Michael A. Ulm

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.

Video-assisted genetic counseling in patients with ovarian, fallopian and peritoneal carcinoma

OBJECTIVES To compare the proportion of patients with ovarian, fallopian or peritoneal carcinoma who receive genetic testing after observing a genetic counseling video versus after traditional referral for genetic counseling and testing at physician discretion. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients seen at the West Cancer Center for evaluation of ovarian, fallopian or peritoneal carcinoma from 7/2014 to 8/2015. Patients seen between 7/2014 and 12/2014 were offered standard genetic counseling. We adopted a new standard of care from 3/2015 to 8/2015 involving the use of a genetic counseling video on a digital tablet. The video was shown to patients with ovarian, fallopian or peritoneal cancer, who were then given the option to undergo genetic testing at the end of the viewing. We compared the number and proportion of patients who received genetic testing in both groups. RESULTS The initial group of 267 patients received referral and te\sting at the physicians discretion between 8/2014 and 12/2014. 77/267 (29%) of these patients underwent genetic testing. 295 patients viewed the condensed genetic counseling video with the option to receive testing the same day between 3/2015 and 8/2015. 162/295 (55%) of these patients received testing. The transition from a referral method to the video counseling method resulted in a significant increase of patients tested (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Using a genetic counseling video and providing an immediate option for testing significantly increased the proportion of patients with ovarian, fallopian or peritoneal carcinoma who received genetic testing.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma in an extrauterine adenomyoma.

BACKGROUND: Focal involvement by endometrioid adenocarcinoma in an extrauterine adenomyoma in a patient with stage 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma presented a unique problem in staging and management of extrauterine endometrial cancer. CASE: A 49-year-old white woman, gravida 0, referred for endometrioid adenocarcinoma was found to have an extrauterine adenomyoma involved with endometrioid adenocarcinoma in the inguinal canal after surgical staging. The endometrioid adenocarcinoma involving the extrauterine adenomyoma was low-grade and noninvasive, representing an embryological anomaly transformed into endometrioid adenocarcinoma by unopposed estrogen. Stage 1A, grade 2 endometrioid adenocarcinoma was diagnosed and observed. CONCLUSION: Stage 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma with concurrent, noninvasive, focal involvement in an extrauterine adenomyoma represents a secondary site and does not alter disease stage.

Celecoxib versus ketorolac following robotic hysterectomy for the management of postoperative pain: An open-label randomized control trial

OBJECTIVE Compare postoperative pain scores following hysterectomy in patients receiving perioperative celecoxib versus postoperative ketorolac as part of a multimodal pain regimen. METHODS Patients undergoing hysterectomy were randomized to receive scheduled intravenous ketorolac in the immediate postoperative period or oral celecoxib prior to surgery and continued for a total seven days. All patients received a common multimodal pain protocol consisting of scheduled acetaminophen, gabapentin, and opioids as needed. Inpatient pain scores and postoperative opioid use were analyzed. A questionnaire regarding outpatient opioid use and return to normal activities of daily living (ADLs) was returned two weeks postoperatively. RESULTS 192 patients were assessed for eligibility and 170 patients were randomized. Enrollment of patients undergoing open hysterectomy was closed prematurely for poor accruement (n = 32). 138 patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy were included were analyzed. There were no differences for inpatient pain scores (2.7 ± 1.9 v. 2.4 ± 1.6, p = 0.21). Average length of stay was similar between the two arms (11.6 ± 8.1 h v. 11.9 ± 7.6 h, p = 0.41). Patients in the celecoxib arm used less prescription opioids (6.0 ± 3.6 v. 8.1 ± 4.0, p = 0.001) and stopped using oral opioids earlier (3.8 ± 2.6 days v. 5.7 ± 2.8 days, p < 0.001). No differences were seen in inpatient opioid or anti-emetic usage, perioperative complications, or days to return to ADLs. CONCLUSIONS There was no difference in inpatient pain scores between patients who received celecoxib or ketorolac as part of multimodal pain control following robotic hysterectomy. Patients who received scheduled celecoxib for seven days after surgery used less prescription narcotics.