Impact of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery on hysterectomy practice.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impacts of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) on the hysterectomy route and concomitant adnexal surgery at the time of vaginal hysterectomy (VH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed all hysterectomies performed for benign indications between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2019. The period preceding the first case of VH and vNOTES BSO was considered as Pre-vNOTES. The period starting from the date of the first case was considered as Post-vNOTES. The rates per route of hysterectomy and the rate of concomitant adnexal surgery at the time of VH were compared between the two periods. RESULTS: In hysterectomies performed by surgeons who implemented vNOTES, the proportion of the vaginal route increased from 40.1% to 94.3% (P-value < 0.001); the abdominal route decreased from 37.4% to 3.2% (P-value < 0.001); and the laparoscopic route decreased from 22.5% to 2.5% (P-value < 0.001). The rates of concomitant adnexal procedures performed at the time of VH also showed significant changes. While 39.7% of patients did not undergo any concomitant adnexal surgery during the Pre-vNOTES period, this rate dropped to 8.1% after the implementation of vNOTES (P-value < 0.001). Similarly, the rate of bilateral salpingectomy dropped from 49.3% to 14.2% (P-value < 0.001), whereas the rate of BSO increased from 6.8% to 75% (P-value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Implementation of vNOTES has led to a significant increase in the rate of VH and the rate of concomitant BSO at the time of VH.

Recommendations of the Polish Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians for removal of the uterus by vaginal, laparoscopic and abdominal routes.

The recommendations represent the current procedure, which may be modified and changed where justified, after a thorough analysis of the given clinical situation, which may be the basis for their modification and updating in the future.

Reduced Complications Following Implementation of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Danish Population-based Cohort Study of Minimally Invasive Benign Gynecologic Surgery between 2004 and 2018.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To monitor and report nationwide changes in the rates of and complications after different methods for benign hysterectomy, operative hysteroscopy, myomectomy, and embolization in Denmark. To report the national mortality after benign hysterectomy DESIGN: National prospective, observational cohort study. SETTING: The Danish Hysterectomy and Hysteroscopy Database. PATIENTS: Women undergoing surgery for benign gynecologic diseases: 64 818 hysterectomies, 84 175 hysteroscopies, 4016 myomectomies, and 1209 embolizations in Denmark between 2004 and 2018. INTERVENTIONS: National meetings with representatives from all departments, annual working reports of institutional complication rates, workshops, and national guideline initiative to improve minimally invasive surgical methods. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Rates of the different methods and complications after each method with follow-up to 5 years as recorded by the database directly in the National Patient Registry. Nationwide, a decline in the use of hysterectomy, myomectomy, embolizations, and endometrial ablation. The total short-term complications were 9.8%, 7.5%, 8.9%, and 2.7% respectively, however, with a persistent risk of approximately 20% for recurrent operations within 5 years after endometrial ablation. Initially, we urged for increased use of vaginal hysterectomy, but only reached 36%. From 2010, we urged for reducing abdominal hysterectomies by implementing laparoscopic hysterectomy and reached 72% laparoscopic and robotic procedures. Since 2015, we used coring or contained morcellation for removal of large uterus at laparoscopic hysterectomy. The major and minor complication rates (modified Clavien-Dindo classification) were reduced significantly from 8.1% to 4.1% and 9.9% to 5.7% respectively. Mortality after benign hysterectomy was 0.27‰. The odds ratio for major complications after abdominal hysterectomy was 1.66 (1.52-1.81) compared to minimally invasive hysterectomy independent of the length of stay, high-volume departments, indications, comorbidity, age, and calendar year. CONCLUSION: Fifteen years with a national database has resulted in a marked quality improvement. Denmark has 85% minimally invasive hysterectomies and has reduced the number of major complications by 50%.

Hysterectomy in Ontario: A Population-Based Study of Outcomes and Complications in Minimally Invasive Compared with Abdominal Approaches.

OBJECTIVE: As quality-based procedures (QBPs) are being established across the province of Ontario, it is important to identify reliable quality indicators (QIs) to ensure that compensation coincides with quality. Hysterectomy is the most commonly performed gynaecologic procedure and as such is a care process for which a QBP is being developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technicity index (TI) as a QI for hysterectomy by defining it in the context of specific surgical outcomes and complications. METHODS: This population-based, retrospective cohort study included all women who underwent hysterectomy from April 2003 to October 2014 in the province of Ontario. Unadjusted and adjusted generalized linear models were created to assess the effect of a minimally invasive hysterectomy (MIH) approach on the primary outcome measure: all hysterectomy-associated complications (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). RESULTS: Of the procedures meeting the study's inclusion criteria, 56.8% were performed using an abdominal hysterectomy approach, whereas 43.2% were performed using an MIH approach. Over the study period, TI improved significantly from 33.23% in 2003 to 58.47% in 2014. During this time span, the overall incidence of all hysterectomy-associated complications was 13.1%. CONCLUSION: The composite risk of all hysterectomy-associated complications was reduced by 46% with an MIH approach. The uptake of MIH improved significantly in Ontario from 2003 to 2014 and is adequately assessed by the TI. The TI is an appropriate QI for hysterectomy that can be used to track patients' outcomes and direct hysterectomy funding.

No. 238-Supracervical Hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This guideline reviews the evidence relating to the potential benefits of the vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and supracervical hysterectomy (SCH) versus total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with respect to postoperative sexual function, urinary function, and peri- and postoperative complications. Laparoscopic options are not included in this guideline. OPTIONS: Women considering hysterectomy for benign disease can be given the option of retaining the cervix or proceeding with a total hysterectomy. OUTCOMES: The outcomes measured are postoperative sexual function and urinary function, and peri- and postoperative complications. EVIDENCE: The Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase were searched for articles published in English from January 1950 to March 2008 specifically comparing VH and SCH with TAH in the prevention of sexual dysfunction, urinary dysfunction, and peri- and postoperative complications. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Additional publications were identified from the bibliographies of these articles. Randomized controlled trials were considered evidence of the highest quality, followed by cohort studies. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES: The quality of evidence was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table).

[Feasibility of opportunistic salpingectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy for benign pathology and evaluation of occult tubal lesions prevalence: Preliminary study]. / Faisabilité de la salpingectomie prophylactique lors d'une hystérectomie d'indication bénigne par voie vaginale et évaluation de la prévalence des lésions tubaires occultes : étude préliminaire.

AIM: To assess the feasibility of prophylactic salpingectomy during vaginal hysterectomy for benign pathology and the prevalence of occult tubal lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study from 09/01/2013 to 11/01/2014, patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy with salpingectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy were included. The prevalence of bilateral salpingectomy with or without ovariectomy and the prevalence of histopathological and immunohistochemical (p53 expression) abnormalities were evaluated. RESULTS: Bilateral salpingectomy was performed in 51/69 patients (73.9%). An elevated BMI was statistically associated with a failure of the salpingectomy (29.4 vs 25.8; P=0.01). There was only one case of postoperative hemorrhage in the salpingectomy group. On the 51fallopian tubes, there were 4 (12.9%) immunohistochemical abnormalities "p53 signature". CONCLUSION: The recent tubal origin of most ovarian cancer cases raised the question of the prophylactic salpingectomy in the population with genetic risk as well as in the general population. Bilateral salpingectomy may be performed during vaginal hysterectomy. However caution is needed because we do not know what is the exact evolution of the p53 signatures.

Considerations to improve the evidence-based use of vaginal hysterectomy in benign gynecology.

Vaginal hysterectomy fulfills the evidence-based requirements as the preferred route of hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disease. Despite proven safety and effectiveness, the vaginal approach for hysterectomy has been and remains underused in surgical practice. Factors associated with underuse of vaginal hysterectomy include challenges during residency training, decreasing case numbers among practicing gynecologists, and lack of awareness of evidence supporting vaginal hysterectomy. Strategies to improve resident training and promote collaboration and referral among practicing physicians and increasing awareness of evidence supporting vaginal hysterectomy can improve the primary use of this hysterectomy approach.

[Indications and methods of hysterectomy]. / A méheltávolítás javallatai és módszerei.

Hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed gynecological operations. The most common indications for hysterectomy are symptomatic uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and uterine and pelvic organ prolapse. The procedure can be performed by vaginally or abdominally and with laparoscopic assistance. Choosing the perfect method the gynecologist should take into consideration how the procedure can be performed most safely to fulfill the needs of the patient. In the last few years the number of the laparoscopic procedures has been increasing.

Effect of operative technique on mesh exposure in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if opening the vaginal cuff during laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy influences the rate of mesh exposure. METHODS: A total of 390 medical records were retrospectively reviewed for demographic information, operative technique, and relevant outcomes. RESULTS: Eleven mesh exposures (2.8%) and 14 suture extrusions (3.6%) were found, none involving visceral organs. Mesh exposure was more common when the vaginal cuff was opened, either during hysterectomy or when allowing transvaginal attachment of mesh in patients with a prior hysterectomy (4.9% vs 0.5%; relative risk [RR], 9.0, P = 0.012). In cases where concomitant hysterectomy was performed, a higher mesh exposure rate was seen in open-cuff hysterectomy (total vaginal hysterectomy/laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy) compared to supracervical hysterectomy (4.9% [9/185] vs 0% [0/92]; P = 0.032). Mesh exposure was more common when the mesh was sutured laparoscopically compared with transvaginally in patients undergoing open-cuff hysterectomy (14.3% [5/35] vs 2.7% [4/150]; RR, 5.4; P = 0.013). Permanent suture extrusion was significantly associated with laparoscopic versus transvaginal suturing of mesh (5.6% vs 0.6%; RR, 8.8; P = 0.010). Five patients underwent reoperation for mesh exposure, whereas most suture extrusions were asymptomatic; and all were managed nonsurgically. CONCLUSIONS: We found that preserving the integrity of the vaginal cuff led to a lower incidence of mesh exposure in patients undergoing laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. When hysterectomy is indicated, a supracervical technique should be strongly considered as the mesh exposure rate was significantly lower. If removal of the cervix is indicated, the risk for mesh exposure remains low and should not preclude total hysterectomy, though transvaginal mesh attachment may be preferable.

The importance of analyzing and standardizing surgical methods.

The outcome of operations performed in different institutions or by different surgeons can hardly be compared if the operative methods are not standardized. Six different vaginal hysterectomy methods were studied. The steps common in all of them were defined. These steps were analyzed for optimal performance and sequence during the operation. The resultant modified method was subjected to a prospective randomized study, which showed that the operation time and the need for pain drugs were reduced. This method was introduced to several departments in different countries. The optimization and standardization of surgical methods are expected not just to improve the postoperative outcome, but also to enable a comparison between different departments and surgeons.

[Surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse in women: laparoscopic or vaginal sacrocolpopexy?]. / Chirurgie du prolapsus: coelioscopie ou voie basse ?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and the efficacy of the laparoscopic and vaginal technique for the surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse, with systematic support of the three compartments and prosthetic reinforcements. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 154 patients presenting a stage 3 or 4 prolapse on one of the three compartments. Laparoscopic procedures were performed with subtotal hysterectomy, double synthetic prosthesis attached to promontory, and douglassectomy. Vaginal procedures were performed with vaginal hysterectomy, anterior colporrhaphy with a hammock using porcine skin collagen implant fixed by transobturator passages, unilateral sacral colpopexy and posterior colporrhaphy. Monitoring was performed at six months and then annually. RESULTS: The laparoscopic technique requires a more important operating time, but a shorter hospitalization. The discovery of three carcinoma reinforces the idea of the interest of uterine radical surgery in these patients. The tolerance of prostheses by laparoscopy is safe. The biological prostheses, introduced vaginally, offer the same advantages. The anatomical results in the medium term (30 months) seem more favorable to laparoscopy than transvaginal approach, as well as functional results but they still need to better evaluated. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The two techniques must coexist, ideally without competing with each other but rather complementarily, as the overall rate of recurrence, requiring additional procedure does not exceed 2%. It is therefore important that surgeons, who support prolapse, have a good comprehensive training of the laparoscopic and vaginal techniques.

[Why vaginal hysterectomy?]. / Dlaczego histerektomia pochwowa?

The article presents current view on vaginal hysterectomy. Arguments in favour of this miniinvasive, minimal access surgical technique are presented. In conclusion the authors underline that vaginal hysterectomy is a cheap, miniinvasive technique which doesn't require expensive, sophisticated equipment and, what is the most important, which is relatively easy to learn. Due to these advantages, if hysterectomy is necessary, vaginal route should be considered as a technique of choice. While taking a decision which technique to choose, a surgeon should rather look for contraindications for vaginal hysterectomy than indications for this technique.

An audit on hysterectomy for benign diseases in public hospitals in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the standard of hysterectomy in public hospitals in Hong Kong, so as to improve the quality of patient care and outcome. DESIGN: Clinical audit. SETTING: Twelve Hong Kong Hospital Authority public hospitals. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynaecological conditions during the period from 1 July 2002 to 31 December 2002 inclusive. RESULTS: A total of 1330 patients were included for analysis: 934 (70.2%) having abdominal hysterectomies, 184 (13.8%) having laparoscopic hysterectomies, and 212 (15.9%) undergoing vaginal hysterectomies. Uterine fibroids constituted the commonest indication for abdominal (73.7%) and laparoscopic (61.4%) hysterectomies, while genital prolapse was the most common indication (96.2%) for vaginal hysterectomy. The majority of patients undergoing laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomy (86.3% and 84.8% respectively) were given prophylactic antibiotics, in contrast to only 45.8% of those undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. In all, 85.8% of the abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies performed by trainees were supervised, while for trainees performing laparoscopic hysterectomy, all had specialists as their first assistant. The overall incidence of complications for vaginal hysterectomy was lower than that for both abdominal hysterectomy (P<0.001) and laparoscopic hysterectomy (P<0.05). Infectious morbidity was significantly higher in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy without prophylactic antibiotics. CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of complications was lower for vaginal hysterectomies, as compared to both abdominal and laparoscopic hysterectomies, whereas the risk of urinary tract injury was significantly higher for laparoscopic hysterectomy. According to our audit, the level of supervision for the trainees was high. However, routine antibiotic prophylaxis should be more consistently used in the territory.

A prospective observational study of the safety and acceptability of vaginal hysterectomy performed in a 24-hour day case surgery setting.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and acceptability of vaginal hysterectomy with and without simultaneous oophorectomy in a 24-hour day case surgery setting for women with nonprolapse indications for surgery. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: A busy teaching hospital and tertiary referral centre for Obstetrics and Gynaecology. POPULATION: Seventy-one women from one consultant's practice underwent a vaginal hysterectomy with a planned discharge within 24 hours after the procedure. All women had a body mass index less than 40 and a suitable home environment for routine day case surgery, other than that the women were from an unselected population. METHOD: Prospective observational study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The duration of the operation and mean blood loss were recorded. Any intraoperative complications were noted. In addition, the proportion of women discharged home within 24 hours of the operation was recorded together with any readmissions to hospital. Returns to theatres and any postoperative complications were also recorded. Postoperative pain scores were assessed 6 and 24 hours after procedure in selected women. RESULTS: Seventy-one vaginal hysterectomies were performed as 24-hour day case procedures. The intraoperative complication rate was 1.4%. Sixty-five women were discharged home within 24 hours (91.5%). The readmission rate within this group was 6.2%. The duration of the procedure, mean blood loss, return to theatre rate and incidence of febrile illness were comparable with rates recorded in inpatient studies. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal hysterectomy performed as a 24-hour day case procedure appears to be as safe as traditional inpatient management, with a high rate of early discharge and a low rate of readmission. This may have additional advantages for the woman and healthcare provider alike.

Does physician benchmarking improve performance of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy?

BACKGROUND: Benchmarking techniques were implemented to optimize operating time and charges associated with laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The baseline LAVH profile over a period of 4 years (167 cases) was compared with 1-year data (47 cases) after a benchmarking educational program (disseminating data ranking performance by each surgeon plus suggestions for improvement). Preintervention and postintervention profiles were compared by means of Student t test and wilcoxon rank sum analysis. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to identify additional sources of variation for operative charges and time. RESULTS: Mean operating times after implementing benchmarking were lower, averaging 182 versus 197 minutes in the control subjects (P = 0.05). We found no significant difference in total or operative charges. After adjusting for potential confounders, benchmarking remained associated with decreased operating time in the multivariate model (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: LAVH operating times decreased after a surgical benchmarking and education intervention, but operating charges did not.

The physician as a factor in outpatient medical care after laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy: a multivariate analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether physician experience affects outpatient medical care utilization after laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). STUDY DESIGN: A total of 120 patients who underwent LAVH were included in the study; 84 underwent LAVH by 2 senior physicians, who had performed an average of 3 LAVHs per month for >6 years; 36 patients underwent LAVH by 3 junior physicians, who had performed an average of 1 case per month for < 3 years. Data were analyzed by the multiple linear regression model. The dependent variable was the number of outpatient visits within 3 months after discharge. The independent variables were patient age, parity, pelvic adhesions, chronic disease and physicians performing LAVH > 6 years. RESULTS: The patients in the 2 groups did not differ in age, parity, chronic disease or pelvic adhesions. The level of physician experience significantly influenced the mean number of outpatient visits after LAVH within 3 months. After controlling for patient characteristics, the mean number of outpatient visits after discharge within 3 months of LAVH performed by senior physicians with 6 years of experience was reduced (-1.98). CONCLUSION: LAVH performed by experienced physicians reduces the need for patients to seek postoperative outpatient medical care, thereby controlling medical costs incurred under the hospital global budget payment system. However, adding more variables to the multiple regression model, such as the socioeconomic status of patients, habits of seeking medical help, distance between home and hospital and relationship between patient and physician, may further explain the factors affecting outpatient medical care utilization.

Clinical opinion: guidelines for hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Abdominal hysterectomy remains the predominant method of uterine removal in the United States, despite evidence that vaginal hysterectomy offers advantages in regard to operative time, complication rates, return to normal activities, and overall cost of treatment. STUDY DESIGN: The predominance of the abdominal approach may be based on factors other than clinical considerations that include resident training, use of obsolete or limited guidelines, a perception rather than a confirmation that pathologic conditions exist that may suggest contraindications to the vaginal approach, misconceptions regarding the cost and safety of vaginal hysterectomy, and increased third-party reimbursement for the abdominal procedure. RESULTS: Evidence-based practice guidelines that were developed by the Society of Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeons and were adopted by the National Guidelines Clearinghouse have demonstrated that, in a number of studies that span several years, a dramatic shift toward the vaginal approach occurred when the guidelines were applied prospectively. CONCLUSION: The guidelines demonstrate that transvaginal hysterectomy is both feasible and optimal for many patients who long have been considered inappropriate candidates for vaginal hysterectomy. This clinical opinion attempts to address the reasons for the predominant use of the abdominal approach.

Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy clinical pathway. A multivariate analysis of impact on costs and quality of care.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that a well-designed clinical pathway is an effective means of sustaining quality while controlling costs in the management of certain disease entities. We evaluated the impact that cost and medical quality have on the implementation of a clinical pathway for laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). This retrospective study involved a sample of 124 patients who underwent LAVH in a medical center in central Taiwan. Patients were divided into two groups on the basis of whether they received treatment before or after implementation of the LAVH clinical pathway. The preclinical pathway group was comprised of 40 patients who underwent LAVH before clinical pathway implementation (May-December 1997). The clinical pathway group included 84 patients who underwent LAVH after implementation of the clinical pathway (January 1998-March 1999). In order to study the impact of the LAVH clinical pathway, patient characteristics were controlled by multiple linear regression. The results showed a significant reduction in cost, average length of hospital stay, and average duration of surgery and anesthesia (p < 0.01). Dependent nominal variables for clinical indicators like postoperative intravenous fluid and injection of antibiotics 48 h after surgery, and complications were analyzed by a logistic regression model. The results noted better control of antibiotic intravenous injection 48 h after surgery in the clinical pathway group (p = 0.03). The other indicators included delay of operation day, blood transfusion, patient mortality, and patients readmitted within 2 weeks. There was one operation day delay and one readmission within 2 weeks of discharge in the preclinical pathway group. Based on our results, the implementation of a clinical pathway for LAVH contains cost while maintaining quality of care, especially when the medical fees are paid under the case payment system.