Okechukwu A. Ibeanu

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in gynecology: a multi-institutional evaluation

OBJECTIVE The study objectives were to determine the surgical outcomes of a large series of gynecology patients treated with laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective, multi-institutional analysis of gynecology patients treated with LESS in 2009. Patients underwent surgery via a single 1.5- to 2.5-cm umbilical incision with a multichannel single port. RESULTS A total of 74 women underwent LESS. Procedures were performed for benign pelvic masses (n = 39), endometrial hyperplasia (n = 9), endometrial (n = 15) and ovarian (n = 6) cancers, and nongynecologic malignancies (n = 5). Median patient age and body mass index were 47 years and 28, respectively. A Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was computed and demonstrated a significant linear relationship between the operating time and number of cases for cancer staging (r = -0.71; n = 26; P < .001) and nonstaging (r = -0.78; n = 48; P < .002) procedures. Perioperative complications were low (3%). CONCLUSION LESS is feasible, safe, and reproducible in gynecology patients with benign and cancerous conditions. Operative times are reasonable and can be decreased with experience.

Urinary tract injury during hysterectomy based on universal cystoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and location of injury to the urinary tract during hysterectomy for benign gynecologic disease. METHODS: This was a prospective clinical study in an academic environment performed at three sites. Diagnostic cystourethroscopy was performed on all patients after hysterectomy for benign disease. RESULTS: Eight hundred thirty-nine patients were enrolled. The incidence of urinary tract injury associated with hysterectomy for benign disease was 4.3% (39 of 839 cases). The rate of bladder injury was 2.9% (24 of 839 cases), and rate of ureteral injury was 1.8% (15 of 839 cases). There were three cases of simultaneous bladder and ureteral injuries, resulting in a cumulative injury rate of 4.3%. The injury detection rate using intraoperative diagnostic cystoscopy was 97.4% (817 of 839 cases). The most common site of injury to the ureter was at the junction of the ureter and the uterine artery in 80% (12 of 15 cases) of ureteral injuries. Transection and kinking injuries were the most frequent type of injury. There were 21 cases of subnormal dye efflux from the ureteral orifices, with no subsequent injury detected on further evaluation. CONCLUSION: Ureteral injury occurred most commonly at the level of the uterine artery, and transection and kinking injuries were most frequent. Diminished dye efflux from ureteral orifices was not associated with injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III

Predicting the outcome of cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer: a review.

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer-related mortality in the United States. Surgical cytoreduction is the cornerstone of current treatment in patients with advanced disease, but it offers the best chances for overall survival when optimal cytoreduction is achieved. Clinicopathological and radiological models for predicting optimal resectability have not been universally applicable. Objective: To summarize the existing surgical data on current serologic, radiological, and surgical tools used to predict the resectability of advanced ovarian cancer. Methods: Systematic review of surgical studies on primary cytoreductive surgery for advanced ovarian cancer reported in the English-language literature between 1980 and 2009. Results: Seventeen retrospective studies using cancer antigen 125, and 8 retrospective studies using radiological imaging modalities to predict resectability of advanced ovarian cancer were reviewed. Five laparoscopic-based reports of ovarian cancer resectability were also reviewed as well as 5 studies examining the role of clinicopathological variables affecting surgical cytoreductive ability. These studies were analyzed according to the rate of optimal cytoreduction achieved and the reported sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and predictive values of predictive parameters described. Finally, the various conclusions were compared. Conclusions: The rates of optimal cytoreduction vary among surgeons. A universally applicable clinical model that can predict which patients will undergo optimal cytoreduction remains elusive. More research is needed to devise a set of uniform criteria that can be used to predict ovarian cancer resectability among different patient populations.

Racial disparities in ovarian cancer surgical care: A population-based analysis

OBJECTIVE To investigate differences according to racial classification in the frequency of ovarian cancer-related surgical procedures and in access to high-volume surgical providers among women undergoing initial surgery for ovarian cancer. METHODS The Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission database was accessed for women age >18years undergoing a surgical procedure that included oophorectomy for a malignant ovarian neoplasm between 7/1/01 and 6/30/09. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate for differences in the likelihood of selected surgical procedures and access to high-volume surgical providers (surgeons≥10 cases/year; hospitals≥20 case/year) according racial classification. RESULTS A total of 2487 patients were identified who underwent a primary surgical procedure that included oophorectomy for a malignant ovarian neoplasm: White=1884 (75.4%), African-American=400 (16.1%), and other/unknown=203 (8.2%). Compared to White patients, African-American patients were significantly younger (mean age 55.4years vs 59.9years, P<0.0001) and less likely to have commercial insurance (28.5% vs 39.5%, p<0.0001). Compared to White patients, African-American racial classification was associated with a statistically significant and independent lower likelihood of hysterectomy (OR=0.53, 95%CI=0.42-0.66, p<0.0001), colon resection (OR=0.65, 95%CI=0.48-0.87, p=0.004), lymphadenectomy (OR=0.67, 95%CI=0.50-0.91, p=0.01), and surgery by a high-volume surgeon (OR=0.55, 95%CI=0.44-0.69, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Among women undergoing initial surgery for ovarian cancer, African-American patients are significantly less likely to be operated on by a high-volume surgeon and to undergo important ovarian cancer-specific surgical procedures compared to White patients.

Analysis of racial disparities in stage IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer care and outcomes in a Tertiary Gynecologic Oncology Referral Center

OBJECTIVE To examine disparities in delivery of care and survival according to racial classification among White and African-American women with Stage IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing initial treatment in a tertiary referral center setting. METHODS All consecutive patients diagnosed with Stage IIIC epithelial ovarian cancer between 1/1/95 and 12/31/08 were identified and clinic-pathologic variables retrospectively collected. Differences in initial treatment paradigm, surgical and adjuvant therapy, and overall survival according to racial classification were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS A total of 405 patients (White, n=366; African-American, n=39) were identified. There were no significant differences according to racial classification in age, CA125, ASA class, histology, tumor grade, the frequency of initial surgery (90.4% vs 82.1%, p=0.06), optimal residual disease (73.0% vs 69.2%, p=0.28), no gross residual disease (51.4% vs 53.8%, p=0.49), and platinum-taxane chemotherapy (88.3% vs 87.2%, p=0.55). The median overall survival for White patients was 50.5 months (95%CI=43.2-57.9 months), compared to 47.0 (95%CI=36.2-57.8) months for African-Americans (p=0.57). On multivariate analysis, age, tumor grade 3, serum albumin <3.0 g/dl, platinum-based chemotherapy, and no gross residual disease were independently associated with overall survival, while African-American race was not (HR=1.06, 95%CI=0.61-1.79). CONCLUSIONS Among women undergoing initial treatment for ovarian cancer at a tertiary referral center, African-American patients were as likely as White patients to undergo cytoreductive surgery, be left with minimal post-surgical residual disease, and receive appropriate chemotherapy. With equal access to gynecologic oncology care and multidisciplinary cancer resources, the survival disparities according to race observed in population-based studies are largely mitigated.

Capsid display of a conserved human papillomavirus L2 peptide in the adenovirus 5 hexon protein: a candidate prophylactic hpv vaccine approach.

BackgroundInfection by any one of 15 high risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) types causes most invasive cervical cancers. Their oncogenic genome is encapsidated by L1 (major) and L2 (minor) coat proteins. Current HPV prophylactic vaccines are composed of L1 virus-like particles (VLP) that elicit type restricted immunity. An N-terminal region of L2 protein identified by neutralizing monoclonal antibodies comprises a protective epitope conserved among HPV types, but it is weakly immunogenic compared to L1 VLP. The major antigenic capsid protein of adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) is hexon which contains 9 hypervariable regions (HVRs) that form the immunodominant neutralizing epitopes. Insertion of weakly antigenic foreign B cell epitopes into these HVRs has shown promise in eliciting robust neutralizing antibody responses. Thus here we sought to generate a broadly protective prophylactic HPV vaccine candidate by inserting a conserved protective L2 epitope into the Ad5 hexon protein for VLP-like display.MethodsFour recombinant adenoviruses were generated without significant compromise of viral replication by introduction of HPV16 amino acids L2 12–41 into Ad5 hexon, either by insertion into, or substitution of, either hexon HVR1 or HVR5.ResultsVaccination of mice three times with each of these L2-recombinant adenoviruses induced similarly robust adenovirus-specific serum antibody but weak titers against L2. These L2-specific responses were enhanced by vaccination in the presence of alum and monophoryl lipid A adjuvant. Sera obtained after the third immunization exhibited low neutralizing antibody titers against HPV16 and HPV73. L2-recombinant adenovirus vaccination without adjuvant provided partial protection of mice against HPV16 challenge to either the vagina or skin. In contrast, vaccination with each L2-recombinant adenovirus formulated in adjuvant provided robust protection against vaginal challenge with HPV16, but not against HPV56.ConclusionWe conclude that introduction of HPV16 L2 12–41 epitope into Ad5 hexon HVR1 or HVR5 is a feasible method of generating a protective HPV vaccine, but further optimization is required to strengthen the L2-specific response and broaden protection to the more diverse hrHPV.

Racial disparities in surgical care for uterine cancer

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of race and surgical approach for women who underwent surgical treatment for uterine cancer. METHODS The design was a retrospective cohort study of discharge data from nonfederal acute care hospitals in Maryland from 2000 to 2009. Women aged 18 and older who underwent hysterectomy for uterine cancer were included in the study population. The main outcome measure was receipt of lymphadenectomy. Secondary outcomes included receipt of minimally-invasive surgical approach, in-hospital mortality and individual surgeon and individual hospital annual uterine cancer case volume. The independent variable was race. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals for each outcome of interest. Caucasians were the reference group. RESULTS Among 5470 women who underwent hysterectomy, 2727 (49.9%) underwent lymphadenectomy and 512 (9.4%) underwent surgery through a minimally-invasive approach. After adjusting for age, payer status and APR-DRG mortality risk score, African-Americans were more likely to be operated on by high-volume surgeons (adjusted OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.09-1.49) yet were less likely to undergo minimally-invasive surgery (adjusted OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.45-0.80). For the outcome of lymphadenectomy, there was no significant difference between Caucasians and African-Americans (OR=1.13, 95% CI: 0.98-1.30). There was no association between race and in-hospital mortality or between race and the odds of undergoing surgery at a high-volume hospital. CONCLUSION In this retrospective analysis of uterine cancer patients, race is associated with likelihood of undergoing surgery through a minimally-invasive approach. Further analysis using prospectively collected data with more detail regarding peri-operative parameters is needed to further clarify possible reasons for this disparity.

Introduction of checklists at daily progress notes improves patient care among the gynecological oncology service.

Objectives To evaluate the impact of the introduction of checklists at the daily progress note to improve patient care among gynecologic oncology patients. Methods A progress note incorporating checklists that were pertinent for our patient population was developed with input obtained from all staff involved on patients care. The form was approved by the hospital. The average length of stay, compliance with prophylactic guidelines (anticoagulation, peptic ulcer disease), reason for admission, and readmission rate were compared among the preimplementation and postimplementation periods. Results A total of 492 discharge summaries were evaluated through the study period (267 for the preimplementation period and 225 for the postimplementation period). The mean length of stay was of 4.46 days for the preimplementation and 3.46 days for the postimplementation period (P = 0.007). TEDs/SCDs were not used in 9.3% of the patients in the pre group versus 0.6% in the post group (P < 0.001). DVT prophylaxis was given to 30.1% of the pre group versus 34.8% of the post group (P = 0.0013). The administration of PUD prophylaxis also increased from 28.3% in the pre group to 40.2% of the post group (P < 0.001). There was a decrease in the nonsurgical admissions from 22.2% in the pre group versus 14.6% in the post group (P = 0.049). Conclusions The use of checklists in daily progress notes enhances patient care by improving the delivery of routine care that is often overlooked in the light of major medical issues.

Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer among Hispanic Women Living in the United States: A Population-Based Analysis.

Introduction. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer in the United States. There is limited data on presentation and outcomes among Hispanic women with ovarian cancer. Objective. To investigate how ovarian cancer presents among Hispanic women in the USA and to analyze differences in presentation, staging, and survival between Hispanic and non-Hispanic women with ovarian cancer. Methods. Data from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2004 were extracted from the National Cancer Institutes Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Results. The study sample comprised 1215 Hispanics (10%), 10 652 non-Hispanic whites (83%), and 905 non-Hispanic blacks (7%). Hispanic women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer at a younger age and earlier stage when compared to non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks; P < 0.001. Similar proportion of Hispanics (33%), non-Hispanic whites (32%), and non-Hispanic blacks (24%) underwent lymphadenectomy; P < 0.001. Hispanics with epithelial ovarian cancer histology had longer five-year survival of 30.6 months compared to non-Hispanic whites (22.8 months) and non-Hispanic blacks (23.3 months); P  =  0.001. Conclusion. Hispanic women with ovarian cancer have a statistically significantly longer median survival compared to whites and blacks. This survival difference was most apparent in patients with epithelial cancers and patients with stage IV disease.

Genito-Urinary Fistulae: Vesicovaginal, Ureterovaginal, and Other Urinary Fistula

Genito-urinary fistulae are recognized complications of gynecologic surgery and obstructed obstetrical labor. Prevention of these complications is a noble goal but will be difficult to achieve. This is especially true in less developed and third world countries. Consequently, the care of this problem will continue to be a challenge to the disciplines of both urology and gynecology. However, in the final analysis, at least we can be proud to hang our hat on those surgical principles developed over the past century to better, the lives of the afflicted, since the first successful vesicovaginal fistula repair over one hundred years ago.