Implicaciones obstétricas de los tratamientos escisionales de cérvix por lesiones premalignas / Excisional treatment for cervical dysplasia and obstetrics outcomes

Objetivo: Analizar los resultados obstétricos en mujeres con antecedente de tratamiento escisional de cérvix y si existen diferencias en los mismos según la técnica de conización empleada: LEEP (procedimiento de escisión cervical con asa de diatermia) o LLETZ (escisión de la zona de transformación [TZ] con asa de diatermia). Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se han incluido las conizaciones realizadas entre 2007 y 2014 y las siguientes variables: edad materna, paridad, tabaquismo, parto, aborto, intervalo entre la conización y el parto, tipo de parto, rotura prematura de membranas pretérmino (RPMP), edad gestacional y peso del recién nacido. Grupo control: 100 pacientes que habían quedado gestantes en el mismo periodo de tiempo. Resultados: Cincuenta y tres (7,9%) pacientes quedaron gestantes tras la conización, de estas 4(7,5%) abortaron y 49(92,5%) tuvieron un parto. Se observó mayor tasa de prematuridad (18 vs. 8%, p=0,049) y de RPMP (22,4 vs. 3%, p=0,001) en el grupo de conización. En relación a la técnica empleada, hubo más casos de prematuridad en el grupo de LEEP frente al de LLETZ (25 vs. 10,5%), RR=1,7 (IC 95%:1,1-2,9), no encontrando diferencias en cuanto a la RPMP y el bajo peso. Por otro lado, también se observó mayor proporción de cesárea en el grupo de conización frente al control (38,8 vs. 20%) (57%-LEEP vs. 5,3%-LLETZ, p=0,013). Discusión: Es importante hacer un manejo conservador en mujeres con deseos genésicos y lesiones cervicales premalignas y seleccionar correctamente a las pacientes candidatas a conización. Cuando se utilizó LEEP los resultados obstétricos (en términos de prematuridad y RPMP) son peores frente a las gestantes en las que se realizó LLETZ

Objective: The aim of our study was to analyse the obstetric outcomes in women with a history of excisional treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and whether there were differences according to the methods of treatment used (loop electrosurgical excision procedure [LEEP] vs. large loop excision of the transformation zone [LLETZ]). Material and methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients who underwent conization between 2007 and 2014. Outcome measures included maternal age, parity, smoking, childbirth, abortion, interval between conization and delivery, mode of delivery, preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes (PPROM), gestational age and birth weight. A group of 100 patients who had been pregnant during the same period was used as a control group. Results: 53 (7.9%) patients became pregnant after conization, resulting in 4 (7.5%) miscarriages and 49 (92.5%) deliveries. Increased rate of preterm deliveries (18 vs. 8%, p=.048) and PPROM (22.4 vs. 3%, p=.001) was observed in the conization group. According to technique used, there were more cases of prematurity in the LEEP group against LLETZ (25 vs. 10.5%), RR=1.7 (95% CI: 1.1-2.9), no differences were found in PPROM and low weight. On the other hand, a higher proportion of caesareans was also observed in the conization group versus the control group (38.8 vs. 20%) (57%: LEEP vs. 5.3%: LLETZ, p=.013). Discussion: Conservative management and appropriate selection of candidates for conization are important in women with premalignant cervical lesions who wish to become pregnant. Worse results were observed in LEEP group (preterm delivery and PPROM) compared to women who underwent LLETZ

Association between grade of referral smear and high-grade disease among women with biopsy samples showing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the grade of referral smear reflects the frequency of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 (CIN3) or worse lesions among patients with CIN2 on punch biopsy. METHODS: In a retrospective study, data were reviewed from women with a punch biopsy sample showing CIN2 and a known referral smear who underwent large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) between January 1, 2013, and January 1, 2016, at Galway University Hospital, Ireland. Data were analyzed by patient age (≤30 and >30 years), referral smear (low and high grade), and LLETZ histology (≤CIN2 and ≥CIN3). RESULTS: Overall, 264 women were included. LLETZ histology of CIN3 or worse was more common among women with high-grade referral smears (63/144 [43.8%]) than among those with low-grade smears (26/120 [21.7%]; relative risk 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.37-2.96; P<0.001). Among patients younger than 30 years, underlying CIN3 and above was again more frequent among women with high-grade (44/95 [46.3%]) versus low-grade smears (12/56 [21.4%]; relative risk 2.16, 95% confidence interval 1.25-3.73; P=0.004). No difference was recorded in the older age group. CONCLUSION: Although LLETZ can be performed for a CIN2 biopsy and high-grade smear, consideration should be given among young women (<30 years) with low-grade smears whose biopsy histology is incidentally CIN2.

Quality of life after sympathetic surgery at the T4 ganglion for primary hyperhidrosis: clip application versus diathermic cut.

INTRODUCTION: Limited procedures at the T4 ganglion show low rates of compensatory sweating (CS). The aim of the study was to compare endoscopic sympathetic block (ESB) via clip application with endothoracic sympathicotomy (ETS) via diathermy with special regard on patients' quality of life (Qol). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment success, side effects and patient satisfaction were evaluated in a prospectively gathered database of a tertiary-care referral hospital. Two disease-specific Qol questionnaires were used (Keller, Milanez de Campos). RESULTS: 406 operations were performed in 205 patients (ESB4 N = 114, ETS4 N = 91) with a median follow-up of 12 months. Both procedures improved Qol significantly (P < 0.001) and the degree of improvement was equal in both groups. Palmar and axillary HH were ameliorated after both procedures (P < 0.001). Accordingly, plantar HH decreased after ESB4 (P = 0.002), while remaining unaltered after ETS4. Nineteen patients (9.3%) reported CS and 10 patients (4.9%) judged it as "disturbing". Nine of the latter belonged to the ETS4 group compared to one ESB patient (P = 0.015). Patients developed higher rates of plantar CS after ETS4 compared to ESB4 (P = 0.006). Five patients (2.4%) from both cohorts reported persistence of axillary HH. Recurrence of axillary symptoms was found in 5 ESB4 patients. Satisfaction rates did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: Patients' Qol and satisfaction rates are similar in both treatment groups for upper limb HH. Outcome and recurrence rates speak in the favor of ETS4, severity of CS and potential reversibility argue for ESB4.

Factors influencing local tumor control in patients with neoplastic pulmonary nodules treated with microwave ablation: a risk-factor analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate risk factors predictive of local tumor control after microwave ablation of primary and secondary lung malignancies up to 3 cm in maximal diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The single-antenna microwave ablation treatment of 91 index tumors in 57 patients was studied retrospectively. Time to local tumor progression was monitored on CT scans over the follow-up period. Estimation of overall time to local tumor progression was performed with the Cox regression model. Factors hypothesized to correlate with ablation response included tumor diameter, tumor shape (round or oval versus irregular), clear versus ill-defined tumor margin, adjacency to the pleura, adjacency to bronchi, presence of vessels at least 3 mm in diameter a maximum of 5 mm from the index tumor, energy applied to the index tumor, and the occurrence of cavernous formations after ablation. A logistic regression model was used to correlate the data. RESULTS: Thirty of 91 (33.0%) index tumors, found in 21 of 57 (36.8%) patients, underwent local progression. The mean time to local tumor progression was 8.3 ± 5.5 months (range 2.1-25.2 months), and the estimated median time to local tumor progression was 22.6 ± 12.4 months. The risk factors that correlated significantly with local tumor progression were a maximal diameter greater than 15.5 mm (p < 0.01), irregular shape of the index tumor (p < 0.01), pleural contact (p = 0.02), and less than 26.7 J/mm(3) applied to the index tumor (p < 0.001). After regression analysis, shape of the index tumor (p = 0.03) and energy deployed per unit volume of the index tumor (p = 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors. Conversely, tumor margin definition (p = 0.06) and proximity of cavernous formations (p = 0.19), juxtatumoral vessels (p = 0.08), and bronchi (p = 0.89) did not affect tumor progression after ablation. CONCLUSION: The independent predictive factors for local tumor progression in primary and secondary lung neoplasms up to 3 cm in diameter observed in this study were irregular shape of the index tumor and energy application of less than 26.7 J/mm(3) to the index tumor.

Rib fractures after percutaneous radiofrequency and microwave ablation of lung tumors: incidence and relevance.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively identify the incidence and probable risk factors for rib fractures after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) of neoplasms in the lung and to identify complications related to these fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained for this HIPAA-compliant retrospective study. Study population was 163 patients treated with MWA and/or RFA for 195 lung neoplasms between February 2004 and April 2010. Follow-up computed tomographic images of at least 3 months were retrospectively reviewed by board-certified radiologists to determine the presence of rib fractures. Generalized estimating equations were performed to assess the effect that patient demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment parameters, and ablation zone characteristics had on development of rib fractures. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate patients' probability of rib fracture after ablation as a function of time. Clinical parameters (ie, pain in ribs or chest, organ damage caused by fractured rib) were evaluated for patients with confirmed fracture. RESULTS: Rib fractures in proximity to the ablation zone were found in 13.5% (22 of 163) of patients. Estimated probability of fracture was 9% at 1 year and 22% at 3 years. Women were more likely than were men to develop fracture after ablation (P = .041). Patients with tumors closer to the chest wall were more likely to develop fracture (P = .0009), as were patients with ablation zones that involved visceral pleura (P = .039). No patients with rib fractures that were apparently induced by RFA and MWA had organ injury or damage related to fracture, and 9.1% (2 of 22) of patients reported mild pain. CONCLUSION: Rib fractures were present in 13.5% of patients after percutaneous RFA and MWA of lung neoplasms. Patients who had ablations performed close to the chest wall should be monitored for rib fractures.

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling in polycystic ovary syndrome: efficacy of adjusted thermal dose based on ovarian volume.

OBJECTIVE: To compare reproductive outcome of adjusted thermal dose on the basis of ovarian volume versus fixed-puncture dosage in laparoscopic ovarian drilling. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: University Women's Health Center. PATIENT(S): One hundred twenty patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and clomiphene citrate resistance. INTERVENTION(S): Patients were assigned randomly to two groups of 60 women each. Group A received an adjusted thermal dose based on ovarian volume with use of a new model for dose calculation (60 J/cm(3) of ovarian tissue), and group B received 600 J per ovary through four ovarian holes regardless of size. One month afterward, the hormonal profile was reevaluated, and second-look laparoscopy was performed in patients who had not conceived by 6 months to evaluate adnexal adhesions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ovulation, conception, and early abortion rates, cycle rhythm, and adnexal adhesions. RESULT(S): More patients resumed regular cycles in group A than in group B (87.9% vs. 75.4%). The ovulation and pregnancy rates were significantly higher in group A than in group B (81.8% vs. 62.2% and 51.7% vs. 36.8%, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups in early miscarriage rate or postdrilling adhesions. CONCLUSION(S): Adjusted diathermy dose based on ovarian volume for laparoscopic ovarian drilling of polycystic ovary syndrome has a better reproductive outcome compared with fixed thermal dosage.

Diathermy training and usage trends among surgical trainees--will we get our fingers burnt?

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to assess the current trends in diathermy use as well as the presence or absence of formal diathermy training amongst higher surgical trainees (HSTs) in the UK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A national e-mail survey was implemented, contacting 300 randomly selected HSTs in general surgery. A questionnaire was used to ascertain their current practice and the presence or absence of formal diathermy training. RESULTS: Overall 126 (42%) HSTs across all levels of training and subspecialty interests responded. Only 50.8% stated they had received formal diathermy training whereas 49.2% had no formal training. Diathermy is used by 23.8% of responders for laparotomy skin incisions, while 76.2% use a scalpel. For colonic mobilisation, 49.2% use diathermy and 50.8% scissors. For rectal mobilisation 55.5% use diathermy, 42.9% scissors and 1.6% a harmonic scalpel. Nearly 90% of responders do not place diathermy pads on the patient themselves, 68.3% do not routinely check diathermy equipment before use and 66.7% do not check the diathermy pad site at the end of the operation. Only 80.9% stated that a diathermy complication is the surgeon's responsibility, while the remaining 19.1% would blame the scrub nurse, circulating nurse, operating department assistant (ODA), manufacturer or a combination of the above. CONCLUSION: Nearly half of HSTs in this study did not receive any training in the use of diathermy, resulting in failure to adhere to what is considered best practice. This may lead to adverse events for the patient along with medico-legal consequences. This problem could be overcome by ensuring HSTs receive adequate formal diathermy training and we suggest that a dedicated diathermy course is incorporated in basic surgical training curricula.

Investigation of practices and procedures in the use of therapeutic diathermy: a study from the physiotherapists' health and safety perspective.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The safe use of therapeutic diathermy requires practices and procedures that ensure compliance to professional guidelines and clinical evidence. Inappropriate use may expose physiotherapists and other people in the vicinity of operating diathermy devices to stray radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, which can be a source of risk and may lead to adverse health effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate practices and procedures for therapeutic diathermy from a health and safety perspective. METHOD: A cross-sectional research design was used, this included a postal survey using a self-administered questionnaire and semi-structured observational visits to 46 physiotherapy departments in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals located in the south-east and south-west of England, including Greater London. RESULTS: Microwave diathermy was not available in the departments surveyed. Pulsed shortwave diathermy was available and was used more commonly than continuous shortwave diathermy. There were metallic objects in treatment cubicles used for pulsed shortwave diathermy and continuous shortwave diathermy. Shortwave diathermy devices created electromagnetic interference with a variety of electrical and medical devices. Physiotherapists reported that they did not stay in the treatment cubicle during the entire period of electrotherapy with pulsed shortwave diathermy or continous shortwave diathermy; pregnant physiotherapists reported that they did not use these devices. Electrotherapy with pulsed shortwave diathermy and continuous shortwave diathermy was not always administered on a wooden couch or chair. Electrotherapy was highest in those departments with the fewest physiotherapists. CONCLUSIONS: Departments report good practices and procedures regarding the use of therapeutic diathermy devices. However, field observations of practices and procedures, and the working environment, have identified issues with a potential to create health and safety problems, and these should be addressed.

Unequal use of new technologies by race: the use of new prostate surgeries (transurethral needle ablation, transurethral microwave therapy and laser) among elderly Medicare beneficiaries.

PURPOSE: We compared the availability and use of transurethral microwave therapy, transurethral needle ablation, contact or noncontact laser therapy and transurethral resection of the prostate among elderly black and white Medicare beneficiaries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 100% Medicare Inpatient, Outpatient, Carrier and Denominator files of men 65 years old or older who underwent these procedures in 1999 through 2001. White-to-black race rate ratios for each procedure were computed for the entire United States, as well as for a restricted set of counties in which procedures were available to black beneficiaries. RESULTS: A total of 170,067 TURP, 16,953 TUMT, 5,353 TUNA and 12,134 Laser procedures were performed during 3 years. Nationally there was only a 3% difference in the age adjusted TURP rates between white and black men (6.13 and 5.94 per 1,000 person-years, respectively). However, the age adjusted rates for TUMT and TUNA among white men were about twice those among black men (0.63 vs 0.31 and 0.20 vs 0.10 per 1,000 person-years, respectively). Laser rates were 17% higher among white men than among black men (0.44 vs 0.38 per 1,000 person-years). Large geographic variation existed in the new procedure rates. Negative binomial regression analysis confirmed the national findings in those counties in which the procedures were available to black men. Adjusted white-to-black rate ratios were 1.96 (95% CI 1.70-2.25) for TUMT, 2.33 (95% CI 1.87-2.90) for TUNA and 1.36 (95% CI 1.16-1.59) for Laser. CONCLUSIONS: After controlling for availability, elderly black Medicare beneficiaries were less likely to undergo the new BPH procedures than white beneficiaries, while the usage difference for TURP remained small.

My experience with radiosurgery [abstract]

PART A: There will be an introduction to the theory of radiowaves and discussion on the differences between diathermy and radio frequency. slide demonstration will be done to cover the above. PART B: I shall show an appropriate number of slides demonstrating the use of radiosurgical unit on lid tumours; conjunctival lesions, trudiaris, corneal neovascularisations and others. A short video demonstrating radiosurgery will be shown. (AU)

The economic impact of introducing transurethral microwave thermotherapy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a scenario analysis.

The goal of this study was to assess the economic impact of introducing transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Different scenarios were constructed using both randomized clinical trial data and observational data on resource use related to BPH treatments. These include a baseline scenario, demand scenarios reflecting the number of men who will be treated by TUMT when it is introduced, and supply scenarios reflecting the number of hospitals that will provide TUMT. In the baseline scenario, costs of BPH treatment equal Netherlands guilders (NLG) 203 million. If the demand for BPH treatment does not increase following the adoption of TUMT, costs may vary between NLG 187 and 189 million, depending on how TUMT is provided. If the demand increases up to 25% following the introduction of TUMT, costs may vary between NLG 457 and 466 million, depending on how TUMT is provided. The introduction of TUMT seems to be cost-saving, but savings depend on the number of men who seek treatment for BPH. There is no indication for a controlled provision.

Optimization of transurethral hyperthermia: number of treatments.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal number of transurethral microwave hyperthermia (TUHT) treatments in patients with moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is not known. This study was designed to compare TUHT efficacy with the use of three versus six treatments. METHODS: In a Phase II prospective trial during a three-month period, 28 poor surgical risk patients with moderate to severe prostatism were randomized to receive three or six TUHT sessions. TUHT treatments were given on an outpatient basis without sedation or anesthesia for sixty minutes at 915 MHz with the temperature controlled on the urethral surface at 45 degrees C. RESULTS: Subjective improvement was obtained in 7 (50%) patients receiving three TUHT treatments and in 12 (86%) patients receiving six treatments. A greater degree of improvement in total symptom score (P = 0.01) and obstructive (P = 0.01) and irritative (P = 0.04) symptoms was also recorded in the 14 patients receiving six treatments compared to those treated with three TUHT sessions (P = 0.01). A posttreatment improvement in objective study parameters was recorded for both treatment groups. The 14 patients treated with six TUHT sessions, however, showed a better improvement in peak flow rates (51% vs. 8.4%, P = 0.003) and postvoiding residual volume compared to the 14 patients treated with three TUHT sessions (P = 0.10). Treatments were very well tolerated and no clinically significant toxicity was recorded. Of the 9 study patients who failed to respond to treatment, 1 patient was successfully retreated with TURP while 8 patients required an indwelling catheter. CONCLUSIONS: In TUHT in poor surgical risk patients with BPH with the temperature controlled at 45 degrees C, six treatments were superior to three treatments, based on a higher incidence of subjective and objective improvement.

Management of severe chronic radiation cystitis.

Chronic radiation cystitis complicating pelvic irradiation can occasionally result in massive bleeding difficult to control with conventional means. Between 1986 and 1989, we managed 42 cases of chronic radiation cystitis of which nine (21%) were of this severe type based on the necessity for repeated cystodiathermy, massive transfusions and open surgical intervention. We found early cystodiathermy and alum bladder irrigation beneficial in early cases, but six (67%) patients required emergency bilateral percutaneous nephrostomies for proximal urinary diversions to help stop the bleeding. Despite aggressive treatment, two patients (22%) died during their admissions and two others (22%) died shortly after discharge. Three patients eventually required elective ileal conduit diversion for their contracted defunctioned bladder. Thus this group of patients suffered relatively high morbidity and mortality for an essentially benign condition. Increased physician awareness and timely percutaneous nephrostomies may improve results.