Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy in women of all weights and the effects of weight on complications

Vaginal ultrasound-guided Pouch of Douglas robotic entry in a live ovine model and human female cadaveric specimens

We aimed to determine whether intraoperative ultrasound is a feasible tool for visualization of the pouch of Douglas (POD) to facilitate a safe vaginal entry for direct robotic vaginal trocar insertion for pelvic floor surgery. Endovaginal ultrasound-guided needle insertion of a trocar into the POD was performed in six fresh frozen female cadavers and a live sheep animal model. Using an endovaginal probe the POD was identified as a fluid-filled space clear of bowel or adhesions, then a Veress needle was also used to confirm POD localization. Access to the POD was achieved using a robotic trocar designed for this purpose. The animal study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Asaf-Harofe hospital. Direct visualization during laparoscopy in cadavers and open cadaveric dissections confirmed safe POD entry and accurate trocar placement. This method was found feasible in the development of a safe vaginal entry in both the animal and cadaveric model, possibly negating the need for laparoscopic umbilical observation.

Peri- and postoperative management and outcomes of morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40 kg/m2) with gynaecological disease

INTRODUCTION

For the last two decades, obesity rates have been increasing in both developed and developing countries, with the number of obese women roughly doubling during this period (Stevens et al. in Popul Health Metr 10(1):33, 2012). Obesity represents one of the biggest epidemics of the 21st century. The aim of this retrospective study is to characterise the outcomes of gynaecologic surgeries in cases of extremely obese women with a body mass index (BMI) over 40 kg/m2.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective case control study in a single-centre setting. Our clinical database was searched for gynaecological operations performed on morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40 kg/m2) between 2009 and 2014 in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Hannover Medical School. We matched these results with random patients of normal body weight who had similar surgical procedures and diseases.

RESULTS

We included 97 obese patients in our case group and 99 patients in the control group. We found an association between a strongly elevated BMI and peri- and postoperative morbidity. Both intraoperative and postoperative complications are significantly increased in morbid obesity with a BMI over > 40 kg/m2. We observed intraoperative complications in 55.6% and postoperative complications in 50.5% of patients with extreme obesity. In contrast, the complication rate in the control group with a normal BMI was 11% intraoperatively (p = 0.0001) and 3% postoperatively (p = 0.0001). The data showed that perioperative and postoperative morbidity could be reduced by laparoscopic surgery in many cases, with a significant lower rate of difficulties with closing the wound, a significant shorter duration of surgery and a significant lower rate of infections combined with a significant lower reoperation rate and shorter hospital stay. In gynaecological-oncological diseases, we could demonstrate a reduced radicality during the operative procedure due to extreme obesity.

DISCUSSION

Dealing with the growing number of obese patients is essential, because the problems emerging from obesity are manifold for the treating hospitals as well as the general health system. For this high-risk patient group, it is indispensable to obtain a thorough overview of the patient's overall situation preoperatively to ensure good perioperative care and complications management.

Case-Mix Variables and Predictors for Outcomes of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review

The assessment of surgical quality is complex, and an adequate case-mix correction is missing in currently applied quality indicators. The purpose of this study is to give an overview of all studies mentioning statistically significant associations between patient characteristics and surgical outcomes for laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). Additionally, we identified a set of potential case-mix characteristics for LH. This systematic review was conducted according to the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. We searched PubMed and EMBASE from January 1, 2000 to August 1, 2015. All articles describing statistically significant associations between patient characteristics and adverse outcomes of LH for benign indications were included. Primary outcomes were blood loss, operative time, conversion, and complications. The methodologic quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The included articles were summed per predictor and surgical outcome. Three sets of case-mix characteristics were determined, stratified by different levels of evidence. Eighty-five of 1549 identified studies were considered eligible. Uterine weight and body mass index (BMI) were the most mentioned predictors (described, respectively, 83 and 45 times) in high quality studies. For longer operative time and higher blood loss, uterine weight ≥ 250 to 300 g and ≥500 g and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) dominated as predictors. Previous operations, adhesions, and higher age were also considered as predictors for longer operative time. For complications and conversions, the patient characteristics varied widely, and uterine weight, BMI, previous operations, adhesions, and age predominated. Studies of high methodologic quality indicated uterine weight and BMI as relevant case-mix characteristics for all surgical outcomes. For future development of quality indicators of LH and to compare surgical outcomes adequately, a case-mix correction is suggested for at least uterine weight and BMI. A potential case-mix correction for adhesions and previous operations can be considered. For both surgeons and patients it is valuable to be aware of potential factors predicting adverse outcomes and to anticipate this. Finally, to benchmark clinical outcomes at an international level, it is of the utmost importance to introduce uniform outcome definitions.

Safely Increase the Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy Rate: A Novel Three-Tiered Preoperative Categorization System Can Predict the Difficulty for Benign Disease

CONTEXT

A nonlaparotomic route is recommended for hysterectomy for benign indications.

OBJECTIVE

1) Predict the difficulty of hysterectomy to treat benign disease as measured by operative time and risk of laparotomy, 2) confirm the safety and quality of increasing our minimally invasive hysterectomy (MIH) rate, and 3) determine whether the assistant's experience affected the likelihood of an MIH being performed in equally difficult hysterectomies.

DESIGN

All hysterectomies for benign disease performed at the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center in Fontana, CA, in 2012 were reviewed for length of surgery, length of stay, complications, and readmissions. A three-tiered category system was developed from four preoperative parameters (body mass index, number of vaginal deliveries, clinical uterine size, and history of major abdominal surgery) to anticipate length and difficulty of surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Rates of MIH, complications, and readmissions as well as length of surgery and length of stay for similarly difficult hysterectomies. These outcomes were compared with surgeons' and assistants' experience.

RESULTS

Of 576 hysterectomies performed for benign disease, 89% were MIH with a 3% complication rate and 4% readmission rate. An increase in the hysterectomy category was statistically significantly associated with longer surgery times and a higher percentage of laparotomy. With the most experienced assistants, the MIH rate was 98%.

CONCLUSIONS

Using 4 preoperative parameters, the average operating time for hysterectomy for benign disease can be predicted. A higher hysterectomy category predicts a more difficult surgery. Our center has increased its MIH rate to 89% while maintaining safety.

Does increasing body mass index affect cerclage efficacy?

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and gestational age (GA) at delivery in patients with cervical insufficiency (CI) undergoing cerclage.

STUDY DESIGN

We accessed a database of patients with singleton gestations undergoing cerclage (N=168) for a well-characterized history of CI, shortened cervix <2.5 cm with a history of prior preterm delivery or prolapse of membranes through the external os. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to compare obstetrical outcomes between obese and normal-weight patients.

RESULT

Prior preterm delivery <35 weeks in obese vs normal-weight patients was significantly higher (44% vs 9%), odds ratio=6.9 (95% CI: 2.5, 18.5), with lower mean GA at delivery (32.6±7.0 vs 37.2±3.4 weeks, P<0.001). After controlling for confounders, BMI remained significantly predictive of prematurity (coefficient: -0.12, adjusted R (2)=0.24), such that every additional 1 unit of BMI was associated with a 1-day reduction in GA at delivery (P=0.03).

CONCLUSION

An inverse correlation exists between BMI and GA at delivery in patients with CI receiving cerclage. The findings are unexpected given the protective effect of obesity on spontaneous preterm delivery.

Incidence of complications in patients with benign gynecological diseases by BMI and level of complexity of laparoscopic surgery

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic surgery has become a standard surgical method for benign gynecological diseases, but the technique can still be accompanied, albeit infrequently, by intraoperative or postoperative complications. It has been postulated that the frequency of complications differs according to patient body habitus or surgical challenge level. We evaluated the relationship between the complication rate at different levels of surgery and BMI in patients with benign gynecological diseases who have undergone laparoscopic surgery at our hospital.

METHODS

A total of 3231 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery between 1989 and 2010 were enrolled in this study retrospectively. They were classified into four groups by surgery level (diagnostic laparoscopy or minor, major, or advanced laparoscopic surgery). At each challenge level, patients were classified into three groups based on BMI (as defined by the WHO): A group (underweight), BMI < 18.5; B group (healthy), BMI ≥ 18.5 and < 25; and C group (overweight), BMI ≥ 25. We compared the complication rates between the groups at each level of surgical challenge.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the complication rate between groups A, B and C at any of the surgical challenge levels. However, at the higher surgical difficulty levels, a higher incidence of overall complications was observed.

CONCLUSION

The complication rate differs between surgical levels, and complications can occur in any type of surgery, irrespective of the body habitus of the patient. The complication rate is higher when difficult surgical methods are employed, and extra caution is needed.

Total laparoscopic versus open surgery for stage 1 endometrial cancer: The LACE randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in Australia and the US. Current standard treatment involves open surgery to remove the uterus, and both tubes and ovaries (TAH). The Laparoscopic Approach to Cancer of the Endometrium (LACE) trial was designed to assess equivalence of performing this in a total laparoscopic approach (TLH).

METHODS

Patient recruitment was designed to proceed along two stages to accommodate for a potential increase in patient requests of laparoscopic surgery. During the first stage, patients are randomised in a 2:1 allocation to receive TLH or TAH, with the primary endpoint quality of life (QoL) at 6 month post-surgery, requiring 180 patients to be enrolled to have 80% power at alpha=0.05 to detect a clinically significant difference of 8 points on the Functional Assessment of Cancer General (FACT-G) QoL instrument. If additional recruitment of patients seems impossible after accrual of 180 patients, this cohort will be followed for 4 years, and disease free survival (DFS) of patients treated by TLH will be compared to DFS within the endometrial cancer population. During the second stage, recruitment will be extended to a total of 590 patients in a 1:1 TLH:TAH allocation, to assess the equivalence with respect to DFS with 80% power and alpha=0.05. Equivalence will be assumed if the difference in DFS does not exceed 7% at 4 years. Secondary outcomes include treatment related morbidity; costs and cost-effectiveness; patterns of recurrence; and overall survival. All data from this multicentre study will be entered using online electronic case report forms (e-CRF), allowing real time assessment of data completeness and patient follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The LACE trial will establish the equivalence of a TLH approach for patients with stage 1 endometrial cancer following a two stage protocol to accommodate potential threats to patient recruitment through requests for laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic management of benign adnexal mass in obese women

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare complications and rate of conversion to laparotomy between normal-weight, preobese, and obese women who underwent laparoscopic management of benign adnexal mass.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).

SETTING

Tertiary care teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred seventy women who underwent laparoscopic surgery because of benign adnexal mass were placed in three groups on the basis of their body mass index (BMI) using the World Health Organization's classification (normal-weight [BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2], preobese [BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2], and obese [BMI > or = 30 kg/m2]).

INTERVENTION

Retrospective comparison of conversions from laparoscopy to laparotomy, operative time, estimated blood loss, complications, history of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and length of hospital stay was carried out among the different groups.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Overall, 170 laparoscopic cases were evaluated (64 with normal-weight, 67 preobese, and 39 obese women). The rate of conversion to laparotomy was significantly higher in the obese and preobese groups compared with the normal-weight women (17.9%, 17.9% vs 1.5%, p < .01). Obese women were 13 times more likely to undergo conversion than normal-weight women (OR 13.78; 95% CI 1.76-29.1). In addition, obese women had significantly longer surgeries (143 +/- 87 minutes vs 114 +/- 41 minutes [p = .04]) and longer hospital stay (1.07 +/- 1.83 days vs 0.51 +/- 1.06 days [p = .04]) when compared with normal-weight women. There was no significant difference in history of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and adhesions at the time of laparoscopy between obese, preobese, and normal-weight women. The rate of complications was similar among the groups.

CONCLUSION

Obese and preobese women undergoing laparoscopic management of benign adnexal mass were found to be at an increased risk for conversion to laparotomy, longer surgery and longer hospital stay. Obese and preobese women should be counseled extensively on morbidity associated with laparoscopy.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy: Preoperative risk factors for conversion to laparotomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To identify the preoperative factors affecting the risk of conversion to laparotomy during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) indicated for benign conditions (surgery performed in cases of genital prolapse and/or urinary stress incontinence was excluded).

DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

University tertiary referral center for gynecologic endoscopic surgery.

PATIENTS

Four hundred sixteen consecutive patients who underwent TLH during the first 5 years of our experience performing TLH.

INTERVENTION

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The rate of conversion to laparotomy was 7% (29 patients). Factors that were found to be independently related to the risk of conversion to laparotomy are the following: body mass index (adjusted OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01-1.18); uterine width on transvaginal ultrasonography (US) between 8 and 10 cm (adjusted OR 4.01; 95% CI 1.54-10.45); uterine width on US greater than 10 cm (adjusted OR 9.17; 95% CI 2.74-30.63); lateral myoma measuring greater than 5 cm on US (adjusted OR 3.57; 95% CI 0.97-13.17); history of adhesion-causing abdominopelvic surgery (adjusted OR 2.92; 95% CI 1.23-6.94).

CONCLUSION

Transvaginal US evaluation is essential before performing TLH. Awareness of the risk factors for conversion to laparotomy is essential for proper patient information and better selection of patients.

[Laparoscopic total hysterectomy after radiochemotherapy in an obese woman with neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix: surgical and anesthesiological aspects]

Massive obesity is an important risk factor in gynaecologic surgery. The traumatic effect of traditional laparotomy on the parietal wall is responsible for important perioperative morbidity. We describe the first reported case of an obese woman (Body Mass Index = 55 kg/m2) with stage IIA neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix treated by laparoscopy after radiochemotherapy. After a complete response to radiochemotherapy, the patient underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. The laparoscopic procedure was performed with a low-pressure pneumoperitoneum. She was discharged at day 2. No major complication was observed. Surgical and anesthesiological laparoscopic management in obese women are discussed.

DIFFERENCES IN COMPLICATIONS AND OUTCOMES FOR OBESE PATIENTS UNDERGOING LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL, PARTIAL OR SIMPLE NEPHRECTOMY

PURPOSE

Obesity has increased dramatically in American society during the last 2 decades. While the laparoscopic approach is common for patients requiring radical and partial nephrectomy, it is unclear if this procedure leads to worse outcomes and complications in obese patients. We determined if obese patients undergoing laparoscopic radical (RN), partial (PN) and simple (SN) nephrectomy are at risk for worse surgical outcomes or increased complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified patients treated with nontransplant transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies from 1998 to 2003. Patients with missing body mass index (BMI), operative, postoperative or pathological information were excluded from study. Obese patients (BMI 30 or greater) were compared to nonobese patients (BMI less than 30).

RESULTS

A total of 189 patients undergoing 117 RN, 44 PN and 30 SNs met study criteria, and 29.0% of patients were obese. Overall obese patients had longer operative times (280 versus 241 minutes, p = 0.003), greater estimated surgical blood loss (230 versus 109 ml, p = 0.0001) and higher transfusion rates (6.8% versus 0.8%, p = 0.032) than nonobese patients. In subgroup analyses obese patients receiving RN and PN had longer operative times and increased blood loss. Obese and nonobese patients have similar open conversion rates, analgesic requirements, hospital stay, time to oral intake, and major and minor complication rates regardless of nephrectomy type.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic nephrectomy is associated with slightly greater operative time, estimated blood loss and transfusion rates in obese patients. Laparoscopic RN, PN and SN are safe and well tolerated in obese patients. Obesity is not a contraindication to laparoscopic renal surgery.

Increased body mass index predicts increased blood loss during radical cystectomy

PURPOSE

Historically obesity has been thought to impact negatively patients undergoing surgery. We evaluated the impact of body mass index (BMI), an objective measure of obesity, on operative and perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed the records of 304 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion between October 1995 and July 2000. Factors analyzed included BMI, clinical demographic characteristics, comorbidities, operative variables (eg estimated blood loss [EBL], transfusion requirement and operative time), length of stay and postoperative complications. Results were analyzed using the nonpaired heteroscedastic Student t test assuming unequal variances to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

Of the patients 61% were overweight or obese (BMI 25 or greater). BMI did not correlate with type of urinary diversion, gender or race. On univariate analysis the preoperative variables age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score and BMI correlated with EBL. However, on multivariate analysis BMI was the only preoperative or operative variable that significantly correlated with EBL (p = 0.01). Mean EBL in patients with a normal BMI (less than 25) was 595 ml compared to the mean EBL for overweight and obese patients (25 or greater of 811 ml (p <0.001). However, BMI did not correlate with the complication rate or hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

On multivariate analysis considering preoperative and operative variables BMI was the only preoperative variable that predicted increased blood loss. Despite this finding overweight or obese patients in this series did not have a higher complication rate or longer hospital stay.

Small Intestine Injury in Laparoscopic-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To review laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) cases for instances of small intestine injury.

DESIGN

Retrospective review (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2).

SETTING

Tertiary care university hospital.

PATIENTS

Two thousand six hundred eighty-two women.

INTERVENTION

LAVH.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Indications for hysterectomy were myomata uteri, adenomyosis, intractable menorrhagia, endometriosis, severe pelvic adhesions, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, endometrial polyps, and hyperplasia. Small bowel injuries occurred in five women (1.9/1000), one (20%) of which was recognized postoperatively. Thermal injuries occurred in two patients, trocar injuries in two, and a dissection wound in one. Two-layer closure was performed for three patients, and partial resection with reanastomosis for two. All patients were discharged without sequelae.

CONCLUSION

Small bowel injury during LAVH is not common. It may have unusual characteristics and devastating consequences if not recognized and treated promptly.

Major complications associated with laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy: ten-year experience

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To describe our experience with major complications associated with laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and compare our results with those of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) membership survey and another similar study.

DESIGN

Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital.

PATIENTS

Two thousand seven hundred two women. Intervention. LAVH.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Demographic data and medical histories (age, parity, surgical indications, pathologic findings, major complications) were analyzed. Major complications were 11 bladder injuries, 4 ureter injuries, 11 bowel injuries, 2 vascular injuries, 2 cases of massive bleeding from the vaginal cuff or colpotomy wound with associated impending shock, 2 cases of postoperative ileus, and 2 pelvic abscesses. Our overall major complication rate was 1.3% compared with 2.7% in the AAGL 1995 membership survey (p <0.001). Similar rates of febrile morbidity (2.2% and 2.0%), bleeding requiring transfusion (0.05% and 0.06%), and bowel, ureteral, or bladder injury (1.0% and 1.0%) were noted between our study and the other 1995 study (all p >0.05). Of 34 major complications in our study, 24 occurred during hysterectomy performed by inexperienced general gynecologists and 10 by an experienced endoscopist (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The rate of major complications associated with LAVH can be reduced when the procedure is performed by a well-trained laparoscopic surgeon compared with a less-experienced general gynecologist.

Effects of closed suction drainage in reducing pain after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To estimate whether closed suction drainage of the pelvis after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) reduces the frequency and intensity of shoulder-tip, abdominal, and back pain.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized study (Canadian Task Force classification 1).

SETTING

Teaching medical center.

PATIENTS

One hundred sixty-four women.

INTERVENTION

LAVH.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

For group 1 (80 women), closed suction (Jackson-Pratt) drains were inserted into the peritoneal cavity and cul-de-sac, whereas for group 2 (84), no drains were placed. Shoulder-tip, abdominal, and back pain were evaluated by visual analog scores (VAS) 3, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. The frequency of shoulder-tip pain was significantly lower in group 1 at 24 hours (23% vs 40%, p = 0.013) and 48 hours (9% vs 21%, p = 0.024; VAS scores at 24 hrs 2.2 +/- 1.1 vs 3.8 +/- 1.3, p = 0.010; VAS scores at 48 hours 1.5 +/- 1.0 vs 2.5 +/- 1.2, p = 0.018). At 48 hours fewer women in group 1 experienced abdominal pain (31% vs 50%, p = 0.039; VAS scores 2.0 +/- 1.1 vs 4.0 +/- 1.3, p = 0.007). No statistically significant differences in frequency and VAS scores for back pain were found at any time. The quantity of oral analgesics was greater for group 2 than for group 1 (12.4 +/- 1.6 vs 9.0 +/- 1.4, p <0.001). Economic evaluation of analgesic requirements and material costs for the two groups showed that simple analgesics were more cost-effective than closed suction drainage in the treatment of pain.

CONCLUSION

Closed suction drains may reduce the frequency and intensity of shoulder-tip and abdominal pain and postoperative analgesia requirements after LAVH, but simple oral analgesics are more cost effective.

Short- and long-term clinical results of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare short- and long-term clinical results of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital.

PATIENTS

One hundred fifty women who underwent LAVH and 146 who underwent TAH.

INTERVENTION

Hysterectomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Blood loss during surgery, narcotic analgesic consumption, duration of hospital stay, and convalescence time were significantly higher for women who underwent TAH than for those who underwent LAVH (p <0.05). Operating time was significantly longer for LAVH than for TAH (152.2 +/- 32.4 vs 96.5 +/- 29.6 min, p = 0.014). Eight-year follow-up showed no statistically significant differences in vaginal vault prolapse, cystocele, rectocele, enterocele, postcoital spotting, and cuff granulation between procedures (p >0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although short-term clinical results revealed some statistically significant differences between LAVH and TAH, long-term follow-up recorded similar frequencies of surgical sequelae.