The analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block vs. local anesthetic infiltration technique in major gynecologic surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Background and Aim: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and local anesthetic infiltration (LAI) technique are used as part of the multimodal analgesic regimen after abdominal surgery. Postoperative opioid consumption and analgesic efficacy was compared using TAP and LAI techniques in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Material and Methods: Total of 135 patients scheduled for major gynecological surgeries were allocated into three groups: group T received bilateral TAP block with bupivacaine 0.25%; group I received LAI with 0.25% bupivacaine with epinephrine 5 µ/mL in the peritoneum and abdominal wall, and group C was control group. Anesthesia and postoperative analgesia were standardized. Outcome measures were cumulative and rescue tramadol consumption, numerical rating score (NRS) for pain and side effects in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) at 4, 8, 12 hours postoperatively. Results: Tramadol consumption, need for rescue analgesia, and NRS for pain between three groups at 4, 8, and 12 hours postoperatively had no statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). In PACU, median tramadol consumption used for rescue analgesia between group T (15 (15-30)) and group C (30 (15-45)) (P = 0.035), and between group T (15 (15-30)) and group I (30 (15-52)) was statistically significant (P = 0.034). In PACU, the percentage of patients having NRS >4 on movement in group C (72%) compared to group T (46.5%) and group I (46.5%) was significant (P = 0.034). No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of side effects among study groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Except for the immediate postoperative period, neither TAP block nor LAI had added benefit to the multimodal analgesia regimen in patients undergoing gynecological surgeries.

An audit of gynae-oncology practices in ovarian cancer treatment based on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol amongst two gynae-oncology units, in UK and in Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To compare peri-operative practices and complications in ovarian cancer patients undergoing upfront surgery for primary disease under enhanced recovery after surgery protocol and traditional practices. METHODS: The retrospective cross-sectional study was done at the gynaecology departments of St Georges Hospital, United Kingdom, and the Aga Khan Hospital, Pakistan, and comprised data of an equal number of ovarian cancer patients from each centre who underwent ovarian cancer surgery from January 2015 to December 2016. The former centre practiced the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol, while the latter centre followed traditional practices. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. RESULTS: Of the 100 patients, there were 50(50%) in each group. Baseline variables were comparable except for diabetes which was more prevalent in the local group (p=0.03). Mechanical bowel preparation was performed in 47(94%) of local patients compared to 1(2%) in the other group, while the duration for nil-per-mouth status as well as the use of nasogastric tube and peritoneal drain were significantly different (p<0.05). Epidural anaesthesia was used in 39(78%) of patients in Pakistan compared to 4(8%) in the United Kingdom. The duration of thromboprophylaxis was also significantly different (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol was found to have the potential to improve postoperative outcomes and good functional recovery without compromising patient safety.

Mid-axillary transversus abdominis plane block and stress response after abdominal hysterectomy: A randomised controlled placebo trial.

BACKGROUND: The hormonal response to surgical trauma can have detrimental effects on patients. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block, which can improve analgesia after total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) might attenuate the peri-operative stress response. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of the TAP block to reduce stress response, opioid consumption and pain following TAH and multimodal analgesia. DESIGN: Randomised, placebo-controlled double-blind study. SETTING: The current study was conducted at a university hospital from July 2016 to September 2017. PATIENTS: Fifty patients scheduled for TAH were included. Anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia were standardised. INTERVENTION: After induction of anaesthesia, patients were allocated into two groups: ultrasound-guided bilateral mid-axillary TAP block with 20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25% (Group T) or 0.9% saline (Group C). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Levels of free serum cortisol, metanephrine and normetanephrine at 60 min and 6, 12 and 24 h after surgical incision. Pain scores and opioid consumption during the first 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the median [IQR] peri-operative levels of stress hormones and pain scores between groups. Compared with baseline value 9.90 [4.2 to 23.1], free serum median cortisol levels were significantly high at 6 h in Group T, 23.6 [10.1 to 42.9] P = 0.015 and Group C 23.6 [9.9 to 46.3] P = 0.014. Only Group C showed significant elevation from the baseline median levels of plasma metanephrine at 60 min, 52.8 [33.4 to 193.2] P = 0.001, 6 h, 92.70 [2.4 to 202.6] P = 0.005 and normetanephrine at 60 min 83.44 [28.98 to 114.86] P = 0.004, 6 h 78.62 [36.6 to 162.31] P = 0.0005 and 24 h 80.96 [8.6 to 110.5] P = 0.025. Mean ±â€ŠSD opioid consumption was similar in both groups: 39.60 ±â€Š14.87 in Group T vs. 43.68 ±â€Š14.93 in Group C (P = 0.338). CONCLUSION: Mid-axillary TAP block does not improve stress response and analgesia in patients undergoing TAH receiving multimodal analgesia. TRAIL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT03443271.

Relationship between level of empathy during residency training and perception of professionalism climate.

BACKGROUND: Empathy is one of the vital personality attributes for all physicians. It is essential for establishing general interpersonal relationships among doctors and patients. Unfortunately, there is evidence for the decline of physician's empathy during the clinical training phase and is a major concern for medical educators worldwide. One of the major factors reported for the decline of this trait is an unprofessional learning environment. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the relationship between empathy level and perception of climate of professionalism among residents. METHOD: The study participants included 70 residents of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics departments of a private sector tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Two self-administered internet based surveys - Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSPE) and "Professionalism Climate Instrument"(PCI) - were administered to assess the level of empathy among the participants and their perception of professionalism in the learning environment. The relationship between the level of empathy and professionalism was analyzed using Spearman rank correlation. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 81.4% with mean empathy level of 103 ± 13. The internal consistency of each scale measured by Cronbach's coefficient α was 0.76 for JSPE and 0.65 for PCI. No significant difference was observed in the mean empathy scores between senior and junior residents of both specialties. Statistically significant difference in empathy scores existed between female and male residents (p = 0.012; 95% CI, 2.27 to 17.59). The mean PCI score was 106 + 8.88 with no significant difference among residents of two specialties. Professionalism score was not found to vary with either the year of residency or gender. Empathy score and professionalism climate were not found to be correlated (rs = 0.56, p = 0.64). CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that empathy is a relatively stable trait that remains unchanged during residency training programs. Female residents had higher empathic concern than the male trainees, however, the empathy level of the participants was not found to be influenced by the climate of professionalism.

Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence: Assessing the Role of the Correct Imaging Modality in a Rare Clinical Entity.

Acardiac twin formation is a rare anomaly. It is one of the most extreme complications of monozygotic twin pregnancies. Such occurrences are brought about when a normal twin donates blood to an abnormal twin through its umbilical arteries via vascular anastomoses at the level of the placenta, which is termed as twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence (TRAPS). Twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence is considered a rare variant of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Due to the considerable blood transfer from the healthy twin to the parasitic one, cardiac failure can ensue in the healthy twin. The mortality of the acardiac twin is 100%. We present an obstetric case of a South Asian female, whose serial ultrasound scans consistently displayed a heterogeneous mass, initially labeled a teratoma. This was postoperatively diagnosed as an acardiac twin due to TRAPS. Thus, we would like to highlight the importance of umbilical artery Doppler in the prompt diagnosis of TRAPS so timely management may be undertaken to prevent morbidity and/or mortality of the normal twin.

Case Of Xanthogranulomatous Oophoritis.

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is characterized by destruction of the tissues of the organ involved and replacement by chronic inflammatory cells such as lymphocytes, plasma cells, occasional neutrophils with or without multinucleated or Touton giant cells. Exact aetiology is not known but the theory of infection with organisms like Proteus, E coli, and Bacteroides fragilis is most popular. Xanthogranulomatous inflammation of the female genital tract is not common and usually involves the endometrium; however, xanthogranulomatous inflammation of the ovaries is a rare entity.

Comparison of Risk Factors and survival of Type 1 and Type II Endometrial Cancers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare risk factors and progression free survival of type 1 & 2 endometrial cancers. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 149 patients with early stage endometrial carcinoma treated between 1997 and 2012 in Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi was performed. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were analyzed. Type I tumors accounted for 92% of cases in the study while 8% were type II tumors. The mean age, BMI, parity, co-morbidities (hypertension & Diabetes), family history and history of polycystic disease were comparable in both groups. Overall better survival (113 Vs 24 months) was observed for type I endometrial cancer. CONCLUSION: Both types of endometrial cancer may share common etiologic factors. Despite the limitation of small numbers in one group this study confirms better survival in type 1 endometrial cancer.

Selective lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer: Retrospective analysis of morbidity and survival data at a tertiary care centre.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative morbidity and survival data between patients with early-stage endometrial cancer who did or did not undergo selective lymphadenectomy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 180 patients with early-stage endometrial carcinoma treated between 1999 and 2008 was performed in Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. RESULTS: Data from 180 patients were analysed. The selective lymphadenectomy group contained 108 women (60%) and the no lymphadenectomy group contained 72 women (40%). The median number of lymph nodes removed was 9. The mean age and extent of disease, as assessed by staging, tumour size, myometrial invasion, and lymphovascular invasion were comparable between groups. Upstaging of the disease to stage 3 and 4 occurred in 11% of patients in the lymphadenectomy group. There were no significant differences in the medical or surgical complications between groups. At a median follow-up of 26 months, both groups had comparable survival (lymphadenectomy versus no lymphadenectomy: 34 versus 32 months). Similar survival was noted for patients who underwent the removal of more or less than 5 pelvic lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: Selective lymphadenectomy offers the advantage of improved surgical staging but no therapeutic benefit in terms of overall survival.

Is Risk Malignancy Index a Useful Tool for Predicting Malignant Ovarian Masses in Developing Countries?

Introduction. Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) is widely studied for prediction of malignant pelvic masses in Western population. However, little is known regarding its implication in the developing countries. The objective of this study is to determine how accurately the RMI can predict the malignant pelvic masses. Materials and Methods. The study is a retrospective review of patients attending the gynecological clinic between January 2004 and December 2008 with adnexal masses. Information on demographic characteristics, ultrasound findings, menopausal status, CA125, and histopathology was collected. RMI score for each patient in the study group was calculated. Results. The study group included a total of 283 patients. Analysis of the individual parameters of RMI revealed that ultrasound was the best predictor of malignancy with a sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio of 78.3%, 81.5%, and 4.2, respectively. At a standard cut-off value of 250, RMI had a positive likelihood ratio of 8.1, while it was 6.8 at a cut-off of 200, albeit with comparable sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion. RMI is a sensitive tool in predicting malignant adnexal masses. A cut-off of 200 may be suitable in developing countries for triaging and early referral to tertiary care centers.

Primary debulking surgery versus neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III/IV ovarian cancer: Comparison of perioperative morbidity and survival data in Pakistani women.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the peri-operative morbidity and survival rates between ovarian cancer patients treated with two different approaches. METHODS: The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data related to patients with advanced stage ovarian carcinoma treated between 1999 and 2008. Medical records were reviewed and relevant demographic, clinical, surgical, pathologic and follow-up information was acquired. Progression-free survival and overall survival rates were compared between patients who underwent primary debulking surgery and those who had received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. SPSS 19 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the total 118 patients, 78(66%) had undergone primary debulking surgery and 40(34%) had received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. The mean age and pre-operative carcinoma antigen-125 level were similar. The debulking group had 74(94.8%) patients with stage 3, and 4(5.1%) patients with stage 4 disease, while the other group had 32(80%) and 8(20%) with stage 3and 4 respectively. The frequency of optimal debulking was 42(56.8%) in the former group against 27(79.4%) in the latter (p=0.01). Duration of surgery, estimated blood loss >1500ml and stay at the intensive care unit were not statistically different (p>0.05). Rate of Urinary tract, bowel injury and bowel resections were also similar. There was no difference in the progression-free survival in both groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking produced comparable survival rates and peri-operative complications.

Acquired vascular malformation in ruptured caesarean section scar: a rare cause of life-threatening vaginal bleeding.

Uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are rare and potentially life-threatening lesions. Patients present with severe vaginal bleeding which usually does not respond to conservative management and on most of occasions requires radiological or surgical intervention. We report a case of acquired AVM in a ruptured caesarean section scar. The patient presented with life-threatening vaginal bleeding and was treated with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist and subsequent angioembolisation coiling.

Human papillomavirus subtype 16 is common in Pakistani women with cervical carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as a major causative agent for cervical carcinomas. Based on their oncogenic potential, HPV subtypes have been divided into high- and low-risk. In Pakistan, screening for HPV in female patients is not commonly practiced, and as a consequence, the degree of HPV prevalence and its correlation with cervical cancer is unknown. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we have attempted to estimate the prevalence of HPV infection, and also the HPV subtype profile, among Pakistani women with cervical cancer from varied geographical, racial, and social backgrounds within Pakistan. METHODOLOGY: Women visiting two tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, diagnosed with carcinoma of the cervix within the past 15 years, were analyzed for HPV subtypes in their cancer specimens. Retrospectively, 60 paraffin-embedded cervical cancer biopsies were examined for the presence of HPV DNA. After DNA extraction from these samples, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the HPV L1 gene using the consensus (general) primers, and primers specific for subtypes 16 and 18. RESULTS: Of the 60 samples analyzed, only one sample was HPV negative; the rest of the samples were positive for the presence of HPV. Of the 59 HPV positive samples, 56 showed the presence of HPV16 and one sample was positive for HPV18; HPV subtype could not be determined in two samples. CONCLUSION: Our results show a strong relationship between HPV infection and cervical cancer among Pakistani women. These results underscore the need to implement regular HPV screening for Pakistani women. An early diagnosis of HPV infection will allow better health management to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Uterine perivascular epithelioid cell tumour presenting as a cervical mass.

Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumour (PEComa) also known as myelomelanocytic tumours are uncommon, recently described mesenchymal tumours that include angiomyolipoma, clear cell "sugar" tumour of the lung, lymphangioleiomyoma and tumours composed predominantly of epithelioid cell morphology. A predilection for uterus has been described. However up till now only 14 cases of uterine PEComas have been described. All of these were seen in adult females in the peri and post menopausal age group (from 40-75years), and almost all were located in the region of body of uterus. A single case in the upper cervical region has been reported with uterine PEComatoses. We report an unusual presentation of this rare tumour presenting as a polypoidal cervical mass in a young female. Occurrence of this tumor in a young female as seen in our case warrants inclusion of PEComa in the diferential diagnosis of all epithelioid and clear cell neoplasms of uterus irrespective of age.