Utilization of Mastectomy and Reconstruction in the Outpatient Setting

Background

Reconstruction rates after mastectomy have been reported to range from 25–40 %; however, most studies have focused on patients treated in an inpatient setting. We sought to determine the utilization of outpatient mastectomy and use of breast reconstruction in Southern California.

Methods

Postmastectomy reconstruction rates were determined from the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database from 2006–2009 using CPT codes and similarly from an inpatient database using ICD-9 codes. Reconstruction rates were compared between the inpatient and outpatient setting. For the outpatient setting, univariate and multivariate odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals were estimated for relative odds of immediate reconstruction versus mastectomy alone.

Results

The percentage of patients undergoing outpatient mastectomy ranged from 20.4 to 23.9 % of the total number of all patients undergoing mastectomy. Whereas immediate inpatient reconstruction increased from 29.2 to 41.6 % (overall rate 35.5 %), the proportion of outpatients undergoing reconstruction only increased from 7.7 to 10.3 % (overall rate 9.1 %). Similar to the inpatient setting, in multivariate analysis, age, insurance status, race/ethnicity, and type of hospital were significantly associated with the use of reconstruction in the outpatient setting.

Conclusions

A substantial number of patients undergo outpatient mastectomy with low rates of reconstruction. Although the choice of an outpatient mastectomy may certainly represent a selection bias for those not choosing reconstruction, an increase in the use of outpatient mastectomy may result in decreases in the use of postmastectomy reconstruction.     

De novo stress urinary incontinence after pelvic organ prolapse surgery in women without occult incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis

There is a paucity of data evaluating the risk of de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in women with no preoperative occult SUI. We hypothesized that apical suspension procedures would have higher rates of de novo SUI.

Methods

This was a retrospective database review of women who had surgery for POP from 2003 to 2013 and developed de novo SUI at ≥6 months postoperatively. Preoperatively, all patients had a negative stress test and no evidence of occult SUI on prolapse reduction urodynamics. The primary objective was to establish the incidence of de novo SUI in women with no objective evidence of preoperative occult SUI after POP surgeries at ≥6 months.

Results

A total number of 274 patients underwent POP surgery. The overall incidence of de novo SUI was 9.9 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.07–0.14]. However, the incidence of de novo SUI in those with no baseline complaint of SUI was 4.4 % (95 % CI 0.03–0.1). There was no difference in de novo SUI rates between apical [9.7 % (n?=?57)] and nonapical [10.5 %, (n?=?217] procedures (p?=?0.8482). Multivariate logistic regression identified sacrocolpopexy [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.54, 95 % CI 1.2–14.7] and those with a baseline complaint of SUI (adjusted OR 5.1; 95 % CI 2.2–12) as risk factors for de novo SUI.

Conclusions

The incidence of de novo SUI after surgery for POP without occult SUI was 9.9 %. We recommend counseling patients about the risk of de novo SUI and offering a staged procedure.

     

Pelvic organ prolapse surgery and bladder function

Introduction and hypothesis

The aim was to determine the impact of pelvic organ prolapse surgery on bladder function.

Methods

Every 4 years, and as part of the Fifth International Collaboration on Incontinence we reviewed the English-langauage scientific literature after searching PubMed, Medline, Cochrane library and Cochrane database of systematic reviews, published up to January 2012. Publications were classified as level 1 evidence (randomised controlled trials [RCT] or systematic reviews), level 2 (poor quality RCT, prospective cohort studies), level 3 (case series or retrospective studies and level 4 case reports. The highest level of evidence was utilised by the committee to make evidence-based recommendations based upon the Oxford grading system. Grade A recommendation usually depends on consistent level 1 evidence. Grade B recommendation usually depends on consistent level 2 and/or 3 studies, or “majority evidence” from RCTs. Grade C recommendation usually depends on level 4 studies or “majority evidence” from level 2/3 studies or Delphi processed expert opinion. Grade D “no recommendation possible” would be used where the evidence is inadequate or conflicting and when expert opinion is delivered without a formal analytical process, such as by Delphi.

Results

Continent women undergoing anterior compartment prolapse surgery have a lower rate of de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after anterior repair than armed mesh procedures (grade A). Data are conflicting on whether colposuspension should be performed prophylactically in continent women undergoing sacral colpopexy (grade C). No clear conclusion can be made regarding the management of continent women undergoing prolapse surgery without occult SUI. In continent women undergoing POP surgery with occult SUI the addition of continence surgery reduces the rate of postoperative SUI (grade A). In women with prolapse and SUI symptoms prolapse procedures alone (transobturator mesh and anterior repair) are associated with low success rates for SUI. Concomitant continence procedures reduce the risk of postoperative SUI (grade B). Preoperative bladder overactivity may resolve in 40 % undergoing POP surgery and de novo bladder overactivity occurs in 12 %. No valid conclusions regarding voiding dysfunction following POP surgery can be drawn from the available data.

Conclusion

SUI and occult stress urinary incontinence should be treated at the time of prolapse surgery.     

Predictor of de novo stress urinary incontinence following TVM procedure: a further analysis of preoperative voiding function

Introduction and hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictors of de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in patients undergoing a tension-free vaginal mesh procedure (TVM) for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

Methods

Sixty-five patients without SUI were assessed with regard to voiding function by a pressure flow study and clinical characteristics.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 67 ± 8.3. Of the 65 patients, 41 (63 %) maintained urinary continence postoperatively and 24 (37 %) showed de novo SUI. In univariate analysis, the de novo SUI group included a significantly higher proportion of patients with preoperative obstruction, defined as moderate or greater obstruction according to the Blaivas nomogram (29 vs 7 %, P = 0.035). In multivariate analysis, urethral obstruction was an independent predictor of de novo SUI with an odds ratio of 12.616 (95 % confidence interval 1.580–268.731).

Conclusions

Preoperative evaluation of urethral obstruction will contribute to prediction of de novo SUI combined with a conventional diagnosis of occult SUI.     

Vaginal prolapse repair with or without a midurethral sling in women with genital prolapse and occult stress urinary incontinence: a randomized trial

Introduction and hypothesis

We compared pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair with and without midurethral sling (MUS) in women with occult stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

This was a randomized trial conducted by a consortium of 13 teaching hospitals assessing a parallel cohort of continent women with symptomatic stage II or greater POP. Women with occult SUI were randomly assigned to vaginal prolapse repair with or without MUS. Women without occult SUI received POP surgery. Main outcomes were the absence of SUI at the 12-month follow-up based on the Urogenital Distress Inventory and the need for additional treatment for SUI.

Results

We evaluated 231 women, of whom 91 randomized as follows: 43 to POP surgery with and 47 without MUS. A greater number of women in the MUS group reported absence of SUI [86 % vs. 48 %; relative risk (RR) 1.79; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.29–2.48]. No women in the MUS group received additional treatment for postoperative SUI; six (13 %) in the control group had a secondary MUS. Women with occult SUI reported more urinary symptoms after POP surgery and more often underwent treatment for postoperative SUI than women without occult SUI.

Conclusions

Women with occult SUI had a higher risk of reporting SUI after POP surgery compared with women without occult SUI. Adding a MUS to POP surgery reduced the risk of postoperative SUI and the need for its treatment in women with occult SUI. Of women with occult SUI undergoing POP-only surgery, 13 % needed additional MUS. We found no differences in global impression of improvement and quality of life.

     

Prolapse or incontinence: what affects sexual function the most?

Introduction and hypothesis

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) adversely affect sexual function in women. Comparative studies of the two subgroups are few and results are conflicting. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of POP and SUI on the sexual function of women undergoing surgery for these conditions.

Methods

The study population comprised women with POP or SUI in a tertiary referral hospital in the UK. Women who underwent SUI surgery had no symptoms of POP and had urodynamically proven stress incontinence. Patients with POP had ≥ stage 2 prolapse, without bothersome urinary symptoms. Pre-operative data on sexual function were collected and compared using an electronic pelvic floor assessment questionnaire (ePAQ). The incidence of sexual dysfunction and comparison of symptoms in both groups were calculated using the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

Three hundred and forty-three women undergoing surgery for either SUI or POP were included. Patients were age-matched, with 184 undergoing SUI surgery (age range 33–77 years) and 159 POP surgery (age range 27–78 years; p?=?0.869). The overall impact of POP and SUI was not significantly different in the two subgroups (p?=?0.703). However, both patients (73 % vs 36 %; p?=?0.00) and partners (50 % vs 24 %; p?=?0.00) avoid intercourse significantly more frequently in cases with POP compared with SUI. This did not have a significant impact on quality of life.

Conclusions

The impact of bothersome SUI or POP on sexual function was found to be similar, but patient and partner avoidance in women with POP was greater than those with SUI.

     

Incidence and risk factors for reoperation of surgically treated urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective of our study was to estimate the incidence and to identify the risk factors for reoperation of surgically treated stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

We conducted a nested case-control study among 1,132 women who underwent SUI surgery from January 1988 to June 2007. Cases (n?=?35) were women who required reoperation for SUI following the first intervention up to December 2008. Controls (n?=?89) were women randomly selected from the same cohort who did not require reoperation.

Results

The cumulative incidence of SUI reoperation was 3.1 % with a mean follow-up of 10.9 years (range 1.7–21.0). The main risk factor was the history of more than one vaginal delivery [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.5; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.0–12.6]. The use of synthetic midurethral slings was a protective factor compared to other surgical procedures for urinary incontinence (adjusted OR 0.1; 95 % CI 0.0–0.6).

Conclusions

The risk of reoperation after SUI surgery appears to be low and associated with multiple vaginal deliveries. Synthetic slings at index surgery are associated with a lower risk of reoperation.     

A Novel Method for the Management of Post-Thyroidectomy or Parathyroidectomy Hematoma: A Single-Institution Experience after over 4,000 Central Neck Operations

Background

Cervical hematoma is a rare but serious complication of thyroid and parathyroid surgery that has historically required inpatient monitoring. With improved surgical technique and experience, operations are being performed increasingly as outpatient procedures. Therefore, a safe and systematic approach to cervical exploration of a postoperative hematoma needs to be defined.

Methods

From 1996 to 2013, a retrospective review was performed of 4,140 thyroid and parathyroid operations. Surgical outcomes data were recorded, specifically including the occurrence of a cervical hematoma, time interval to presentation, and methods of management.

Results

A total of 18 patients (0.43 %) developed a postoperative cervical hematoma that required surgical intervention. The occurrence of hematoma was 0.66 % (n = 11) for bilateral thyroid procedures, 0.21 % (n = 3) for unilateral thyroid procedures, and 0.13 % (n = 1) for parathyroid procedures. There were 3 (1.69 %) patients who had combined unilateral thyroid and parathyroid procedures and developed hematomas. Emergent bedside decompression was required for only two patients, both of whom suffered respiratory arrest in the postoperative anesthesia recovery unit. The remaining 16 patients were explored in the operating room, utilizing initial local anesthesia in the semi-upright position in 11 patients (69 %).

Conclusions

From our experience, hematomas that caused significant airway compromise leading to respiratory arrest occurred in the postoperative anesthesia recovery room, and hematoma presentation after this time did not require emergent bedside decompression. Hematoma, when it occurs, can otherwise be managed safely in the operating room after inpatient or outpatient procedures using initial local anesthesia with the patient in the semi-upright position for hematoma evacuation.     

Changes in prolapse surgery trends relative to FDA notifications regarding vaginal mesh

Introduction and hypothesis

In 2008 and 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released notifications regarding vaginal mesh. In describing prolapse surgery trends over time, we predicted vaginal mesh use would decrease and native tissue repairs would increase.

Methods

Operative reports were reviewed for all prolapse repairs performed from 2008 to 2011 at our large regional hospital system. The number of each type of prolapse repair was determined per quarter year and expressed as a percentage of all repairs. Surgical trends were examined focusing on changes with respect to the release of two FDA notifications. We used linear regression to analyze surgical trends and chi-square for demographic comparisons.

Results

One thousand two hundred and eleven women underwent 1,385 prolapse procedures. Mean age was 64?±?12, and 70 % had stage III prolapse. Vaginal mesh procedures declined over time (p?=?0.001), comprising 27 % of repairs in early 2008, 15 % at the first FDA notification, 5 % by the second FDA notification, and 2 % at the end of 2011. The percentage of native tissue anterior/posterior repairs (p?<?0.001) and apical suspensions (p?=?0.007) increased, whereas colpocleisis remained constant (p?=?0.475). Despite an overall decrease in open sacral colpopexies (p?<?0.001), an initial increase was seen around the first FDA notification. We adopted laparoscopic/robotic techniques around this time, and the percentage of minimally invasive sacral colpopexies steadily increased thereafter (p?<?0.001). All sacral colpopexies combined as a group declined over time (p?=?0.011).

Conclusions

Surgical treatment of prolapse continues to evolve. Over a 4-year period encompassing two FDA notifications regarding vaginal mesh and the introduction of laparoscopic/robotic techniques, we performed fewer vaginal mesh procedures and more native tissue repairs and minimally invasive sacral colpopexies.     

Incidence and risk factors of postoperative stress urinary incontinence following laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in patients with negative preoperative prolapse reduction stress testing

Introduction and hypothesis

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the incidence of postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP) in women with negative preoperative prolapse reduction stress testing (PPRST) and to identify associated risk factors.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study comprising women who consecutively underwent double-mesh LSCP without concomitant SUI surgery after a negative PPRST at a tertiary referral center. Negative PPRST was defined by the absence of SUI during cough testing and urodynamic studies with prolapse reduction.

Results

Fifty-five patients were assessed in the final analysis. No significant complication was encountered during and after LSCP. Mean follow-up was 25?±?11 (range 12–48) months. No patient developed recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP) or mesh erosion at last follow-up. Thirty (54.5 %) patients reported the symptom of SUI (subjective SUI) postoperatively, 13 (23.6 %) had a positive cough test (objective SUI) at last visit, and nine (16.4 %) underwent a sling procedure. In univariate analyses, advanced cystocele (stage 3–4) and a history of patient-reported SUI before surgery were associated with a higher risk of postoperative subjective and objective SUI after LSCP. Multivariate analyses identified preoperative SUI as the sole independent predictor of subjective SUI [risk ratio (RR?=?4.03; 95% confidence interval (CI)?=?1.16–14.09), objective SUI, (RR?=?4.67; 95% CI?=?1.14–19.23), and subsequent anti-SUI surgery after LSCP (RR?=?6.17; 95% CI?=?1.30–29.41).

Conclusions

SUI is far from uncommon in women after LSCP despite negative PPRST, especially in those with advanced cystocele and a history of SUI preoperatively; after at least 1 year of follow-up, approximately one in six women eventually underwent a sling surgery. These data are useful for counseling patients.     

Long-term follow-up after native tissue repair for pelvic organ prolapse

Introduction and hypothesis

There are large variations in reported frequency of recurrence and subsequent treatment after pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery. We hypothesized that native tissue repair entails high subjective satisfaction and good objective results, with low POP reoperation rates and few complications.

Methods

The 1-year results of 699 women having had native tissue repair for POP at our urogynecological unit from 2002 to 2005 were evaluated using an internal quality control database. A short-form physician check list for patient subjective and objective outcomes has been routinely used for 1-year controls since 2002, and results are registered longitudinally in the database. Patients’ medical records up to 2012 were reviewed for information on recurrent POP symptoms. A telephone interview was performed to assess POP recurrences potentially treated elsewhere. The cumulative incidence for reoperation was calculated comparing partial with complete (surgical treatment of all three compartments) native tissue repairs.

Results

Subjective satisfaction was stated by 94 % of patients at the 1-year control, and 84 % had stage 0–I in any compartment using the POP Quantification (POP-Q) system. The 5-year reoperation rate was significantly lower in the complete vs. the partial (2.6 % vs. 8.9 %) repair group. Cumulative incidence of reoperation showed a slight but constant increase over the years.

Conclusions

POP surgery using native tissue repair entails low reoperation rates with excellent subjective and objective results and should be the first choice in treating primary POP, providing use of adequate surgical technique.     

Short-term surgical outcomes and characteristics of patients with mesh complications from pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence surgery

Introduction and hypothesis

Surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can include the use of synthetic materials. Placement of synthetic materials into the vaginal wall, through either the vagina or the abdomen, includes the risk of complications such as vaginal wall extrusion or pain. There is little data regarding outcomes following treatment of mesh complications.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent excision of mesh placed for POP or SUI between 1 January 2001 and 31 October 2012 was performed at the University of Virginia. Chart abstraction queried patient demographics, clinical history, physical examination, pre- and post-excision symptoms, and operative findings. The International Continence Society (ICS) and International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) classification system was used to define the nature and location of mesh complications.

Results

A total of 57 patients (26 mid-urethral slings, 23 transvaginal prolapse, 9 intraperitoneal prolapse) with the diagnosis of mesh extrusion into the vaginal wall were analyzed. Twenty-five (average 2.8 cases/year) original mesh surgeries occurred between January 2001 and January 2010 and 41 (average 20.5 cases/year) occurred after January 2010. The most common presenting patient complaints were chronic pelvic pain (55.9 %), dyspareunia (54.4 %), and vaginal discharge (30.9 %). At a 6-week post-operative visit, 57.3 % of patient’s symptoms were completely resolved and 14.6 % were improved.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be cognizant of the variable presentations of post-operative vaginal mesh complications. Mesh excision by experienced pelvic surgeons is an effective and safe treatment for these complications; however, a significant number of patients may have persistent symptoms following surgery.     

Long-term follow-up of porcine dermis pubovaginal slings

Introduction and hypothesis

Outcomes of xenografts in incontinence surgery are uncommon. Our objective was to report long-term outcomes of women after porcine dermis (PD) bladder neck sling.

Methods

Seventy women completed a mean follow-up of 62.1 months. “Global cure” equaled SEAPI subjective composite = 0 and visual analog score ≥8. “Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) cure” equaled SEAPI-subjective (S) subset = 0 and negative cough stress test.

Results

The SUI cure rate was 42.9 % and global cure rate was 11.4 %. Perioperative complications were seen in <10 % of women. The mean time to SUI recurrence was 10.4 months, with 30 of 40 women redeveloping SUI <12 months after sling. Twenty women (28.6 %) have since undergone additional anti-incontinence procedures. There was a significant postoperative improvement in SEAPI scores, daily pad use, and quality of life (QOL) indices.

Conclusions

At long-term follow-up, PD is not a durable material in sling surgery. Although QOL generally improves after surgery, most SUI recurrences occurred soon after surgery.     

Freestyle facial perforator flaps—a safe reconstructive option for moderate-sized facial defects

Background

Perforators are a constant anatomical finding in the facial area and any known flap can in theory be based on the first perforator located at the flap rotation axis.

Methods

A case series of single stage reconstruction of moderate sized facial defects using 21 perforator based local flaps in 19 patients from 2008–2013.

Results

A sufficient perforator was located in every case and the flap rotated along its axis (76 %) or advanced (24 %). Reconstruction was successfully achieved with a high self reported patient satisfaction. Two minor complications occurred early on in the series and corrective procedures were performed in four patients.

Conclusions

The random facial perforator flap seems to be a good and reliable option for the reconstruction of facial subunits, especially the periorbital, nasal and periocular area with a minimal morbidity and a pleasing result in a one stage outpatient setting. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study     

Surgical management of mesh-related complications after prior pelvic floor reconstructive surgery with mesh

Introduction and hypothesis

The objective of this study is to evaluate the complications and anatomical and functional outcomes of the surgical treatment of mesh-related complications.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent complete or partial mesh excision to treat complications after prior mesh-augmented pelvic floor reconstructive surgery was conducted.

Results

Seventy-three patients underwent 30 complete and 51 partial mesh excisions. Intraoperative complications occurred in 4 cases, postoperative complications in 13. Symptom relief was achieved in 92% of patients. Recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurred in 29% of complete and 5% of partial excisions of mesh used in POP surgery. De novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) occurred in 36% of patients who underwent excision of a suburethral sling.

Conclusions

Mesh excision relieves mesh-related complications effectively, although with a substantial risk of serious complications and recurrence of POP or SUI. More complex excisions should be performed in skilled centers.     

Long-term follow-up after elective adult umbilical hernia repair: low recurrence rates also after non-mesh repairs

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to establish long-term outcome after elective adult umbilical hernia (AUH) repair.

Methods

Peri- and postoperative data considering all consecutive procedures at our institution during the time span from 1999 to 2009 were retrospectively gathered and followed by a questionnaire and, if needed, a clinical investigation in early 2011.

Results

A total of 162 patients (female/male 35 %/65 %) were operated, and 144/162 (89 %) answers were gathered, mean follow-up time 70 months; 77 % were sutured, non-mesh repairs; 94 % of all AUHs were smaller than 3 cm; and 49 % of the operations were performed under local anaesthesia. No perioperative complications were encountered. Five postoperative complications were encountered, two serious, both after mesh-based repairs. Wound infection rate (SSI) was low, 2/144 (1.4 %). 7/144 (4.9 %) recurrences were registered, none if mesh-based techniques were used, giving a recurrence rate of 6.3 % in suture-based repairs, the difference, however, not statistically significant (p = 0.141); 2 % reported persistent pain at follow-up, 89 % were overall satisfied with the outcome.

Conclusions

AUH repair could be performed with low early and long-term complication rates, with low recurrence rates also after non-mesh repairs. A substantial cohort of patients will unnecessary be implanted with meshes if mesh-reinforced repairs should be used on a routine basis, that is, 16 surplus meshes to prevent one recurrence in the present study. We recommend a tailored approach to AUH repair: suture-based methods with defects smaller than 2 cm and mesh-based repairs considered if larger than that.     

Same-Day Thyroidectomy: A Review of Practice Patterns and Outcomes for 1,168 Procedures in New York State

Background

There has been a shift of procedures from the inpatient to the outpatient setting. Same-day thyroidectomy (SDT) has been reported in high-volume single-institution series, but few studies have evaluated its widespread use.

Methods

Patients undergoing thyroidectomy for benign and malignant thyroid disease were abstracted from the 2004 New York State inpatient (SID) and ambulatory surgery (SASD) databases. SDTs were discharged on the same day as their surgery. Patient and provider (surgeon and hospital volume) characteristics were associated with outcomes, including probability of SDT versus hospital admission and 30-day rehospitalization, by bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 6,762 thyroidectomies were identified; 17% (1,168) were SDTs. Patients undergoing SDT compared to thyroidectomy with admission were more often white (80 vs. 65%, P < 0.001), with private insurance (80 vs. 70%, P < 0.001) and fewer comorbidities (96 vs. 89% with Charlson scores of none/low, P < 0.001). SDT was performed more often by high-volume surgeons (48 vs. 31%, P < 0.001) and at high-volume hospitals (61 vs. 35%, P < 0.001). Rehospitalization rates of 1.4 and 2.4% were observed for SDT and inpatient thyroidectomy, respectively (P = NS). In multivariate analysis, thyroidectomy by a high-volume surgeon was associated with a higher chance of same-day discharge (odds ratio = 2.3, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Nearly 20% of thyroidectomy patients undergo SDT in New York State. They have different demographic and clinical characteristics than patients undergoing thyroidectomy who are admitted. There seem to be a few high-volume surgeons and centers with extensive SDT experience. More research is needed to explore optimized patient triage and patterns of referral to centers of excellence.     

Is Silver Nitrate Pleurodesis for Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusion Feasible and Safe When Performed in an Outpatient Setting?

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness and safety of silver nitrate pleurodesis (SNP) in patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusion (RMPE) when performed in an outpatient setting.

Materials and Methods

Prospective study including patients with RMPE recruited in a tertiary university-based hospital from February 2008 to June 2009. Elected patients underwent pleural catheter insertion (Day 1) followed by 0.5% SNP (Day 2), and on 7th day the drain was removed. All procedures were performed in an outpatient facility. Pleurodesis was considered successful when no additional pleural procedure was necessary by the 30th day. Complications were registered and graded according to the CTCAE3.0. Quality of life was evaluated before and 30 days after SNP.

Results

A total of 68 patients (54 female, 14 male, mean age: 57.3 years) were included. In addition, 7 had bilateral pleural effusions; therefore, 75 hemithoraces were drained. Also, 5 were excluded, and 70 hemithoraces (63 patients) underwent SNP. During the period of 30 days postpleurodesis, 8 deaths not related to the procedure occurred, and we lost contact with 10 patients who were followed elsewhere. At the 30th day, 48 hemithoraces (45 patients) were reevaluated, and 2 recurrences observed. The most frequent complication was pain—graded as 3 or more in 7 patients; infection occurred in 2 patients. Physical and environmental aspects of quality of life improved significantly after pleurodesis.

Conclusions

In this study, SNP could be performed safely in an outpatient setting, with pain the most frequent complication. Recurrences occurred in 4% of the patients.     

Trends in prolapse surgery in England

Introduction and hypothesis

Women have a lifetime risk of undergoing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery of 11–19%. Traditional native tissue repairs are associated with reoperation rates of approximately 11% after 20 years. Surgery with mesh augmentation was introduced to improve anatomic outcomes. However, the use of synthetic meshes in urogynaecological procedures has been scrutinised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and by the European Commission (SCENIHR). We aimed to review trends in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery in England.

Methods

Data were collected from the national hospital episode statistics database. Procedure and interventions-4 character tables were used to quantify POP operations. Annual reports from 2005 to 2016 were considered.

Results

The total number of POP procedures increased from 2005, reaching a peak in 2014 (N?=?29,228). With regard to vaginal prolapse, native tissue repairs represented more than 90% of the procedures, whereas surgical meshes were considered in a few selected cases. The number of sacrospinous ligament fixations (SSLFs) grew more than 3 times over the years, whereas sacrocolpopexy remained stable. To treat vault prolapse, transvaginal surgical meshes have been progressively abandoned. We also noted a steady increase in uterine-sparing, and obliterative procedures.

Conclusions

Following FDA and SCENIHR warnings, a positive trend for meshes has only been seen in uterine-sparing surgery. Native tissue repairs constitute the vast majority of POP operations. SSLFs have been increasingly performed to achieve apical support. Urogynaecologists’ training should take into account shifts in surgical practice.