Racial and ethnic disparities in access to minimally invasive gynecologic surgery for benign pathology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review current US literature and describe the extent, source, and impact of disparities that exist among Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) in surgical route and outcomes for hysterectomy, myomectomy, and endometriosis surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite the nationwide trend toward minimally invasive surgery (MIS), BIPOC women are disproportionally less likely to undergo MIS hysterectomy and myomectomy and have higher rates of perioperative complications. African American women, in particular, receive significantly disparate care. Contemporary literature on the prevalence of endometriosis in BIPOC women is lacking. Further, there is little data on the racial and ethnic differences in endometriosis surgery access and outcomes. SUMMARY: Racial and ethnic disparities in access to minimally invasive gynecologic surgery for benign pathology exist and these differences are not fully accounted for by patient, socioeconomic, or healthcare infrastructure factors. Initiatives that incentivize hiring surgeons trained to perform complex gynecologic surgery, standardized pathways for route of surgery, quality improvement focused on increased hospital MIS volume, and hospital-based public reporting of MIS volume data may be of benefit for minimizing disparities. Further, initiatives to reduce disparities need to address racism, implicit bias, and healthcare structural issues that perpetuate disparities.

Malnutrition is Associated with Poor Postoperative Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition continues to be pervasive among the general population, with rates as high as 50% of patients undergoing surgical procedures. Data is limited about women undergoing surgery for non-malignant gynecologic indications (generally elective laparoscopic hysterectomies, after failed conservative measures). With the significant increase in benign gynecologic surgery, it is of the upmost importance that surgeons optimize modifiable risk factors for patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of malnutrition on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign conditions. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing data that was collected through the American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Database. All patients that underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications were identified. Patients with malnutrition were identified by either low albumin (≤ 3.5 g/dL), low body mass index (≤ 18.5), or 10% weight loss within 6 months. The frequency of postoperative complications was evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses where appropriate. RESULTS: Following adjustment, multivariate analysis illustrated pre-operative malnutrition to be a risk factor for the following complications: any complication, death, bleeding requiring transfusion, wound, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, thromboembolic, sepsis complications, extended length of stay, and reoperation (p ≤ 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Malnourished patients were at significantly higher risk of developing postoperative complications during the acute postoperative period. With elective laparoscopic hysterectomies, pre-operative evaluation and intervention for malnutrition should be considered to improve nutritional status.

Ob/Gyn resident self-perceived preparedness for minimally invasive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Very little is known regarding the readiness of senior U.S. Ob/Gyn residents to perform minimally invasive surgery. This study aims to evaluate the self-perceived readiness of senior Ob/Gyn residents to perform complex minimally invasive gynecologic surgery as well as their perceptions of the minimally invasive gynecologic surgery subspecialty. METHODS: We performed a national survey study of 3rd and 4th year Ob/Gyn residents. A novel 58-item survey was developed and sent to residency program directors and coordinators with the request to forward the survey link along to their senior residents. RESULTS: We received 158 survey responses with 84 (53.2%) responses coming from 4th year residents and 74 (46.8%) responses from 3rd year residents. Residents who train with graduates of a fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery felt significantly more prepared to perform minimally invasive surgery compared to residents without this exposure in their training. The majority of senior residents (71.5%) feel their residency training adequately prepared them to be a competent minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon. However, only 50% feel prepared to perform a laparoscopic hysterectomy on a uterus greater than 12 weeks size, 29% feel prepared to offer a vaginal hysterectomy on a uterus 12-week size or greater, 17% feel comfortable performing a laparoscopic myomectomy, and 12% feel prepared to offer a laparoscopic hysterectomy for a uterus above the umbilicus. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of senior U.S. Ob/Gyn residents feel prepared to provide minimally invasive surgery for complex gynecologic cases. However, surgical confidence in specific procedures decreases when surgical complexity increases.

Intraoperative tranexamic acid to decrease blood loss during myomectomy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Myomectomy is associated with a significant risk of hemorrhage. Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine derivative with antifibrinolytic activity used in other surgical disciplines to reduce blood loss during surgery. However, its utility in gynecologic surgery is not well understood. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effect of early administration of intravenous tranexamic acid on perioperative bleeding and blood transfusion requirements in women undergoing myomectomy. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in an academic teaching hospital. Women with symptomatic fibroids thought to be at risk for large intraoperative blood loss who met the following criteria were included in the study: (1) at least 1 fibroid ≥10 cm, (2) any intramural or broad ligament fibroid ≥6 cm, and/or (3) at least 5 total fibroids based on preoperative imaging. Patients were randomized to receive a single intravenous bolus injection of tranexamic acid 15 mg/kg (intervention group) versus an intravenous bolus injection of saline of equivalent volume (placebo group) 20 minutes before the initial surgical incision. Perioperative bleeding was defined by measuring intraoperative estimated blood loss, change between pre- and postoperative hemoglobin, and frequency of blood transfusions. Estimated blood loss was calculated by combining the blood volume collected within the suction canister and the weight of used sponges. The 2 groups were compared for age; body mass index; perioperative hemoglobin and hematocrit; perioperative blood loss; duration of surgery; blood transfusion requirements; and the number, total weight, and volume of myomas removed. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients (30 per arm) were enrolled into the study between March 1, 2015, and January 29, 2018. Age, body mass index, baseline hemoglobin and/or hematocrit, number and total weight of myomas removed, and size of myomas did not differ between arms. Of 60 patients, 32 (53%) had laparoscopic myomectomy, 24 (40%) had robotic myomectomy, and 4 (7%) had laparotomy. Median estimated blood loss was 200 mL for the tranexamic acid group and 240 mL for the placebo group (P=.88). There was no difference in median duration of surgery (165 vs 164 minutes; P=.64) or change in perioperative hemoglobin (1.00 vs 1.1 g/dL; P=.64). Patients in the tranexamic acid group did not require blood transfusions; however, 4 patients (13.3%) in the placebo group (P=.11) required blood transfusions. CONCLUSION: Intravenous administration of tranexamic acid in patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic myomectomies was not associated with decreased blood loss.

Effect of Perioperative Transfusion on Postoperative Morbidity Following Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy for Benign Indications.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) on postoperative infectious wound occurrences, sepsis-related events. and venous thromboembolism. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP). PATIENTS: Patients who underwent a minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications between 2012 and 2016 were selected from the ACS-NSQIP. Patients with concurrent open hysterectomy, prolapse, or malignancy were excluded. Those with preoperative, intraoperative or postoperative red blood cell transfusion were considered positive for perioperative ABT. INTERVENTION: Minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Univariate analyses were performed to determine associations of preoperative and intraoperative patient variables and postoperative outcomes with perioperative ABT. Multivariate analysis was completed to test the independent associations of perioperative ABT with outcomes while adjusting for possible confounders. Of the 90,231 patients who met our inclusion criteria, 1447 had a perioperative transfusion (1.6%). Perioperative ABT was associated with multiple preoperative variables. After multivariate analysis, perioperative ABT remained significantly associated with infectious wound events (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-2.58; p < .001), thromboembolic events (aOR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.5-5.05; p = .001), and sepsis events (aOR, 6.49; 95% CI, 4.29-9.79, p < .001). CONCLUSION: ABT is a commonly used to treat perioperative anemia in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery. The results of this study, however, show that perioperative ABT increases a patient's risk of postoperative complications following minimally invasive hysterectomy. Gynecologic surgeons should consider the use of alternative treatments for perioperative anemia, including intravenous iron supplementation, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, normovolemic hemodilution, and preoperative hormonal suppression, to help reduce the morbidity associated with perioperative ABT.

Comparing benign laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy outcomes by time.

BACKGROUND: While laparoscopic hysterectomy has benefits compared to abdominal hysterectomy, the operative times are longer. Longer operative times have been associated with negative outcomes. This study's purpose was to elucidate if there is an operative time at which 30-day outcomes for laparoscopic hysterectomy become inferior to a more expeditiously completed abdominal hysterectomy. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2) using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify women undergoing hysterectomy for benign indications from 2010 to 2016 by current procedural terminology code. Hysterectomy cases were stratified by approach and 60-min intervals. 30-day post-operative outcomes were analyzed by operative time and approach. RESULTS: 109,821 hysterectomies were included in our analysis, of which 66,560 (61%) were laparoscopic, and 43,261 (39%) were abdominal. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis comparing outcomes by surgical approach and operative time, there was no time combination in which patients who had a abdominal hysterectomy had significantly lower odds of the composite complications variable. This was true even in laparoscopic hysterectomies greater than 240 min compared to abdominal hysterectomies completed between 20 and 60 min. When compared to laparoscopic hysterectomies greater than 240 min, abdominal hysterectomies between 20 and 60 min had lower odds of sepsis and abdominal hysterectomies less than 180 min had lower odds of urinary tract infection. CONCLUSION: Given that benefits persist even in prolonged cases, a laparoscopic approach should be offered to most patients undergoing benign hysterectomy. Surgical efficiency should be prioritized for any surgical approach.

Correction to: Comparing benign laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy outcomes by time.

The original article was updated to correct the author listing: the last five author names were reversed.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Postoperative Complications Following Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Benign Indications.

BACKGROUND: Current research pertaining to minimally invasive gynecologic surgical outcomes in the context of diabetes mellitus (DM) is limited. This study seeks to evaluate the association between DM and postoperative complications following laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was utilized. We identified laparoscopic hysterectomies completed for benign indications from 2007 to 2016 using current procedural terminology codes. Complications were evaluated by DM status: non-insulin-dependent DM (NIDDM), insulin-dependent DM (IDDM), and non-DM. Postoperative complications were evaluated utilizing univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: We identified 56,640 laparoscopic hysterectomies. Though both the IDDM and NIDDM cohorts had an increased incidence of postoperative complications compared to the non-diabetes cohort. The IDDM group had the highest incidence of all 3 cohorts. Compared to non-DM, the IDDM group had higher odds of reintubation (OR 4.23; 95% CI 1.59-11.19), urinary tract infection (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.022-2.069), and extended length of stay (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.36-2.26). CONCLUSION: Both NIDDM and IDDM were independent risk factors for postoperative complications after laparoscopic hysterectomy. However, the IDDM cohort had the highest odds of complications. Diabetic patients should be carefully counseled regarding their elevated risk of perioperative complications.

Association of operative time with outcomes in minimally invasive and abdominal myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE(S): To determine the association of operative time (ORT) with perioperative morbidity and whether there is an ORT at which minimally invasive myomectomy becomes inferior to laparotomy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Myomectomy cases identified by CPT code from 2005 to 2016. INTERVENTION(S): Cases were stratified and analyzed by surgical approach and 90-minute intervals. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Thirty-day postoperative morbidity. RESULT(S): A total of 11,709 myomectomies were identified; 4,673 (39.9%) were minimally invasive, 6,997 (59.8%) were abdominal, and 39 (0.3%) were conversions. The incidence of complications significantly increased with ORT. After adjusting for confounders, mean ORT in minutes (95% confidence interval) was 113 (111-115) for abdominal, 156 (153-159) for minimally invasive, and 172 (148-200) for conversions. Despite shorter ORT, morbidity was greater in abdominal cases (16% vs. 5.7%), with the highest rates in converted cases (20.5%). The minimally invasive approach in general had lower odds of complications (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.26). However, when minimally invasive surgery ORT reached ≥ 270 minutes, the odds of a composite complication variable increased compared with abdominal cases <90 minutes (odds ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.69-3.13). Of minimally invasive cases, 88% were completed in <270 minutes. CONCLUSION(S): ORT was predictive of complications for both minimally invasive and abdominal myomectomies. Despite longer ORTs, minimally invasive procedures generally had superior 30-day outcomes up to 270 minutes. Careful patient counseling and preparation to increase surgical efficiency should be prioritized for either approach.

Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Outcome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Limited research exists on the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and morbidity and mortality after laparoscopic hysterectomy. The objective of this study is to examine the following: 1) which demographics and comorbidities are most likely to present concurrently in patients with COPD? 2) Are patients with COPD undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy at increased risk for development of postoperative complications within 30 days? METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using data collected from 2007 to 2016 from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. All patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes and stratified based on COPD status. Univariate and multivariate analyses were completed to define odds ratios for postoperative complications within 30 days of laparoscopic hysterectomy. RESULTS: This study included 100,518 laparoscopic hysterectomy patients (COPD = 1,130 [1.12%]); (no COPD = 99,388 [98.8%]). Patients with COPD developed more postoperative complications, including pneumonia, reintubation, renal insufficiency, and sepsis. COPD was identified as an independent risk factor for pneumonia (OR, 4.098; 95% CI, 2.222-7.519) and reintubation (OR, 4.348; 95% CI, 2.387-7.937). Patients with COPD had extended length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Patients with COPD who undergo laparoscopic hysterectomy have increased risk of experiencing postoperative pneumonia, reintubation, renal insufficiency, and sepsis. Overall, postoperative complication rates remain low, but gynecologists should consider the pulmonary disease status of patients when assessing preoperative risk.

Matching Trends for the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Since Participation in the National Residency Match Program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the level of interest in the fellowship in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (FMIGS) using data from the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) over the past 5 years. DESIGN: Retrospective report (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Publicly reported data from the NRMP. PARTICIPANTS: Applicants using the NRMP to match into fellowship training. INTERVENTIONS: Reporting matching trends for the gynecologic surgical subspecialty programs starting in 2014, when the FMIGS programs began participating in the NRMP. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: From 2014 to 2018, the number of FMIGS positions increased from 28 to 38. Over the 5 application cycles, the FMIGS programs had the highest ratio of applicants to positions overall (range, 1.7-2.0 for FMIGS) of the surgical gynecologic subspecialty programs analyzed (Gynecologic Oncology, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility). CONCLUSIONS: Since the FMIGS programs began participating in the NRMP in 2014, the FMIGS match has been highly competitive as a gynecologic surgical subspecialty, suggesting a high level of interest from residency graduates. This may reflect growing recognition that there is a body of knowledge unique to minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons.

Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy for Uteri Greater Than One Kilogram.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive hysterectomy for uteri >1 kg. METHODS: Clinical and surgical characteristics were collected for patients in an academic tertiary care hospital. Included were patients who underwent minimally invasive hysterectomy by 1 of 3 fellowship-trained gynecologists from January 1, 2009, to July 1, 2015 and subsequently had confirmed uterine weights of 1 kg or greater on pathology report. Both robotic and conventional laparoscopic procedures were included. RESULTS: During the study period, 95 patients underwent minimally invasive hysterectomy with confirmed uterine weight over 1 kg. Eighty-eight percent were performed with conventional laparoscopy and 12.6% with robot-assisted laparoscopy. The median weight (range) was 1326 g (range, 1000-4800). The median estimated blood loss was 200 mL (range, 50-2000), and median operating time was 191 minutes (range, 75-478). Five cases were converted to laparotomy (5.2%). Four cases were converted secondary to hemorrhage and one secondary to extensive adhesions. There were no conversions after 2011. Intraoperative transfusion was given in 6.3% of cases and postoperative transfusion in 6.3% of cases. However, after 2013, the rate of intraoperative transfusion decreased to 1.0% and postoperative transfusion to 2.1%. Of the 95 cases, there were no cases with malignancy. CONCLUSIONS: This provides the largest case series of hysterectomy over 1 kg completed by a minimally invasive approach. Our complication rate improved with experience and was comparable to other studies of minimally invasive hysterectomy for large uteri. When performed by experienced surgeons, minimally invasive hysterectomy for uteri >1 kg can be considered feasible and safe.

Transferability of Virtual Reality, Simulation-Based, Robotic Suturing Skills to a Live Porcine Model in Novice Surgeons: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess whether a robotic simulation curriculum for novice surgeons can improve performance of a suturing task in a live porcine model. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Thirty-five medical students without robotic surgical experience. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were enrolled in an online session of training modules followed by an in-person orientation. Baseline performance testing on the Mimic Technologies da Vinci Surgical Simulator (dVSS) was also performed. Participants were then randomly assigned to the completion of 4 dVSS training tasks (camera clutching 1, suture sponge 1 and 2, and tubes) versus no further training. The intervention group performed each dVSS task until proficiency or up to 10 times. A final suturing task was performed on a live porcine model, which was video recorded and blindly assessed by experienced surgeons. The primary outcomes were Global Evaluative Assessment of Robotic Skills (GEARS) scores and task time. The study had 90% power to detect a mean difference of 3 points on the GEARS scale, assuming a standard deviation (SD) of 2.65, and 80% power to detect a mean difference of 3 minutes, assuming an SD of 3 minutes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were no differences in demographics and baseline skills between the 2 groups. No significant differences in task time in minutes or GEARS scores were seen for the final suturing task between the intervention and control groups, respectively (9.2 [2.65] vs 9.9 [2.07] minutes, p = .406; and 15.37 [2.51] vs 15.25 [3.38], p = .603). The 95% confidence interval for the difference in mean task times was -2.36 to .96 minutes and for mean GEARS scores -1.91 to 2.15 points. CONCLUSIONS: Live suturing task performance was not improved with a proficiency-based virtual reality simulation suturing curriculum compared with standard orientation to the da Vinci robotic console in a group of novice surgeons.

Feasibility, Safety, and Prediction of Complications for Minimally Invasive Myomectomy in Women With Large and Numerous Myomata.

OBJECTIVE: To assess perioperative outcomes and identify predictors of complications for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) myomectomy in a cohort of women with large and numerous myomata. DESIGN: Case-control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Academic tertiary care medical center. PATIENTS: Women undergoing MIS myomectomy performed by 3 high-volume surgeons between April 2011 and December 2014. INTERVENTIONS: Characteristics were compared between women who experienced complications and those who did not. Factors predictive of complications were then identified. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 221 women underwent an MIS myomectomy, 47.5% via a laparoscopic approach and 52.5% via robotic surgery. The mean ± SD specimen weight was 408.1 ± 384.9 g, uterine volume was 586.1 ± 534.1 cm3, dominant myoma diameter was 9.6 ± 5.1 cm, and number of myomata removed was 4.5 ± 4.1. The most common complications were hemorrhage >1000 mL (8.6%) and blood transfusion (4.1%). The conversion rate was 1.8%. A dominant myoma diameter of ≥12 cm and a uterine volume of ≥750 cm3 increased the odds of complications (odds ratio [OR], 7.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.03-31.84; p = .004 and OR, 6.15; 95% CI, 1.55-30.02; p = .014 respectively). A receiver operating characteristic curve considering dominant myoma diameter and uterine volume had an area under the curve of 0.81. A combination of dominant myoma diameter of ≥10 cm and uterine volume of 600 cm3 predicted complications with 79% sensitivity and 79% specificity. CONCLUSION: Our cohort had large and numerous myomata with high specimen weights, but complications were comparable to those reported in previous studies of MIS myomectomy with less complex pathology. Hemorrhage and transfusion accounted for the majority of complications, and a combination of dominant myoma diameter and uterine volume was predictive of complications. Both factors can be easily defined before surgery and may be used to guide patient counseling, referrals, and implementation of preventative measures for hemorrhage and transfusion.

Open power morcellation versus contained power morcellation within an insufflated isolation bag: comparison of perioperative outcomes.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative outcomes, particularly operative time, between uncontained and in-bag power morcellation of uterine tissue at the time of laparoscopic surgery. DESIGN: Canadian Task Force classification II-3. SETTING: Academic tertiary care hospitals. PATIENTS: Women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy or myomectomy who required morcellation of uterine tissue for specimen extraction. INTERVENTIONS: Outcomes among patients who had in-bag power morcellation were compared with outcomes among patients who had traditional power morcellation. The technique for in-bag morcellation entails placing the specimen into a large containment bag within the abdomen, insufflating the bag within the peritoneal cavity, and then using a power morcellator to remove the specimen from inside the bag. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 85 consecutive patients who underwent surgery with morcellation of uterine tissue. Prospective data collected from 36 patients who underwent in-bag morcellation were compared with retrospective data collected from the immediately preceding 49 patients who had uncontained power morcellation. Baseline demographics were comparable between the 2 groups although women who underwent in-bag morcellation were on average older than the open morcellation group (mean age in years [standard deviation], 49.19 [1.12] vs 44.06 [8.93]; p = .01). The mean operating room time was longer in the in-bag morcellation group (mean time in minutes [standard deviation], 119.0 [55.91] vs 93.13 [44.90]; p = .02). The estimated blood loss, specimen weight, hospital length of stay, and perioperative complication rate did not vary between the 2 groups. Operative times did not vary significantly by surgeon. There were no cases of malignancy or isolation bag disruption. CONCLUSIONS: In-bag power morcellation, a tissue extraction technique developed to reduce the risk of tissue dissemination, results in perioperative outcomes comparable with the traditional laparoscopic approach. In this cohort, the mean operative time was prolonged by 26 minutes with in-bag morcellation but may potentially be reduced with further refinement of the technique.