Preoperative Anemia Prior to Gynecologic Surgery is Associated with Increased Healthcare Costs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare healthcare utilization costs between anemic and nonanemic patients undergoing elective hysterectomy and myomectomy for benign indications from the date of surgery to 30 days postoperatively. DESIGN: Retrospective population-based cohort study. SETTING: Single-payer publicly funded healthcare system in Ontario, Canada between 2013 and 2020. PARTICIPANTS: Adult women (≥18 years of age) who underwent elective hysterectomy or myomectomy (laparoscopic/laparotomy) for benign indications. INTERVENTIONS: Our exposure of interest was preoperative anemia, defined as the most recent hemoglobin value <12 g/dL on the complete blood count measured before the date of surgery. Our primary outcome was healthcare costs (total and disaggregated) from the perspective of the single-payer publicly funded healthcare system. RESULTS: Of the 59 270 patients in the cohort, 11 802 (19.9%) had preoperative anemia. After propensity matching, standardized differences in all baseline characteristics (N = 10 103 per group) were <0.10. In the matched cohort, the mean total healthcare cost per anemic patient was higher compared to cost per nonanemic patient ($6134.88 ± $2782.38 vs $6009.97 ± $2423.27, p < .001). Anemic patients, compared to nonanemic patients, had a higher mean difference in total healthcare cost of $124.91 per patient (95% CI $53.54-$196.29) translating to an increased cost attributable to anemia of 2.08% (95% CI 0.89%-3.28%, p < .001). In a subgroup analysis of patients undergoing hysterectomy (N = 9041), the cost was also significantly higher for anemic patients (mean difference per patient of $117.67, 95% CI $41.58-$193.75). For those undergoing myomectomy (N = 1062) the difference in cost was not statistically significant (mean difference $186.61, 95% CI -$17.42 to $390.65). CONCLUSION: Preoperative anemia was associated with significantly increased healthcare resource utilization and costs for patients undergoing elective gynecologic surgery. Although the cost difference per case was modest, when extrapolated to the population level, this difference could result in substantially significant cost to the healthcare system, attributable to preoperative anemia.

Surgeon Gender and Performance Outcomes for Hysterectomies: Retrospective Cohort Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether there are differences in several performance metrics between male and female surgeons for hysterectomies. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort study. We matched surgeries performed by female surgeons to those by male surgeons using a propensity score and compared outcomes by gender after adjusting for years in practice and fellowship training. SETTING: A total of 6 hospitals (3 academic, 3 community) in Ontario, Canada, between July 2016 and December 2019. PATIENTS: All consecutive patients. INTERVENTIONS: Hysterectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Primary outcome was a composite of any complication or return to emergency room (ER) within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were grade II or greater complications, return to ER, and operative time. We included 2664 hysterectomies performed by 77 surgeons. After propensity matching, 963 surgeries performed by females were compared with 963 performed by males. There were no differences in the primary (relative risk [RR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.20; p = .56) or secondary outcomes of grade II or greater complication (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.71-1.45; p = .96) or return to ER (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.55-1.20; p = .30). However, surgeries performed by males were 24.72 minutes shorter (95% CI, 18.09-31.34 minutes; p <.001). Entire cohort post hoc regression analysis confirmed these findings. E-value analysis indicated that it is unlikely for an unmeasured confounder to undo the observed difference. CONCLUSION: Although complication and readmission rates are similar, male surgeons may have a shorter operating time than female surgeons for hysterectomies, which may have implications for health systems and inequalities in surgeon renumeration.

Consent Practices for Assisted Vaginal Births (AVB) at Two Tertiary Care Hospitals: A Retrospective Review of Physician Documentation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether assisted vaginal birth (AVB) consent documentation, a surrogate for in vivo consent, aligns with Canadian practice guidelines at 2 Canadian tertiary-level obstetric centres. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of AVBs (vacuum and forceps) from July 2019 to December 2019 at 2 tertiary-level hospitals with template-based (Site 1) or dictation-based (Site 2) documentation. We extracted, from obstetric and neonatal charts, AVB type, physician and documenter types (resident/fellow/family doctor/generalist obstetrics and gynecology [OBGYN]/maternal-fetal medicine), and consent elements (present/absent) based on a predetermined checklist. Data were summarized and comparisons were made using chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and logistic regression, where appropriate. RESULTS: We identified 551 AVBs (156 forceps, 395 vacuum) with most documentation completed by generalist OBGYNs or residents (333/551, 60.5%). Most vacuum-assisted deliveries documented no specific maternal (366/395, 92.7%) or neonatal (364/395, 92.2%) risks, and 107/156 (68.6%) and 106/156 (67.9%) forceps-assisted deliveries lacked specific documentation of maternal and neonatal risk, respectively. At Site 2, postpartum hemorrhage risk at vacuum-assisted deliveries was more commonly documented (6/90 [6.7%] vs. 2/395 [0.7%], P = 0.002) as was at least 1 neonatal risk and risk of obstetrical anal sphincter injury at forceps-assisted deliveries (50/133 [37.6%] vs. 0/23 [0%], P < 0.001) and (43/133 [32.3%] vs. 0/23 [0%], P = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Opportunity to improve AVB consent documentation exists, warranting quality improvement initiatives.

Individualized Assessment of Risk of Complications after Benign Hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study is to identify patient characteristics associated with postoperative complications or readmissions after hysterectomy for a benign indication. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: The Surgical Gynecologic Scorecard Database includes performance metrics and patient outcomes for hysterectomies across 7 sites in Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals who underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecologic indication and were recorded in the Surgical Gynecologic Scorecard Database between July 2016 and June 2019 were included in this study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Two outcomes of interest were considered: (1) complications grade II or greater on the Clavien-Dindo classification scale and (2) emergency room visits or hospital readmissions within 6 weeks after operation. Logistic models were generated to determine the associations between outcome of interest and potential predictors using a mixed-step AIC selection algorithm. A total of 2792 patients underwent hysterectomy for a benign indication during the study period, with a mean age of 52.6 ± 11.7 years and mean body mass index of 29.0 ± 0.7 kg/m2. The most common indications for surgery were abnormal uterine bleeding (33.3%) and myomas (33.6%). Previous cesarean delivery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.42), American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥3 (aOR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.42-3.99), preoperative anemia (aOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.12-2.02), and laparotomic approach (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.30-2.29) were associated with increased odds of complication. Perioperative complications (aOR, 2.95; 95% CI, 2.12-4.08), preoperative anemia (aOR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.03-1.98), and vaginal (aOR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.26-2.96) or laparotomic (aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.10-2.43) approach were associated with increased odds of emergency room visit or readmission to hospital. CONCLUSION: This study identified several important risk factors for complications after hysterectomy. The utility of these data is important to help improve counseling for patients undergoing a hysterectomy and potentially optimize modifiable risk factors when identified preoperatively.

Minimally Invasive Management of Second Trimester Placenta Percreta.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnostic and surgical challenges in the management of second trimester placenta percreta. DESIGN: Stepwise demonstration of the surgical technique with the use of an educational video. SETTING: Second trimester placenta percreta is a rare entity, with very few case reports in the literature. Our video demonstrates the challenges of a minimally invasive approach toward definitive surgical management with hysterectomy. A 39-year-old G7P3 (3 previous cesarean deliveries) female at 17 weeks and 2 days gestation presented with acute abdominal pain to a community hospital. This was a spontaneously conceived pregnancy. Her hemoglobin level on admission was 92 g/L. An ultrasound showed a normal uterus, and the appendix was not visualized. One unit of packed red blood cells was transfused, and she underwent exploratory laparoscopy for a possible retrocecal hematoma/mass seen on computerized tomography. In the operating room, acute hemoperitoneum was visualized with placenta-like tissue invading through the anterior lower uterine segment (Figures 2 & 3). A hemostatic agent (Floseal, Baxter) was placed over the bleeding, and she was then transferred to a tertiary academic center for further management. INTERVENTIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on the following day after transfer to our facility, which confirmed placenta percreta at the level of the bladder (Figure 1). Following counseling with a multidisciplinary team and given that there was ongoing bleeding from the invading placental tissue, pregnancy continuation and uterine conservation were not possible. The patient was offered preprocedure termination of pregnancy with intra-cardiac injection of potassium chloride and 350 cc of amniotic fluid was drained at that time. This was done to facilitate visualization for a minimally invasive approach. We describe 5 main challenges of minimally invasive hysterectomy for placental percreta and provide a stepwise approach to mitigating them: visibility, vascular control, bladder dissection, colpotomy, and specimen retrieval. We adapted the previously described laparotomy techniques of progressive uterine devascularization and approach to bladder dissection and colpotomy to laparoscopy [1,2]. In addition, we performed dilatation and evacuation to allow for vaginal specimen removal. The patient's postoperative course was uncomplicated, and she was discharged home in a stable condition. CONCLUSION: Midtrimester placenta percreta poses significant challenges in diagnosis and surgical management. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for this condition poses unique challenges but is feasible and safe.

Predictors of Persistent Postsurgical Pain After Hysterectomy-A Prospective Cohort Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine sociodemographic, surgical, and psychologic risk factors, including pain sensitivity, for persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) after hysterectomy. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Canadian academic medical center. PATIENTS: Patients (N = 200) who underwent hysterectomy (vaginal, laparoscopic, robotic, or open) between 2013 and 2014. INTERVENTIONS: Participants completed preoperative questionnaires assessing baseline pain scores and psychologic factors, including the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire, Brief Pain Inventory Interference Items, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Pain was recorded 1 and 24 hours postoperatively using the NRS. Patients were reassessed at 6 weeks postoperatively and completed the Brief Pain Inventory Interference Items, Patient Global Impression of Change, and the NRS. Patients who reported pain at 6 weeks were reassessed at 12 weeks using the above-mentioned questionnaires. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 200 study participants, 58 (32%) met the definition for PPSP (NRS ≥ 1 at 12 weeks), and 11 (6.1%) met the definition for moderate to severe postsurgical pain (NRS ≥ 4 at 12 weeks). Risk factors for PPSP included baseline pain scores, depression, pain catastrophizing, uterine mass, open surgical approach, acute postoperative pain, history of chronic pain, and having a hysterectomy due to pain. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that depression, pain catastrophizing, open surgical approach, and acute postoperative pain at 1 hour represent independent predictors of PPSP. Pain sensitivity was not associated with PPSP but was associated with acute and severe acute (NRS≥4) pain at 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Patients at risk for PPSP after hysterectomy can be identified preoperatively using validated questionnaires. This information can be used to guide targeted perioperative interventions to mitigate their risk.

Validating an Obstetrics and Gynaecology Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship Curriculum at the University of Toronto: A Four-Year Review.

The University of Toronto launched a longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) pilot project in 2014. Our aim was to evaluate LIC student outcomes in obstetrics and gynaecology compared with those of traditional block students. LIC and block students underwent identical evaluations, including written and oral exams, as well as clinical assessments from the ward. LIC student scores in each domain were compared with those of the traditional block students over 4 years. There were no differences in overall pass/fail status between LIC and block students. Thus, our LIC design could be appropriately modeled at other teaching institutions contemplating introducing an LIC stream.

Prevalence of Food Insecurity Among Pregnant Women: A Canadian Study in a Large Urban Setting.

OBJECTIVE: Nutritional and financial needs increase during pregnancy, making pregnant women particularly vulnerable to food insecurity. Our objective was to document the prevalence of food insecurity among pregnant women receiving prenatal care in an urban centre in Canada and to identify factors associated with food insecurity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited pregnant women receiving prenatal care at one of two Toronto hospitals: Site 1 and Site 2 (serving a more disadvantaged population) between October 1, 2018 and October 1, 2019. Demographic information was collected, and the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module was used to assess food security. Comparisons were made using χ2 tests, two-tailed t tests, or Mann-Whitney tests for categorical and continuous variables, as appropriate. Binary logistic regression and multivariate analyses were performed to assess associations with food insecurity and differences between hospitals sites. RESULTS: We recruited 626 participants (316 at Site 1 and 310 at Site 2). Prevalence of food insecurity was 12.8% among all participants with Site 2 having nearly 5 times the prevalence of Site 1 (66/310 [21.3%] vs. 14/316 [4.4%]; P = 0.001). Several factors were associated with food insecurity, with non-White ethnicity (OR 2.04; 95% CI 0.98-4.25, P = 0.055] and lower household income (OR 37.53; 95% CI 14.04-100, P < 0.001 when less than CAD $23 000/y) being the most robust. CONCLUSION: This Canadian study documented the prevalence of and factors associated with food insecurity in pregnancy. Targeted interventions to help low-income women and programs geared towards non-White women may be beneficial in addressing food insecurity among pregnant women.

Impact of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology Fellowship Training on Quality Performance Metrics for Hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate differences in quality metrics between hysterectomies performed by fellowship-trained surgeons and those performed by generalists. METHODS: Retrospective review of 2845 consecutive hysterectomies by 75 surgeons (23 fellowship-trained, 52 generalists) at 7 hospitals in Ontario, Canada. The primary outcome was a composite of any complication or return to the emergency department (ED) within 30 days of hysterectomy. Secondary outcomes were 2 quality outcome measures (grade of complication and return to ED within 30 days) and 4 quality process measures (minimally invasive hysterectomy rate, rate of preoperative anemia, same-day discharge for laparoscopic hysterectomy [LH], and performing cystoscopy at LH). RESULTS: Fellowship-trained surgeons were more likely to perform concurrent resection of endometriosis, bilateral ureterolysis, lysis of adhesions, uterine/internal iliac artery ligation, and morcellation (all P < 0.001). Generalists performed more vaginal procedures, including vaginal repair, vault suspension, and insertion of mid-urethral sling (all P < 0.001). After controlling for patient and surgical factors, there was no difference in the primary outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.07; 95% CI 0.79-1.45, P = 0.667). Fellowship-trained surgeons were more likely to perform minimally invasive hysterectomy (aOR 2.38; 95% CI 1.15-4.93, P = 0.020), had higher rates of same-day discharge for LH (aOR 2.23; 95% CI 1.31-3.81, P = 0.003), and were more likely to perform cystoscopy (unadjusted OR 2.94; 95% CI 2.30-3.85, P < 0.001). There were no differences in the rates of preoperative anemia, surgical complications, and ED visits. CONCLUSION: Differences exist between fellowship-trained surgeons and generalists regarding case mix and process quality metrics. Postoperative complications and readmissions were comparable for both groups of surgeons.

The State of Needlestick Training for Undergraduate Medical Students at Canadian Universities.

Canadian undergraduate medical students sustain needlestick injuries, which have adverse implications, including blood-borne illnesses and personal anxiety. This study sought to determine students' needle handling efficacy and to examine the prevalence of formal training around needlestick safety and reporting procedures both nationally and, specifically, within the University of Toronto in Toronto, Ontario (U of T). A seven-question survey electronic survey was distributed to 116 undergraduate medical education (UME) leaders practising in high-risk rotations at 13 Canadian universities. Additionally, an eight-question survey was delivered electronically to 428 residents, fellows, and faculty in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the U of T. A total of 34% of UME leaders and 36% from the U of T responded. Of UME respondents, 53% reported that their institution lacks needlestick training, and 35% were unsure whether their institution provides reporting instruction. At the U of T, 53% were "concerned" or "very concerned" that students pose a risk to themselves, and 27% "disagreed" or "strongly disagreed" that students handle instruments correctly. Our findings suggest that needlestick safety training for medical students across Canadian universities is insufficient. It is concerning that students are frequently exposed to patients in high-risk and surgically intensive rotations, despite their inexperience with needles. Furthermore, non-reporting among students may prevent them from receiving early prophylaxis or treatment. There is a need for the national implementation of a standardized and formalized needlestick safety curriculum for medical students before and during clerkship.

Introduction of Physician-Nurse Bedside Rounding and Ward Task List to Improve Quality of Care in Gynaecology: Prospective, Single-Blinded, Pre- and Post-Intervention Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine whether physician-nurse bedside rounds and ward task list improve quality of care as measured by patient satisfaction, earlier discharge, and reduced trainee interruptions. METHODS: This prospective, single-blind, pre- and post-intervention study included patients admitted to the gynaecology ward at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, involving a 6-week baseline, 6-week intervention, and 2-week second baseline phase. During the intervention phase, a chief resident and charge nurse rounded at the bedside simultaneously daily. Nurses recorded non-urgent issues on a ward task list. Patients completed a subset of the National Research Corporation Picker satisfaction questionnaire, discharge times were noted, and residents recorded pages (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). RESULTS: There were 89, 104, and 30 admissions during baseline care, intervention, and second baseline phases, respectively. Mean discharge time in the intervention phase was significantly earlier than baseline (11:18 am ± 1 hour 59 minutes vs. 12:37 pm ± 2 hours 37 minutes, P < 0.001), with early discharges doubling (69% vs. 36%, P < 0.001). Discharge times returned to baseline after the intervention (12:36 pm ± 2 hours 39 minutes). Intervention phase patients appreciated bedside care plans (86 of 94 patients, 92%), with improved National Research Corporation Picker responses, which diminished post-intervention. Paging interruptions were lower during the intervention phase compared with the baseline phase (1.0 ± 1.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.1, P < 0.001), with non-urgent pages decreasing most (0.5 ± 0.8 vs. 3.0 ± 2.0, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Combining physician-nurse bedside rounds and ward task list reduces trainee interruptions, positively affects patient satisfaction, and promotes early discharge. Following these initiatives, discharge time, patient satisfaction, and resident paging interruptions returned to baseline.

Survey of Canadian PGY-4 and PGY-5 Obstetrics and Gynaecology Residents on Knowledge of and Exposure to Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To determine exposure to and general knowledge on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) among Canadian senior obstetrics and gynaecology residents. (2) To identify opportunity to improve trainee exposure to POI. METHODS: Canadian PGY-4 and PGY-5 obstetrics and gynaecology residents were approached to complete an electronic survey. The questions in the survey included the basic POI knowledge, previous exposure to POI, and comfort level in managing POI patients. Data from the survey was summarized descriptively and compared between two trainee groups (PGY-4 and PGY-5) using chi-square or Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: Responses were received from trainees in all Canadian residency programs with an overall response rate of 45% (95/210 residents). Most respondents (79%, 75/95 residents) identified correct age for POI diagnosis, and 65% (62/95 residents) recognized the most common aetiology. A majority (99%, 92/93 residents) would prescribe hormone therapy for POI patients. Most trainees (62%, 59/95 residents) lack access to a POI clinic at their centre and 63% (59/94 residents) have seen less than six POI patients during residency training. Most feel somewhat comfortable managing POI patients (67%, 64/95 residents), but 22% (21/95 residents) feel totally uncomfortable with a majority of respondents (83%, 78/94 residents), indicating they would benefit from additional training. Compared with PGY-4 residents, the proportion of trainees who could identify the correct age for diagnosis of POI was significantly higher in PGY-5 residents (89% vs. 70%, P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: Many senior obstetrics and gynaecology residents in Canada lack knowledge around POI, and most indicate need for further exposure to POI during residency training. We identified an opportunity for improved POI curricula.