Laparoscopic Multibipolar Radiofrequency Myolysis for Symptomatic Myomas in 10 Steps.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe a minimal invasive 10-step technique of laparoscopic multibipolar radiofrequency myolysis for symptomatic myomas. DESIGN: A step-by-step video demonstration of the technique. SETTING: A woman with symptomatic FIGO 5 myoma of 60 mm of diameter, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online including social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites (such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, etc.) and other applicable sites. INTERVENTIONS: Approximately 30% of women of child-bearing age with myomas will present with symptoms [1] that include chronic pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding or infertility [2,3]. Data regarding fertility preservation and obstetric outcomes suggest that radiofrequency myoma ablation may offer an alternative to existing treatments for women who desire future fertility [4]. The local institutional review board stated that approval was not required because the video describes a technique and not a clinical case. In our center, all radiofrequency indications are discussed during a monthly multidisciplinary myomas meeting. This video presents the procedure divided into the following 10 steps: planning of the surgery; materials; installation; laparoscopic exploration; transvaginal ultrasound examination; visual and transvaginal ultrasound guided transparietal puncture of the myoma; control of the applicators' position; radiofrequency myolysis; end of myolysis, applicators removal; final check and additional procedures. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency myolysis is a simple and reproductible procedure that can be offered as an alternative to myomectomy [5]. This video presents 10 steps to make the procedure easier to adopt and to reduce its learning curve.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for deep infiltrating endometriosis surgery: Experience of a French center.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the implementation of an ERAS programme for deep pelvic endometriosis (DPE) surgery in terms of length of stay (LOS), postoperative complications (POC) and rehospitalisation rate. METHODS: This was a comparative retrospective monocentric study in the Gynaecologic Department of the La Conception Hospital in Marseille, France. We compared a 'conventional' group, with classic perioperative management corresponding to patients undergoing DPE surgery between April 8, 2014 and January 23, 2018, and an 'ERAS' group after setting up the ERAS protocol from February 6, 2018 to March 6, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients with DPE surgery were included, with 39 in the conventional group and 53 in the ERAS group. The LOS decreased by 1.91 days (p < 0.001). During the 45 postoperative days, no difference was found in rehospitalised rate (p = 1). The POC rate was 15/39 (38.5 %) in the conventional group and 12/53 (22.6 %) in the ERAS group (p = 0.1). CONCLUSION: The implementation of an ERAS programme for DPE surgery is an effective strategy because it can reduce the LOS without increasing the POC rate.

Transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of endometrioma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of endometriomas in patients with endometriosis is of primary importance because it influences the management and prognosis of infertility and pain. Imaging techniques are evolving constantly. This study aimed to systematically assess the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting endometrioma using the surgical visualisation of lesions with or without histopathological confirmation as reference standards in patients of reproductive age with suspected endometriosis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from their inception to 12 October 2022, using a manual search for additional articles. Two authors independently performed title, abstract and full-text screening of the identified records, extracted study details and quantitative data and assessed the quality of the studies using the 'Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Study 2' tool. Bivariate random-effects models were used to determine the pooled sensitivity and specificity, compare the two imaging modalities and evaluate the sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Sixteen prospective studies (10 assessing TVUS, 4 assessing MRI and 2 assessing both TVUS and MRI) were included, representing 1976 participants. Pooled TVUS and MRI sensitivities for endometrioma were 0.89 (95% confidence interval 'CI', 0.86-0.92) and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.74-0.99), respectively (indirect comparison p-value of 0.47). Pooled TVUS and MRI specificities for endometrioma were 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92-0.97) and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89-0.97), respectively (indirect comparison p-value of 0.51). These studies had a high or unclear risk of bias. A direct comparison (all participants undergoing TVUS and MRI) of the modalities was available in only two studies. CONCLUSION: TVUS and MRI have high accuracy for diagnosing endometriomas; however, high-quality studies comparing the two modalities are lacking.

The diagnosis of endometriomas in patients with endometriosis impacts infertility and pain management. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of endometrioma in patients of reproductive age with suspected endometriosis, and to compare the accuracy of the two imaging modalities. Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and ClinicalTrials.gov databases) were searched. Sixteen prospective studies were included, representing 1976 participants. We found high accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing endometriomas. There was no statistically significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between the two modalities. However, high-quality studies comparing the two modalities in the same population are lacking.

Robot-assisted tubo-tubal reanastomosis after sterilization in 10 steps.

Five to 20% of women regret having a tubal ligation. These women are generally otherwise fertile and have a better chance of pregnancy than other patients experiencing infertility, whether by in vitro fertilization or after tubal surgery. Historically, tubal anastomosis surgery has long been performed by microsurgery through laparotomy, which provided very high precision but was associated with some degree of morbidity. The parallel development of in vitro fertilization and laparoscopy have contributed to reducing the indications for tubal surgery. The laparoscopic approach is challenging because of the number and precision of the sutures needed. The robot-assisted laparoscopic approach may reduce the surgical difficulty and improve the accessibility of this technique. We have described the technique of tubo-tubal reanastomosis after sterilization with robot-assisted laparoscopy in 10 steps. Robot-assisted laparoscopy provides favourable conditions for performing tubo-tubal reanastomosis after sterilization due to the camera stability, precision of movement, and amplitude of articulations.

Mild endometriosis of the uterosacral ligaments: a retrospective study of magnetic resonance imaging performance for diagnosis.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the diagnostic performances of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans when used to identify mild endometriosis of the uterosacral ligaments (USL)? DESIGN: Monocentric retrospective study of patients who underwent a pelvic MRI followed by laparoscopy for determination of endometriosis between January 2016 and December 2020. Patients were included whether endometriosis of USL was suspected or not, but patients presenting large lesions that left no doubt as to their endometriotic nature on the MRI were excluded. Six criteria for the description of USL on MRI were studied to determine their diagnostic performances in predicting the presence of endometriosis on laparoscopy as follows: asymmetry, thickening, irregularity, straightness, the presence of a nodule or a hypersignal T1 spot. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were included. Among the criteria, 'asymmetry' and 'thickening' had the highest sensitivities (0.69 [95% confidence interval 0.54-0.80] and 0.51 [0.40-0.63], respectively) but moderate specificities (0.52 [0.31-0.73] and 0.62 [0.50-0.72]). Conversely, 'irregularity', 'nodule', 'straightness' and 'hypersignal T1 spot' were associated with high specificities (0.81 [0.70-0.89], 0.96 [0.89-0.99], 0.95 [0.87-0.99] and 0.99 [0.93-1.00], respectively) but poor sensitivities (0.22 [0.14-0.33], 0.12 [0.06-0.21], 0.08 [0.03-0.16] and 0.08 [0.03-0.16], respectively). The presence of at least one criterion for the description of the USL was associated with good sensitivity (0.80 [0.66-0.89]) but poor specificity (0.35 [0.16-0.57]). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the identification of minimal changes in the normal appearance of USL should not automatically lead to a conclusion of mild endometriosis at this location.

Does a physiology-based interpretation of cardiotocography allow to dispense with second-line methods? A cross-sectional online survey.

CONTEXT: Second line methods are used to help obstetricians to identify abnormalities that reflect foetal acidosis. Since the use of a new technique of cardiotocography (CTG) interpretation based on the pathophysiology of the foetal period, the use of second-line tests has been questioned. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of specific training in CTG physiology-based interpretation on professional attitudes towards the use of second-line methods. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 57 French obstetricians divided into two groups: the trained group (obstetricians who had already participated in a training course in physiology-based interpretation of CTG) and the control group. Ten medical records of patients who had abnormal CTG tracings and underwent foetal blood sampling pH measurement during labour were presented to the participants. They were given three choices: use a second-line method, continue labour without using second-line method, or perform a caesarean section. The main outcome measures was the median number of decisions to use second-line method. RESULTS: Forty participants were included in the trained group and 17 in the control group. The median number of recourses to second-line method was significantly inferior for the trained group (4/10 s-line methods) than for the control group (6/10, p = 0.040). Regarding the 4 records for which a caesarean section was the real outcome, the median number of decisions of continuing labour was significantly superior in the trained group than in the control group (p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in a training course in physiology-based interpretation of CTG could be associated with a less frequent use of second-line method at the cost of more frequently continuing labour with the risk compromising foetal and maternal well-being. Additional studies are required to determine whether this change in attitude is safe for the foetal well-being.

Endometriosis, infertility and occupational life: women's plea for recognition.

The objective of this study was to explore and describe the specificities of the occupational life of infertile endometriotic women treated by in vitro fertilization. We conducted a qualitative monocentric study between December 2020 and June 2021. Twelve semi-structured in-depth interviews using a theme-based interview guide with open questions were undertaken with infertile women with deep infiltrating endometriosis. Data analysis was conducted using an inductive approach according to the grounded theory method. Three main themes emerged from the interviews: (i) barriers to reconciling illness and work life, (ii) facilitating factors for well-being at work, and (iii) consequences and outlooks. It appeared that the time of infertility treatment represents a particular period of change in the working lives of women with endometriosis. For most women, these changes are experienced negatively, often with a renunciation of goals. For others, this is the time to communicate the difficulties linked to their illness to their professional entourage. There is a long path ahead to finally achieving recognition of endometriosis in the context of professional life.

Endometriosis and pregnancy: The illusion of recovery.

The objective of this study was to investigate the feelings and experiences of infertile women with deep infiltrating endometriosis during and after a first pregnancy achieved by in-vitro fertilization (IVF). We conducted a qualitative monocentric study between May and November 2020. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with infertile women with deep infiltrating endometriosis who achieved a first pregnancy by IVF and delivered at least two years prior to the interview. Data analysis was performed using an inductive approach to identify recurrent categories and themes. Fifteen interviews were conducted to reach data saturation. Pregnancy appeared to improve all components of the experience of endometriosis that were explored (psychological and physical well-being, social relationships, professional life, and sexuality). This improvement was only temporary and all symptoms and negative aspects of the women's quality of life reappeared after a variable period.

[Diagnosis and management of endometriosis by general practitioners in the south of France]. / Diagnostic et prise en charge de l'endométriose par les médecins généralistes de la région PACA.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the practices and knowledge of general practitioners in the south of France regarding the diagnosis and management of endometriosis. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among general practitioners in the south of France from November 14, 2021 to February 14, 2022. A questionnaire was developed in consultation with and validated by two university endometriosis reference services of the AP-HM and was sent to general practitioners practicing in the south of France. It was distributed via professional emails, care networks and the south of France's medical order. The questionnaire was divided into three parts: the first simply collected demographic and epidemiological data, the second assessed knowledge of the disease, and the last assessed individual practices. The primary endpoint was the percentage of practitioners with>75% correct responses. RESULTS: 133 general practitioners responded to the questionnaire (133/407, 32.1%). 60.2% performed more than one gynecological consultation per week. 61.7% obtained a rate of correct answers>75%. The general practitioners with the best response rates were more aware of the latest HAS guidelines (P=0.027) and performed gynecological consultations more regularly in the office (P=0.025). Intense dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain and deep dyspareunia were considered as evocative by 98.1%, 95.5% and 95.5% of respondents respectively. On the other hand, uro-digestive disorders were not often mentioned. In case of suspicion of endometriosis on questioning, 54.9% of general practitioners performed a clinical gynaecological examination. 76.7% prescribed an imaging test and 32.3% introduced hormonal treatment during the consultation. Referral of patients to specialists was made by the general practitioner as soon as clinical suspicion arose for 36.8%. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that the knowledge and practices of general practitioners, performing gynecology consultations in the south of France, is perfectible. In the context of the announcement of a regional reorganization of endometriosis-related care, other similar studies should be conducted regularly in order to assess the evolution of general practitioner's practices.

Knowledge, professional attitudes, and training among health professionals regarding male contraceptive methods.

OBJECTIVES: Health professionals are at the forefront of information and acceptability regarding contraceptive methods, however only one study evaluated their knowledge of male contraception (MC) including hormonal MC (HMC) and thermal MC (TMC). Our objective was to evaluate the knowledge, professional attitudes, and training of French practitioners regarding the management of couple contraception by male contraception (MC). STUDY DESIGN: We designed a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicentre study in 2,396 French practitioners belonging to national or regional institutions involved in contraception. We solicited practitioners by e-mail to complete an anonymous questionnaire; we analysed their knowledge, professional attitudes, and training regarding the management of couple contraception by MC. RESULTS: The overall participation rate was 18% (427/2,396). Condoms, withdrawal, and vasectomy were known by 98%, 89%, and 76% of the population, respectively. Hormonal MC and Thermal (TMC) were known by 10% and 24% of the population, respectively. Fifty-five percent of the population never or infrequently offered MC during a couple's contraceptive request consultation. Only 14% of the population had ever participated in training on MC; 96% wanted to be better trained on MC, and 87% expressed a willingness to participate in training on the subject. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals involved in contraception have unsatisfactory knowledge about MC methods based on spermatogenesis inhibition and are eager to have more information about them. To advance the acceptability and dissemination of MC methods, it seems imperative to enhance research in the field and to provide health professionals with an adapted training programme.

Endometriosis and environmental factors: A critical review.

This review provides an overview of current knowledge on the relationship between various environmental factors and endometriosis. We successively searched for a given exposure factor combined with the word "endometriosis." The literature was comprehensively analyzed and summarized by quoting only the most important and recent studies on each exposition factor. The data focused primarily on endocrine disruptors, such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls, that appear to have the strongest effect. Intriguing data suggest a link with night work, sun exposure and red meat consumption. For the other risk factors studied, particularly those related to lifestyle (tobacco consumption, alcohol, coffee, soy, physical exercise), the data are not sufficient to draw conclusions. In summary, the epidemiological evidence does not support a strong, scientific link between exposure to environmental factors and endometriosis. The complexity of this disease requires advanced study designs and standardized methodology. Future studies should be carefully designed to address these issues to advance our understanding of the impact of the environment and its consequences on endometriosis.

Neonatal and Long-Term Prognosis of Monochorionic Diamniotic Pregnancies Complicated by Selective Growth Restriction.

BACKGROUND: There are few data concerning the neonatal and long-term prognosis of monochorionic biamniotic twin pregnancies (MCBA) complicated by selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR). The aim of the study is to assess the neurological outcomes at two years of age of these newborns and compares these outcomes to those of newborns resulting from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies. METHODS: The study focuses on a cross-sectional prospective cohort of patients treated between 2012 and 2019 in Marseille, France. The primary endpoint is the overall score of the Ages and Stages questionnaires (ASQ) at two years, which assesses the global neurodevelopment. The secondary endpoint is the assessment of neonatal morbi-mortality for both groups (composite endpoint). RESULTS: In total, 251 patients were included in the analysis: 67 in the sIUGR group and 184 in the IUGR group. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall ASQ score at two years but there was the finest motor skills impairment in the IUGR group. The areas most often impaired were communication and fine motor skills. There were no significant differences between the neonatal morbi-mortality of the two groups (adjusted OR = 0.95, p =0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Newborns from MCBA pregnancies with sIUGR appear to have similar overall neurological development to IUGR. Notably, IUGR seems to have the most moderate neurobehavioral disorder (fine motor) as a consequence of impaired antenatal brain development due to placenta insufficiency leading to chronic hypoxia.

Midline rectovaginal fascial plication: Anatomical and functional outcomes at one year.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate anatomical and functional results at one year of midline rectovaginal fascial plication (MFP) for rectocele. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single-center observational study performed in a gynecologic-obstetrics department of a university hospital. Inclusion criteria were patients with isolated or associated rectocele treated by MFP. The success rate defined by a Bp point < 0 cm, improvement of symptoms, and satisfaction were evaluated at one year. Quality of life questionnaires were distributed pre- and postoperatively at one year. RESULTS: 34/46 (74%) patients were interviewed pre and postoperatively including a POPQ evaluation in only 30 patients. Anatomical success rate was 28/30 (93%) (p < 0.0001). There was an improvement in the sensation of vaginal bulge with 22/34 patients (65%) no longer having this symptom (p < 0.0001) and only one patient (1/34, 3%) underwent surgery for recurrence of the rectocele. 24/34 patients (71%) were satisfied with their surgery at one year. CONCLUSION: Anatomical and functional results of MFP for rectocele are encouraging and must be confirmed on a longer follow up.

Selective intrauterine growth restriction of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies: What is the neonatal prognosis?

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the neonatal morbidity and mortality of the smallest twins of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies complicated with selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) with newborns from singleton pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients managed at the prenatal diagnosis center in a single tertiary care hospital between 2012 and 2019. MCDA twin pregnancies complicated with sIUGR (sIUGR group) were compared with singleton pregnancies with IUGR (IUGR group). The primary outcome was the comparison in neonatal morbidity and mortality between the two groups. RESULTS: The analysis included 251 patients: 67 in the sIUGR group and 184 in the IUGR group. The two groups were comparable in gestational age and birth weight (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis controlling for factors that may influence neonatal status showed no significant difference between the two groups in any of the neonatal morbidity criteria or the composite morbidity-mortality endpoint (adjusted OR = 0.946 [95% CI = 0.317-2.827]; p = 0.921). CONCLUSION: Despite supposedly different pathophysiological mechanisms, neonates from MCDA pregnancies complicated with sIUGR and those from singleton pregnancies with IUGR appear to have identical neonatal morbidity and mortality .

Using pneumovaginoscopy to perform the removal of a vaginal fibroid.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and assess the feasibility of a novel surgical technique (pneumovaginoscopy) for performing vaginal surgery. DESIGN: Video of a single surgical procedure. SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENT(S): A 42-year-old woman, gravida 2 para 2, presented with chronic pelvic pain. Vaginal examination revealed a 4-cm spherical mass bulging through her posterior vaginal wall. Magnetic resonance imaging identified this mass as either a subserosal pedunculated uterine fibroid (type 7 according to the FIGO classification) or an ectopic fibroid of the posterior vaginal wall (type 8). INTERVENTION(S): The whole procedure was performed using pneumovaginoscopy. The GelPOINT V-Path (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, California) which is the device most often used to perform transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgical procedures, was introduced into the vagina to create a pneumovagina. Monopolar scissors were used to create an incision through the posterior vaginal wall to reach the fibroid. Myomectomy was performed using traction movements of the fibroid associated with the dissection of the capsule. The absence of a uterine pedicle at the end of the myomectomy was in favor of an ectopic fibroid of the vagina (type 8 of the FIGO classification). The vaginal defect was closed with interrupted sutures using the access points on the GelPOINT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The procedure was easily and efficiently performed using the pneumovaginoscopy technique and lasted less than an hour. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 1 without any postoperative complications. She was symptom-free at her 2-month postoperative visit. RESULT(S): Compared to the classical vaginal approach, pneumovaginoscopy improves visualization through targeted lighting and close-up vision. This technique is particularly interesting in cases where the vaginal opening is narrow and for lesions located in the upper half of the vagina. Because of the unusual expansion of the vagina, increased caution is required to avoid bladder or rectal injuries. CONCLUSION(S): Pneumovaginoscopy is a novel technique that can be performed for vaginal pathologies with the same device used for transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery. We described this technique and assessed its feasibility.

Vaginal NOTES approach for risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in BRCA mutation carriers: A video demonstration.

Risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) is an important option to prevent the development of ovarian and fallopian tube cancers in women with a BRCA1/2 mutation. Conventional laparoscopy is the current preferred technique since it is associated with less morbidity compared to laparotomy. Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) is a new minimally invasive technique that allows access to the peritoneal cavity through the vagina without skin incisions. The vNOTES technique for risk-reducing BSO is presented herein. This article includes a narrated, step-by-step video demonstration of the entire procedure. Risk-reducing BSO using the vNOTES approach is a feasible technique that appears to be simple, safe, and reproducible. This technique has the potential to improve patients' surgical experience and provide good long-term functional and cosmetics outcomes. This technique needs to be further evaluated and compared to the conventional laparoscopic approach.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy during Pregnancy and Child Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Tobacco smoking in pregnancy is a worldwide public health problem. A majority of pregnant smokers need assistance to stop smoking. Most scientific societies recommend nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during pregnancy but this recommendation remains controversial because of the known fetal toxicity of nicotine. The objective of this systematic review was to provide an overview of human studies about child health outcomes associated with NRT use during pregnancy. The electronic databases MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from the inception of each database until 26 December 2020. A total of 103 articles were identified through database searching using combination of keywords. Out of 75 screened articles and after removal of duplicates, ten full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and five were included in the qualitative synthesis. NRT prescription seems to be associated with higher risk of infantile colic at 6 months as in case of smoking during pregnancy, and with risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. No association between NRT during pregnancy and other infant health disorders or major congenital anomalies has been reported. Well-designed controlled clinical trials with sufficient follows-up are needed to provide more information on the use of NRT or other pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation during pregnancy on post-natal child health outcomes.

Surgical management of endometriotic women with pregnancy intention in France: A national snapshot of centers performing a high volume of endometriosis procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a snapshot of the surgical management of endometriosis in French high-volume activity centers. METHODS: Analysis of prospectively collected data between November 2015 and May 2017 in 21 centers with a high volume of endometriosis surgery in France. Each facility could include up to 40 patients undergoing laparoscopy for endometriosis. Data were collected before and two months after surgery. RESULTS: 361 patients were enrolled in the study. Twenty-seven patients (7.48%) were lost to follow-up at the month 2 visit. Endometriosis stage was I-II in 33.70% of patients and III-IV in 66.30%. Uterosacral ligament resection was the most frequently performed procedure (50.97%) followed by rectal surgery (31.58%), ovarian procedures for endometrioma, procedures for ureters (21.33%) and the bladder (11.91%). Antiadhesion agents were employed in 215/361 (59.56%) patients. The median length of hospital stay after surgery was 2 (IQR 1 - 4) days. Post-operative complications were recorded in 9.34% of patients. Rectovaginal fistulae occurred in 8 patients (2.41%), pelvic abscess in 4 (1.20%) and bladder atony in 3 (0.90%). 17 patients (5.14%) required a second surgical procedure after a median time of 31 days (IQR 9 - 81). Two months after surgery, 95.09% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the surgery. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that surgical management of endometriosis in centers with a high volume of endometriosis surgery, mainly concerns women presenting with severe disease and deep localizations, with an overall risk of major complications inferior to 10% and a high rate of patient satisfaction.

Performance Assessment for Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in the Operating Room: Validity Evidence of a Procedure-specific Rating Scale.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The technical conduct of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) is critical to surgical outcomes. This study explored the validity evidence of an objective scale specific to the assessment of technical skills (H-OSATS) for 7 tasks of an LH with salpingo-oophorectomy procedure performed in the operating room. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Two academic hospitals in Marseille and Montpellier, France. PATIENTS: Three groups of operators (novice, intermediate, and experienced surgeons) were video recorded during their live performances of LH on a simple case. For each group, a dozen unedited videos were obtained for the following tasks: division of the round ligament, division of the infundibulopelvic ligament, creation of the bladder flap, opening of the posterior peritoneum, division of the uterine vessels, colpotomy, and closure of the vault. INTERVENTIONS: Two qualified raters blindly assessed each video using the H-OSATS rating scale. Inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability were calculated as measures of internal structure. In a separate round of evaluations, the raters provided a global competent/noncompetent decision for each performance. As a measure of consequential validity, a pass/fail score was set for each task using the contrasting group method. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three tasks (creation of the bladder flap, colpotomy, and closure of the vault) displayed sound validity evidence: a meaningful total score difference among the 3 groups of experience as well as between the intermediate and experienced surgeons, reliability outcomes of >0.7, and a pass/fail score with a theoretical false-positive rate of <10%. CONCLUSION: The validity evidence of the H-OSATS rating scale differed for separate evaluations of the 7 tasks. Three tasks (i.e., creation of the bladder flap, colpotomy, and closure of the vault) revealed sound validity evidence, including at the level of the attending surgeon, whereas other tasks were more consistent with low-stakes formative evaluation standards.