The (cost-) effectiveness Of Surgical excision of Colorectal endometriosis compared to ART treatment trAjectory (TOSCA study) - a study protocol.

Currently, the optimal treatment to increase the chance of pregnancy and live birth in patients with colorectal endometriosis and subfertility is unknown. Evidence suggests that that both surgery and in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are effective in improving live birth rate (LBR) among these women. However, the available evidence is of low quality, reports highly heterogeneous results, lacks direct comparison between both treatment options and does not assess whether a combination strategy results in a higher LBR compared to IVF/ICSI-only treatment. Additionally, the optimal timing of surgery within the treatment trajectory remains unclear. The primary objective of the TOSCA study is to assess the effectiveness of surgical treatment (potentially combined with IVF/ICSI) compared to IVF/ICSI-only treatment to increase the chance of an ongoing pregnancy resulting in a live birth in patients with colorectal endometriosis and subfertility, measured by cumulative LBR. Secondary objectives are to assess and compare quality of life and cost-effectiveness in both groups. Patients will be followed for 40 months after inclusion or until live birth. The TOSCA study is expected to be completed in 6 years.

Clavien-Dindo, comprehensive complication index and classification of intraoperative adverse events: a uniform and holistic approach in adverse event registration for (deep) endometriosis surgery.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the additional value of the comprehensive complication index (CCI) and ClassIntra system (classification for intraoperative adverse events (ioAEs)) in adverse event (AE) reporting in (deep) endometriosis (DE) surgery compared to only using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) system? SUMMARY ANSWER: The CCI and ClassIntra are useful additional tools alongside the CD system for a complete and uniform overview of the total AE burden in patients with extensive surgery (such as DE), and with this uniform data registration, it is possible to provide greater insight into the quality of care. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Uniform comparison of AEs reported in the literature is hampered by scattered registration. In endometriosis surgery, the usage of the CD complication system and the CCI is internationally recommended; however, the CCI is not routinely adapted in endometriosis care and research. Furthermore, a recommendation for ioAEs registration in endometriosis surgery is lacking, although this is vital information in surgical quality assessments. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION: A prospective mono-center study was conducted with 870 surgical DE cases from a non-university DE expertise center between February 2019 and December 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS: Endometriosis cases were collected with the EQUSUM system, a publicly available web-based application for registration of surgical procedures for endometriosis. Postoperative adverse events (poAEs) were classified with the CD complication system and CCI. Differences in reporting and classifying AEs between the CCI and the CD were assessed. ioAEs were assessed with the ClassIntra. The primary outcome measure was to assess the additional value toward the CD classification with the introduction of the CCI and ClassIntra. In addition, we report a benchmark for the CCI in DE surgery. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: A total of 870 DE procedures were registered, of which 145 procedures with one or more poAEs, resulting in a poAE rate of 16.7% (145/870), of which in 36 cases (4.1%), the poAE was classified as severe (≥Grade 3b). The median CCI (interquartile range) of patients with poAEs was 20.9 (20.9-31.7) and 33.7 (33.7-39.7) in the group of patients with severe poAEs. In 20 patients (13.8%), the CCI was higher than the CD because of multiple poAEs. There were 11 ioAEs reported (11/870, 1.3%) in all procedures, mostly minor and directly repaired serosa injuries. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study was conducted at a single center; thus, trends in AE rates and type of AEs could differ from other centers. Furthermore, no conclusion could be drawn on ioAEs in relation to the postoperative course because the power of this database is not robust enough for that purpose. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: From our data, we would advise to use the Clavien-Dindo classification system together with the CCI and ClassIntra for a complete overview of AE registration. The CCI appeared to provide a more complete overview of the total burden of poAEs compared to only reporting the most severe poAEs (as with CD). If the use of the CD, CCI, and ClassIntra is widely adapted, uniform data comparison will be possible at (inter)national level, providing better insight into the quality of care. Our data could be used as a first benchmark for other DE centers to optimize information provision in the shared decision-making process. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: No funding was received for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Decline in surgeon volume after successful implementation of advanced laparoscopic surgery in gynecology: An undesired side effect?

INTRODUCTION: The implementation of advanced minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques has broadened. An extensive body of literature shows that high hospital and surgeon volumes lead to better patient outcomes. However, no information is available regarding volume trends in the post-implementation phase of MIS. This study investigated these trends and poses suggestions to adjust these developments. This knowledge can provide guidance to optimize patient safe performance of new surgical techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A national retrospective cohort study in the Netherlands. The number of advanced laparoscopic (level 3 and 4) and robotic procedures and the number of gynecologists performing them were collected through a web-based questionnaire to determine hospital and gynecological surgeon volume. These volumes were compared with our previously collected data from 2012. RESULTS: The response rate was 85%. Hospitals produced larger volumes for advanced laparoscopic and robotic procedures. However, still 63% of the hospitals perform low-volume level 4 laparoscopic procedures. Additionally, gynecological surgeon volumes appeared to decrease for level 3 procedures, as the group of gynecologists performing fewer than 20 procedures expanded (64% vs. 44% in 2012), with 15% of the gynecologists performing fewer than ten procedures. Despite an increase in surgeon volumes for level 4 laparoscopy and robotic surgery, volumes continued to be low, as still 49% of gynecologists performed fewer than 10 level 4 procedures per year and 41% performed fewer than 20 robotic procedures per year. CONCLUSIONS: The broad implementation of advanced MIS procedures resulted in an increasing number of these procedures with increasing hospital volumes. However, as a side-effect, a disproportionate rise in number of gynecologists performing these procedures was observed. Therefore, surgeon volumes remain low and even decreased for some procedures. Centralization of complex procedures and training of specialized MIS gynecologists could improve surgeon volumes and therefore consequently enhance patient safety.

Implementation of uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids in the Netherlands: an inventory and preference study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Dutch national guideline on heavy menstrual bleeding was updated and published in 2013. It recommended (for the first time) that uterine artery embolization (UAE) should be part of counseling of women with symptomatic fibroids. We aimed to evaluate the implementation of UAE for symptomatic uterine fibroids in the Netherlands and to investigate gynecologists preference and other influential factors. METHODS: The primary outcome was to examine the UAE/hysterectomy ratio before and after introduction of the 2013 guideline by the use of annual hospital reports. The secondary outcome assessed factors that could influence implementation by means of a questionnaire to gynecologists. RESULTS: A total of 29/30 (97%) UAE+ hospitals and 36/52 (69%) UAE- hospitals sent their annual reports. The UAE/hysterectomy percentages in 2012, 2013 and 2014 were 7,0%, 7.0% and 6.9%, respectively. Regarding the questionnaire, the response rates were 88% and 91%, respectively. In both groups we observed a high self-perceived tendency for UAE counseling (90% versus 70%, p = .001). Approximately 50% of gynecologists from UAE- hospitals indicate they have insufficient information about UAE for appropriate counseling and 40% doubts the effectiveness of UAE. Furthermore, in the majority of gynecologists some 'urban myths' about the effectiveness and side-effects of UAE seem to persevere. CONCLUSION: Adding UAE as a treatment option to the national guideline did not change the number of performed UAEs for symptomatic fibroids. It might be useful to develop an option grid in order to offer appropriate, independent counseling and encourage shared decision making.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications: clinical practice guideline.

PURPOSE: Since the introduction of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, the percentage of advanced laparoscopic procedures has greatly increased worldwide. It seems therefore, timely to standardize laparoscopic gynecologic care according to the principles of evidence-based medicine. With this goal in mind-the Dutch Society of Gynecological Endoscopic Surgery initiated in The Netherlands the development of a national guideline for laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). This present article provides a summary of the main recommendations of the guideline. METHODS: This guideline was developed following the Dutch guideline of medical specialists and in accordance with the AGREE II tool. Clinically important issues were firstly defined and translated into research questions. A literature search per topic was then conducted to identify relevant articles. The quality of the evidence of these articles was rated following the GRADE systematic. An expert panel consisting of 18 selected gynecologists was consulted to formulate best practice recommendations for each topic. RESULTS: Ten topics were considered in this guideline, including amongst others, the different approaches for hysterectomy, advice regarding tissue extraction, pre-operative medical treatment and prevention of ureter injury. This work resulted in the development of a clinical practical guideline of LH with evidence- and expert-based recommendations. The guideline is currently being implemented in The Netherlands. CONCLUSION: A guideline for LH was developed. It gives an overview of best clinical practice recommendations. It serves to standardize care, provides guidance for daily practice and aims to guarantee the quality of LH at an (inter)national level.

Medical malpractice claims in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: a Dutch overview of 20 years.

BACKGROUND: The success of newly introduced surgical techniques is generally primarily assessed by surgical outcome measures. However, data on medical liability should concomitantly be used to evaluate provided care as they give a unique insight into substandard care from patient's point of view. The aim of this study was to analyze the number and type of medical claims after laparoscopic gynecologic procedures since the introduction of advanced laparoscopy two decades ago. Secondly, our objective was to identify trends and/or risk factors associated with these claims. METHODS: To identify the claims, we searched the databases of the two largest medical liability mutual insurance companies in The Netherlands (MediRisk and Centramed), covering together 96% of the Dutch hospitals. All claims related to laparoscopic gynecologic surgery and filed between 1993 and 2015 were included. RESULTS: A total of 133 claims met our inclusion criteria, of which 54 were accepted claims (41%) and 79 rejected (59%). The number of claims remained relatively constant over time. The majority of claims were filed for visceral and/or vascular injuries (82%), specifically to the bowel (40%) and ureters (20%). More than one-third of the injuries were entry related (38%) and 77% of the claims were filed after non-advanced procedures. A delay in diagnosing injuries was the primary reason for financial compensation (33%). The median sum paid to patients was €12,000 (500-848,689). In 90 claims, an attorney was defending the patient (83% for the accepted claims; 57% for the rejected claims). CONCLUSION: The number of claims remained relatively constant during the study period. Most claims were provoked by bowel and ureter injuries. Delay in recognizing injuries was the most encountered reason for granting financial compensation. Entering the abdominal cavity during laparoscopy continues to be a potential dangerous step. As a result, gynecologists are recommended to thoroughly counsel patients undergoing any laparoscopic procedure, even regarding the risk of entry-related injuries.

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Versus Vaginal Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hysterectomies performed laparoscopically have greatly increased within the last few decades and even exceed the number of vaginal hysterectomies (VHs). This systematic review, conducted according to the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines, compares surgical outcomes of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and VH to evaluate which approach offers the most benefits. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for all relevant publications from January 2000 to February 2016. All randomized controlled trials and cohort studies for benign indication or low-grade malignancy comparing TLH with VH were considered for inclusion. From the literature search, 24 articles were found to be relevant and included in this review. The results of our meta-analysis showed no difference between the 2 groups for overall complications (OR 1.24 [.68, 2.28] for major complications; OR .83 [.53, 1.28] for minor complications), risk of ureter and bladder injuries (OR .81 [.34, 1.92]), intraoperative blood loss (mean difference [MD] -30 mL [-67.34, 7.60]), and length of hospital stay (-.61 days [-1.23, -.01]). VH was associated with a shorter operative time (MD 42 minute [29.34, 55.91]) and a lower rate of vaginal cuff dehiscence (OR 6.28 [2.38, 16.57]) and conversion to laparotomy (OR 3.89 [2.18, 6.95]). Although not significant, the costs of procedure were lower for VH (MD 3889.9 dollars [2120.3, 89 000]). Patients in the TLH group had lower postoperative visual analog scale scores (MD -1.08, [-1.74, -.42]) and required less analgesia during a shorter period of time (MD -.64 days, [-1.06, -.22]). Defining the best surgical approach is a dynamic process that requires frequent re-evaluation as techniques improve. Although TLH and VH result in similar outcomes, our meta-analysis showed that when both procedures are feasible, VH is currently still associated with greater benefits, such as shorter operative time, lower rate of vaginal dehiscence and conversion to laparotomy, and lower costs. Many factors influence the choice for surgical approach to hysterectomy, and shared decision-making is recommended.

A dynamic quality assessment tool for laparoscopic hysterectomy to measure surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The current health care system has an urgent need for tools to measure quality. A wide range of quality indicators have been developed in an attempt to differentiate between high-quality and low-quality health care processes. However, one of the main issues of currently used indicators is the lack of case-mix correction and improvement possibilities. Case-mix is defined as specific (patient) characteristics that are known to potentially affect (surgical) outcome. If these characteristics are not taken into consideration, comparisons of outcome among health care providers may not be valid. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to develop and test a quality assessment tool for laparoscopic hysterectomy, which can serve as a new outcome quality indicator. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective, international, multicenter implementation study. A web-based application was developed with 3 main goals: (1) to measure the surgeon's performance using 3 primary outcomes (blood loss, operative time, and complications); (2) to provide immediate individual feedback using cumulative observed-minus-expected graphs; and (3) to detect consistently suboptimal performance after correcting for case-mix characteristics. All gynecologists who perform laparoscopic hysterectomies were requested to register their procedures in the application. A patient safety risk factor checklist was used by the surgeon for reflection. Thereafter a prospective implementation study was performed, and the application was tested using a survey that included the System Usability Scale. RESULTS: A total of 2066 laparoscopic hysterectomies were registered by 81 gynecologists. Mean operative time was 100 ± 39 minutes, blood loss 127 ± 163 mL, and the complication rate 6.1%. The overall survey response rate was 75%, and the mean System Usability Scale was 76.5 ± 13.6, which indicates that the application was good to excellent. The majority of surgeons reported that the application made them more aware of their performance, the outcomes, and patient safety, and they noted that the application provided motivation for improving future performance. CONCLUSION: We report the development and test of a real-time, dynamic, quality assessment tool for measuring individual surgical outcome for laparoscopic hysterectomy. Importantly, this tool provides opportunities for improving surgical performance. Our study provides a foundation for helping clinicians develop evidence-based quality indicators for other surgical procedures.

Case-Mix Variables and Predictors for Outcomes of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review.

The assessment of surgical quality is complex, and an adequate case-mix correction is missing in currently applied quality indicators. The purpose of this study is to give an overview of all studies mentioning statistically significant associations between patient characteristics and surgical outcomes for laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). Additionally, we identified a set of potential case-mix characteristics for LH. This systematic review was conducted according to the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. We searched PubMed and EMBASE from January 1, 2000 to August 1, 2015. All articles describing statistically significant associations between patient characteristics and adverse outcomes of LH for benign indications were included. Primary outcomes were blood loss, operative time, conversion, and complications. The methodologic quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The included articles were summed per predictor and surgical outcome. Three sets of case-mix characteristics were determined, stratified by different levels of evidence. Eighty-five of 1549 identified studies were considered eligible. Uterine weight and body mass index (BMI) were the most mentioned predictors (described, respectively, 83 and 45 times) in high quality studies. For longer operative time and higher blood loss, uterine weight ≥ 250 to 300 g and ≥500 g and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) dominated as predictors. Previous operations, adhesions, and higher age were also considered as predictors for longer operative time. For complications and conversions, the patient characteristics varied widely, and uterine weight, BMI, previous operations, adhesions, and age predominated. Studies of high methodologic quality indicated uterine weight and BMI as relevant case-mix characteristics for all surgical outcomes. For future development of quality indicators of LH and to compare surgical outcomes adequately, a case-mix correction is suggested for at least uterine weight and BMI. A potential case-mix correction for adhesions and previous operations can be considered. For both surgeons and patients it is valuable to be aware of potential factors predicting adverse outcomes and to anticipate this. Finally, to benchmark clinical outcomes at an international level, it is of the utmost importance to introduce uniform outcome definitions.

Hysterectomy in very obese and morbidly obese patients: a systematic review with cumulative analysis of comparative studies.

PURPOSE: Some studies suggest that also regarding the patient with a body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m(2) the minimally invasive approach to hysterectomy is superior. However, current practice and research on the preference of gynaecologists still show that the rate of abdominal hysterectomy (AH) increases as the BMI increases. A systematic review with cumulative analysis of comparative studies was performed to evaluate the outcomes of AH, laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and vaginal hysterectomy (VH) in very obese and morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥35 kg/m(2)). METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE were searched for records on AH, LH and VH for benign indications or (early stage) malignancy through October 2014. Included studies were graded on level of evidence. Studies with a comparative design were pooled in a cumulative analysis. RESULTS: Two randomized controlled trials, seven prospective studies and 14 retrospective studies were included (2232 patients; 1058 AHs, 959 LHs, and 215 VHs). The cumulative analysis identified that, compared to LH, AH was associated with more wound dehiscence [risk ratio (RR) 2.58, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.71-3.90; P = 0.000], more wound infection (RR 4.36, 95 % CI 2.79-6.80; P = 0.000), and longer hospital admission (mean difference 2.9 days, 95 % CI 1.96-3.74; P = 0.000). The pooled conversion rate was 10.6 %. Compared to AH, VH was associated with similar advantages as LH. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to AH, both LH and VH are associated with fewer postoperative complications and shorter length of hospital stay. Therefore, the feasibility of LH and VH should be considered prior the abdominal approach to hysterectomy in very obese and morbidly obese patients.

Trends in the implementation of advanced minimally invasive gynecologic surgical procedures in the Netherlands.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess the implementation of advanced laparoscopic gynecologic surgical procedures, assess the number of gynecologists performing these procedures, and highlight the distribution of surgical approaches to hysterectomy. DESIGN: Observational multicenter study. DESIGN CLASSIFICATION: Canadian Task Force classification II-2. SETTING: All hospitals in The Netherlands. SAMPLE: Minimally invasive surgical procedures performed in all 90 hospitals in the year 2012, and the number of gynecologists performing these procedures. Data were compared with national surveys conducted in 2002 and 2007. INTERVENTIONS: The number of advanced laparoscopic gynecologic procedures, the number of gynecologists performing these procedures, and the distribution of approaches to hysterectomy were collected through a Web-based questionnaire. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The response rate was 96% (86 of 90 hospitals). A total of 4979 advanced laparoscopic gynecologic procedures were performed in 2012 (mean per hospital, 58; median, 50.5; SD, 44.4), which is a significant increase over 2007 (95% CI, 30.3-46.5; p < .001). The proportion of laparoscopic hysterectomy increased from 3% in 2002 to 10% in 2007 and to 36% in 2012. The proportions of abdominal hysterectomy (68% in 2002, 54% in 2007, and 39% in 2012) and vaginal hysterectomy (29% in 2002, 36% in 2007, and 25% in 2012) decreased significantly. However, approximately 37% of gynecologists (n = 76) and 12% of hospitals (n = 9) performed fewer than 20 advanced laparoscopic procedures (level 3 and level 4) annually. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of advanced laparoscopic gynecologic procedures has accelerated tremendously in the last decade, owing mainly to the increased number of laparoscopic hysterectomies. A significant shift has occurred from abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies toward a laparoscopic approach. The vaginal hysterectomy should be brought back in focus, to prevent the deterioration of skills needed to perform this least invasive approach. Furthermore, the introduction of case volume as quality assessment is sure to have consequences for daily gynecologic surgical practice in The Netherlands.

Achieving consensus on the definition of conversion to laparotomy: a Delphi study among general surgeons, gynecologists, and urologists.

BACKGROUND: In laparoscopic surgery, conversion to laparotomy is associated with worse clinical outcomes, especially if the conversion is due to a complication. Although apparently important, no commonly used definition of conversion exists. The aim of this study was to achieve multidisciplinary consensus on a uniform definition of conversion. METHODS: On the basis of definitions currently used in the literature, a web-based Delphi consensus study was conducted among members of all four Dutch endoscopic societies. The rate of agreement (RoA) was calculated; a RoA of >70% suggested consensus. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 268 respondents in the first Delphi round (response rate, 45.6%); 43% were general surgeons, 49% gynecologists, and 8% urologists. Average ± standard deviation laparoscopic experience was 12.5 ± 7.2 years. On the basis of the results of round 1, a consensus definition was compiled. Conversion to laparotomy is an intraoperative switch from a laparoscopic to an open abdominal approach that meets the criteria of one of the two subtypes: strategic conversion, a standard laparotomy that is made directly after the assessment of the feasibility of completing the procedure laparoscopically and because of anticipated operative difficulty or logistic considerations; and reactive conversion, the need for a laparotomy because of a complication or (extension of an incision) because of (anticipated) operative difficulty after a considerable amount of dissection (i.e., >15 min in time). A laparotomy after a diagnostic laparoscopy (i.e., to assess the curability of the disease) should not be considered a conversion. In the second Delphi round, a RoA of 90% was achieved with this definition. CONCLUSIONS: After two Delphi rounds, consensus on a uniform multidisciplinary definition of conversion was achieved within a representative group of general surgeons, gynecologists, and urologists. An unambiguous interpretation will result in a more reliable clinical registration of conversion and scientific evaluation of the feasibility of a laparoscopic procedure.

Clinical relevance of conversion rate and its evaluation in laparoscopic hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To estimate the current conversion rate in laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH); to estimate the influence of patient, procedure, and performer characteristics on conversion; and to hypothesize the extent to which conversion rate can act as a means of evaluation in LH. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: The study included 79 gynecologists representing 42 hospitals throughout the Netherlands. This reflects 75% of all gynecologists performing LH in the Netherlands, and 68% of all hospitals. PATIENTS: Data from 1534 LH procedures were collected between 2008 and 2010. INTERVENTION: All participants in the nationwide LapTop registration study recorded each consecutive LH they performed during 1 year. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Conversion rate and odds ratios (OR) of risk factors for conversion were calculated. Conversions were described as reactive or strategic. The literature reported a conversion rate for LH of 0% to 19% (mean, 3.5%). In our cohort, 70 LH procedures (4.6%) were converted. Using a mixed-effects logistic regression model, we estimated independent risk factors for conversion. Body mass index (BMI) (p = .002), uterus weight (p < .001), type of LH (p = .004), and age (p = .02) had a significant influence on conversion. The risk of conversion was increased at BMI >35 (OR, 6.53; p < .001), age >65 years (OR, 6.97; p = .007), and uterus weight 200 to 500 g (OR, 4.05; p < .001) and especially >500 g (OR, 30.90; p < .001). A variation that was not explained by the covariates included in our model was identified and referred to as the "surgical skills factor" (average OR, 2.79; p = .001). CONCLUSION: Use of estimated risk factors (BMI, age, uterus weight, and surgical skills) provides better insight into the risk of conversion. Conversion rate can be used as a means of evaluation to ensure better outcomes of LH in future patients.

Ectopic pregnancy: when is expectant management safe?

This study was conducted to evaluate expectant management in asymptomatic patients with an initial serum beta-hCG titer of <2,500 IU/l and to determine the independent ability of initial serum beta-hCG titers and trend of serum beta-hCG to predict successful expectant management. A cohort of patients (N = 418) with suspected ectopic pregnancy (EP) between January 1991 and July 2008 is described. Three groups were defined: group I (n = 182), immediate surgical intervention (<24 h); group IIa (n = 130), unsuccessful expectant management (surgical intervention during follow-up), and group IIb (n = 99), successful expectant management (spontaneous regression of trophoblast). Hospital protocol was not complied in 35 cases (Table 1). Beta-hCG levels >3,000 IU/l occur in our expectant management group; however, none of these cases were successful. Unnecessary surgery was prevented in 14% (n = 7) of asymptomatic patients with initial beta-hCG of >2,000 IU/l. The success rate of expectant management was 49%, without a rise in complication rate or number of acute cases. In conclusion, the initial serum beta-hCG cutoff level of 2,000 IU/l is not a rigid upper limit for accepting expectant management in suspected EP and best practice is case specific. In asymptomatic patients, the serum beta-hCG cutoff level of at least 2,500 IU/l can be used for expectant management. This cutoff could be higher, but interpretation is limited due to censure in follow-up inherent to the predefined clinical protocol. There is no gain in including patients for expectant management with initial serum beta-hCG level >3,000 IU/l.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy: eliciting preference of performers and colleagues via conjoint analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To compare preferences for laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) over abdominal hysterectomy (AH) by gynecologists who perform LH (group 1), their colleagues (group 2), and gynecologists employed by a hospital that does not provide LH (group 3), and to estimate boundary values of patient characteristics that influence preference for mode of hysterectomy. Differences in referral tendencies between groups 2 and 3 are compared. DESIGN: Group comparison study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Nationwide conjoint preference study in groups 1, 2, and 3. INTERVENTION: Web-based choice-based conjoint analysis questionnaire. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In general, group 1 preferred LH significantly more often (86.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 81.6-91.0) than did group 2 (70.9%; 95% CI, 63.4-78.4). Group 3 preferred LH significantly less frequently (50.3%; 95% CI, 35.7-64.9). Increases in body mass index, estimated uterus size, and number of previous abdominal surgeries caused a significant drop in shares of preferences in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a gynecologist who performs LH positively influences the referral behavior of colleagues. The effect of an increased body mass index seems to be a restrictive parameter for choosing LH according to both referring gynecologists and those who perform LH. Level of experience does not influence preference of laparoscopists. The observed discrepancy between reported and simulated referral behavior in group 3 demonstrates that practical impediments significantly decrease referral tendencies, consequently hampering implementation of this minimally invasive approach.

[Safe introduction of laparoscopic hysterectomy using a mentor]. / Veilige introductie van laparoscopische hysterectomie met een mentor.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the introduction of laparoscopic hysterectomy in a teaching hospital by means of a structured mentor-traineeship. DESIGN: Retrospective, with prospectively designed database. METHODS: By means of a mentor-traineeship the technique of laparoscopic hysterectomy was introduced to two gynaecologists in a teaching hospital. The primary outcome measures of the laparoscopic hysterectomies were duration of the operation, blood loss and complications. In addition, patient characteristics as well as main indication for surgery were analysed. The training period was defined per trainee as the relationship between operation duration and consecutive operations. Similar outcome measures of all laparoscopic hysterectomies performed during the same period by the mentor in his own hospital were used as a reference. RESULTS: During both mentor-traineeships, the main indication for surgery, the operation characteristics and the percentage of complications were comparable between trainee and mentor (p = 0.633). The operating time did not differ clinically significantly between trainee and mentor. Both trainees realised a learning curve, while the operating time remained statistically constant and comparable to that of the mentor. During the mentor-traineeships and the two following years the number of laparoscopic hysterectomies increased (p = 0.001), while the number of abdominal hysterectomies diminished (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: A mentor was able to effectively introduce laparoscopic hysterectomy in a clinic without jeopardizing patient safety, as main indication, operating time and percentage of complications were comparable to those of the mentor in his/her own hospital. Due to this safe method of introduction of the new procedure more patients are able to benefit from the advantages of this surgical technique.