Vaginal versus Robotic Hysterectomy for Commonly Cited Relative Contraindications to Vaginal Hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and robotic-assisted hysterectomy (RH) among women with conditions perceived as contraindications to VH (uterine size ≥ 12 weeks' gestation, no vaginal parity, prior cesarean delivery, and obesity). DESIGN: Retrospective chart review (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary US medical center. PATIENTS: Women with VH or RH. Women with conditions perceived as contraindications affecting surgical choice were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: VH or RH for benign uterine disease at our institution during 2009 through 2013. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among women with the perceived contraindications, a logistic regression model was fit to compare each binary outcome between VH and RH. Models were weighted using inverse probability of treatment weights derived from propensity scores to adjust for covariate imbalance between procedures. The cohort had 692 VHs and 472 RHs. Among 160 women with uterine size ≥ 12 weeks' gestation, RH patients were less likely to have uterine debulking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], .37; 95% confidence interval [CI], .15-.95]) than VH patients and more likely to have accordion grade ≥ 2 postoperative complications (aOR, 7.20; 95% CI, 1.46-35.42) and readmission (aOR, 15.55; 95% CI. .85-285.20). Among 272 women with prior cesarean section, RH patients were more likely to have grade ≥ 2 postoperative complications (aOR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.29-6.30). No outcomes were significantly different between surgical routes among women with no vaginal parity or obesity. Mean operative time was significantly longer for RH. CONCLUSION: VH is a surgical option for patients with the conditions perceived as contraindications for vaginal surgery evaluated herein.

Relieving menstrual obstruction: surgical correction of vaginal agenesis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome includes vaginal agenesis with varied uterine development. The objective of this video is to illustrate our surgical technique to create a cervical and vaginal canal to relieve menstrual obstruction for a teenager with a functional uterus and vaginal agenesis. METHODS: Using vaginal dissection and a mini laparotomy, a sound placed through the fundus of the uterus created an endocervical and vaginal channel to relieve her menstrual obstruction. A Foley catheter stented the cervical canal and a red rubber chest tube catheter stented the vagina until epithelization was achieved. RESULTS: No complications were encountered. The patient was examined with intermittent hysteroscopy with gentle dilation of the cervix. She had the red rubber catheter removed at 3 months, and she started using a small dilator. Her menses were suppressed with a gonadotropin releasing-hormone agonist allowing for complete healing. She is now 17. Her vaginal canal is well-epithelialized. Hysteroscopy confirmed a patent endocervical canal and uterine cavity. CONCLUSION: MRKH is rare. A small percentage of affected women has a functional endometrium requiring intervention for menstrual obstruction. Full vaginal reconstruction may be considered, but creation of a small canal to provide menstrual relief can be a temporary solution in those not desiring sexual function.

Management of a vesicovaginal fistula using holmium laser ablation.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to demonstrate a surgical technique for the management of a small vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) involving a combination of cystoscopic holmium laser ablation and vaginal repair. METHODS: A 55-year-old morbidly obese female presented with complaints of menometrorrhagia and complex adnexal mass. She underwent an attempted robotic hysterectomy, which was converted to open hysterectomy, omentectomy, and lymphadenectomy owing to an intraoperative diagnosis of endometrioid carcinoma of the endometrium and dense pelvic adhesions. Postoperatively, the patient developed intermittent urinary leakage associated with position change. On evaluation, a speculum examination did not reveal any fistulous tract or leakage of fluid in the vagina. A tampon test was positive, but no evidence of a fistula was noted on a CT urogram. Cystourethroscopy was performed and identified a small VVF. The patient subsequently underwent repair of her VVF using a combination of cystoscopic holmium laser ablation and transvaginal excision of the suspected fistula opening. RESULTS: About 2 weeks after the surgery, a tampon test was negative and cystourethroscopy revealed healing bladder mucosa. The patient remains fistula-free at 12 months post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Holmium laser ablation combined with partial vaginal excision may be considered as a management option for a small VVF.

Prospective Implementation and Evaluation of a Decision-Tree Algorithm for Route of Hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rate of vaginal hysterectomy and outcomes after initiation of a prospective decision-tree algorithm to determine the optimal surgical route of hysterectomy. METHODS: A prospective algorithm to determine optimal route of hysterectomy was developed, which uses the following factors: history of laparotomy, uterine size, and vaginal access. The algorithm was implemented at our institution from November 24, 2015, to December 31, 2017, for patients requiring hysterectomy for benign indications. Expected route of hysterectomy was assigned by the algorithm and was compared with the actual route performed to identify compliance compared with deviation. Surgical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 365 patients who met inclusion criteria, 202 (55.3%) were expected to have a total vaginal hysterectomy, 57 (15.6%) were expected to have an examination under anesthesia followed by total vaginal hysterectomy, 52 (14.2%) were expected to have an examination under anesthesia followed by robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy, and 54 (14.8%) were expected to have an abdominal or robotic-laparoscopic route of hysterectomy. Forty-six procedures (12.6%) deviated from the algorithm to a more invasive route (44 robotic, two abdominal). Seven patients had total vaginal hysterectomy when robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy or abdominal hysterectomy was expected by the algorithm. Overall, 71% of patients were expected to have a vaginal route of hysterectomy per the algorithm, of whom 81.5% had a total vaginal hysterectomy performed; more than 99% of the total vaginal hysterectomies attempted were successfully completed. CONCLUSION: Vaginal surgery is feasible, carries a low complication rate with excellent outcomes, and should have a place in gynecologic surgery. National use of this prospective algorithm may increase the rate of total vaginal hysterectomy and decrease health care costs.

Outcomes of Vaginal Hysterectomy With and Without Perceived Contraindications to Vaginal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of vaginal hysterectomy between patients with and without the following perceived contraindications to vaginal surgery: uterine weight greater than 280 g, prior cesarean delivery, no vaginal parity, and obesity. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of benign vaginal hysterectomies between 2009 and 2013 was obtained. Outcomes included uterine debulking, transfusion, intraoperative complications, length of stay, and Accordion grade 2+ postoperative complications. For each outcome, the association between the presence of each contraindication and the outcome was evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among 692 vaginal hysterectomies, 11% (76/691) had a uterine weight greater than 280 g, 11.3% (78/690) had no vaginal parity, 14.9% (103/690) had a history of cesarean delivery, and 37.7% (248/657) had a body mass index of 30 kg/m or greater; 110 (15.9%) had 2 or more contraindications. Uterine debulking occurred in 146 women (21.1%), and both uterine weight greater 280 g (adjusted odds ratio, 39.2; 95% confidence interval, 18.4-83.5) and prior cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.7) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of uterine debulking after adjusting for age, hematologic disease, and preoperative diagnosis. None of the contraindications were significantly associated with need for a blood transfusion, presence of an intraoperative complication, length of stay greater than 2 days, or presence of an Accordion grade 2+ postoperative complication, which occurred in 2.7%, 2.5%, 14.0%, and 6.9% of all women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal hysterectomy can be safely performed with favorable outcomes, even in women with a uterus greater than 280 g, prior cesarean delivery, no vaginal parity, and obesity. Our findings challenge several perceived contraindications to vaginal hysterectomy.

Urinary Tract Infection After Hysterectomy for Benign Gynecologic Conditions or Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To report rates and identify risk factors for urinary tract infection (UTI) after hysterectomy for benign conditions or combined with pelvic reconstructive surgery. METHODS: This is a cohort study that included women who underwent hysterectomy either for benign gynecologic conditions or hysterectomy combined with pelvic reconstructive surgery from January 1, 2012, through June 30, 2014, at a single institution. The primary outcome was UTI within 8 weeks of surgery. Logistic regression modeling was used to develop a model for predicting UTI after surgery. RESULTS: Of 1,156 women included in the study, 136 (11.8%, 95% CI 10.0-13.8) developed UTI within 8 weeks. Women who underwent hysterectomy for a benign gynecologic condition that was not combined with pelvic reconstructive surgery had an overall UTI rate of 7.3% (95% CI 5.6-9.3) vs 21.7% (95% CI 17.6-26.4) after hysterectomy combined with pelvic reconstructive surgery. After adjusting for hormone therapy use, the following were independent variables associated with postoperative UTI: premenopausal status with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.80 (95% CI 1.11-2.99), anterior vaginal wall prolapse with an adjusted OR of 4.39 (95% CI 2.77-6.97), and postvoid residual greater than 150 mL with an adjusted OR of 2.38 (95% CI 1.12-4.36). Using this model, postoperative UTI rates ranged from 4.3% to 59.4% with high postvoid residual and presence of anterior prolapse having the strongest association. CONCLUSION: There are wide variations in the rate of UTI after hysterectomy for begin disease including pelvic reconstructive surgery. These variations can be explained with a model based on available preoperative data.

Prospective Outcomes of a Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program Including Vaginal Electrogalvanic Stimulation for Urinary, Defecatory, and Pelvic Pain Symptoms.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated our experience after implementing a pelvic floor rehabilitation program including behavioral modification, biofeedback, and vaginal electrogalvanic stimulation (EGS). METHODS: This prospective cohort study evaluated outcomes of patients with pelvic floor dysfunction (urinary or defecatory dysfunction, pelvic pain/dyspareunia) who underwent pelvic floor rehabilitation. Patients received 4 to 7 sessions (1 every 2 weeks) including biofeedback and concluded with 30 minutes of vaginal EGS. Surveys assessed subjective changes in symptoms; success was evaluated using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) at the final session (10 = most successful). Paired comparisons of responses at baseline and final treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were followed up through therapy completion. Treatment indications included urinary (89.4%), defecatory (33.0%), and pelvic pain or dyspareunia (30.9%); 44.7% of patients had a combination of indications. Among women with urinary symptoms, the percentage reporting leakage decreased from 92.9% to 79.3% (P = 0.001), leakage at least daily decreased from 69.0% to 39.5% (P < 0.001), daily urgency with leakage decreased from 42.7% to 19.5% (P = 0.001), daily urgency without leakage decreased from 41.5% to 18.3% (P < 0.001), and median VAS rating (0 = not at all, 10 = a great deal) of daily life interference decreased from 5 to 1.5 (P < 0.001). The median success ratings were 8, 8, and 7 for treatment of urinary symptoms, pelvic pain/dyspareunia, and bowel symptoms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An aggressive pelvic rehabilitation program including biofeedback with vaginal EGS had a high rate of self-reported subjective success and satisfaction and should be considered a nonsurgical treatment option in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Outcomes of Rectovaginal Fistula Repair.

OBJECTIVES: Rectovaginal fistulae (RVF) often represent surgical challenges, and treatment must be individualized. We describe outcomes after primary surgical repair stratified by fistula etiology and surgical approach. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included women who underwent surgical management of RVF at a tertiary care center between July 1, 2001 and December 31, 2013. Cases were stratified according to the following etiology: cancer (RVF-C), inflammatory bowel disease or infectious (RVF-I), and other (RVF-O). Patients with prior surgical treatment of RVF were excluded. Surgical approaches included local (seton, plug), transvaginal or endorectal, abdominal, diversion alone, or definitive (completion proctocolectomy with permanent colostomy or pelvic exenteration). Recurrence-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and comparisons between subgroups were evaluated based on fitting Cox proportional hazards models. Censoring occurred at last relevant clinical follow-up. Factors contributing to recurrence-free survival were evaluated including age, body mass index, smoking status, fistula etiology, ileostomy, and surgical approach. RESULTS: During the study period, 107 women underwent surgical repair of RVF. The most common fistula etiology was RVF-I (54.2%), followed by RVF-O (23.4%), and RVF-C (22.4%). Ninety-four women underwent fistula repair by the local (29.9%), transvaginal/endorectal (25.2%), abdominal approach (19.6%), or diversion alone (13.1%), whereas 13 underwent definitive surgery (12.2%). Recurrence-free survival was significantly different depending on surgical approach (P < 0.001), but not etiology (P = 0.71). Recurrence-free survival (95% confidence interval) at 1 year after surgery was 35.2% (21.8%-56.9%) for the local approach, 55.6% (37.0%-83.3%) for the transvaginal or endorectal approach, 95% (85.9%-100%) for the abdominal approach, and 33.3% (15%-74.2%) for those with diversion only. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence rates after RVF repair are high and did not differ by fistula etiology. Abdominal repair of RVF had significantly fewer recurrences.

Determining Optimal Route of Hysterectomy for Benign Indications: Clinical Decision Tree Algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate practice change after initiation of a robotic surgery program using a clinical algorithm to determine the optimal surgical approach to benign hysterectomy. METHODS: A retrospective postrobot cohort of benign hysterectomies (2009-2013) was identified and the expected surgical route was determined from an algorithm using vaginal access and uterine size as decision tree branches. We excluded the laparoscopic hysterectomy route. A prerobot cohort (2004-2005) was used to evaluate a practice change after the addition of robotic technology (2007). Costs were estimated. RESULTS: Cohorts were similar in regard to uterine size, vaginal parity, and prior laparotomy history. In the prerobot cohort (n=473), 320 hysterectomies (67.7%) were performed vaginally and 153 (32.3%) through laparotomy with 15.1% (46/305) performed abdominally when the algorithm specified vaginal hysterectomy. In the postrobot cohort (n=1,198), 672 hysterectomies (56.1%) were vaginal; 390 (32.6%) robot-assisted; and 136 (11.4%) abdominal. Of 743 procedures, 38 (5.1%) involved laparotomy and 154 (20.7%) involved robotic technique when a vaginal approach was expected. Robotic hysterectomies had longer operations (141 compared with 59 minutes, P<.001) and higher rates of surgical site infection (4.7% compared with 0.2%, P<.001) and urinary tract infection (8.1% compared with 4.1%, P=.05) but no difference in major complications (P=.27) or readmissions (P=.27) compared with vaginal hysterectomy. Algorithm conformance would have saved an estimated $800,000 in hospital costs over 5 years. CONCLUSION: When a decision tree algorithm indicated vaginal hysterectomy as the route of choice, vaginal hysterectomy was associated with shorter operative times, lower infection rate, and lower cost. Vaginal hysterectomy should be the route of choice when feasible.

Surgical Management of the Constricted or Obliterated Vagina.

Management of the constricted or obliterated vagina demands an understanding and recognition of the potential etiologies leading to this presentation. A thorough and comprehensive medical and surgical review is required to arrive at an accurate diagnosis, which then will guide medical or surgical intervention. It is paramount to recognize when underlying medical conditions are contributing to these conditions and to begin medical therapy; failure to do so will often yield suboptimal results. When these conditions arise after surgical interventions, compensatory surgical techniques that correct upper and lower vaginal strictures or obliteration include incision through the stricture, vaginal advancement, Z-plasty, skin grafts, perineal flaps, and abdominal flaps and grafts. Postoperative surveillance and dilation are critical to optimize long-term success.