Cost-Effectiveness of Office Hysteroscopy for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Background and Objectives:

Office diagnostic hysteroscopy allows physicians to directly view the endometrial cavity, tubal ostia, and endocervical canal without taking the patient to the operating room (OR). We sought to determine whether office hysteroscopy performed to evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding decreases the need for hysteroscopy performed in the OR and the associated financial and risk implications.

Methods:

One hundred thirty patients who underwent office diagnostic hysteroscopy between January 2009 and March 2012 at 2 outpatient clinics in an academic university setting were identified. Records were reviewed from paper charts and electronic medical records. Hospital charts for patients who required hysteroscopy in the OR were reviewed as well. Charge estimates were obtained from our billing department. These results were analyzed for review of the data.

Results:

Seventy-five of the 130 women who underwent diagnostic office hysteroscopy for abnormal bleeding did not need to undergo hysteroscopy in the OR. This represents estimated savings of $1498 per patient (95% confidence interval, $1051–$1923) in procedure charges. Among the 55 women who underwent OR hysteroscopy, there was 71% agreement between findings on hysteroscopy in the office and in the OR.

Conclusion:

Office hysteroscopy is a useful diagnostic tool that can help decrease the rate of diagnostic hysteroscopy in the OR under anesthesia when used in a select patient population.     

Current biopsy practices for suspected melanoma: A survey of family physicians in Southwestern Ontario

BACKGROUND:

Family physicians (FPs) have an opportunity to diagnose pigmented lesions early with a timely biopsy.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess current biopsy practices used by FPs in diagnosing melanoma.

METHODS:

A computer-generated random sample of 200 practicing FPs from large and small communities in Southwestern Ontario was identified from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario physician directory. Paper-based surveys exploring practice setting, basic melanoma knowledge, biopsy practices and referral wait times were mailed using a modified Dillman protocol.

RESULTS:

The response rate was 50% and respondents reflected the demographic characteristics of FPs nationwide as per the National Physician Survey. Knowledge testing revealed reasonable mean (± SD) scores (3.2±1.03 of 5). Twenty percent of respondents would always perform an excisional biopsy of skin lesions suspicious for melanoma. The remaining 80% would avoid an excisional biopsy in an aesthetically sensitive area and if there was risk of failure to close the defect primarily, among other reasons. If an excisional biopsy were not performed, one-half of respondents would perform an incisional biopsy (eg, punch biopsy). In large communities, 24% of patients were not seen by a surgeon within six months when referred without a tissue biopsy, leading to delayed diagnosis.

DISCUSSION:

Educating and supporting FPs to perform incisional biopsies in cases for which excisional biopsies are inappropriate should result in earlier diagnosis of melanoma.

CONCLUSION:

FPs appropriately recognize that excisional biopsies are ideal in melanoma management and one-half will move on to an incisional biopsy when excision is not appropriate.     

Long-Term Patient Satisfaction with Thermal Balloon Ablation for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Background and Objective:

Thermal balloon ablation is a minimally invasive surgical technique that can be used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding/heavy menstrual bleeding (AUB/HMB). Most published studies to date provide information on short-term patient satisfaction and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine long-term patient satisfaction after thermal balloon endometrial ablation 7 to 10 years postoperatively in a population previously surveyed at the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center at 1 to 5 years postoperatively.

Methods:

Two-hundred fourteen patients were identified who underwent thermal balloon ablation at our institution between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2004. These patients were mailed a 2-page survey asking for information on demographics, patient satisfaction, postoperative bleeding patterns, and the need for subsequent surgery. Satisfaction rates, amenorrhea rates, and the rates of women who required hysterectomy were calculated as percentages.

Results:

Ninety-seven patients returned completed surveys. The survey response rate was 62%, excluding 57 surveys that were returned as undeliverable. The follow-up interval was 93 to 129 months. Eighty-seven percent of respondents were satisfied with the results of their procedure compared with 88% in the original study. Subsequent hysterectomy was required in 21.6% of women after 7 to 10 years compared with 9% after the 1- to 5-year follow-up period. Of the 76 women who did not undergo hysterectomy, 58% reported amenorrhea and 35.5% reported minimal to light bleeding.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates a consistently high patient satisfaction rate with thermal balloon ablation at our institution at 7 to 11 years postoperatively compared with 1 to 5 years postoperatively. The hysterectomy rate, however, was 2.4 times greater in the long-term follow-up period.     

Transvaginal Application of a Laparoscopic Bipolar Cutting Forceps to Assist Vaginal Hysterectomy in Extremely Obese Endometrial Cancer Patients

Introduction:

The purpose of this report is to evaluate our experience with transvaginal application of a laparoscopic bipolar cutting forceps to assist vaginal hysterectomy in extremely obese women with endometrial cancer in whom obesity precluded LAVH/BSO and lymphadenectomy and vaginal obesity limited visualization and exposure.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a retrospective review and identified 6 consecutive cases. No cases were excluded. A laparoscopic 33-cm Plasma Kinctic (PK) cutting forceps with a 5-mm diameter was applied transvaginally to coagulate and cut the uterosacral and cardinal ligaments, uterine vasculature, and ovarian ligaments. The uterus was delivered vaginally. Staging lymphadenectomy was not performed.

Results:

Median age was 51 years, median weight was 405 lbs, and median BMI was 66 kg/m². Five of 6 cases were successfully performed vaginally (83%). Median operative time was 1hour 10 minutes, median blood loss was 500 mL, and pain was only discomforting. All patients were discharged the day after surgery. There were no complications. At median follow-up of 1 year, all patients were alive with no evidence of disease.

Conclusions:

It is our opinion that the transvaginal application of a laparoscopic bipolar cutting forceps can successfully assist vaginal hysterectomy in extremely obese endometrial cancer patients who cannot tolerate LAVH/BSO and lymphadenectomy and vaginal obesity limits visualization and exposure.     

Postmenopausal Bleeding due to a Cu-7 Intrauterine Device Retained for Thirty Years

Background:

A retained intrauterine device is a rare, but easily correctable, cause of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB).

Case:

A 64-year-old woman presented to her gynecologist with PMB. Sonographic evaluation of the endometrium revealed the presence of a Cu-7 IUD retained for at least 30 years. Hysteroscopically assisted retrieval of the IUD resulted in complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion:

A retained IUD should be considered in the differential diagnosis for PMB. In addition, the authors recommend pelvic sonography as the first-line diagnostic modality for PMB to aid the diagnosis of retained IUD as well as other pathology.     

Novasure as a Mechanical Endometrial Preparation Agent in Large Uteri

Objective:

We evaluated Novasure ablation as a mechanical endometrial preparation agent before Roller Ball endometrial ablation in lieu of GnRH agonists in large uteri.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of 20 consecutive patients undergoing Novasure ablation for mechanical endometrial preparation before Roller Ball ablation (RB-Novasure group) was conducted and the results compared to that of 23 consecutive patients who received GnRH agonist (Leuprolide acetate) as a medical endometrial preparation before Roller Ball ablation (RB-Lupron group). The postoperative follow-up time frame was divided into immediate (3 mo), intermediate (3 to 12 mo) and long-term (12 to 32 mo). Rates of amenorrhea, heavy bleeding, cramping, and failure (repeat ablation or hysterectomy for heavy bleeding or persistent pain) were compared between the 2 groups.

Results:

The mean rates of amenorrhea for the patients not lost to follow-up at 3 mo, 3 to 12 mo, and 12 to 32 mo visits were 45.5%, 58.8%, and 44.4% for the RB-Lupron group, and 80%, 86.7%, and 100% for the RB-Novasure group (P = .02, P = .08, and P = .02). Failure rates were 4.8%, 6.2%, and 55.6% for the RB-Lupron group; and 0 (0/20), 12.5% (2/16) and 0 (0/8) for the RB-Novasure group (P = .51, P = .50, and P = .02). The RB-Novasure group had a significantly lower rate of heavy bleeding and cramping. 86.4%, 58.8%, and 33.3% patients reported satisfaction with their treatment in the RB-Lupron group and 100%, 87.5%, and 75% in RB-Novasure group (P = .13, P = .07, and P = .11).

Conclusion:

Novasure ablation, for mechanical endometrial preparation before Roller Ball ablation, appears to be a superior alternative to medical preparation with GnRH agonists in patients with large uteri.     

Hysteroscopic Transcervical Resection of Uterine Septum

Objective:

To explore the method of diagnosis for uterine septum and the clinical effect of hysteroscopic transcervical resection of the septum.

Methods:

One-hundred ninety cases of patients with uterine septum who were diagnosed and treated at our hospital during 2007–2011 were selected, and their general information, perioperative status, postoperative recovery treatment, and postoperative pregnancy rates were statistically analyzed.

Results:

All 190 patients were cured with one surgery, with an average hysteroscopic operating time of 22.60 ± 10.67 minutes and intraoperative blood loss of 15.74 ± 9.64 mL. There were no complications such as uterine perforation, water intoxication, infection, or heavy bleeding. Among the 115 patients that we followed up, 86 became pregnant and delivered infants, 81 of which were born at term and 5 that were born premature.

Conclusion:

The combination of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy is still the most reliable method for the diagnosis of uterine septum. With a shorter operative time, less blood loss, a significantly increased postoperative pregnancy rate and live birth rate, and a significantly lower spontaneous abortion rate, transcervical resection of the septum was the preferred method for the treatment of uterine septum, and surgical instruments and skills were critical to the prognosis of uterine septum.     

A case of a bleeding benign gastrocolic fistula in 2014

INTRODUCTION

In the era of proton pump inhibitors in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease, the incidence of a gastrocolic fistula arising from unoperated gastric ulcers is extremely low.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present the case of a 68-year old farmer who presented with melaena and was found to have a benign gastrocolic fistula in the setting of untreated peptic ulcer disease, chronic NSAID ingestion and heavy alcohol intake. The diagnosis was made by gastroscopy. En bloc surgery was undertaken due to the size of the fistula and concomitant significant bleeding of the ulcer which would not have made it amenable to medical management.

DISCUSSION

The symptoms of a gastrocolic fistula are undifferentiated and the diagnosis can easily be missed in the setting of other complications such as bleeding or perforation of a hollow viscus. Barium enamas are the most accurate for the diagnosis but gastroscopy with biopsy is usually performed to rule out malignancy. The mainstay of treatment is usually surgical, though patients can be medically managed if he/she is not a surgical candidate.

CONCLUSION

Benign gastrocolic fistulas are rare and its diagnosis is easily missed.     

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Mammography and Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Male Breast Disease: A New Algorithm

Summary

Background

The purpose of this study was to define the diagnostic accuracy of mammography and ultrasound in the evaluation of male breast disease, and to suggest a diagnostic protocol for male breast disease.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical, radiographic, and pathologic records of 75 patients. Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) category 4-5 mammograms and ultrasonograms were suggested as suspicious for malignancy.

Results

Of the 75 patients, 23 (31%) were considered to have suspicious lesions by mammography and/or ultrasonography. 13 of the patients were shown to have breast cancer. The remaining 52 (69%) were referred for biopsy by clinicians; all of the biopsy specimens were benign (gynecomastia). The accuracy data of mammography and ultrasonography are: sensitivity, 69 and 100%; specificity, 87 and 97%; positive predictive value, 53 and 87%; negative predictive value, 93 and 100%; and accuracy, 84 and 97%, respectively.

Conclusion

We suggest a new diagnostic algorithm for the evaluation of male breast disease in which ultrasonography may be used to evaluate palpable abnormalities as the first diagnostic tool of choice. To use and to trust imaging would decrease the number of false-positive biopsies that would be generated by physical examination alone.Key Words: Male breast cancer, Ultrasound, Mammography     

三苯氧胺对子宫内膜的影响

目的　探讨三苯氧胺 (TAM )对子宫内膜的影响和监测方法。　方法　 4 0例因乳腺癌手术及放化疗后 ,雌、孕激素受体阳性而服用TAM的患者 ,经门诊宫内膜抽吸取样、诊断性刮宫内膜病检 ,阴道超声波扫描 (TVS) ,诊断性宫腔镜 ,宫腔镜内膜病灶电切病检检查其宫内膜病变。　结果　 2 8例 (70 % )有子宫内膜病变 ,包括内膜息肉或合并囊肿 2 0例 ,内膜增生合并囊肿及息肉 7例 ,黏膜下肌瘤 1例 ;萎缩性宫内膜 10例 ,正常分泌期及增殖期宫内膜 2例。宫内膜病变常呈不均衡性 ,正常内膜与萎缩内膜或囊肿、息肉并存。绝经后 35例中 ,阴道超声波扫描宫内膜厚度 >8mm 2 3例 ,其中 16例 (70 % )合并内膜病变 ;内膜厚度 <8mm 12例中 9例有内膜病变 (75 % )。 17例门诊抽吸内膜病检及盲刮取材病检均为阴性 ,但诊断性宫腔镜确诊为宫内膜增生、息肉或囊性息肉。　结论　服用TAM后 ,子宫内膜病变发生率较高 ,主要为内膜息肉、内膜腺性囊性萎缩、腺体增生和子宫肌瘤。病变的特点为不均衡性 ,各种病变可单独或并存。建议开始服用TAM前及服药后每年一次妇检 ,每半年一次TVS监查内膜变化 ,疑有内膜病变者 ,需行宫腔镜检及刮取内膜病检 ,必要时宫腔镜下息肉摘除或部分内膜切除病检。TVS仅为诊断性宫腔镜的筛选 ,宫内膜抽吸取样或盲     

Effect on hemostasis of an absorbable hemostatic gelatin sponge after transrectal prostate needle biopsy

Objectives

To examine the usefulness of an absorbable hemostatic gelatin sponge for hemostasis after transrectal prostate needle biopsy.

Subjects and Methods

The subjects comprised 278 participants who underwent transrectal prostate needle biopsy. They were randomly allocated to the gelatin sponge insertion group (group A: 148 participants) and to the non-insertion group (group B: 130 participants). In group A, the gelatin sponge was inserted into the rectum immediately after biopsy. A biopsy-induced hemorrhage was defined as a case in which a subject complained of bleeding from the rectum, and excretion of blood clots was confirmed. A blood test was performed before and after biopsy, and a questionnaire survey was given after the biopsy.

Results

Significantly fewer participants in group A required hemostasis after biopsy compared to group B (3 (2.0%) vs. 11 (8.5%), P=0.029). The results of the blood tests and the responses from the questionnaire did not differ significantly between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, only “insertion of a gelatin sponge into the rectum” emerged as a significant predictor of hemostasis.

Conclusion

Insertion of a gelatin sponge into the rectum after transrectal prostate needle biopsy significantly increases hemostasis without increasing patient symptoms, such as pain and a sense of discomfort.     

Hysterosalpingography versus sonohysterography for intrauterine abnormalities

Objective:

The hysterosalpingogram is commonly used to evaluate the uterine cavity and the fallopian tubes in the workup of infertile couples. The sonohysterogram is gaining popularity as part of this evaluation. This study compares hysterosalpingography to sonohysterography for the detection of polyps, cavitary fibroids, adhesions, and septae in infertile patients.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 149 infertility patients seen at a University Hospital Center, divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology and Interventional Radiology. Patients underwent hysterosalpingography and sonohysterography as part of their infertility evaluation. The reports were reviewed and findings like polyps, fibroids, adhesions, and septae were compared to the findings obtained at the time of hysteroscopy. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of radiologic tests were the main outcome measures.

Results:

The sensitivity of hysterosalpingography and sonohysterography was 58.2% and 81.8%, respectively. The specificity for hysterosalpingography and sonohysterography was 25.6% and 93.8%. The differences in sensitivity and specificity were both statistically significant. Hysterosalpingography had a general accuracy of 50.3%, while sonohysterography had a significantly higher accuracy of 75.5%.

Conclusion:

Although hysterosalpingography is the standard screening test for the diagnosis of tubal infertility and can provide useful information about the uterine cavity, sonohysterography is more sensitive, specific, and accurate in the evaluation of the uterine cavity.     

Laparoscopy and natural orifice surgery: first entry safety surveillance step

Background and Objective:

We are sharing information regarding the surveillance of the first entrance port in laparoscopic and natural orifice transvaginal endoscopy surgeries. However, we are not analyzing techniques or other surgical findings.

Method:

In this study, 160 women with previous abdominal pelvic surgeries underwent laparoscopic surgery, 145 patients underwent transvaginal Minilaparoscopy Assisted Natural Orifice Surgery (hybrid), and 3 patients underwent pure natural orifice transvaginal endoscopic surgery (pure). For those patients who had laparoscopy and hybrid procedures, the surveillance was from a laparoscope or gastroscope placed in a secondary port. Surveillance in pure cases was done using a gastroscopic retro view to see the pouch of Douglas.

Results:

The laparoscopic procedures were gynecological procedures. The hybrid procedures included gynecological procedures as well as appendectomies and cholecystectomies; the pure procedures were cholecystectomies. There were a few minor vascular and bowel injuries in the laparoscopy group. There were no injuries in the transvaginal hybrid or pure procedures groups.

Conclusion:

The surveillance of the first entrance port can be an effective precautionary step. The cumulative experience suggests that using such surveillance in cases involving patients with prior surgery may assist in recognizing complications that might otherwise be missed.     

A review of needle core biopsy diagnosed radial scars in the Welsh Breast Screening Programme

INTRODUCTION

Radial scars are benign breast lesions; their appearance on mammography may, however, mimic carcinoma. Needle core biopsy is performed for pre-operative diagnosis and, currently in Wales, all lesions with benign biopsy results are surgically excised. We have reviewed all cases of needle core biopsy-diagnosed radial scars from the Welsh breast screening programme, Breast Test Wales (BTW), and investigated the outcome of radial scars based on histology from surgical excision in order to evaluate the appropriateness of the current management of these lesions in Wales.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All needle core biopsy diagnosed radial scars were identified from the BTW screening database from the start of screening in 1989 until the end of 2007.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients were diagnosed with radial scars on needle core biopsy; two patients had bilateral radial scars. Median patient age was 54 years (range, 49-68 years). Ninety-five lesions (79%) were thought to be pure radial scars on needle core biopsy; however, only 81 pure radial scars were identified on excision biopsy histology. Carcinoma was present in seven patients and ductal carcinoma in situ in nine patients at excision biopsy. In two patients, the cancers occurred in lesions reported as pure radial scars on needle core biopsy. Twenty-two lesions showed atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia (ADH/ALH) or both on excision biopsy; 14 of these lesions were classed as pure radial scars by needle core biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

All core biopsy diagnosed radial scars, presenting as screen detected abnormalities, should be excised due to their association with premalignant and malignant conditions.     

Laparoscopic-Assisted Transvaginal Approach for Sigmoidectomy and Rectocolpopexy

Background and Objectives:

Laparoscopic-assisted colonic resection has been well described for multiple surgical indications. This typically requires an abdominal incision for specimen removal that is associated with the majority of postoperative pain. We describe the first laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal approach for sigmoidectomy and rectocolpopexy for the treatment of rectal prolapse.

Methods:

Mobilization of the sigmoid colon was performed laparoscopically using a 12-mm vaginal port and 3 additional 5-mm abdominal ports. A laparoscopic stapler was used through the vaginal port to transect the distal sigmoid colon. The specimen was subsequently externalized through the colpotomy to complete the resection and prepare the remaining bowel for intracorporeal, end-toend, stapled anastomosis. The colpotomy was then repaired, and the colorectal anastomosis and rectocolpopexy were completed laparoscopically.

Results:

Sigmoidectomy and rectocolpopexy were successfully performed laparoscopically by using a transvaginal approach without the need for an abdominal incision for specimen removal. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course, complained of minimal pain, and was discharged home on postoperative day 3.

Conclusions:

Laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal sigmoidectomy and rectocolpopexy is a feasible option that appears to be associated with little incisional pain and rapid recovery.     

Endoscopic ablation of Hunner’s lesions in interstitial cystitis patients

Introduction:

We report our experience with endoscopic ablation of Hunner’s lesions in women with interstitial cystitis (IC).

Methods:

A chart review was performed on 14 patients with IC symptoms who were identified to have bladder lesions and underwent endoscopic ablation. A Hunner’s lesion was identified as an area of erythema that reproduced the patients’ pain when touched by the cystoscope. Pathology reports were reviewed and improvement in pain was used as the main outcome measure.

Results:

Of the 14 patients, 12 had more than 50% symptomatic improvement and 8 patients reported 100% improvement. Mean improvement was 76%. In all patients who improved, the biopsy specimen showed inflammatory cystitis, often with epithelial denudation. Four patients had symptomatic recurrence, but all had improvement after repeat ablation.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic ablation of Hunner’s lesions improves symptoms in IC patients. Recurrence of symptoms should prompt repeat cystoscopy to identify recurrent lesions, as repeat ablation offers symptomatic improvement.     

Bilateral thoracic endometriosis affecting the lung and diaphragm

Introduction:

Endometriosis of the lung and the diaphragm is rare. Patients may present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and shoulder pain or they may be asymptomatic. Of note, there have been few reports of bilateral catamenial disease, and no reports, to our knowledge, of bilateral pathology proven pulmonary parenchymal endometriosis.

Case:

A 43-year-old with stage IV endometriosis and large leiomyoma underwent a laparoscopic hysterectomy and treatment of endometrial lesions in 2005. In March and April of 2011, she presented with bilateral pneumothoraces. She subsequently underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy as well as resection and fulguration of bilateral lung and diaphragmatic endometriosis. Pathology confirmed endometrial implants in the lung parenchyma bilaterally.

Conclusion:

Catamenial pneumothorax is the most common presentation of thoracic endometriosis. However, bilateral catamenial pneumothoraces are rare. To the best of our knowledge, this case reflects the first report of pathology proven bilateral lung and diaphragm endometriosis.     

The 20-core prostate biopsy as an initial strategy: impact on the detection of prostatic cancer

Introduction:

To increase the detection rate of prostate cancer in recent years, we examined the increase in the number of cores taken at initial prostate biopsy. We hypothesized that an increasing number of cores may undermine the accuracy of models predicting the presence of prostate cancer at initial biopsy in patients submitted to 20-core initial biopsy.

Methods:

A total of 232 consecutive patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) between 4 and 20 ng/mL and/or abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) underwent 12-core prostate biopsy protocol (group 1) or 20-core prostate biopsy protocol (group 2). The patients were divided into subgroups according to the results of their serum PSA and prostate volume. We evaluated the cancer detection rate overall and in each subgroup. Clinical data were analyzed using chi-square analysis and the unpaired t-test or 1-way ANOVA with significance considered at 0.05.

Results:

The 2 groups of patients were not significantly different with regard to parameters (age, abnormal DRE and serum PSA), although median prostate volume in group 1 (57.76 ± 26.94 cc) were slighter greater than in group 2. Cancer detection rate for patients submitted to 20 prostate biopsy was higher than patients submitted to 12 prostate biopsy (35.2% vs. 25%, p = 0.095). Breakdown to PSA level showed a benefit to 20 prostate biopsy for PSA <6 ng/mL (37.1% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.005). Stratifying results by prostate volume, we found that the improvement of cancer detection rate with 20 prostate biopsy was significant in patients with a prostate volume greater than 60 cc (55% in 20 prostate biopsy vs. 11.3% p < 0.05). Morbidity rates were identical in groups 1 and 2 with no statistically significant difference. There appeared to be no greater risk of infection and bleeding with 20 prostate biopsy protocol.

Conclusion:

The 20-core biopsy protocol was more efficient than the 12-core biopsy protocol, especially in patients with prostate specific antigen <6 ng/mL and prostate volume greater than 60 cc.