Comparative effectiveness of minimally invasive and abdominal radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer

Objective

We analyzed the uptake, morbidity, and cost of laparoscopic and robotic radical hysterectomies for cervical cancer.

Methods

We identified women recorded in the Perspective database with cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy (abdominal, laparoscopic, robotic) from 2006 to 2010. The associations between patient, surgeon, and hospital characteristic and use of minimally invasive hysterectomy as well as complications and cost were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

We identified 1894 patients including 1610 (85.0%) who underwent abdominal, 217 (11.5%) who underwent laparoscopic, and 67 (3.5%) who underwent robotic radical hysterectomy were analyzed. In 2006, 98% of the procedures were abdominal and 2% laparoscopic; by 2010 abdominal radical hysterectomy decreased to 67%, while laparoscopic increased to 23% and robotic radical hysterectomy was performed in 10% of women (p < 0.0001). Patients treated at large hospitals were more likely to undergo a minimally invasive procedure (OR = 4.80; 95% CI, 1.28-18.01) while those with more medical comorbidities (OR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.41-0.87) were less likely to undergo a minimally invasive surgery. Perioperative complications were noted in 15.8% of patients who underwent abdominal surgery, 9.2% who underwent laparoscopy, and 13.4% who had a robotic procedure (p = 0.04). Both laparoscopic and robotic radical hysterectomies were associated with lower transfusion requirements and shorter hospital stays than abdominal hysterectomy (p < 0.05). Median costs were $9618 for abdominal, $11,774 for laparoscopic, and $10,176 for robotic radical hysterectomy (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Uptake of minimally invasive radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer has been slow. Both laparoscopic and robotic radical hysterectomies are associated with favorable morbidity profiles.     

Descenso de la edad al diagnóstico en el cáncer de mama

Introduction

Increasingly younger women are apparently diagnosed with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to determine whether age at diagnosis of this disease is declining.

Material and methods

We calculated incidence rates for breast cancer in Zaragoza (Spain) by age groups. The median age at diagnosis over a 20-year period was calculated. A Joinpoint regression was subsequently performed to determine the trend.

Results

The median showed a downward trend with an annual percentage change of -0.3% (95% CI -0.6, -0.1) over the 20-year period. The crude incidence rates for age groups showed that the positive trend was highest among women aged more than 85 years, PAC = 14% (95% CI 4.03; 25.9), followed by the group aged 40-44 years with a PAC of 10% (95% CI 3.4, 17.1).

Conclusions

The median age at diagnosis of breast cancer has declined over the past 20 years.     

Histerectomía radical laparoscópica total en el cáncer de cérvix. Factibilidad,morbilidad y supervivencia

Objective

To assess feasibility, perioperative morbidity and medium term survival of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer.

Material and methods

A total of 31 consecutive patients diagnosed FIGO clinical stage IA2 (n = 4), IB1 (n = 22), IIA (n = 2) and IB2 (n = 3) in Son Llàtzer hospital (Palma de Mallorca) that were programmed for a total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy were studied. We analyzed tumor histological characteristics, surgical technique, perioperative variables, postoperative complications and mid-term survival results.

Results

Feasibility rate was 96%. The most frequently operative complication was accidental bladder incision (3 cases). Postoperative complications rate was 20% (6 cases) which includes one surgical reintervention. Average operative time was 258 minutes (range: 180-360). Blood transfusion rate was 17% (n = 5) and mean hospital stay was 7.8 days (range: 2-29). After one month after surgery 72% of patients had a normal miccional function. Mean tumoral size was 26.5 mm and lymphatic positive nodes rate was 17% (n = 5). Mean follow-up time was 26 months. Tumor relapse rate was 17% (n = 5) and survival-free disease of 100% for IA2 stage, 82.6% of IB1/IIA stages and 66.7% for IB2 stage.

Conclusions

Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is a feasible technique in most of the patients with cervical cancer. It needs more operative time than abdominal route but it presents less perioperative morbidity, less blood transfusion and less ospitalization days. The medium term survival is comparable with conventional abdominal route.     

Defectos de cierre de la pared abdominal: gastrosquisis

Objetive

Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect, usually located to the right of the umbilical cord insertion, leading to freely floating bowel loops outside the fetal abdomen. Contact with irritants in the amniotic fluid causes the intestinal injury, the most important factor in neonatal outcome.

Methods

The incidence of this entity has increased in recent years, possibly due to improved prenatal diagnosis rates. Ultrasound diagnosis and monitoring have allowed the prevention of complications, the main cause of morbidity and mortality in these cases. Therefore, a therapeutic-diagnosis plan to coordinate the obstetrician, pediatrician and pediatric surgeon is of the utmost importance.

Conclusion

This study was conducted to analyze the most controversial issues in the monitoring and treatment of this defect, and to compare the results obtained in our center with those reported in the literature.     

Complicaciones perinatales de la hiperdatia gestacional

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with pregnancies ending at 41 weeks.

Subjects and methods

We designed a retrospective cohort study. The perinatal outcomes of 230 pregnancies ending at 41 weeks’ gestation were compared with those of 234 pregnancies ending at between 37 and 40 weeks’ gestation at the Miguel Servet University Hospital in 2005.

Results

The rates of oligohydramnios, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, macrosomia, 5-minute Apgar score < 7 and low umbilical artery pH were all increased at 41 weeks’ gestation compared with pregnancies ending at between 37 and 40 weeks’ gestation (P < .05).

Conclusions

We found that the rates of perinatal complications increased as pregnancy was prolonged to 41 weeks. Accurate investigation of these rates is important to determine the gestational age at which the risk of continuing the pregnancy outweighs the risk of labor induction.     

Papel de p16 en lesiones preinvasivas e invasivas de cáncer de cuello uterino. Aplicación de la técnica a citología convencional

Introduction

Detection of p16 expression by immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry is a good standard for the identification of high-grade cervical epithelial lesions and low-grade lesions with DNA HPV viral integration (with a tendency for progression).

Material and methods

We evaluated p16 expression in 58 HPV-positive cervical biopsies and 53 conventional cytological samples that tested HPV-positive with immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical techniques.

Results

All high-grade lesions were positive for p16 while only some of the low-grade lesions were positive. The results obtained in histological samples could be extrapolated to cytological samples from the same patients.

Conclusions

p16 expression in conventional cytology provides similar results to those in histological samples.     

Tumoración anexial gigante en paciente con obesidad mórbida: abordaje multidisciplinario

Objective

To describe the clinical and therapeutic management of giant adnexal masses in morbidly obese patients at high surgical risk.

Subjects and methods

We report the case of a patient with a body mass index of over 60 and a 13-kg ovarian fibroma occupying the entire abdominal cavity.

Results

Due to the impossibility of using accessory imaging techniques, we employed a laparoscopic approach to exclude malignancy. Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed by a multidisciplinary team without complications.

Conclusions

Morbidly obese patients with giant adnexal masses can be safely and effectively managed by a multidisciplinary team.     

Análisis de la finalización de la gestación y morbilidad materna en las gestaciones de 41 semanas

Objective

To evaluate the mode of delivery and maternal morbidity associated with pregnancies ending at 41 weeks.

Material and methods

We designed a retrospective cohort study. The mode of delivery and maternal complications of 230 pregnancies ending at 41 weeks were compared with those in 234 pregnancies ending between 37 and 40 weeks at the Miguel Servet University Hospital in 2005.

Results

Women delivering at 41 weeks had an increased risk of membrane sweep, unfavorable Bishop score at admission, induction and longer duration of labor. These increases were also seen in the rates of operative vaginal delivery (25.6 vs 17.6%, p < 0.001) and cesarean section (21.7 vs 8.5%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The rates of maternal peripartum complications increase as pregnancy reaches 41 weeks. Accurate investigation of these rates is important to determine the gestational age at which the risk of continuing the pregnancy outweighs the risk of labor induction.     

An intention-to-treat study of total laparoscopic hysterectomy

Objective

To present the experience of a single provider with total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for benign gynecological pathology in order to promote awareness of the feasibility and merits of this minimally-invasive procedure.

Methods

An intention-to-treat prospective study was conducted in a suburban gynecological practice in Central Georgia, USA. The study data were collected over a 7-year period.

Results

From March 2003 to December 2009, 623 total laparoscopic hysterectomies including 379 pure laparoscopic hysterectomies (without additional procedures) were performed and 12 patients were referred to a gyn-oncologist. The majority of our patients (93.6%) had a uterine weight of less than 500 g. The median operative time was 60 minutes for pure total laparoscopic hysterectomies. There were 14 intraoperative organ injuries of which 13 were repaired intraoperatively and no returns to the operation room within the first 24 hours. The average hospital charges for TLH were US $13 468 with an average length of stay of 1 day. The average charges for total abdominal hysterectomy were US $12 514 with an average length of stay of 2.3 days.

Conclusion

An advanced laparoscopist can replace the majority of inpatient total abdominal hysterectomies performed for benign indications with outpatient total laparoscopic hysterectomy.     

Conizacion con asas diatermias en lesiones premalignas de cuello uterino

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of uterine conization in high-grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) by means of surgical electrical excision with Trucone loop or Leep loop.

Subjects and methods

We performed a comparative study that included 150 patients, aged between 20 and 45 years, with a diagnosis of HSIL. All patients underwent uterine conization with diathermy loop. The patients were separated into two groups according to the type of loop used.

Results

Both loops were effective in the management of HSIL but significant differences were found in favor of the Trucone loop in surgical time (X: 3.7 ± 0.52, p < 0.01), lesser margin involvement (100% free margins, p < 0.05) and a lower frequency of residual lesions (94.7%, p > 0.01).

Conclusions

Both diathermy loops were effective in the treatment of HSIL but the frequency of complications and residual lesions was lower with the Trucone loop.     

Correlation of cone biopsy with findings at radical hysterectomy and use of adjuvant radiation therapy

Objective

To determine if pathologic findings in cone biopsy specimens correlate with residual invasive disease in radical hysterectomy specimens and the need for adjuvant chemo-radiation therapy.

Study design

We identified 65 patients who underwent a cone biopsy and subsequent radical hysterectomy. Clinico-pathologic parameters in the cone specimens were correlated with the presence of residual invasive disease in the radical hysterectomy specimens and the need for adjuvant chemo-radiation.

Results

A positive endocervical margin, a positive deep margin, a positive post-cone ECC, and positive LVSI were significantly associated with the presence of residual disease in the radical hysterectomy specimen, while positive LVSI, a positive ECC, a positive deep cone margin, and greater than 1 positive margin were significantly associated with the use of adjuvant chemo-radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Pathologic parameters in cone biopsy specimens can estimate the risk of residual invasive disease in radical hysterectomy specimens and the use of adjuvant chemo-radiation.     

How to avoid iatrogenic morbidity and mortality while increasing availability of oxytocin and misoprostol for PPH prevention?

Objective

Increased availability of oxytocin and misoprostol is needed to reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. This review compiles rates and risks of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes associated with use of these medications for labor induction and augmentation in low-income countries. Recommendations are proposed based on the findings.

Methods

We did a structured literature review using 5 databases followed by analysis of induction and augmentation rates from existing data.

Results

Combined induction and augmentation rates were documented in up to 50% of hospital-based deliveries identified in the databases. Data are sparse but suggest associations between induction/augmentation and stillbirth, neonatal resuscitation, and uterine rupture, and inappropriate administration of oxytocin and misoprostol both outside and inside healthcare systems in low-income countries.

Conclusions

Guidelines for labor induction/augmentation are needed specifically for low resourced settings. Rigorous studies should be pursued to quantify the magnitude and effect of inappropriate induction and augmentation on maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Programs are needed to ensure community-wide awareness of the adverse effects of the improper use of these drugs on mothers and babies, especially in out-of-hospital settings.     

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy: comparison with total laparoscopic hysterectomy and abdominal radical hysterectomy; one surgeon's experience at the Norwegian Radium Hospital

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the 3 years follow-up results regarding the recurrence pattern of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomies and pelvic lymphadenectomies in the early stage cervical carcinoma patients and compare the results with both total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and abdominal radical hysterectomy groups.

Methods

A total of 68 patients underwent radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for early stage cervical carcinoma management. All cases (35 robot-assisted, 7 cases laparoscopy and 26 with laparotomy) were operated by the same surgeon at the Norwegian Radium Hospital. All cases were retrospectively reviewed to compare demographics, peri-operative variables such as mean operative time, estimated blood loss, lymph node counts, complications and follow-up results.

Results

The mean operating times (skin-to-skin) for patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (RALRH), total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) or abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) were 263 ± 70, 364 ± 57 and 163 ± 26 min respectively. Patients receiving laparotomy had shortest operative time, followed by those undergoing RALRH and then laparoscopy (p < 0.0001 for both). Estimated blood loss was significantly reduced in robot-assisted surgeries compared to surgeries involving laparoscopy and laparotomy (82 ± 74 ml vs. 164 ± 131 ml (p < 0.0001) and 595 ± 284 ml (p = 0.023), respectively). The mean follow-up times were 36 ± 14.4, 56.4 ± 14 and 70 ± 21 months in patients who underwent RALRH, TLRH and ARH respectively. Until now there have been 5 recurrences and one cervical cancer related death in the robot-assisted group and no recurrences in both the laparoscopy and the laparotomy group.One patient died due to primary lung cancer in the laparoscopic group and other patient died due to primary pancreatic cancer in the laparotomy group.

Conclusions

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection is feasible and more precise because the instruments provide better flexibility and 3-D vision. We must proceed cautiously, however, if a new treatment modality appears to present an increased recurrence rate. Therefore, patients submitted to robot-assisted laparoscopic radical hysterectomy should be followed carefully and RALRH would be encouraged as protocol setting until the long-term oncological outcome data are available.     

Total laparoscopic radical parametrectomy, partial colpectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with occult cervical cancer

Objective

To assess total laparoscopic radical parametrectomy (TLRP) with pelvic lymphadenectomy and partial colpectomy as a safe and feasible treatment option for patients with occult cervical cancer.

Methods

Twelve patients with occult invasive cervical cancer underwent TLRP after prior extrafascial hysterectomy.

Results

No intraoperative complications occurred. Two patients experienced postoperative complications: an iliac lymphocyst with pyelectasis, and a vaginal evisceration that occurred during sexual intercourse. Nine patients required no further treatment. One patient with residual disease received brachytherapy as adjuvant treatment. Two patients with positive nodes not detected at preoperative work-up received adjuvant concomitant radiochemotherapy.

Conclusion

TLRP with pelvic lymphadenectomy is a safe and feasible treatment in patients with occult invasive cervical cancer discovered after extrafascial hysterectomy.     

Carcinoma ductal in situ, ¿factor de riesgo de mastectomía?

Objective

To determine the histological or immunohistochemical characteristics of ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS) that could influence margin status at first surgery and at final surgery.

Material and methods

We retrospectively studied the 485 breast carcinomas diagnosed in 2003, 2004 and 2005 at the Doce de Octubre Hospital (Madrid), of which 54 (11.1%) were DCIS and 280 (57.7%) were invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC).

Results

Only 10% of DCIS were palpable. DCIS represented 25% of all carcinomas diagnosed by mammographic wire-guided biopsy. We found positive margins on first breast-conserving surgery in 50% of DCIS and in 34% of IDC. Consequently, a second or even a third intervention (for persistently involved margins) was more frequent in DCIS than in IDC. In DCIS higher histological grades were associated with more frequent margin involvement and a higher rate of re-excision with positive margins and mastectomy. The mastectomy rate in DCIS (43%) was higher than that in IDC diagnosed by mammographic wire-guided biopsy (27%), and was similar to that in IDC overall (41%).

Conclusions

Mammographic screening programs have improved the detection of DCIS, but clear margins are sometimes difficult to achieve in this entity, leading to the paradox that women with palpable IDC are able to undergo breast-conserving surgery without compromising prognosis, whereas a mammographically detected DCIS requires mastectomy.     

Factores de riesgo para complicaciones en el embarazo tras amniocentesis genética

Objective

To establish the rate of pregnancy complications in the 2 weeks after amniocentesis in our department and its relationship with several variables.

Subjects and methods

Entry criteria: all women who underwent an amniocentesis in our department. Of 1124 amniocenteses performed, 1014 were studied.

Results

The variables associated with a higher risk of complications were bleeding during the current pregnancy (P=.004) and color of amniotic fluid (P=.001).

Conclusion

Some factors are associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Knowledge of these factors helps to improve the information given to pregnant women.