulation training to compensate for reduced operating room exposure. Video recording is an educational tool that can be utilized for coaching, telepresence, and self-assessment during simulation training. Data is limited on the utility of video recording and self-assessment for laparoscopic training in Ob/Gyn residency programs.. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the role of video self-assessment as an educational tool in laparoscopic simulation training and to establish the feasibility of our study design for a larger randomized controlled trial. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective pilot study with a parallel, randomized, trial design that occurred in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Mount Sinai Hospital. Subject participation took place in a surgical simulation training room. A total of 23 subjects were recruited (7 medical students, 15 residents, 1 fellow) voluntarily. All participants completed the study. All the subjects completed a pretest survey. The surgical simulation room contained a single Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery box trainer and video-recording station. For session #1, each participant performed 2 Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery tasks (A, peg transfer; B, intracorporeal knot tie). Participants were video recorded during session #1 and were randomized to either receive or not receive their video recording. The video group (n=13) and control group (n=10) repeated the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery tasks 7 to 10 days later (session #2). The primary outcome was percentage change in completion time between sessions. Secondary outcomes were percentage change in peg and needle drops between sessions. RESULTS: The participant characteristics (video vs control) were as follows: average training level (6.15 vs 4.90 years), self-assessment (1=poor, 10=excellent) of surgical skill (4.8 vs 3.7), and laparoscopic skill (4.4 vs 3.5). Training level was inversely correlated with completion time for tasks A and B (r, -0.79 and -0.87; P<.0001). Less experienced trainees required the maximum time allotted for each task in session #1 (A, 3; B, 13). Regarding the primary outcome, the video group improved less than the control group (A, 16.7% vs 28.3%; B, 14.4% vs 17.3%). After controlling for training level (residents only), the video group improved more in the primary outcome (A, 17% vs 7.4%; B, 20.9% vs 16.5%) and secondary outcomes (A, 0.0% vs -194.1%; B, 41.3% vs 37.6%). CONCLUSION: Video self-assessment has a potential role in simulation training for obstetrics-gynecology residents. With key improvements, the feasibility of our study design was demonstrated in preparation for a future definitive trial.

Quality metrics in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Quality improvement and patient safety are relevant to the advancement of clinical care, particularly in the field of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). Although safety and feasibility of MIGS have been established, identification of quality metrics in this field is also necessary. RECENT FINDINGS: Surgical quality improvement has focused on national overarching measures to reduce mortality, surgical site infections (SSIs), and complications. Quality improvement in minimally invasive surgery has additionally led to advancements in postoperative patient recovery and long-term outcomes. Process measures in minimally invasive surgery include use of bundles and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs. However, procedure-specific quality metrics for MIGS outcomes are poorly defined at this time. SUMMARY: Quality metrics in minimally invasive gynecology are well defined for structural measures and select process measures. Creation of relevant benchmarks for outcome measures in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery are needed.

Intraoperative coagulopathy during cesarean section as an unsuspected initial presentation of COVID-19: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The world's understanding of COVID-19 continues to evolve as the scientific community discovers unique presentations of this disease. This case report depicts an unexpected intraoperative coagulopathy during a cesarean section in an otherwise asymptomatic patient who was later found to have COVID-19. This case suggests that there may be a higher risk for intrapartum bleeding in the pregnant, largely asymptomatic COVID-positive patient with more abnormal COVID laboratory values. CASE: The case patient displayed D-Dimer elevations beyond what is typically observed among this hospital's COVID-positive peripartum population and displayed significantly more oozing than expected intraoperatively, despite normal prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, fibrinogen, and platelets. CONCLUSION: There is little published evidence on the association between D-Dimer and coagulopathy among the pregnant population infected with SARS-CoV-2. This case report contributes to the growing body of evidence on the effects of COVID-19 in pregnancy. A clinical picture concerning for intraoperative coagulopathy may be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection during cesarean sections, and abnormal COVID laboratory tests, particularly D-Dimer, may help identify the patients in which this presentation occurs.

Epidemiology of Second Primary Tumors in Women With Ovarian Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The last large study of second primary tumors (SPTs) in women with ovarian cancer was published in 1996, prior to major changes in the differential diagnosis and treatment. The present study reports on the incidence of SPTs in a contemporary cohort of patients with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. METHODS: Ovarian cancer patients with a diagnosis of an ovarian malignancy between 1992 and 2012 were identified and characterized from 13 registries of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. RESULTS: Of 41,073 women with a diagnosis of an ovarian malignancy between 1992 and 2012, 1831 (4.5%) developed a microscopically confirmed SPT. There was no significant difference in the risk of developing an SPT at all sites between women with an ovarian cancer and the general population. There was an elevated risk of site-specific SPTs of the small intestine, vagina, thyroid gland, and acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in ovarian cancer patients compared with the general Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results population. Conversely, the risk of lung and non-Hodgkin lymphoma was significantly decreased in women with ovarian cancer. An elevated risk of SPTs was observed in women with mucinous, endometrioid, and germ cell tumors. White women had an overall decreased risk of developing a second primary solid tumor, whereas American Indian and Asian/Pacific Islander women had an overall increased risk of an SPT at any site. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of SPTs in women with ovarian cancer was not significantly different as compared with the general population. However, divergent rates of SPTs in relation to histology, latency, age, and race were observed.

Impact of having a high-risk pregnancy on future postpartum contraceptive method choice.

BACKGROUND: To compare the knowledge and preference of preconceptional contraception to future postpartum contraceptive method choice in high-risk pregnancies. RESEARCH QUESTION: Does a high-risk pregnancy condition affect future postpartum contraceptive method choice? METHOD: Women hospitalised at the High Risk Pregnancy unit of a tertiary research and training hospital were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire that included demographic characteristics, presence of unintended pregnancy, contraceptive method of choice before the current pregnancy, plans for contraceptive use following delivery and requests for any contraceptive counselling in the postpartum period. FINDINGS: A total of 655 pregnant women were recruited. The mean age, gravidity and parity of the women were 27.48 ± 6.25 years, 2.81 ± 2.15 and 1.40 ± 1.77, respectively. High-risk pregnancy indications included 207 (31.6%) maternal, 396 (60.5%) foetal and 52 (7.9%) uterine factors. All postpartum contraceptive choices except for combined oral contraceptives (COCs) usage were significantly different from preconceptional contraceptive preferences (p<0.001). High-risk pregnancy indications, future child bearing, ideal number of children, income and education levels were the most important factors influencing postpartum contraceptive choices. While the leading contraceptive method in the postpartum period was long-acting reversible contraceptive methods (non-hormonal copper intrauterine device Cu-IUD, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) (40%), the least preferred method was COCs use (5.2%) and preference of COCs use showed no difference between the preconceptional and postpartum periods (p=0.202). Overall 73.7% of the women wanted to receive contraceptive counselling before their discharge. CONCLUSION: A high-risk pregnancy condition may change the opinion and preference of contraceptive use, and also seems to affect the awareness of family planning methods.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes and complication rates between conventional versus robotic-assisted laparoscopy in the evaluation and management of early, advanced, and recurrent stage ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine perioperative outcomes, including complication rates, of conventional laparoscopy (CL) versus robotic-assisted laparoscopy (RALS) in the evaluation and management of early, advanced, and recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of surgery performed from July 2008 to December 2012. Sixty-three women had 83 surgeries performed; 22 surgeries for early-stage disease (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage I) and 61 for advanced and/or recurrent disease. RESULTS: Of the 22 for early stage, 10 were CL, 9 were RALS, and 3 were laparoscopy converted to laparotomy (LP). There was no significant difference between CL and RALS in estimated blood loss (EBL, P = 0.27) or length of stay (LOS, P = 0.43); however, both had significantly less EBL (P = 0.03 and 0.03, respectively) and LOS (P = 0.03 and 0.03) than LP. There was no difference in OR time among the groups (P = 0.79). One patient (33%) had an intraoperative complication in LP. One patient (10%) had a postoperative complication in CL, 2 (22%) in RALS, and 1 (33%) in LP, with no significant difference (P = 0.61).Among the 42 patients with advanced/recurrent disease, 61 surgeries were performed: 14 diagnostic procedures and 47 cytoreductive surgeries. Of the 47, there was no difference in operating room time (P = 0.10). There was no difference in EBL or LOS between CL and RALS (P = 0.82, P = 0.87); however, both were less in CL (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02) and RALS (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02) compared with LP. There were 5 (63%) intraoperative transfusions in LP and none in CL or RALS. When including all surgeries for advanced/recurrent disease, there was 1 intraoperative complication (12%) in LP. There was no difference in postoperative complications between groups (P = 0.89); 8 patients (19%) had postoperative complications in CL, 2 (18%) in RALS, and 2 (25%) in LP. Overall, there were no grade 4 or 5 complications and no perioperative or intraoperative deaths. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, perioperative outcomes are comparable between CL and RALS in both early and advanced/recurrent disease and not inferior to laparotomy, making CL and RALS an acceptable approach in selected patients.

Role of minimally invasive surgery in ovarian cancer.

The standard treatment of ovarian cancer includes upfront surgery with intent to accurately diagnose and stage the disease and to perform maximal cytoreduction, followed by chemotherapy in most cases. Surgical staging of ovarian cancer traditionally has included exploratory laparotomy with peritoneal washings, hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, multiple peritoneal biopsies, and possible pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. In the early 1990s, pioneers in laparoscopic surgery used minimally invasive techniques to treat gynecologic cancers, including laparoscopic staging of early ovarian cancer and primary and secondary cytoreduction in advanced and recurrent disease in selected cases. Since then, the role of minimally invasive surgery in gynecologic oncology has been continually expanding, and today advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted laparoscopic techniques are used to evaluate and treat cervical and endometrial cancer. However, the important question about the place of the minimally invasive approach in surgical treatment of ovarian cancer remains to be evaluated and answered. Overall, the potential role of minimally invasive surgery in treatment of ovarian cancer is as follows: i) laparoscopic evaluation, diagnosis, and staging of apparent early ovarian cancer; ii) laparoscopic assessment of feasibility of upfront surgical cytoreduction to no visible disease; iii) laparoscopic debulking of advanced ovarian cancer; iv) laparoscopic reassessment in patients with complete remission after primary treatment; and v) laparoscopic assessment and cytoreduction of recurrent disease. The accurate diagnosis of suspect adnexal masses, the safety and feasibility of this surgical approach in early ovarian cancer, the promise of laparoscopy as the most accurate tool for triaging patients with advanced disease for surgery vs upfront chemotherapy or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and its potential in treatment of advanced cancer have been documented and therefore should be incorporated in the surgical methods of every gynecologic oncology unit and in the training programs in gynecologic oncology.

Prognostic value of lymph node ratio and clinicopathologic parameters in patients diagnosed with stage IIIC endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prognostic significance of lymph node ratio with respect to clinicopathologic characteristics in stage IIIC endometrial cancer patients. METHODS: Using data from medical records and surgery notes, we identified all consecutive patients with stage IIIC endometrial cancer who received primary surgical treatment between 1993 and 2008. Lymph node ratio is the number of metastatic lymph nodes to the total number of removed lymph nodes. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard methods. RESULTS: Two hundred sixteen patients with stage IIIC endometrial cancer were included in this multicenter study. Age, number of metastatic lymph nodes, lymph node ratio, grossly suspicious lymph nodes, histologic subtype, and cervical metastasis were associated with progression-free survival and overall survival, respectively. Patients with lymph node ratios 10% or less, more than 10-50%, and more than 50% had 5-year overall survival rates of 79.0%, 60.6%, and 35.8%, respectively (P<.001). In multivariable analysis, only lymph node ratio was associated with both progression-free survival and overall survival, respectively. Total number of removed lymph nodes and number of metastatic lymph nodes did not correlate with overall survival in the group with grossly suspicious lymph nodes, whereas lymph node ratio did. In the subgroup of 123 (56.9%) patients who had pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomies with a minimum of 10 lymph nodes removed, age and lymph node ratio were still associated with progression-free survival and overall survival, whereas total lymph nodes removed was not. CONCLUSION: Stratification based on lymph node ratio is useful when comprehensive lymphadenectomy is routinely performed and likely reflects metastatic nodal tumor burden. These data provide another prognostic variable in the heterogenic group of women with stage IIIC endometrial cancer. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Expression of therapeutic misconception amongst Egyptians: a qualitative pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that research participants fail to appreciate the difference between research and medical care, labeling such phenomenon as a "therapeutic misconception" (TM). Since research activity involving human participants is increasing in the Middle East, qualitative research investigating aspects of TM is warranted. Our objective was to assess for the existence of therapeutic misconception amongst Egyptians. METHODS: Study Tool: We developed a semi-structured interview guide to elicit the knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives of Egyptians regarding medical research. SETTING: We recruited individuals from the outpatient settings (public and private) at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. ANALYSIS: Interviews were taped, transcribed, and translated. We analyzed the content of the transcribed text to identify the presence of a TM, defined in one of two ways: TM1 = inaccurate beliefs about how individualized care can be compromised by the procedures in the research and TM2 = inaccurate appraisal of benefit obtained from the research study. RESULTS: Our findings showed that a majority of participants (11/15) expressed inaccurate beliefs regarding the degree with which individualized care will be maintained in the research setting (TM1) and a smaller number of participants (5/15) manifested an unreasonable belief in the likelihood of benefits to be obtained from a research study (TM2). A total of 12 of the 15 participants were judged to have expressed a TM on either one of these bases. CONCLUSION: The presence of TM is not uncommon amongst Egyptian individuals. We recommend further qualitative studies investigating aspects of TM involving a larger sample size distinguished by different types of illnesses and socio-economic variables, as well as those who have and have not participated in clinical research.

Attitudes, understanding, and concerns regarding medical research amongst Egyptians: a qualitative pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Medical research must involve the participation of human subjects. Knowledge of patients' perspectives and concerns with their involvement in research would enhance recruitment efforts, improve the informed consent process, and enhance the overall trust between patients and investigators. Several studies have examined the views of patients from Western countries. There is limited empirical research involving the perspectives of individuals from developing countries. The purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes of Egyptian individuals toward medical research. Such information would help clarify the type and extent of concerns regarding research participation of individuals from cultural, economic, and political backgrounds that differ from those in developed countries. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 Egyptian individuals recruited from the outpatient settings (public and private) at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. Interviews were taped, transcribed, and translated. Thematic analysis followed. RESULTS: All individuals valued the importance of medical research; however most would not participate in research that involved more than minimal risk. Individuals were comfortable with studies involving surveys and blood sampling, but many viewed drug trials as being too risky. All participants valued the concept of informed consent, as they thought that their permission to be in a research study was paramount. Many participants had discomfort with or difficulty in the understanding several research concepts: randomization, double-blind, and clinical equipoise. Trust in the physicians performing research was important in deciding to participate in clinical research. The small sample size and the selection bias associated with obtaining information from only those who agreed to participate in a research study represent limitations in this study. CONCLUSION: Overall, individuals in our sample recognize the value of medical research and have a great deal of trust regarding medical research and their participation in research. There were, however, concerns with the level of research risks associated with several types of medical research. Many also demonstrated confusion with certain research methodologies. We recommend 1) enhanced educational efforts regarding general research concepts to enhance the validity of informed consent and 2) further survey studies in other areas of Egypt to determine the generalizability of our results.