Histological analysis of (antral) follicle density in ovarian cortex tissue attached to stripped endometriomas

PURPOSE

When resecting endometriomas with the stripping technique, in the majority of cases, a thin line of adjacent ovarian cortex is attached to the endometrioma. In this study, we performed histological analysis to determine (antral) follicle density in the ovarian cortex tissue attached to stripped endometriomas and assessed patient- and surgical characteristics that could affect this.

METHODS

Histological slides of previously removed endometriomas were assessed. Follicles in the attached ovarian tissue were classified according to maturation, and follicular density was determined. Immunofluorescent staining of antral follicles in a subset of endometriomas was also performed.

RESULTS

In 90 out of 96 included endometriomas (93.7%), ovarian tissue attached to the cyst wall was observed. One thousand nine hundred forty-four follicles at different maturation stages were identified (3 follicles/mm3). Follicle density was negatively associated with age (p < 0.001). Antral follicles (< 7-mm diameter) were present in the ovarian tissue attached to 35 endometriomas (36.5%) derived from younger patients compared to endometriomas where none were detected (30 versus 35 years, p = 0.003). Antral follicle density was 1 follicle/mm3. Based on immunofluorescence, healthy antral follicles were identified in two out of four examined endometriomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian tissue attached to stripped endometriomas holds potential as a non-invasive source for antral follicles. In theory, application of IVM could be an interesting alternative FP option in young patients with endometriomas who undergo cystectomy in order to transform the surgical collateral damage to a potential oocyte source. Our results encourage future research with fresh tissue to further assess the quality and potential of these follicles.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: B21.055 (METC LDD), date of registration 12-08-2021, retrospectively registered.

The (cost-) effectiveness Of Surgical excision of Colorectal endometriosis compared to ART treatment trAjectory (TOSCA study) - a study protocol

Currently, the optimal treatment to increase the chance of pregnancy and live birth in patients with colorectal endometriosis and subfertility is unknown. Evidence suggests that that both surgery and in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are effective in improving live birth rate (LBR) among these women. However, the available evidence is of low quality, reports highly heterogeneous results, lacks direct comparison between both treatment options and does not assess whether a combination strategy results in a higher LBR compared to IVF/ICSI-only treatment. Additionally, the optimal timing of surgery within the treatment trajectory remains unclear. The primary objective of the TOSCA study is to assess the effectiveness of surgical treatment (potentially combined with IVF/ICSI) compared to IVF/ICSI-only treatment to increase the chance of an ongoing pregnancy resulting in a live birth in patients with colorectal endometriosis and subfertility, measured by cumulative LBR. Secondary objectives are to assess and compare quality of life and cost-effectiveness in both groups. Patients will be followed for 40 months after inclusion or until live birth. The TOSCA study is expected to be completed in 6 years.

Evaluation of the effect of previous endometriosis surgery on clinical and surgical outcomes of subsequent endometriosis surgery

PURPOSE

Patients often undergo repeat surgery for endometriosis, due to recurrent or residual disease. Previous surgery is often considered a risk factor for worse surgical outcome. However, data are scarce concerning the influence of subsequent endometriosis surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective study in a centre of expertise for endometriosis was conducted. All endometriosis subtypes and intra-operative steps were included. Detailed information regarding surgical history of patients was collected. Surgical time, intra-operative steps and major post-operative complications were obtained as outcome measures.

RESULTS

595 patients were included, of which 45.9% had previous endometriosis surgery. 7.9% had major post-operative complications and 4.4% intra-operative complications. The patient journey showed a median of 3 years between previous endometriosis surgeries. Each previous therapeutic laparotomic surgery resulted on average in 13 additional minutes (p = 0.013) of surgical time. Additionally, it resulted in more frequent performance of adhesiolysis (OR 2.96, p < 0.001) and in a higher risk for intra-operative complications (OR 1.81, p = 0.045), however no higher risk for major post-operative complications (OR 1.29, p = 0.418). Previous therapeutic laparoscopic endometriosis surgery, laparotomic and laparoscopic non-endometriosis surgery showed no association with surgical outcomes. Regardless of previous surgery, disc and segmental bowel resection showed a higher risk for major post-operative complications (OR 3.64, p = 0.017 respectively OR 3.50, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Previous therapeutic laparotomic endometriosis surgery shows an association with longer surgical time, the need to perform adhesiolysis, and more intra-operative complications in the subsequent surgery for endometriosis. However, in a centre of expertise with experienced surgeons, no increased risk of major post-operative complications was observed.

Biomarker identification for endometriosis as a target for real-time intraoperative fluorescent imaging: A new approach using transcriptomic analysis to broaden the search for potential biomarkers

Intra-operative fluorescent imaging of endometriosis could help to optimize surgical treatment. Potential biomarkers to use as target for endometriosis-binding fluorescent probes were identified using a new five-phase transcriptomics-based approach to broaden the search for biomarkers. Using publicly available datasets, a differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis was performed for endometriosis versus surgically relevant surrounding tissue (peritoneum, bladder, sigmoid, rectum, transverse colon, small intestine, vagina, and fallopian tubes) for which data was available. The remaining relevant surrounding tissues were analyzed for low expression levels. DEGs with a predicted membranous or extracellular location and with low expression levels in surrounding tissue were identified as candidate targets. Modified Target Selection Criteria were used to rank candidate targets based on the highest potential for use in fluorescent imaging. 29 potential biomarkers were ranked, resulting in Folate receptor 1 as the most potential biomarker. This is a first step towards finding a fluorescent tracer for intra-operative visualization of endometriosis. Additionally, this approach, using transcriptomics analysis to identifying candidate targets for a specific type of tissue for use in fluorescence-guided surgery could be translated to other surgical fields. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A new approach using transcriptomics analysis is shown to identify candidate targets for intra-operative fluorescent imaging for endometriosis, resulting in 29 potential candidates.

EQUSUM: Endometriosis QUality and grading instrument for SUrgical performance: proof of concept study for automatic digital registration and classification scoring for r-ASRM, EFI and Enzian

STUDY QUESTION

Is electronic digital classification/staging of endometriosis by the EQUSUM application more accurate in calculating the scores/stages and is it easier to use compared to non-digital classification?

SUMMARY ANSWER

We developed the first digital visual classification system in endometriosis (EQUSUM). This merges the three currently most frequently used separate endometriosis classification/scoring systems (i.e. revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine (rASRM), Enzian and Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI)) to allow uniform and adequate classification and registration, which is easy to use. The EQUSUM showed significant improvement in correctly classifying/scoring endometriosis and is more user-friendly compared to non-digital classification.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Endometriosis classification is complex and until better classification systems are developed and validated, ideally all women with endometriosis undergoing surgery should have a correct rASRM score and stage, while women with deep endometriosis (DE) should have an Enzian classification and if there is a fertility wish, the EFI score should be calculated.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

A prospective endometriosis classification proof of concept study under experts in deep endometriosis was conducted. A comparison was made between currently used non-digital classification formats for endometriosis versus a newly developed digital classification application (EQUSUM).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

A hypothetical operative endometriosis case was created and summarized in both non-digital and digital form. During European endometriosis expert meetings, 45 DE experts were randomly assigned to the classic group versus the digital group to provide a proper classification of this DE case. Each expert was asked to provide the rASRM score and stage, Enzian and EFI score. Twenty classic forms and 20 digital forms were analysed. Questions about the user-friendliness (system usability scale (SUS) and subjective mental effort questionnaire (SMEQ)) of both systems were collected.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

The rASRM stage was scored completely correctly by 10% of the experts in the classic group compared to 75% in the EQUSUM group (P < 0. 01). The rASRM numerical score was calculated correctly by none of the experts in the classic group compared with 70% in the EQUSUM group (P < 0.01). The Enzian score was correct in 60% of the classic group compared to 90% in the EQUSUM group (P = 0.03). EFI scores were calculated correctly in 25% of the classic group versus 85% in the EQUSUM group (P < 0.01). Finally, the usability measured with the SUS was significantly better in the EQUSUM group compared to the classic group: 80.8 ± 11.4 and 61.3 ± 20.5 (P < 0.01). Also the mental effort measured with the SMEQ was significant lower in the EQUSUM group compared to the classic group: 52.1 ± 18.7 and 71.0 ± 29.1 (P = 0.04). Future research should further develop and confirm these initial findings by conducting similar studies with larger study groups, to limit the possible role of chance.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

These first results are promising, however it is important to note that this is a preliminary result of experts in DE and needs further testing in daily practice with different types (complex and easy) of endometriosis cases and less experienced gynaecologists in endometriosis surgery.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This is the first time that the rASRM, Enzian and EFI are combined in one web-based application to simplify correct and automatic endometriosis classification/scoring and surgical registration through infographics. Collection of standardized data with the EQUSUM could improve endometriosis reporting and increase the uniformity of scientific output. However, this requires a broad implementation.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

To launch the EQUSUM application, a one-time financial support was provided by Medtronic to cover the implementation cost. No competing interests were declared.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Surgical phase modelling in minimal invasive surgery

Background

Surgical Process Modelling (SPM) offers the possibility to automatically gain insight in the surgical workflow, with the potential to improve OR logistics and surgical care. Most studies have focussed on phase recognition modelling of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy, because of its standard and frequent execution. To demonstrate the broad applicability of SPM, more diverse and complex procedures need to be studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracy in which we can recognise and extract surgical phases in laparoscopic hysterectomies (LHs) with inherent variability in procedure time. To show the applicability of the approach, the model was used to automatically predict surgical end-times.

Methods

A dataset of 40 video-recorded LHs was manually annotated for instrument use and divided into ten surgical phases. The use of instruments provided the feature input for building a Random Forest surgical phase recognition model that was trained to automatically recognise surgical phases. Tenfold cross-validation was performed to optimise the model for predicting the surgical end-time throughout the procedure.

Results

Average surgery time is 128 ± 27 min. Large variability within specific phases is seen. Overall, the Random Forest model reaches an accuracy of 77% recognising the current phase in the procedure. Six of the phases are predicted accurately over 80% of their duration. When predicting the surgical end-time, on average an error of 16 ± 13 min is reached throughout the procedure.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates an intra-operative approach to recognise surgical phases in 40 laparoscopic hysterectomy cases based on instrument usage data. The model is capable of automatic detection of surgical phases for generation of a solid prediction of the surgical end-time.

Measuring surgical safety during minimally invasive surgical procedures: a validation study

BACKGROUND

During the implementation of new interventions (i.e., surgical devices and technologies) in the operating room, surgical safety might be compromised. Current safety measures are insufficient in detecting safety hazards during this process. The aim of the study was to observe whether surgical teams are capable of measuring surgical safety, especially with regard to the introduction of new interventions.

METHODS

A Surgical Safety Questionnaire was developed that had to be filled out directly postoperative by three surgical team members. A potential safety concern was defined as at least one answer between (strongly) disagree and indifferent. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed by comparison with the results from video analysis. Two different observers annotated the presence and effect of surgical flow disturbances during 40 laparoscopic hysterectomies performed between November 2010 and April 2012.

RESULTS

The surgeon reported a potential safety concern in 16% (85/520 questions). With respect to the scrub nurse and anesthesiologist, this was both 9% (46/520). With respect to the preparation, functioning, and ease of use of the devices in 37.5-47.5% (15-19/40 procedures) a potential safety concern was reported by one or more team members. During procedures after which a potential safety concern was reported, surgical flow disturbances lasted a higher percentage of the procedure duration [9.3 ± 6.2 vs. 2.9 ± 3.7% (mean ± SD), p < .001]. After procedures during which a new instrument or device was used, more potential safety concerns were reported (51.2 vs. 23.1%, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Potential safety concerns were especially reported during procedures in which a relatively high percentage of the duration consisted of surgical flow disturbances and during procedures in which a new instrument or device was used. The Surgical Safety Questionnaire can act as a validated tool to evaluate and maintain surgical safety during minimally invasive procedures, especially during the introduction of a new intervention.

A dynamic quality assessment tool for laparoscopic hysterectomy to measure surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

The current health care system has an urgent need for tools to measure quality. A wide range of quality indicators have been developed in an attempt to differentiate between high-quality and low-quality health care processes. However, one of the main issues of currently used indicators is the lack of case-mix correction and improvement possibilities. Case-mix is defined as specific (patient) characteristics that are known to potentially affect (surgical) outcome. If these characteristics are not taken into consideration, comparisons of outcome among health care providers may not be valid.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to develop and test a quality assessment tool for laparoscopic hysterectomy, which can serve as a new outcome quality indicator.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a prospective, international, multicenter implementation study. A web-based application was developed with 3 main goals: (1) to measure the surgeon's performance using 3 primary outcomes (blood loss, operative time, and complications); (2) to provide immediate individual feedback using cumulative observed-minus-expected graphs; and (3) to detect consistently suboptimal performance after correcting for case-mix characteristics. All gynecologists who perform laparoscopic hysterectomies were requested to register their procedures in the application. A patient safety risk factor checklist was used by the surgeon for reflection. Thereafter a prospective implementation study was performed, and the application was tested using a survey that included the System Usability Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 2066 laparoscopic hysterectomies were registered by 81 gynecologists. Mean operative time was 100 ± 39 minutes, blood loss 127 ± 163 mL, and the complication rate 6.1%. The overall survey response rate was 75%, and the mean System Usability Scale was 76.5 ± 13.6, which indicates that the application was good to excellent. The majority of surgeons reported that the application made them more aware of their performance, the outcomes, and patient safety, and they noted that the application provided motivation for improving future performance.

CONCLUSION

We report the development and test of a real-time, dynamic, quality assessment tool for measuring individual surgical outcome for laparoscopic hysterectomy. Importantly, this tool provides opportunities for improving surgical performance. Our study provides a foundation for helping clinicians develop evidence-based quality indicators for other surgical procedures.

A dynamic quality assessment tool for laparoscopic hysterectomy to measure surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

The current healthcare system has an urgent need for tools to measure quality. A wide range of quality indicators have been developed in an attempt to differentiate between high-quality and low-quality healthcare processes. However, one of the main issues of currently used indicators is the lack of case-mix correction and improvement possibilities. Case-mix is defined as specific (patient) characteristics that are known to potentially affect (surgical) outcome. If these characteristics are not taken into consideration, comparisons of outcome among healthcare providers may not be valid OBJECTIVE: To develop and test a quality assessment tool for laparoscopic hysterectomy, which can serve as a new outcome quality indicator STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective international multicenter implementation study. A web-based application (.www.qusum.org) was developed with three main goals: to measure the surgeon's performance using three primary outcomes (blood loss, operative time, and complications); to provide immediate individual feedback using cumulative Observed-minus-Expected graphs; and to detect consistently suboptimal performance after correcting for case-mix characteristics. All gynecologists who perform laparoscopic hysterectomies were requested to register their procedures in the application. A patient safety risk factor checklist was used by the surgeon for reflection. Thereafter, a prospective implementation study was performed, and the application was tested using a survey that included the System Usability Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 2066 laparoscopic hysterectomies were registered by 81 gynecologists. Mean operative time was 100±39 minutes, blood loss 127±163ml, and the complication rate 6.1%. The overall survey response rate was 75%, and the mean System Usability Scale was 76.5±13.6, which indicates that the application was good to excellent. The majority of surgeons reported that the application made them more aware of their performance, the outcomes, and patient safety, and they noted that the application provided motivation for improving future performance.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the development and test of a real-time, dynamic quality assessment tool for measuring individual surgical outcome for laparoscopic hysterectomy. Importantly, this tool provides opportunities for improving surgical performance. Our study provides a foundation for helping clinicians develop evidence-based quality indicators for other surgical procedures.

Surgical flow disturbances in dedicated minimally invasive surgery suites: an observational study to assess its supposed superiority over conventional suites

Background

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is frequently compromised by surgical flow disturbances due to technology- and equipment-related failures. Compared with MIS in a conventional cart-based OR, performing MIS in a dedicated integrated operating room (OR) is supposed to be beneficial to patient safety. The aim of this study was to compare a conventional OR with an integrated OR with regard to the incidence and effect of equipment-related surgical flow disturbances during an advanced laparoscopic gynecological procedure [laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH)].

Methods

Using video recording, 40 LHs performed between November 2010 and April 2012 (20 in a conventional cart-based OR and 20 in an integrated OR) were analyzed by two different observers. Outcome measures were the number, duration and effect (on a seven-point ordinal scale) of the surgical flow disturbances (e.g., malfunctioning, intraoperative repositioning, setup device).

Results

A total of 103 h and 45 min was observed. The interobserver agreement was high (kappa .85, p < .001). Procedure time was not significantly different (NS) [conventional OR vs. integrated OR, minutes ± standard deviation (SD), mean 161 ± 27 vs. 150 ± 34]. A total of 1651 surgical flow disturbances were observed (mean ± SD per procedure 40.8 ± 19.4 vs. 41.8 ± 15.9, NS). The mean number of surgical flow disturbances per procedure with regard to equipment was 6.3 ± 3.7 versus 8.5 ± 4.0, NS. No clinically relevant differences in the mean effect of these disturbances on the surgical flow between the two OR setups were observed.

Conclusions

Performing LH in an integrated OR did not reduce the number of surgical flow disturbances nor the effect of these disturbances. Furthermore, in the integrated OR, repositioning of the monitors was a frequent and time-consuming source of disturbance. In order to maintain the high standard of surgical safety, the entire surgical team has to be aware that by performing surgery in an integrated OR different potential source for disruption arise.

Hysterectomy in very obese and morbidly obese patients: a systematic review with cumulative analysis of comparative studies

PURPOSE

Some studies suggest that also regarding the patient with a body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m(2) the minimally invasive approach to hysterectomy is superior. However, current practice and research on the preference of gynaecologists still show that the rate of abdominal hysterectomy (AH) increases as the BMI increases. A systematic review with cumulative analysis of comparative studies was performed to evaluate the outcomes of AH, laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) and vaginal hysterectomy (VH) in very obese and morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥35 kg/m(2)).

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE were searched for records on AH, LH and VH for benign indications or (early stage) malignancy through October 2014. Included studies were graded on level of evidence. Studies with a comparative design were pooled in a cumulative analysis.

RESULTS

Two randomized controlled trials, seven prospective studies and 14 retrospective studies were included (2232 patients; 1058 AHs, 959 LHs, and 215 VHs). The cumulative analysis identified that, compared to LH, AH was associated with more wound dehiscence [risk ratio (RR) 2.58, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.71-3.90; P = 0.000], more wound infection (RR 4.36, 95 % CI 2.79-6.80; P = 0.000), and longer hospital admission (mean difference 2.9 days, 95 % CI 1.96-3.74; P = 0.000). The pooled conversion rate was 10.6 %. Compared to AH, VH was associated with similar advantages as LH.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to AH, both LH and VH are associated with fewer postoperative complications and shorter length of hospital stay. Therefore, the feasibility of LH and VH should be considered prior the abdominal approach to hysterectomy in very obese and morbidly obese patients.

Visual force feedback improves knot-tying security

BACKGROUND

Residents in surgical specialties suture multiple wounds in their daily routine and are expected to be able to perform simple sutures without supervision of experienced surgeons. To learn basic suture skills such as needle insertion and knot tying, applying an appropriate magnitude of force in the desired direction is essential. To investigate if training with real-time visual force feedback improves the suture skills of novices, a study was conducted using a training platform that measures all forces exerted on a skin pad, i.e., the ForceTRAP.

METHOD

Two groups of novices were trained on this training platform during a suture task. One group (nov-c) received no visual force feedback during training, whereas the test group (nov-t) trained with visual feedback. The posttest and follow-up test were performed without visual force feedback.

RESULTS

A significant difference in reaction force, (nov-c: mean 2.47N standard deviation [SD] ± 0.62, nov-t: mean 1.79N SD ± 0.37), suture strength (nov-c: median 25N interquartile range (IQR) 15, nov-t: median 50N interquartile range 25), and task time (nov-c: mean 109s SD ± 22, nov-t: mean 134s SD ± 31) was found between the control and training group of the posttest.

CONCLUSION

Participants that are trained with visual force feedback produce the most secure knots in the posttest and their suturing results in lower applied forces. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that visual force feedback supports students while learning to insert the needle smoothly, to effectively align the suture threads and to balance the force between instruments during knot tying. However, for long-term learning effects, probably more than 1 training session is required.

Clinical relevance of conversion rate and its evaluation in laparoscopic hysterectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To estimate the current conversion rate in laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH); to estimate the influence of patient, procedure, and performer characteristics on conversion; and to hypothesize the extent to which conversion rate can act as a means of evaluation in LH.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

The study included 79 gynecologists representing 42 hospitals throughout the Netherlands. This reflects 75% of all gynecologists performing LH in the Netherlands, and 68% of all hospitals.

PATIENTS

Data from 1534 LH procedures were collected between 2008 and 2010.

INTERVENTION

All participants in the nationwide LapTop registration study recorded each consecutive LH they performed during 1 year.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Conversion rate and odds ratios (OR) of risk factors for conversion were calculated. Conversions were described as reactive or strategic. The literature reported a conversion rate for LH of 0% to 19% (mean, 3.5%). In our cohort, 70 LH procedures (4.6%) were converted. Using a mixed-effects logistic regression model, we estimated independent risk factors for conversion. Body mass index (BMI) (p = .002), uterus weight (p < .001), type of LH (p = .004), and age (p = .02) had a significant influence on conversion. The risk of conversion was increased at BMI >35 (OR, 6.53; p < .001), age >65 years (OR, 6.97; p = .007), and uterus weight 200 to 500 g (OR, 4.05; p < .001) and especially >500 g (OR, 30.90; p < .001). A variation that was not explained by the covariates included in our model was identified and referred to as the "surgical skills factor" (average OR, 2.79; p = .001).

CONCLUSION

Use of estimated risk factors (BMI, age, uterus weight, and surgical skills) provides better insight into the risk of conversion. Conversion rate can be used as a means of evaluation to ensure better outcomes of LH in future patients.

Achieving consensus on the definition of conversion to laparotomy: a Delphi study among general surgeons, gynecologists, and urologists

BACKGROUND

In laparoscopic surgery, conversion to laparotomy is associated with worse clinical outcomes, especially if the conversion is due to a complication. Although apparently important, no commonly used definition of conversion exists. The aim of this study was to achieve multidisciplinary consensus on a uniform definition of conversion.

METHODS

On the basis of definitions currently used in the literature, a web-based Delphi consensus study was conducted among members of all four Dutch endoscopic societies. The rate of agreement (RoA) was calculated; a RoA of >70% suggested consensus.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 268 respondents in the first Delphi round (response rate, 45.6%); 43% were general surgeons, 49% gynecologists, and 8% urologists. Average ± standard deviation laparoscopic experience was 12.5 ± 7.2 years. On the basis of the results of round 1, a consensus definition was compiled. Conversion to laparotomy is an intraoperative switch from a laparoscopic to an open abdominal approach that meets the criteria of one of the two subtypes: strategic conversion, a standard laparotomy that is made directly after the assessment of the feasibility of completing the procedure laparoscopically and because of anticipated operative difficulty or logistic considerations; and reactive conversion, the need for a laparotomy because of a complication or (extension of an incision) because of (anticipated) operative difficulty after a considerable amount of dissection (i.e., >15 min in time). A laparotomy after a diagnostic laparoscopy (i.e., to assess the curability of the disease) should not be considered a conversion. In the second Delphi round, a RoA of 90% was achieved with this definition.

CONCLUSIONS

After two Delphi rounds, consensus on a uniform multidisciplinary definition of conversion was achieved within a representative group of general surgeons, gynecologists, and urologists. An unambiguous interpretation will result in a more reliable clinical registration of conversion and scientific evaluation of the feasibility of a laparoscopic procedure.

[Safe introduction of laparoscopic hysterectomy using a mentor]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the introduction of laparoscopic hysterectomy in a teaching hospital by means of a structured mentor-traineeship.

DESIGN

Retrospective, with prospectively designed database.

METHODS

By means of a mentor-traineeship the technique of laparoscopic hysterectomy was introduced to two gynaecologists in a teaching hospital. The primary outcome measures of the laparoscopic hysterectomies were duration of the operation, blood loss and complications. In addition, patient characteristics as well as main indication for surgery were analysed. The training period was defined per trainee as the relationship between operation duration and consecutive operations. Similar outcome measures of all laparoscopic hysterectomies performed during the same period by the mentor in his own hospital were used as a reference.

RESULTS

During both mentor-traineeships, the main indication for surgery, the operation characteristics and the percentage of complications were comparable between trainee and mentor (p = 0.633). The operating time did not differ clinically significantly between trainee and mentor. Both trainees realised a learning curve, while the operating time remained statistically constant and comparable to that of the mentor. During the mentor-traineeships and the two following years the number of laparoscopic hysterectomies increased (p = 0.001), while the number of abdominal hysterectomies diminished (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

A mentor was able to effectively introduce laparoscopic hysterectomy in a clinic without jeopardizing patient safety, as main indication, operating time and percentage of complications were comparable to those of the mentor in his/her own hospital. Due to this safe method of introduction of the new procedure more patients are able to benefit from the advantages of this surgical technique.