Short- and long-term morbidity and outcomes after robotic surgery for comprehensive endometrial cancer staging

Lymphedema self-assessment among endometrial cancer survivors

PURPOSE

Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL), which causes ankle, leg, and feet swelling, poses a significant challenge for endometrial cancer survivors, impacting physical functioning and psychological well-being. Inconsistent LEL diagnostic methods result in wide-ranging LEL incidence estimates.

METHODS

We calculated the cumulative incidence of LEL based on survivor-reported Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ) responses in addition to survivor- and nurse-reported leg circumference measurements among a pilot sample of 50 endometrial cancer survivors (27 White, 23 Black) enrolled in the ongoing population-based Carolina Endometrial Cancer Study.

RESULTS

Self-leg circumference measurements were perceived to be difficult and were completed by only 17 survivors. Diagnostic accuracy testing measures (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value) compared the standard nurse-measured ≥ 10% difference in leg circumference measurements to GCLQ responses. At a mean of ~11 months post-diagnosis, 54% of survivors met established criteria for LEL based on ≥ 4 GCLQ cutpoint while 24% had LEL based on nurse-measurement. Percent agreement, sensitivity, and specificity approximated 60% at a threshold of ≥ 5 GCLQ symptoms. However, Cohen's kappa, a measure of reliability that corrects for agreement by chance, was highest at ≥ 4 GCLQ symptoms (κ = 0.27).

CONCLUSION

Our findings emphasize the need for high quality measurements of LEL that are feasible for epidemiologic study designs among endometrial cancer survivors. Future studies should use patient-reported survey measures to assess lymphedema burden and quality of life outcomes among endometrial cancer survivors.

Pulmonary metastasis of stage I, low-grade endometrioid carcinoma: two case reports and the literature review

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system, and the majority of ECs are low histological grade and confined to the uterus, resulting in a good prognosis. However, metastasis to the lung from a low-grade and early-stage endometrial endometrioid carcinoma (EEC) is extremely rare. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately differentiate between primary pulmonary malignancy and extra-thoracic malignancy presenting as metastatic disease, and flexible bronchoscopy with tissue acquisition plays a key role in this process. Despite its importance, there is limited literature available on the cytology of metastatic endometrial carcinoma in liquid-based cytology of bronchial brush (BB). In this article, we present two rare cases of lung metastasis from low-grade and early-stage EEC, along with a detailed analysis of the cytologic features observed in BB samples. These cases highlight the significance of cytological and histological pathology, complemented by immunohistochemistry (ICH) analysis, in the diagnosis and management of EEC patients. Pathologists should pay close attention to these aspects, while gynecologists need to be mindful of the follow-up and management of early-stage, low-grade EEC patients. By focusing on these areas, healthcare professionals can effectively contribute to the improved care and outcomes of patients with EEC.

Uterine Neoplasms, Version 1.2023, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Adenocarcinoma of the endometrium (also known as endometrial cancer, or more broadly as uterine cancer or carcinoma of the uterine corpus) is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract in the United States. It is estimated that 65,950 new uterine cancer cases will have occurred in 2022, with 12,550 deaths resulting from the disease. Endometrial carcinoma includes pure endometrioid cancer and carcinomas with high-risk endometrial histology (including uterine serous carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma, carcinosarcoma [also known as malignant mixed Müllerian tumor], and undifferentiated/dedifferentiated carcinoma). Stromal or mesenchymal sarcomas are uncommon subtypes accounting for approximately 3% of all uterine cancers. This selection from the NCCN Guidelines for Uterine Neoplasms focuses on the diagnosis, staging, and management of pure endometrioid carcinoma. The complete version of the NCCN Guidelines for Uterine Neoplasms is available online at NCCN.org.

Impact of perioperative red blood cell transfusion, anemia of cancer and global health status on the prognosis of elderly patients with endometrial and ovarian cancer

Introduction

Perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusions have been associated with increased morbidity and worse oncological outcome in some solid neoplasms. In order to elucidate whether RBC transfusions themselves, the preoperative anemia of cancer (AOC), or the impaired global health status might explain this impact on patients with endometrial cancer (EC) or ovarian cancer (OC), we performed a retrospective, single-institution cohort study.

Materials and methods

Women older than 60 years with EC or OC were included. The influence of RBC transfusions, AOC, and frailty status determined by the G8 geriatric screening tool (G8 score), as well as the clinical-pathological cancer characteristics on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), was determined by using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox regression analyses.

Results

In total, 263 patients with EC (n = 152) and OC (n = 111) were included in the study. Patients with EC receiving RBC transfusions were faced with a significantly shorter 5-year PFS (79.8% vs. 26.0%; p < 0.001) and 5-year OS (82.6% vs. 25.7%; p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, besides established clinical-pathological cancer characteristics, the RBC transfusions remained the only significant prognostic parameter for PFS (HR: 1.76; 95%-CI [1.01–3.07]) and OS (HR: 2.38; 95%-CI [1.50–3.78]). In OC, the G8 score stratified the cohort in terms of PFS rates (G8-non-frail 53.4% vs. G8-frail 16.7%; p = 0.010) and AOC stratified the cohort for 5-year OS estimates (non-anemic: 36.7% vs. anemic: 10.6%; p = 0.008). Multivariable Cox regression analyses determined the G8 score and FIGO stage as independent prognostic factors in terms of PFS (HR: 2.23; 95%-CI [1.16–4.32] and HR: 6.52; 95%-CI [1.51–28.07], respectively). For OS, only the TNM tumor stage retained independent significance (HR: 3.75; 95%-CI [1.87–7.53]).

Discussion

The results of this trial demonstrate the negative impact of RBC transfusions on the prognosis of patients with EC. Contrastingly, the prognosis of OC is altered by the preoperative global health status rather than AOC or RBC transfusions. In summary, we suggested a cumulatively restrictive transfusion management in G8-non-frail EC patients and postulated a more moderate transfusion management based on the treatment of symptomatic anemia without survival deficits in OC patients.

Association of Lower Extremity Lymphedema With Physical Functioning and Activities of Daily Living Among Older Survivors of Colorectal, Endometrial, and Ovarian Cancer

Importance

Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) is associated with decreased physical functioning (PF) and activities of daily living (ADLs) limitations. However, the prevalence of LEL in older survivors of cancer is unknown.

Objectives

To examine LEL among older female survivors of colorectal, endometrial, or ovarian cancer and investigate the association of LEL with PF and ADLs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This secondary analysis of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Life and Longevity After Cancer (LILAC) study was conducted using data from postmenopausal women enrolled at 40 US centers. Participants were women who had a prior diagnosis of endometrial, colorectal, or ovarian cancer and who had completed the WHI LILAC baseline and year 1 follow-up questionnaires as of September 2017.

Exposures

The 13-item Lower Extremity Lymphedema Screening Questionnaire in Women was used to determine LEL (ie, score ≥5).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Validated surveys were used to assess PF and ADLs.

Results

Among 900 older women diagnosed with endometrial, colorectal, or ovarian cancer, the mean (SD) age was 78.5 (5.9) years and the mean (range) time since cancer diagnosis was 8.75 (1.42-20.23) years. Overall, 292 women (32.4%) reported LEL, with the highest LEL prevalence among survivors of ovarian cancer (38 of 104 women [36.5%]), followed by survivors of endometrial cancer (122 of 375 women [32.5%]) and colorectal cancer (132 of 421 women [31.4%]). Compared with women without LEL, women with LEL had a PF score that was lower by a mean (SE) 16.8 (1.7) points (P < .001) and higher odds of needing help with ADLs (odds ratio [OR], 2.45; 95% CI, 1.64-3.67). In the association of LEL with PF, the mean (SE) decrease in PF score was greatest among survivors of colorectal cancer (-21.8 [2.6]) compared with survivors of endometrial cancer (-13.3 [2.7]) and ovarian cancer (-12.8 [5.2]). Additionally, among survivors of colorectal cancer, LEL was associated with increased odds of needing help with ADLs (OR, 3.59; 95% CI, 1.94-6.66), while there was no such association among survivors of endometrial cancer or ovarian cancer. However, there were no interaction associations between LEL and cancer type for either outcome. Additionally, the overall mean (SE) difference in PF between women with and without LEL was greater among those aged 80 years and older (-19.4 [2.6] points) vs those aged 65 to 79 years (-14.9 [2.2] points). However, among survivors of colorectal cancer, the mean (SE) difference in PF score was greater among women aged 65 to 79 years (-22.9 [3.7] points) vs those aged 80 years or older (-20.8 [3.7] points) (P for 3-way interaction = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study found that nearly one-third of older female survivors of colorectal, endometrial, or ovarian cancer experienced LEL and that LEL was associated with decreased PF and increased odds of needing help with ADLs. These findings suggest that clinicians may need to regularly assess LEL among older survivors of cancer and provide effective interventions to reduce LEL symptoms and improve PF for this population.

Incidence and risk of venous thromboembolism according to primary treatment type in women with endometrial cancer: a population-based study

Background

Current prophylaxes and treatments for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women with gynecologic cancer are mainly guided by studies on solid cancers because studies in gynecologic cancer did not provide sufficient data. Large-scale studies evaluating the incidence and risk of VTE according to therapeutic modality may guide prophylaxis and treatment of VTE in gynecologic cancer. This study was performed to determine the incidence and risk of VTE according to primary treatment type in Korean women with endometrial cancer.

Methods

We selected 26,256 women newly diagnosed with endometrial cancer between 2009 and 2018 from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. During the total follow-up period and first six months after primary treatments initiation, the incidence and risk of VTE were evaluated according to primary treatment type, that is, no treatment, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.

Results

VTE occurred in 136 per 10,000 women during the total follow-up period and in 54 per 10,000 women during the first six months with the highest frequency in women that underwent chemotherapy. During the first year, the monthly incidence of VTE decreased with time among women that underwent no treatment, surgery, or hormone therapy and remained unchanged in those that received radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Compared with women that received no treatment, VTE risk, especially of PE significantly increased in women that underwent chemotherapy (VTE: hazard ratio (HR), 2.334; 95% CI, 1.38–3.949; P = 0.002) (PE: HR, 2.742; 95% CI, 1.424–5.278; P = 0.003) or hormone therapy (VTE: HR, 2.073; 95% CI, 1.356–3.17; P = 0.001) (PE: HR, 2.086; 95% CI, 1.19–3.657; P = 0.01) during the total follow-up period and women that underwent only chemotherapy during the first six months (VTE: HR, 2.532; 95% CI, 1.291–4.966; P = 0.007) (PE: HR, 3.366; 95% CI, 1.496–7.576; P = 0.003).

Conclusions

In this cohort study, the incidence and risk of VTE were highest in women with endometrial cancer that underwent chemotherapy as a primary treatment. Notably, the incidence of VTE decreased over time in women that received no treatment, surgery, or hormone therapy. This study can help guide therapies for prophylaxis and treatment of VTE in women with endometrial cancer.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08853-x.

Lymphadenectomy is associated with an increased risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism in early stage endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVES

In patients undergoing surgery for early stage endometrial cancer, we sought to evaluate the effect of lymphadenectomy (LND), as well as surgical route, on the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE).

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries (2000-2013) linked to Medicare claims follow up from 1999 to 2014 was accessed to identify those with stage I-II endometrioid endometrial cancer who underwent hysterectomy. Performance of LND, 90-day incidence of postoperative VTE, open vs minimally invasive surgery (MIS), demographics, comorbidities, grade, and stage were collected. A washout period of 12 months with no prior VTE was required. t-test, Chi square test, univariate and multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance estimator were used.

RESULTS

A total of 15,101 patients had hysterectomy for early stage endometrial cancer. LND was performed in 9004 (60%) patients. VTE was found in 486 patients. There were 346 VTEs (3.8%) in the LND group vs 140 (2.3%) in those without LND (RR = 1.67, p < 0.0001). Adjusting for age, stage, grade, comorbidities and surgical approach, LND remained a significant risk for VTE (RR = 1.7, p < 0.001). In those who underwent MIS, LND was associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of VTE (p = 0.0008) (adjusted RR = 1.99, p = 0.0014) and had a statistically comparable rate of VTE when compared to the open surgical approach (p = 0.054).

CONCLUSIONS

LND is associated with an increased 90-day risk of postoperative VTE in patients undergoing surgery for early stage endometrial cancer. The need for extended postoperative VTE prophylaxis in patients undergoing LND via MIS needs further exploration.

Clinicopathological study of organ metastasis in endometrial cancer

Aim: Our aim was to analyze the clinicopathological features of lung, liver, bone and brain metastasis in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). Patients & methods: We screened patients diagnosed with EC between 2010 and 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. Results: Among 69,027 eligible EC patients, lung metastasis was the most common. Patients with lung or liver metastasis were at higher risk of bone and brain metastases than those without lung and liver metastasis. Brain metastasis has the lowest survival time (5.0 months) in single organ metastasis. Liver and brain metastasis have the highest death rate in two organ metastasis, and lung, liver and brain metastasis had the lowest survival time (1.0 month) in multi-sites metastasis. Conclusion: Lung metastasis was the most common in EC patients. Assessing distant organ metastasis may help clinicians to determine appropriate follow-up strategy for patients with EC.

Robot-assisted gynaecological cancer surgery-complications and prevention

Ever since the US Food and Drug Administration approval of the use of da Vinci surgical systems (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, California) in gynaecology in 2005, robot-assisted surgery has been widely adopted in different countries. Some of the applications in benign and oncological gynaecology include myomectomy, sacrocolpopexy, tubal anastomosis, simple hysterectomy, radical hysterectomy, radical trachelectomy, pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy and even debulking surgery for ovarian cancer and pelvic exenteration for recurrent cervical and vaginal cancer. Although there is robust evidence on the safety and treatment outcomes in robot-assisted surgery, complications still rarely occur. Team approach is particularly important in robotic surgery and thorough communication between the bedside assistant and the console surgeon cannot be stressed any more. Thus, complications can be due to miscommunication between the console surgeon and bedside assistant, positioning of the patients, the length of the operations, the malfunction of the instrument and the risks specific to the types of anaesthesia and surgery per se, leading to thromboembolism, haemorrhage, organ damage, and so on. The most important strategies that can prevent complications are to have thorough preoperative assessment of the patients' fitness, good communication between surgical team members, caution regarding the positioning, a good knowledge of the pelvic and abdominal anatomy, careful and meticulous manipulation of the instrument and early recognition of the complications. In this article, different types of complications and the preventive measures are described.

Delayed postcoital vaginal cuff dehiscence with small bowel evisceration after robotic-assisted staging surgery

OBJECTIVE

We report a rare case of vaginal cuff dehiscence with small bowel evisceration at 7 months post robotic-staging surgery.

CASE REPORT

A 41-year-old woman was sent to the emergency room with sudden onset of abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and vaginal protruding mass after sexual activity. She had a history of synchronous uterine and ovarian cancer treated with robotic-staging surgery 7 months before. Then she received six courses of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and the last chemotherapy ended 1 month ago. At the operation room, some small bowel loops were noted in the vaginal tip with cuff dehiscence and bleeding. After repositioning of the small bowel, a 2.5-cm vaginal cuff dehiscence was repaired transvaginally. The patient recovered well, and is free of disease and has normal sexual activity 2 months after repairs.

CONCLUSION

Unusual delayed-type vaginal cuff dehiscence hints the possibility that a combination of robotic surgery and postoperative chemotherapy might result in delayed healing of the vaginal cuff.

A Prospective Cohort Study Comparing Colorimetric and Fluorescent Imaging for Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping in Endometrial Cancer

BACKGROUND

This prospective cohort study aimed to assess sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping using isosulfan blue (ISB) compared with ISB plus indocyanine green (ICG) and near-infrared imaging (NIR) for patients with endometrial cancer.

METHODS

In this study, 200 patients with endometrial cancer underwent SLN assessments and were randomized to ISB + ICG (n = 180) or ISB alone (n = 20). Blue dye determinations were recorded for all 200 cases followed by NIR imaging of ICG for 180 randomized subjects. All the patients underwent robotically assisted hysterectomy with pelvic ± aortic lymphadenectomy.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 64.5 ± 8.4 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 33 ± 7.6 kg/m². The histologies were endometrioid G1 (43%), G2 (30%), G3 (7%), and type 2 (20%). The mean time from dye injection to initiation of mapping was 13.4 ± 6.2 min, and the time to removal of SLN was 17.4 ± 11.2 min. Detection of SLN for the 20 ISB control cases did not differ from that for the 180 ISB + ICG cases (p > 0.05). The rates of SLN detection for ISB + ICG/NIR (n = 180) versus ISB (n = 200) were as follows: bilateral (83.9 vs. 40%), unilateral (12.2 vs. 36%), and none (3.9 vs. 24%) (p < 0.001). The median SLN per case was 2 (range 0-4). Positive SLNs were found in 21.1% (n = 38) of the ISB + ICG cases compared with 13.5% (n = 27) of the ISB cases (p = 0.056). The false-negative rate for SLN biopsy was 2.5% (95% confidence interval, 0.1-14.7%). In 61% (25/41) of the node-positive cases, SLN was the only positive lymph node (LN). Isolated tumor cells were found in 39.5% (15/38) of the SLN metastasis cases compared with 26.7% (4/15) of the non-SLN metastasis cases (p = 0.528).

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective study, ISB + ICG and NIR detected more SLNs and more LN metastases than ISB alone. Assessment of SLN with ICG + ISB/NIR imaging had excellent sensitivity for detection of metastasis and no safety issues.

Bowel injury in robotic gynecologic surgery: risk factors and management options. A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

We sought to analyze the published literature on bowel injuries in patients undergoing gynecologic robotic surgery with the aim to determine its incidence, predisposing factors, and treatment options.

DATA SOURCES

Studies included in this analysis were identified by searching PubMed Central, OVID Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. References for all studies were also reviewed. Time frame for data analysis spanned from November 2001 through December 2014.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

All English-language studies reporting the incidence of bowel injury or complications during robotic gynecologic surgery were included. Studies with data duplication, not in English, case reports, or studies that did not explicitly define bowel injury incidence were excluded.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

The Guidelines for Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies were used to complete the systematic review with the exception of scoring study quality and a single primary reviewer.

RESULTS

In all, 370 full-text articles were reviewed and 144 met the inclusion criteria. There were 84 bowel injuries recorded in 13,444 patients for an incidence of 1 in 160 (0.62%; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.76%). There were no significant differences in incidence of bowel injury by procedure type. The anatomic location of injury, etiology, and management were rarely reported. Of the bowel injuries, 87% were recognized intraoperatively and the majority (58%) managed via a minimally invasive approach. Of 13,444 patients, 3 (0.02%) (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.07%) died in the immediate postoperative period and no deaths were a result of a bowel injury.

CONCLUSION

The overall incidence of bowel injury in robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery is 1 in 160. When the location of bowel injuries were specified, they most commonly occurred in the colon and rectum and most were managed via a minimally invasive approach.

Robotically assisted para-aortic lymphadenectomy: surgical results: a cohort study of 487 patients

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy (PAL) in patients with gynecologic cancers during the learning phases of robotic surgery programs and to compare results of extraperitoneal versus transperitoneal approaches of PAL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective multicentric study of patients who underwent robotically assisted laparoscopic PAL (N = 487). Eleven European centers and 1 US center participated in the study. Abstracted data included age, body mass index, indication, type of surgical approach (transperitoneal or extraperitoneal), associated surgical procedures, operative time, estimated blood loss, lymph node count, hospital length of stay (LOS), and complications. Para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed by an extraperitoneal approach in 58 cases (12%) and transperitoneal in 429 cases (88%).

RESULTS

The mean (SD) para-aortic lymph node count was 12.6 (8.1), operative time was 217 (85) minutes, estimated blood loss was 105 (110) mL, and LOS was 2.8 (3.2) days. Four (0.8%) conversions to open and 2 (0.4%) conversions to laparoscopy were described. There were 32 lymphocysts (6.6%), 3 deep venous thromboses (0.6%), and 10 transfusions (2.1%). For transperitoneal approach, the average number of lymph nodes removed was higher in isolated PAL group than the hysterectomy combined group (report node counts 95% confidence interval, -7.29 to -3.52, P = 1.5 × 10⁻⁶). For isolated PAL, the LOS was shorter in the extraperitoneal group than in the transperitoneal group (report data 95% CI, -1.35 to -0.35, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic-assisted PAL seems safe and feasible. More lymph nodes were removed during an isolated transperitoneal PAL dissection compared with a combined procedure with hysterectomy. Extraperitoneal approach seems attractive relative to transperitoneal dissection, but the superiority of one or the other way is not demonstrated by our study.

The effect of increased experience on complications in robotic hysterectomy for malignant and benign gynecological disease

The study objective was to assess the effect of increased experience on complications in robotic hysterectomy for malignant and benign gynecological disease. This is a retrospective cohort study. It is a Canadian Task Force classification II-2 study conducted at the University Hospital, Sweden. The patients were 949 women planned for robotic hysterectomy for malignant (75 %) and benign (25 %) gynecological disease between October 2005 and December 2013. They were continuously evaluated for the rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications up to 1-year post-surgery, the latter according to Clavien-Dindo classification following the introduction of robotic surgery with special awareness of complications possibly related to robot-specific risk factors, the description of refinement of practice and assessment of the effect of these measures. The rate of intraoperative complications, the overall rate of complications and the rate of ≥grade 3 complications decreased from the first to the last time period (4.8 vs 2.6 %, p = 0.037, 34 vs 19 %, p = 0.003 and 13.5 vs 3.2 %, p = 0.0003, respectively). The rate of intraoperative complications and the rate of postoperative complications possibly related to robot-specific risk factors was reduced from the first to the last time period (3.8 vs 0.6 %, p = 0.028 and 7.7 vs 1.5 %, p = 0.003, respectively). In patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy for malignant and benign gynecological disease intraoperative and postoperative complications and complications possibly related to the robotic approach diminish with training, experience and refinement of practice.

Implementation of a robotic surgical program in gynaecological oncology and comparison with prior laparoscopic series

Background. Robotic surgery in gynaecological oncology is a rapidly developing field as it offers several technical advantages over conventional laparoscopy. An audit was performed on the outcome of robotic surgery during our learning curve and compared with recent well-established laparoscopic procedure data. Method. Following acquisition of the da Vinci Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, USA), we prospectively analysed all cases performed over the first six months by one experienced gynaecologist who had been appropriately trained and mentored. Data on age, BMI, pathology, surgery type, blood loss, morbidity, return to theatre, hospital stay, and readmission rate were collected and compared with a consecutive series over the preceding 6 months performed laparoscopically by the same team. Results. A comparison of two consecutive series was made. The mean age was somewhat different, 55 years in the robotic versus 69 years in the laparoscopic group, but obesity was a feature of both groups with a mean of BMI 29.3 versus 28.06, respectively. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.54). Three subgroups of minimal access surgical procedures were performed: total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy (TH + BSO), total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy plus bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (TH + BSO + BPLND), and radical hysterectomy plus bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (RH + BPLND). The mean time taken to perform surgery for TH + BSO was longer in the robotic group, 151.2 min compared to 126.3 min in the laparoscopic group. TH + BSO + BPLND surgical time was similar to 178.3 min in robotic group and 176.5 min in laparoscopic group. RH + BPLND surgical time was similar, 263.6 min (robotic arm) and 264.0 min (laparoscopic arm). However, the numbers in this initial analysis were small especially in the last two subgroups and do not allow for statistical analysis. The rate of complications necessitating intervention (Clavien-Dindo classification grade 2/3) was higher in the robotic arm (22.7%) compared to the laparoscopic approach (4.5%). The readmission rate was higher in the robotic group (18.2%) compared to the laparoscopic group (4.5%). The return to theatre in the robotic group was 18.2% and 4.5% in laparoscopic group. Uncomplicated robotic surgery hospital stay appeared to be shorter, 1.3 days compared to the uncomplicated laparoscopic group, 2.5 days. There was no conversion to the open procedure in either arm. Estimated blood loss in all cases was less than 100 mL in both groups. Conclusion. Robotic surgery is comparable to laparoscopic surgery in blood loss; however, the hospital stay in uncomplicated cases appears to be longer in the laparoscopic arm. Surgical robotic time is equivalent to laparoscopic in complex cases but may be longer in cases not requiring lymph node dissection. The robotic surgery team learning curve may be associated with higher rate of morbidity. Further research on the benefits to the surgeon is needed to clarify the whole picture of this versatile novel surgical approach.

Position-related injury is uncommon in robotic gynecologic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the rate and risk factors for position-related injury in robotic gynecologic surgery.

METHODS

A prospective database from 12/2006 to 1/2014 of all planned robotic gynecologic procedures was retrospectively reviewed for patients who experienced neurologic injury, musculoskeletal injury, or vascular compromise related to patient positioning in the operating room. Analysis was performed to determine risk-factors and incidence for position-related injury.

RESULTS

Of the 831 patients who underwent robotic surgery during the study time period, only 7 (0.8%) experienced positioning-related injury. The injuries included minor head contusions (n=3), two lower extremity neuropathies (n=2), brachial plexus injury (n=1) and one large subcutaneous ecchymosis on the left flank and thigh (n=1). There were no long term sequelae from the positioning-related injuries. The only statistically significant risk factor for positioning-related injury was prior abdominal surgery (P=0.05). There were no significant associations between position-related injuries and operative time (P=0.232), body mass index (P=0.847), age (P=0.152), smoking history (P=0.161), or medical comorbidities (P=0.229-0.999).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of position-related injury among women undergoing robotic surgery was extremely low (0.8%). Due to the low incidence we were unable to identify modifiable risk factors for position-related injury following robotic surgery. A standardized, team-oriented approach may significantly decrease position-related injuries following robotic gynecologic surgery.

Perioperative blood transfusion in gynecologic oncology surgery: analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database

OBJECTIVE

To use a large-scale multi-institutional dataset to quantify the prevalence of packed red blood cell transfusions and examine the associations between transfusion and perioperative outcomes in gynecologic cancer surgery.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) participant use file was queried for all gynecologic cancer cases between 2010 and 2012. Demographic, preoperative and intraoperative variables were compared between transfusion and non-transfusion groups using chi-squared, Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. The primary endpoint was 30-day composite morbidity. Secondary endpoints included composite surgical site infections, mortality and length of stay.

RESULTS

A total of 8519 patients were analyzed, and 13.8% received a packed red blood cell transfusion. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for key clinical and perioperative factors, including preoperative anemia and case magnitude, transfusion was associated with higher composite morbidity (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.5-2.24), surgical site infections (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.39-2.35), mortality (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.80-6.36) and length of hospital stay (3.02 days v. 7.17 days, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Blood transfusions are associated with increased surgical wound infections, composite morbidity and mortality. Based on our analysis of the NSQIP database, transfusion practices in gynecologic cancer should be scrutinized. Examination of institutional practices and creation of transfusion guidelines for gynecologic malignancies could potentially result in better utilization of blood bank resources and clinical outcomes among patients.

Lymphedema after surgery for endometrial cancer: prevalence, risk factors, and quality of life

OBJECTIVE

To estimate lower extremity lymphedema prevalence in patients surgically treated for endometrial cancer, identify predictors of lymphedema, and evaluate the effects of lymphedema on quality of life.

METHODS

One thousand forty-eight consecutive patients who were operated on between 1999 and 2008 at the Mayo Clinic were mailed a survey, which included our validated 13-item lymphedema screening questionnaire and two validated quality-of-life measures. Logistic regression models were fit to identify factors associated with prevalent lymphedema; a multivariable model was obtained using stepwise and backward variable selection methods. The relationship between lymphedema and obesity with each quality-of-life score was evaluated separate multivariable linear models.

RESULTS

There were 591 responders (56%) after exclusions. Our questionnaire revealed a previous self-reported lymphedema diagnosis in 103 (17%) patients and identified undiagnosed lymphedema in 175 (30%) (overall prevalence 47.0%, median 6.2 years follow-up). Lymphedema prevalence in patients treated with hysterectomy alone compared with lymphadenectomy was 36.1% and 52.3%, respectively (attributable risk 23%). Lymphedema risk was not associated with the number of nodes removed or the extent of lymphadenectomy after adjusting for other factors. On multivariable analysis, higher body mass index, congestive heart failure, performance of lymphadenectomy, and radiation therapy were associated with prevalent lymphedema. Multiple quality-of-life scores were worse in women with lymphedema.

CONCLUSION

The attributable risk of developing lower extremity lymphedema was 23% for patients with endometrial cancer who underwent lymphadenectomy compared with hysterectomy alone with an overall prevalence of 47%. Lymphedema was associated with reductions in multiple quality-of-life domains.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Unintended consequences: surgical complications in gynecologic cancer

More than 91,000 women in the USA will be diagnosed with a gynecologic malignancy in 2013. Most will undergo surgery for staging, treatment or both. No therapeutic intervention is without consequence, therefore, it is imperative to understand the possible complications associated with the perioperative period before undertaking surgery. Complication rates are affected by a patient population that is increasingly older, more obese and more medically complicated. Surgical modalities consist of abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches, and also affect rates of complications. An understanding of the various approaches, patient characteristics and surgeon experience allow for individualized decision-making to minimize the complications after surgery for gynecologic cancer.

Definition of compartment-based radical surgery in uterine cancer: modified radical hysterectomy in intermediate/high-risk endometrial cancer using peritoneal mesometrial resection (PMMR) by M Höckel translated to robotic surgery

BACKGROUND

The technique of compartment-based radical hysterectomy was originally described by M Höckel as total mesometrial resection (TMMR) for standard treatment of stage I and II cervical cancer. However, with regard to the ontogenetically-defined compartments of tumor development (Müllerian) and lymph drainage (Müllerian and mesonephric), compartments at risk may also be defined consistently in endometrial cancer. This is the first report in the literature on the compartment-based surgical approach to endometrial cancer. Peritoneal mesometrial resection (PMMR) with therapeutic lymphadenectomy (tLNE) as an ontogenetic, compartment-based oncologic surgery could be beneficial for patients in terms of surgical radicalness as well as complication rates; it can be standardized for compartment-confined tumors. Supported by M Höckel, PMMR was translated to robotic surgery (rPMMR) and described step-by-step in comparison to robotic TMMR (rTMMR).

METHODS

Patients (n = 42) were treated by rPMMR (n = 39) or extrafascial simple hysterectomy (n = 3) with/without bilateral pelvic and/or periaortic robotic therapeutic lymphadenectomy (rtLNE) for stage I to III endometrial cancer, according to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification. Tumors were classified as intermediate/high-risk in 22 out of 40 patients (55%) and low-risk in 18 out of 40 patients (45%), and two patients showed other uterine malignancies. In 11 patients, no adjuvant external radiotherapy was performed, but chemotherapy was applied.

RESULTS

No transition to open surgery was necessary. There were no intraoperative complications. The postoperative complication rate was 12% with venous thromboses, (n = 2), infected pelvic lymph cyst (n = 1), transient aphasia (n = 1) and transient dysfunction of micturition (n = 1). The mean difference in perioperative hemoglobin concentrations was 2.4 g/dL (± 1.2 g/dL) and one patient (2.4%) required transfusion. During follow-up (median 17 months), one patient experienced distant recurrence and one patient distant/regional recurrence of endometrial cancer (4.8%), but none developed isolated locoregional recurrence. There were two deaths from endometrial cancer during the observation period (4.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that rPMMR and rtLNE are feasible and safe with regard to perioperative morbidity, thus, it seems promising for the treatment of intermediate/high-risk endometrial cancer in terms of surgical radicalness and complication rates. This could be particularly beneficial for morbidly obese and seriously ill patients.

Minimally invasive surgery in gynecologic oncology

Minimally invasive surgery has been utilized in the field of obstetrics and gynecology as far back as the 1940s when culdoscopy was first introduced as a visualization tool. Gynecologists then began to employ minimally invasive surgery for adhesiolysis and obtaining biopsies but then expanded its use to include procedures such as tubal sterilization (Clyman (1963), L. E. Smale and M. L. Smale (1973), Thompson and Wheeless (1971), Peterson and Behrman (1971)). With advances in instrumentation, the first laparoscopic hysterectomy was successfully performed in 1989 by Reich et al. At the same time, minimally invasive surgery in gynecologic oncology was being developed alongside its benign counterpart. In the 1975s, Rosenoff et al. reported using peritoneoscopy for pretreatment evaluation in ovarian cancer, and Spinelli et al. reported on using laparoscopy for the staging of ovarian cancer. In 1993, Nichols used operative laparoscopy to perform pelvic lymphadenectomy in cervical cancer patients. The initial goals of minimally invasive surgery, not dissimilar to those of modern medicine, were to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with surgery and therefore improve patient outcomes and patient satisfaction. This review will summarize the history and use of minimally invasive surgery in gynecologic oncology and also highlight new minimally invasive surgical approaches currently in development.

Robotic-assisted transperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy as part of staging procedure for gynaecological malignancies: single institution experience

Introduction. This study was designed to confirm the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted transperitoneal aortic lymphadenectomy as part of staging procedure for gynecologic malignancies. Methods. Chart review of 51 patients who had undergone robotic staging with aortic lymphadenectomy for different gynaecologic malignancies was performed. Results. The primary diagnosis was as follows: 6 cases of endometrial cancer, 31 epithelial ovarian cancer, 9 nonepithelial ovarian cancer, 4 tubal cancer, and 1 cervical cancer. Median BMI was 23 kg/m². Except for a single case of aortic lymphadenectomy only, both aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomies were performed at the time of the staging procedure. All the para-aortic lymphadenectomies were carried out to the level of the renal veinl but 6 cases were carried out to the level of the inferior mesenteric artery. Hysterectomy was performed in 24 patiens (47%). There was no conversion to LPT. The median console time was 285 (range 195–402) with a significant difference between patients who underwent hysterectomy and those who did not. The median estimated blood loss was 50 mL (range 20–200). The mean number of removed nodes was 29 ± 9.6. The mean number of pelvic nodes was 15 ± 7.6, whereas the mean number of para-aortic nodes was 14 ± 6.6. Conclusions. Robotic transperitoneal infrarenal aortic lymphadenectomy as part of staging procedure is feasible and can be safely performed. Additional trocars are needed when pelvic surgery is also performed.

Analysis of disease recurrence and survival for women with uterine malignancies undergoing robotic surgery

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy (RALH) for uterine malignancies.

METHODS

Medical records from 372 patients with uterine malignancies who underwent RALH from 3/06 to 3/09 at two institutions were reviewed for clinico-pathologic data, adjuvant therapies, disease recurrence, and survival. Median follow-up for survival analysis was 31 ± 14 months. Thirty (8.1%) patients were lost to follow-up before 12 months and censored from the recurrence analysis.

RESULTS

Mean age and BMI of 372 patients was 61.8 ± 9.8 years and 32.2 ± 8.4 kg/m(2) (range 19-70). Robotic procedures included RALH 16 (4.3%), RALH with pelvic lymphadenectomy (PL) 96 (25.8%), and RALH with pelvic-and-aortic lymphadenectomy (PAL) 252 (67.7%) cases. Histology included 319 (85.8%) endometrioid and 53 (12.6%) high-risk histologies. Mean pelvic and aortic lymph node counts were 16.8 ± 8.7 and 8.4 ± 4.5, respectively. Lymph node metastases were identified in 26 (7.3%) cases. Adjuvant therapies were prescribed for 108 (29.1%) of patients: 7.8% brachytherapy, 1.9% pelvic radiation+brachytherapy, 7.8% chemotherapy, 11.6% chemotherapy+radiation. Risk of recurrence for all patients was 8.3% and 17 (4.6%) patients died of disease. The estimated 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) for the entire study group was 89.3% and the estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) was 89.1%, compared to 92.5% and 93.4% for the endometrioid sub-set.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with endometrial cancer undergoing robotic hysterectomy with staging lymphadenectomies during our 3-years of robotic experience had low-risk for recurrence and excellent disease-specific survival at a median follow-up time of 31 months.

The commercialization of robotic surgery: unsubstantiated marketing of gynecologic surgery by hospitals

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed the content, quality, and accuracy of information provided on hospital web sites about robotic gynecologic surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

An analysis of hospitals with more than 200 beds from a selection of states was performed. Hospital web sites were analyzed for the content and quality of data regarding robotic-assisted surgery.

RESULTS

Among 432 hospitals, the web sites of 192 (44.4%) contained marketing for robotic gynecologic surgery. Stock images (64.1%) and text (24.0%) derived from the robot manufacturer were frequent. Although most sites reported improved perioperative outcomes, limitations of robotics including cost, complications, and operative time were discussed only 3.7%, 1.6%, and 3.7% of the time, respectively. Only 47.9% of the web sites described a comparison group.

CONCLUSION

Marketing of robotic gynecologic surgery is widespread. Much of the content is not based on high-quality data, fails to present alternative procedures, and relies on stock text and images.

Detection of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with endometrial cancer undergoing robotic-assisted staging: a comparison of colorimetric and fluorescence imaging

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively compare results from lymphatic mapping of pelvic sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) using fluorescence near-infrared (NIR) imaging of indocyanine green (ICG) and colorimetric imaging of isosulfan blue (ISB) dyes in women with endometrial cancer (EC) undergoing robotic-assisted lymphadenectomy (RAL). A secondary aim was to investigate the ability of SLN biopsies to increase the detection of metastatic disease.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients underwent RAL with hysterectomy. One mL ISB was injected submucosally in four quadrants of the cervix, followed by 0.5 mL ICG [1.25mg/mL] immediately prior to placement of a uterine manipulator. Retroperitoneal spaces were dissected for colorimetric detection of lymphatic pathways. The da Vinci(®) camera was switched to fluorescence imaging and results recorded. SLN were removed for permanent analysis with ultra-sectioning, H&E, and IHC staining. Hysterectomy with RAL was completed.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven (77%) and 34 (97%) of patients had bilateral pelvic or aortic SLN detected by colorimetric and fluorescence, respectively (p=0.03). Considering each hemi-pelvis separately, 15/70 (21.4%) had "weak" uptake of ISB in SLN confirmed positive with fluorescence imaging. Using both methods, bilateral detection was 100%. Ten (28.6%) patients had lymph node (LN) metastasis, and 9 of these had SLN metastasis (90% sensitivity, one false negative SLN biopsy). Seven of nine (78%) SLN metastases were ISB positive and 100% were ICG positive. Twenty-five had normal LN, all with negative SLN biopsies (100% specificity). Four (40%) with LN metastasis were detected only by IHC and ultra-sectioning of SLN.

CONCLUSIONS

Fluorescence imaging with ICG detected bilateral SLN and SLN metastasis more often than ISB, and the combination resulted in 100% bilateral detection of SLN. Ultra-sectioning/IHC of SLN increased the detection of lymph node metastasis.