Hybrid atrial fibrillation ablation.

In this state-of-the art review on hybrid atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, we briefly focus on the pathophysiology of AF, the rationale for the hybrid approach, its technical aspects and the efficacy and safety outcomes after hybrid AF ablation, both from meta-analyses and randomized control trial data. Also, we performed a systematic search to provide a provisional overview of real-world hybrid AF ablation efficacy and safety outcomes. Furthermore, we give an insight into the 'Maastricht approach', an approach that allows us to tailor the ablation procedure to the individual patient. Finally, we reflect on future perspectives with the objective to continue improving our thoracoscopic hybrid AF ablation approach. Based on the review of the available literature, we believe it is fair to state that thoracoscopic hybrid AF ablation is a valid alternative to catheter ablation for the treatment of patients with more persistent forms of AF.

Mastering the learning curve of endoscopic mitral valve surgery.

Endoscopic mitral valve surgery is a challenging procedure. Surgical volume is mandatory to achieve sufficient proficiency and superior results. To this date the learning curve has proven to be challenging. Offering high-fidelity simulation based training for both residents as experienced surgeons can help in establishing and enlarging surgical competences in shorter time without intraoperative trial and error.

Endometrial sampling before or after saline contrast sonohysterography in women with postmenopausal bleeding (ESPRESSO trial): A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of the endometrial sample obtained by office endometrial aspiration when performed before or after saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) in women with postmenopausal bleeding and a thickened endometrium. To conduct a complete, minimally invasive and cost-effective diagnostic workup in women with postmenopausal bleeding and a thickened endometrium, ideally both the office endometrial sampling and SCSH are performed. However, it is not known whether both tests affect each other when performed one after another. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women with postmenopausal bleeding and an endometrial thickness >4 mm were eligible. Women were randomized into two groups: one group received endometrial aspiration before SCSH, the other group received SCSH before endometrial aspiration. The primary outcome was the proportion of sufficient endometrial samples. Reliability of the SCSH images and pain during procedures were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: During the inclusion period, 513 eligible women with postmenopausal bleeding visited the participating hospitals, 293 of whom received information about the study. Of these women, 232 (79%) agreed to participate. In the SCSH-aspiration group, 65 women (59%) had a sufficient endometrial sample compared with 70 (67%) in the aspiration-SCSH group (odds ratio 1.46, 95% CI 0.83-2.54, P = .19). The proportion of reliable sonographic images was significantly higher in the SCSH-aspiration group (n = 88, 87%) compared with the aspiration-SCSH group (n = 71, 74%) (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.38-4.99, P = .02) in the per protocol analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the quality of an endometrial sample in women with postmenopausal bleeding is not affected by SCSH. Both procedures can be performed in one outpatient visit to perform an optimal diagnostic workup.

Endometriosis and Sexual Quality of Life.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a benign gynecological disease with a high disease burden and significant, multifaceted impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and sexual quality of life (SQoL). AIM: To explore which patient- and disease-specific characteristics were independently associated with SQoL. METHODS: A literature search was carried out to identify characteristics with an evidence-based or hypothesized effect on SQoL. Subsequently, data on HRQoL in women with endometriosis (n = 224), collected between 2013 and 2018 in a prospective longitudinal Dutch cohort study performed in 7 referral centers, were used to perform a cross-sectional cohort study. Data were collected using an online self-administered survey including the validated Endometriosis Health Profile-30. Inclusion criteria were recently diagnosed endometriosis patients or newly referred patients with a clinical diagnosis of endometriosis. Patients were excluded in case of incomplete answers on the SQoL questions. Univariate analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. OUTCOMES: SQoL, measured by the 5-item "sexual intercourse" dimension score of the modular Endometriosis Health Profile-30 questionnaire, was the primary outcome with scores ranging from 0 to 100 (0 indicating the best and 100 indicating the worst health status). RESULTS: Based on a literature search, 29 characteristics potentially associated with SQoL were selected from the survey and included in the analyses. In total, 192 women (mean age 36 years) met the inclusion criteria. The majority of women (86.5%) had had intercourse in the period before completing the survey and the study population showed a mean SQoL score of 47.5 ± 29.6, indicating moderate SQoL. Worse SQoL was independently associated with dyspareunia (P < .001), worse HRQoL (P = .001), severity of dysmenorrhea (P = .017), and unemployed work status (P = .022). CONCLUSION: In a cohort of women with endometriosis, worse SQoL was significantly and independently associated with the presence of dyspareunia, more severe dysmenorrhea, worse HRQoL, and unemployed work status. van Poll M, van Barneveld E, Aerts L, et al. Endometriosis and Sexual Quality of Life. Sex Med 2020;8:532-544.