Thermal ablation performed in a primary care setting: the South Warwickshire Experience

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of performing outpatient thermal ablation in a primary care setting.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

A small peripheral hospital in the UK used by local general practitioners and visiting hospital practitioners for its outpatient facilities.

POPULATION

The area of South Warwickshire serves a population of 270,000.

METHODS

Two general practitioners were trained to perform outpatient thermal ablation using the Thermachoice thermal ablation system (Thermachoice II). The unit functioned autonomously with support from a local gynaecologist and radiologist, accepting referrals from hospital consultants and general practitioners.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Severity of menstrual loss, premenstrual symptoms, dysmenorrhoea and quality of life assessed by visual analogue scales before treatment and at one month, two months, one year and two years.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven women were treated. No major complications were encountered from the procedure. Reduction of menstrual loss or cure was reported by over 94% of women. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and symptoms of dysmenorrhoea were also improved by treatment. The majority of women were satisfied with the operation at one month (96%), two months (93%), one year (92%) and two years (94%).

CONCLUSIONS

Thermal ablation is a simple procedure well suited to an outpatient setting. There are few complications as a result of the use of the thermal ablation catheters, and this study has shown that the procedure can be undertaken in a primary care setting with excellent results.

Vaginohysteroscopy, a patient-friendly technique for outpatient hysteroscopy: experience of the first 100 cases

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of the vaginoscopic approach for office hysteroscopy.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary care hospital.

SUBJECTS

Unselected, consecutive 100 patients scheduled for diagnostic hysteroscopy.

INTERVENTION

Hysteroscopy with a vaginoscopic approach using a 5-mm rigid hysteroscope with single inflow channel, and normal saline for distension.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Successful hysteroscopy by the vaginoscopic approach; operative time; and degree of pain experienced.

RESULTS

The vaginoscopic technique was successful in 79% of the patients. The median operative time was 120 seconds in successful cases and 360 seconds in those in which the vaginoscopic approach was unsuccessful and had to be performed by the conventional technique with or without dilatation, the difference being statistically significant (P < 0.001). The procedure took < or = 2 minutes in 91.1% (72/79) of the successful cases. No pain or mild pain was experienced by 97.5% (77/79) of patients in whom vaginohysteroscopy was successful.

CONCLUSION

Hysteroscopy with the vaginoscopic approach is the ideal method for outpatient hysteroscopy. It is feasible, quick, and very well tolerated, obviating the need for any analgesia or local anesthesia.

Variations in vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy by region and trust in England

OBJECTIVE

To examine variations between regions and hospitals in the proportion of hysterectomies performed abdominally.

DESIGN

Analysis of routine hospital data.

SETTING

All National Health Service hospitals in England.

POPULATION

Women aged 18+ hospitalised between April 1998 and March 2001.

METHODS

Logistic regression, adjusting for age and diagnosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Use of the abdominal rather than the vaginal route.

RESULTS

The adjusted proportion of hysterectomies performed abdominally varied from 75-89% between regions, and from 25-99% between hospitals. Diagnosis accounted for nearly a third of the total variation, dwarfing the contributions of age and hospital. About two-thirds of the variation remained unaccounted for.

CONCLUSION

Despite evidence suggesting that the majority of hysterectomies may be performed vaginally, very few English trust match this.

[Laparoscopic supravaginal hysterectomy--in our own experience]

INTRODUCTION

The role of laparoscopic supravaginal hysterectomy has increased a minimal invasive surgery. The reason for this is that the intact pericervical ring and neurovascular supply play an important role in pelvic floor support. Also, women's health awareness has increased.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this article was a retrospective analysis of 50 laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomies and advantages of this new surgical method. MATERIALS AND METHODS/DESIGN: These surgical procedures were performed in Sw. Rodziny Hospital and Gynecology of Obstetric in Warsaw in years 2002-2003. The duration of surgical procedure, complications, and duration of hospitalization were evaluated on the basis of retrospective patients case histories.

RESULTS

The medium duration of surgical procedure was 95 minutes, the medium duration of hospitalization after the surgical procedure was 3,3 days. There were not any severe complications.

CONCLUSIONS

At the end it was stated that laparoscopic supravaginal hysterectomy is minimal invasive surgical technique, which can be recommended if vaginal hysterectomy is contraindicated and there are no indications to cervix excision.

Outpatient Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in a Rural Ambulatory Surgery Center

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a cost-optimized operative technique for outpatient laparoscopic hysterectomy in a rural ambulatory surgery center focusing on shortening hospital stay and substitution of expensive disposable laparoscopic instruments with standard surgical techniques.

DESIGN

Prospective feasibility and observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).

SETTING

Rural ambulatory surgery center in Lamar, Alabama.

PATIENTS

Fifty-two women.

INTERVENTION

Outpatient laparoscopic hysterectomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

From September 2001 through September 2003, 52 consecutive procedures with a modified classical intrafascial supracervical hysterectomy (CISH) technique without disposable instruments have been performed on patients with an average age of 42.2 years (range 25-62 years) and a follow-up of 12.5 months (range 0.4-23.6 months). Mean postoperative length of stay was 6 hours, 79 minutes (range 3 hours, 10 minutes-17 hours, 30 minutes), and overall length of stay was 11 hours, 37 minutes (range 6 hours, 45 minutes-22 hours, 50 minutes). Five patients (9.6%) stayed overnight, three for medical and two for social reasons. With an average of 2 hours, 14 minutes, the operating room time was about 1 hour longer than with disposable instruments. Health insurance reimbursement for the ambulatory surgery center was on average $1814.11. No complications occurred, and no readmission to the hospital was necessary.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient laparoscopic hysterectomy is feasible and safe and can be performed cost effectively in ambulatory surgery centers, even in rural areas. Development of a protocol with patient selection, preoperative and postoperative patient teaching, caring family environment, and round-the-clock medical telephone backup is necessary.

[Catamenial pneumothorax--a case report]

Catamenial pneumothorax is a recurrent condition, predominantly affecting the right lung, of women of childbearing age, which is closely related to the menstruation cycle. Additional endometriosis and a defect of the right diaphragm is found relatively frequently. The case of a patient with a history of endometriosis, and a surgically confirmed defect of the diaphragm with prolapsed liver tissue, in whom pneumothorax first occurred at the age of 46, is presented.

[Analysis of the efficiency of transcervical resection of endometrium for treating dysfunctional uterine bleeding and factors reducing the efficiency of the operation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficiency and factors related to the recurrence of transcervical resection of endometrium (TCRE) in treating women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB).

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty women with DUB were selected for TCRE. Specimens from removed endometrium were obtained during the procedures and their menstruation and menorrhagia after the operations were followed up. We also studied the uterine specimens obtained from the recurrent cases undergoing hysterectomies. The specimens were stained by hematoxylin-eosin and immuno-histochemistry respectively to evaluate the depth of removed myometrium and the histopathologic changes in relapsed cases.

RESULTS

The follow up period after operation was 24 to 114 months. (1) Overall effective rate was 94.5%, in which amenorrhea rate was 25.9%, menstruation reduction rate was 68.6%. (2) The effective rate of corrective anemia was 97.3% and the satisfaction rate for the operation was 92.3%. (3) Thirty-eight cases required subsequent treatment as a result of recurrence, of which 10 cases underwent hysterectomy and 3 cases underwent repeat TCRE and 25 cases were given medicine treatment. (4) The average depth of myometrium in removed endometrium strip was 2.12 approximately 3.26 mm. (5) Endometrium regrowth was seen in the resected uterine specimens from relapsed cases and adenomyosis was also found in the intra-uterine wall in some cases.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) TCRE is a safe and effective alternative treatment for DUB. (2) The main factor reducing the efficiency is either incomplete removal of endometrium or adenomyosis. (3) Standardizing the procedures and strengthening postoperative management are essential requirements for improving the efficiency of TCRE.

The impact of hysterectomy on lower urinary tract symptoms

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy on lower urinary tract symptoms. We interviewed 120 patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign conditions preoperatively using a standardized questionnaire. At 6.6 and 12.7 months, 119/120 and 115/120 patients completed the follow-up questionnaire. Forty-four patients underwent vaginal and 76 abdominal hysterectomy. At 6 months follow-up there was a decrease ( p<0.05) in symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in the abdominal cohort, but this did not remain at 12 months' follow-up. There were no significant changes in symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in the vaginal cohort at either 6 or 12 months' follow-up. Postoperative micturition frequency was reduced in both cohorts. No significant differences were found regarding symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urge complaints or voiding difficulties. The present study does not support the assumption that abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy is associated with de novo or deteriorating symptoms of urinary incontinence.

Long-Term Gynecological Outcome of Patients with Persistent Cloaca

PURPOSE

Persistent cloaca is a complex malformation that remains a difficult reconstructive challenge, and data on long-term outcome are scarce. Gynecological abnormalities are common with cloaca but may remain asymptomatic until puberty or adult life. We evaluate long-term gynecological sequelae in these patients with persistent cloaca.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records and radiographs of postpubertal patients (mean age 16.8 years, range 10 to 32) treated for cloacal malformation at 1 institution from 1970 to 2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome data at puberty were available in 41 patients. Of the patients 24 are currently older than 16 years and outcome data for sexual activity were available in 21 with 3 lost to followup.

RESULTS

All 41 patients were evaluated at puberty, and 28 (68%) had uterine function, 13 (32%) were menstruating normally and 15 (36%) presented with hematometra/hematocolpos. All 15 girls with an obstructed uterus required surgery, which included hysterectomy in 2, partial hysterectomy with vaginoplasty in 3 and vaginoplasty in 9. There was 1 complex case of fistula. Etiology of the obstructed uterus was vaginal stenosis after reconstruction in 3 cases, stenosis of persistent urogenital sinus (no previous reconstruction) in 11 and cervical stenosis in 1. Ten patients experienced primary amenorrhoea, which was confirmed in 8 (20%) while 2 (5%) continue to be followed for possible cryptic obstruction. In 10 girls the diagnosis of absent/vestigial uterus was made at early laparotomy but this was erroneous in 6 in whom uterine function developed at puberty. Of the 21 older girls (age at review 17 to 32 years, mean 24) 12 are or have been sexually active and 6 have been examined by a gynecologist and have an adequate vagina but are not sexually active. To date 4 patients have required revision vaginal surgery in adulthood to facilitate intercourse (re-do vaginoplasty in 3, introitoplasty in 1). One woman has postponed vaginal reconstructive procedures and 2 others are currently being followed. There have been no pregnancies in this series to date.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients born with persistent cloaca have a high incidence of gynecological problems at the onset of menses and in early adult life. Therefore, it is necessary to reassess these girls at early puberty by ultrasound/magnetic resonance imaging and vaginoscopy. Additional surgery may then be necessary to create a vagina for menstruation and sexual intercourse.

The long-term effectiveness of endometrial laser ablation: a survival analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the long-term effectiveness of endometrial laser ablation and factors that predict long-term outcome.

SETTING

A university teaching hospital.

STUDY DESIGN

Postal questionnaires were sent to all women who underwent endometrial laser ablation between 1992 and 1998.

RESULTS

Of 215 patients who underwent endometrial laser ablation, 174 (80.9%) returned the questionnaire. Duration of follow-up was 1.5-9 years. The procedure was reported as a success by 138 (79.3%) and a failure by 36 (20.7%). Twenty-four patients (13.8%) subsequently underwent hysterectomy for excessive bleeding. Using survival curve estimates the percentage that remained free of failure was 95.3% at 1 year and 76.2% at 4 years. Increasing patient age was significantly associated with reduced risk of failure (hazard ratio 0.91 for every year increase in age). An inexperienced operator significantly increased the hazard of failure.

CONCLUSION

Endometrial laser ablation is effective in the long-term in the majority (76.2%) of patients. Older women can expect to have a lower risk of failure.

Listening to patients with unexplained menstrual symptoms: what do they tell the gynaecologist?

OBJECTIVES

To describe how women present unexplained menstrual symptoms to gynaecologists; to find out whether presentation reflects how intense their symptoms feel or how much benefit they expect from gynaecological treatment; and to test the prediction that surgical treatment decisions are more likely to follow specific types of presentation.

DESIGN

A cross sectional cohort study.

SETTING

Gynaecological outpatient clinics in a teaching hospital.

SAMPLE

Fifty-nine patients, referred for menstrual problems, in whom investigations had excluded physical disease.

METHODS

Patients indicated symptom intensity and expectations of treatment before consultation on self-completed questionnaires. Audiotape recordings of consultations with the gynaecologist were transcribed and patients' use of specific communication strategies was coded according to a previously reported scheme.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Treatment decision was noted.

RESULTS

In a third to a half of patients, presentation extended beyond symptom report to include catastrophisation about consequences of symptoms, reference to other individuals to substantiate the patient's problems, criticism of previous or possible future interventions or request for hysterectomy. Those with greatest expectations of gynaecological treatment were more likely to catastrophise and request hysterectomy. Those with most intense subjective symptoms were more likely to catastrophise, refer to other individuals and request hysterectomy, and these strategies were more likely to be followed by surgical treatment decisions.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment for unexplained menstrual problems is not driven by gynaecologists. Reduction in unnecessary hysterectomies will require training in communication skills that reflects the challenging nature of many patients' presentation in the gynaecology clinic.

Endometriosis causing cyclic compression of the right external iliac vein with cyclic edema of the right leg and thigh

A case report of endometriosis encircling the right external iliac vein, causing catamenial edema of the right leg and thigh, is presented. Successful surgical treatment is described. A literature review of extraperitoneal endometriosis will further the reader's awareness of unusual presentations of endometriosis.

Transvaginal sonography, saline contrast sonohysterography and hysteroscopy for the investigation of women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > 5 mm

OBJECTIVES

To determine the ability of transvaginal ultrasound, with or without saline infusion, to detect focally growing lesions in the uterine cavity in women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > 5 mm, and to determine the accuracy of conventional ultrasound, saline contrast sonohysterography and diagnostic hysteroscopy under general anesthesia to diagnose endometrial polyps, submucous myomas and uterine malignancy.

DESIGN

In a prospective study, 105 women with postmenopausal bleeding and endometrium > 5 mm underwent conventional ultrasound examination and saline contrast sonohysterography. Diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy under general anesthesia was then performed. The presence of focally growing lesions and the type of lesion (endometrial polyp, submucous myoma, malignancy or unclear focal lesion) were noted at ultrasound examination and at hysteroscopy.

RESULTS

There was almost perfect agreement (96%) between saline contrast sonohysterography and hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of focally growing lesions. Saline contrast sonohysterography and hysteroscopy both had a sensitivity of approximately 80% with regard to diagnosing endometrial polyps (false-positive rates of 24% and 6%, respectively), whereas conventional ultrasound missed half of the polyps (sensitivity, 49%; false-positive rate, 19%). Hysteroscopy was superior to both saline contrast sonohysterography and conventional ultrasound with regard to discriminating between benign and malignant lesions (sensitivity, 84%, 44%, and 60%; false-positive rate, 15%, 6% and 10%, respectively). The risk of malignancy was increased seven-fold (odds ratio, 7.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-27.8) in women with distension difficulties at saline contrast sonohysterography, and two thirds of the women with a poorly distensible uterine cavity had a malignant diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Saline contrast sonohysterography is as good as hysteroscopy at detecting focally growing lesions in the uterine cavity in women with postmenopausal bleeding. However, neither hysteroscopy nor saline contrast sonohysterography can reliably discriminate between benign and malignant focal lesions. Distension difficulties at saline contrast sonohysterography should raise a suspicion of malignancy.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for catamenial hemoptysis

Catamenial hemoptysis is a rare condition, and only 36 cases have been reported since the first published case. We describe a woman with catamenial hemoptysis recurring over 8 years. The lesion was diagnosed using chest CT scan during menses and was also visualized clearly via thoracoscopy. The patient was treated successfully with a partial resection of the lung using video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and has been asymptomatic for 14 months since the operation. We suggest that VATS for catamenial hemoptysis is a more effective treatment than medical therapy.

Obstructive Müllerian anomalies: case report, diagnosis, and management

Many factors affect the development of the female reproductive tract. Obstructive anomalies prevent normal menstruation, allow for collection of blood in the uterus and the vagina, and may increase the incidence of retrograde menstruation. A high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose these disorders, and an adequate workup is essential. This report will present a case of obstructive longitudinal vaginal septum. The workup and operative findings will be described, followed by a classification and discussion of other obstructive Müllerian anomalies. The incidence, workup, and management will be reviewed.

Transvaginal sonography combined with saline contrast sonohysterography in evaluating the uterine cavity in premenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) adds additional information to that obtained by transvaginal sonography (TVS) for predicting endometrial abnormality in premenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a two-center prospective study at a university clinic and a central hospital in Denmark. The uterine cavity was evaluated with TVS and SCSH in 470 premenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. One hundred and eighty-nine of the patients had operative hysteroscopy or hysterectomy within 4 months which provided a detailed description of the uterine cavity and was used as the true value for exclusion of polyps and submucous myomas.

RESULTS

Based on normal endometrial morphology alone, the results for detection of an abnormal uterine cavity were as follows: sensitivities of TVS 0.92, SCSH 0.99; specificities of TVS 0.62, SCSH 0.72; positive predictive values of TVS 0.80, SCSH 0.85; negative predictive values of TVS 0.82, SCSH 0.98. Transvaginal sonography combined with SCSH was superior to TVS for detection of intracavitary abnormalities (McNemar test, P = 0.008). The post-test probability of there being an abnormal cavity after normal findings on TVS alone was 0.18 (0.10-0.32) and after TVS and SCSH it was 0.02 (0.01-0.11). When normal endometrial morphology was combined with an endometrial thickness of < 12 mm for evaluation of all abnormalities including hyperplasia, the diagnostic potential of TVS or SCSH was almost unchanged except for specificities, which were markedly lower (TVS 0.54; SCSH 0.57). In all the patients referred, TVS had a negative predictive value of 0.94 for identification of polyps and myomas when findings at subsequent SCSH were accepted as the true value. Transvaginal sonography reduced the pretest probability of polyps or submucous myomas from 0.35 to a post-test probability of 0.06, but missed 21% of the polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

Sonohysterography was a sensitive tool and was superior to TVS used alone for evaluation of the uterine cavity in patients who underwent operative surgery for abnormal uterine bleeding. All abnormalities except one were found at SCSH, while TVS alone missed polyps and had almost one in four equivocal findings. The use of TVS, without saline contrast, left one in five of the polyps undiagnosed in referred patients with abnormal bleeding.

[Hysterectomy for benign lesions in the north of France: epidemiology and postoperative events]

OBJECTIVE

We conducted an inquiry on hysterectomy practices in gynecology and obstetric units of general hospitals in the north of France (North and Picardy regions) focusing on procedures made for benign lesions of non-prolapsed uteri.

MATERIAL

and methods: Two studies supported this inquiry. The first was a retrospective study in 1997 concerning 21 gynecology and obstetric units in general hospitals among the 24 units belonging to the general hospital network in the North and Picardy regions. The series included 1293 hysterectomies for benign lesions on non-prolapsed uteri, accounting for 68.6% of all hysterectomies performed during the study period. Surgical route, indications and duration of hospital stay were recorded. The second study was a prospective study conducted in 1998 in 9 voluntary units among the 24 units in the hospital network. This study included 423 hysterectomies and recorded techniques, indications, and complications as well as late complications and social and psycho-sexual impact assessed during a telephone interview at 3 months. The 5 University Hospitals in the North, Picardy and Champagne regions also participated in the inquiry and provided data on 191 hysterectomies performed during a three-month period.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven hysterectomies were performed per year and per operator. The main indications for hysterectomy were, for the two studies respectively: fibroid uterus 66.7% and 60%, menstrual disorders 13.8% and 27.2%, endometriosis 10.6% and 5%, and hyperplasia of the endometrium 3.9% and 5%. Surgical routes recorded in the second study were: vaginal 64.8%, abdominal 30.5%, vaginal laparoscopy 4.7%. Reductions were performed to facilitate vaginal hysterectomy in 25% of the cases. The vaginal route was used for adnexectomy in 30% of the cases. The rate of peroperative complications were observed in 3 - 4.8% of the vaginal, 4.8 - 10.7% of the abdominal and 15% of the laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomies. Bleeding was reported in 0.4% and 9.3% of the vaginal and abdominal hysterectomies respectively (p<0.001). The rate of postoperative complications was 0.8 - 4.9%, 1.6 - 19.4%, and 5% for vaginal, abdominal and vaginal laparoscopic hysterectomies respectively. Duration of convalescence was 4.4 weeks for vaginal and 6.1 weeks for abdominal (p<0.00001) and 5.3 weeks for vaginal laparoscopic procedures. The quality of sexual intercourse was improved in 30% of the patients irrespective of the surgical rout but was found to be deteriorated in 20% of those who had laparoscopic vaginal hysterectomy.

DISCUSSION

It is difficult to ascertain the exact number of hysterectomies performed in France. The computerized information system currently in use in France (PMSI) should provide interesting data. Reports from North America, Great Britain and the Scandinavian countries have found comparable data. Complication rate, duration of hospitalization and social impact are in favor of vaginal hysterectomy.

Visualization of diaphragmatic fenestration associated with catamenial pneumothorax

Catamenial pneumothorax is a rare entity of unknown etiology characterized by recurrent accumulation of air in the thoracic space during or preceding menstruation. We documented the presence of a diaphragmatic fenestration during thoracoscopy, lending support for hypotheses involving diaphragmatic defects as possible avenues of air collection in the thorax.

Intermenstrual bleeding secondary to cesarean scar diverticuli: report of three cases

BACKGROUND

The differential diagnosis of intermenstrual bleeding includes structural lesions of the endometrium and cervix.

CASES

Discrete diverticuli were noted in the endocervical canals of three women presenting with histories of multiple cesareans and chief complaints of intermenstrual bleeding. On ultrasound, diverticuli were diagnosed as cavities filled with heterogeneous material consistent with blood. In one case, the diverticulum was also visualized on hysterosalpingogram. Hysterectomy specimens in two cases showed diverticuli lined with fibrous tissue in previous uterine scars; in one case, this also contained endometrium.

CONCLUSION

Uterine scar diverticuli may cause intermenstrual bleeding in women with previous cesareans. When performing ultrasound in this clinical setting, physicians should look for these defects.