Decline in surgeon volume after successful implementation of advanced laparoscopic surgery in gynecology: An undesired side effect?

INTRODUCTION: The implementation of advanced minimally invasive surgical (MIS) techniques has broadened. An extensive body of literature shows that high hospital and surgeon volumes lead to better patient outcomes. However, no information is available regarding volume trends in the post-implementation phase of MIS. This study investigated these trends and poses suggestions to adjust these developments. This knowledge can provide guidance to optimize patient safe performance of new surgical techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A national retrospective cohort study in the Netherlands. The number of advanced laparoscopic (level 3 and 4) and robotic procedures and the number of gynecologists performing them were collected through a web-based questionnaire to determine hospital and gynecological surgeon volume. These volumes were compared with our previously collected data from 2012. RESULTS: The response rate was 85%. Hospitals produced larger volumes for advanced laparoscopic and robotic procedures. However, still 63% of the hospitals perform low-volume level 4 laparoscopic procedures. Additionally, gynecological surgeon volumes appeared to decrease for level 3 procedures, as the group of gynecologists performing fewer than 20 procedures expanded (64% vs. 44% in 2012), with 15% of the gynecologists performing fewer than ten procedures. Despite an increase in surgeon volumes for level 4 laparoscopy and robotic surgery, volumes continued to be low, as still 49% of gynecologists performed fewer than 10 level 4 procedures per year and 41% performed fewer than 20 robotic procedures per year. CONCLUSIONS: The broad implementation of advanced MIS procedures resulted in an increasing number of these procedures with increasing hospital volumes. However, as a side-effect, a disproportionate rise in number of gynecologists performing these procedures was observed. Therefore, surgeon volumes remain low and even decreased for some procedures. Centralization of complex procedures and training of specialized MIS gynecologists could improve surgeon volumes and therefore consequently enhance patient safety.

Surgical outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy with concomitant endometriosis without bowel or bladder dissection: a cohort analysis to define a case-mix variable.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic endometriosis is often mentioned as one of the variables influencing surgical outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). However, its additional surgical risks have not been well established. The aim of this study was to analyze to what extent concomitant endometriosis influences surgical outcomes of LH and to determine if it should be considered as case-mix variable. RESULTS: A total of 2655 LH's were analyzed, of which 397 (15.0%) with concomitant endometriosis. For blood loss and operative time, no measurable association was found for stages I (n = 106) and II (n = 103) endometriosis compared to LH without endometriosis. LH with stages III (n = 93) and IV (n = 95) endometriosis were associated with more intra-operative blood loss (p = < .001) and a prolonged operative time (p = < .001) compared to LH without endometriosis. No significant association was found between endometriosis (all stages) and complications (p = .62). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study have provided numeric support for the influence of concomitant endometriosis on surgical outcomes of LH, without bowel or bladder dissection. Only stages III and IV were associated with a longer operative time and more blood loss and should thus be considered as case-mix variables in future quality measurement tools.

Measuring surgical safety during minimally invasive surgical procedures: a validation study.

BACKGROUND: During the implementation of new interventions (i.e., surgical devices and technologies) in the operating room, surgical safety might be compromised. Current safety measures are insufficient in detecting safety hazards during this process. The aim of the study was to observe whether surgical teams are capable of measuring surgical safety, especially with regard to the introduction of new interventions. METHODS: A Surgical Safety Questionnaire was developed that had to be filled out directly postoperative by three surgical team members. A potential safety concern was defined as at least one answer between (strongly) disagree and indifferent. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed by comparison with the results from video analysis. Two different observers annotated the presence and effect of surgical flow disturbances during 40 laparoscopic hysterectomies performed between November 2010 and April 2012. RESULTS: The surgeon reported a potential safety concern in 16% (85/520 questions). With respect to the scrub nurse and anesthesiologist, this was both 9% (46/520). With respect to the preparation, functioning, and ease of use of the devices in 37.5-47.5% (15-19/40 procedures) a potential safety concern was reported by one or more team members. During procedures after which a potential safety concern was reported, surgical flow disturbances lasted a higher percentage of the procedure duration [9.3 ± 6.2 vs. 2.9 ± 3.7% (mean ± SD), p < .001]. After procedures during which a new instrument or device was used, more potential safety concerns were reported (51.2 vs. 23.1%, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Potential safety concerns were especially reported during procedures in which a relatively high percentage of the duration consisted of surgical flow disturbances and during procedures in which a new instrument or device was used. The Surgical Safety Questionnaire can act as a validated tool to evaluate and maintain surgical safety during minimally invasive procedures, especially during the introduction of a new intervention.

Medical malpractice claims in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: a Dutch overview of 20 years.

BACKGROUND: The success of newly introduced surgical techniques is generally primarily assessed by surgical outcome measures. However, data on medical liability should concomitantly be used to evaluate provided care as they give a unique insight into substandard care from patient's point of view. The aim of this study was to analyze the number and type of medical claims after laparoscopic gynecologic procedures since the introduction of advanced laparoscopy two decades ago. Secondly, our objective was to identify trends and/or risk factors associated with these claims. METHODS: To identify the claims, we searched the databases of the two largest medical liability mutual insurance companies in The Netherlands (MediRisk and Centramed), covering together 96% of the Dutch hospitals. All claims related to laparoscopic gynecologic surgery and filed between 1993 and 2015 were included. RESULTS: A total of 133 claims met our inclusion criteria, of which 54 were accepted claims (41%) and 79 rejected (59%). The number of claims remained relatively constant over time. The majority of claims were filed for visceral and/or vascular injuries (82%), specifically to the bowel (40%) and ureters (20%). More than one-third of the injuries were entry related (38%) and 77% of the claims were filed after non-advanced procedures. A delay in diagnosing injuries was the primary reason for financial compensation (33%). The median sum paid to patients was €12,000 (500-848,689). In 90 claims, an attorney was defending the patient (83% for the accepted claims; 57% for the rejected claims). CONCLUSION: The number of claims remained relatively constant during the study period. Most claims were provoked by bowel and ureter injuries. Delay in recognizing injuries was the most encountered reason for granting financial compensation. Entering the abdominal cavity during laparoscopy continues to be a potential dangerous step. As a result, gynecologists are recommended to thoroughly counsel patients undergoing any laparoscopic procedure, even regarding the risk of entry-related injuries.

Hospital versus individual surgeon's performance in laparoscopic hysterectomy.

PURPOSE: To compare hospital versus individual surgeon's perioperative outcomes for laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), and to assess the relationship between surgeon experience and perioperative outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all prospective collected LHs performed from 2003 to 2010 at one medical center was performed. Perioperative outcomes (operative time, blood loss, complication rate) were assessed on both a hospital level and surgeon level using Cumulative Observed minus Expected performance graphs. RESULTS: A total of 1618 LHs were performed, 16 % total laparoscopic hysterectomies and 84 % laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomies. Overall outcomes included mean (SD±) blood loss 108.9 ± 69.2 mL, mean operative time 95.4 ± 39.7 min and a complication occurred in 76 (4.7 %) of cases. Suboptimal perioperative outcomes of an individual surgeon were not always detected on a hospital level. However, collective suboptimal outcomes were faster detected on a hospital level compared to individual surgeon's level. Evidence of a learning curve is seen; for the first 100 procedures, a decrease in operative time is observed as individual surgeon experience increases. Similarly, the risk of conversion decreases up to the first 50 procedures. CONCLUSION: An individual outlier (i.e., surgeon with consistently suboptimal performance) will not always be detected when monitoring outcome measures only on a hospital level. However, monitoring outcome measures on a hospital level will detect suboptimal performance earlier compared to monitoring only on an individual surgeon's level. To detect performance outliers timely, insight into an individual surgeon's outcome and skills is recommended. Furthermore, an experienced surgeon is no guarantee for acceptable surgical outcomes.

Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Versus Vaginal Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hysterectomies performed laparoscopically have greatly increased within the last few decades and even exceed the number of vaginal hysterectomies (VHs). This systematic review, conducted according to the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines, compares surgical outcomes of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and VH to evaluate which approach offers the most benefits. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for all relevant publications from January 2000 to February 2016. All randomized controlled trials and cohort studies for benign indication or low-grade malignancy comparing TLH with VH were considered for inclusion. From the literature search, 24 articles were found to be relevant and included in this review. The results of our meta-analysis showed no difference between the 2 groups for overall complications (OR 1.24 [.68, 2.28] for major complications; OR .83 [.53, 1.28] for minor complications), risk of ureter and bladder injuries (OR .81 [.34, 1.92]), intraoperative blood loss (mean difference [MD] -30 mL [-67.34, 7.60]), and length of hospital stay (-.61 days [-1.23, -.01]). VH was associated with a shorter operative time (MD 42 minute [29.34, 55.91]) and a lower rate of vaginal cuff dehiscence (OR 6.28 [2.38, 16.57]) and conversion to laparotomy (OR 3.89 [2.18, 6.95]). Although not significant, the costs of procedure were lower for VH (MD 3889.9 dollars [2120.3, 89 000]). Patients in the TLH group had lower postoperative visual analog scale scores (MD -1.08, [-1.74, -.42]) and required less analgesia during a shorter period of time (MD -.64 days, [-1.06, -.22]). Defining the best surgical approach is a dynamic process that requires frequent re-evaluation as techniques improve. Although TLH and VH result in similar outcomes, our meta-analysis showed that when both procedures are feasible, VH is currently still associated with greater benefits, such as shorter operative time, lower rate of vaginal dehiscence and conversion to laparotomy, and lower costs. Many factors influence the choice for surgical approach to hysterectomy, and shared decision-making is recommended.

Surgical flow disturbances in dedicated minimally invasive surgery suites: an observational study to assess its supposed superiority over conventional suites.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is frequently compromised by surgical flow disturbances due to technology- and equipment-related failures. Compared with MIS in a conventional cart-based OR, performing MIS in a dedicated integrated operating room (OR) is supposed to be beneficial to patient safety. The aim of this study was to compare a conventional OR with an integrated OR with regard to the incidence and effect of equipment-related surgical flow disturbances during an advanced laparoscopic gynecological procedure [laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH)]. METHODS: Using video recording, 40 LHs performed between November 2010 and April 2012 (20 in a conventional cart-based OR and 20 in an integrated OR) were analyzed by two different observers. Outcome measures were the number, duration and effect (on a seven-point ordinal scale) of the surgical flow disturbances (e.g., malfunctioning, intraoperative repositioning, setup device). RESULTS: A total of 103 h and 45 min was observed. The interobserver agreement was high (kappa .85, p < .001). Procedure time was not significantly different (NS) [conventional OR vs. integrated OR, minutes ± standard deviation (SD), mean 161 ± 27 vs. 150 ± 34]. A total of 1651 surgical flow disturbances were observed (mean ± SD per procedure 40.8 ± 19.4 vs. 41.8 ± 15.9, NS). The mean number of surgical flow disturbances per procedure with regard to equipment was 6.3 ± 3.7 versus 8.5 ± 4.0, NS. No clinically relevant differences in the mean effect of these disturbances on the surgical flow between the two OR setups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Performing LH in an integrated OR did not reduce the number of surgical flow disturbances nor the effect of these disturbances. Furthermore, in the integrated OR, repositioning of the monitors was a frequent and time-consuming source of disturbance. In order to maintain the high standard of surgical safety, the entire surgical team has to be aware that by performing surgery in an integrated OR different potential source for disruption arise.

Identification of risk factors in minimally invasive surgery: a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), concerns for patient safety are more often brought to the attention. Knowledge about and awareness of patient safety risk factors are crucial in order to improve and enhance the surgical team, the environment, and finally surgical performance. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify patient safety risk factors in laparoscopic hysterectomy and to determine their influence on surgical outcomes. METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was conducted from April 2014 to January 2016, participating gynecologists registered their performed laparoscopic hysterectomies (LHs). If deemed necessary, gynecologists could fill out a checklist with validated patient safety risk factors. Association between procedures with and without an occurred risk factor(s) and the surgical outcomes (blood loss, operative time, and complications) were assessed, using multivariate logistic regression and generalized estimation equations. RESULTS: Eighty-five gynecologists participated in the study, registering a total of 2237 LHs. For 627(28 %) procedures, the checklist was entered (in total 920 items). The most reported risk factors were related to the surgeon (19.6 %), the surgical team (14.4 %), technology (16.6 %), and the patient (26.8 %). The procedures where a risk factor was registered had significantly less favorable outcomes, higher complication rate (10.5 vs. 4.8 % (p = 0.002), longer operative time [114 vs. 95 min (p < 0.001)], and more blood loss [110 vs. 168 mL (p = 0.047)], which was mainly due to the technological and patient-related risk factors. CONCLUSION: Technological incidents are the most important and clinically relevant risk factors affecting surgical outcomes of LH. Future improvements of MIS need to focus on this. As awareness of safety risk factors in MIS is important, embedding of a safety risk factor checklist in registration systems will help surgeons to evaluate and improve their individual performance. This will inherently improve the surgical outcomes and thus patient safety.

Pass the salt: physiological consequences of ecologically relevant hyposmotic exposure in juvenile gummy sharks (Mustelus antarcticus) and school sharks (Galeorhinus galeus).

Estuarine habitats are frequently used as nurseries by elasmobranch species for their protection and abundant resources; however, global climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of environmental challenges in these estuaries that may negatively affect elasmobranch physiology. Hyposmotic events are particularly challenging for marine sharks that osmoconform, and species-specific tolerances are not well known. Therefore, we sought to determine the effects of an acute (48 h) ecologically relevant hyposmotic event (25.8 ppt) on the physiology of two juvenile shark species, namely the school shark (Galeorhinus galeus), listed by the Australian Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act as 'conservation dependent', and the gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus), from the Pittwater Estuary (Australia). In both species, we observed a decrease in plasma osmolality brought about by selective losses of NaCl, urea and trimethylamine N-oxide, as well as decreases in haemoglobin, haematocrit and routine oxygen consumption. Heat-shock protein levels varied between species during the exposure, but we found no evidence of protein damage in any of the tissues tested. Although both species seemed to be able to cope with this level of osmotic challenge, overall the school sharks exhibited higher gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity and ubiquitin concentrations in routine and experimental conditions, a larger heat-shock protein response and a smaller decrease in routine oxygen consumption during the hyposmotic exposure, suggesting that there are species-specific responses that could potentially affect their ability to withstand longer or more severe changes in salinity. Emerging evidence from acoustic monitoring of sharks has indicated variability in the species found in the Pittwater Estuary during hyposmotic events, and together, our data may help to predict species abundance and distribution in the face of future global climate change.

A dynamic quality assessment tool for laparoscopic hysterectomy to measure surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The current health care system has an urgent need for tools to measure quality. A wide range of quality indicators have been developed in an attempt to differentiate between high-quality and low-quality health care processes. However, one of the main issues of currently used indicators is the lack of case-mix correction and improvement possibilities. Case-mix is defined as specific (patient) characteristics that are known to potentially affect (surgical) outcome. If these characteristics are not taken into consideration, comparisons of outcome among health care providers may not be valid. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to develop and test a quality assessment tool for laparoscopic hysterectomy, which can serve as a new outcome quality indicator. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective, international, multicenter implementation study. A web-based application was developed with 3 main goals: (1) to measure the surgeon's performance using 3 primary outcomes (blood loss, operative time, and complications); (2) to provide immediate individual feedback using cumulative observed-minus-expected graphs; and (3) to detect consistently suboptimal performance after correcting for case-mix characteristics. All gynecologists who perform laparoscopic hysterectomies were requested to register their procedures in the application. A patient safety risk factor checklist was used by the surgeon for reflection. Thereafter a prospective implementation study was performed, and the application was tested using a survey that included the System Usability Scale. RESULTS: A total of 2066 laparoscopic hysterectomies were registered by 81 gynecologists. Mean operative time was 100 ± 39 minutes, blood loss 127 ± 163 mL, and the complication rate 6.1%. The overall survey response rate was 75%, and the mean System Usability Scale was 76.5 ± 13.6, which indicates that the application was good to excellent. The majority of surgeons reported that the application made them more aware of their performance, the outcomes, and patient safety, and they noted that the application provided motivation for improving future performance. CONCLUSION: We report the development and test of a real-time, dynamic, quality assessment tool for measuring individual surgical outcome for laparoscopic hysterectomy. Importantly, this tool provides opportunities for improving surgical performance. Our study provides a foundation for helping clinicians develop evidence-based quality indicators for other surgical procedures.

Physiological responses to hypersalinity correspond to nursery ground usage in two inshore shark species (Mustelus antarcticus and Galeorhinus galeus).

Shark nurseries are susceptible to environmental fluctuations in salinity because of their shallow, coastal nature; however, the physiological impacts on resident elasmobranchs are largely unknown. Gummy sharks (Mustelus antarcticus) and school sharks (Galeorhinus galeus) use the same Tasmanian estuary as a nursery ground; however, each species has distinct distribution patterns that are coincident with changes in local environmental conditions, such as increases in salinity. We hypothesized that these differences were directly related to differential physiological tolerances to high salinity. To test this hypothesis, we exposed wild, juvenile school and gummy sharks to an environmentally relevant hypersaline (120% SW) event for 48 h. Metabolic rate decreased 20-35% in both species, and gill Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity was maintained in gummy sharks but decreased 37% in school sharks. We measured plasma ions (Na(+), K(+), Cl(-)) and osmolytes [urea and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO)], and observed a 33% increase in plasma Na(+) in gummy sharks with hyperosmotic exposure, while school sharks displayed a typical ureosmotic increase in plasma urea (∼20%). With elevated salinity, gill TMAO concentration increased by 42% in school sharks and by 30% in gummy sharks. Indicators of cellular stress (heat shock proteins HSP70, 90 and 110, and ubiquitin) significantly increased in gill and white muscle in both a species- and a tissue-specific manner. Overall, gummy sharks exhibited greater osmotic perturbation and ionic dysregulation and a larger cellular stress response compared with school sharks. Our findings provide physiological correlates to the observed distribution and movement of these shark species in their critical nursery grounds.

Case-Mix Variables and Predictors for Outcomes of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review.

The assessment of surgical quality is complex, and an adequate case-mix correction is missing in currently applied quality indicators. The purpose of this study is to give an overview of all studies mentioning statistically significant associations between patient characteristics and surgical outcomes for laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). Additionally, we identified a set of potential case-mix characteristics for LH. This systematic review was conducted according to the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. We searched PubMed and EMBASE from January 1, 2000 to August 1, 2015. All articles describing statistically significant associations between patient characteristics and adverse outcomes of LH for benign indications were included. Primary outcomes were blood loss, operative time, conversion, and complications. The methodologic quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The included articles were summed per predictor and surgical outcome. Three sets of case-mix characteristics were determined, stratified by different levels of evidence. Eighty-five of 1549 identified studies were considered eligible. Uterine weight and body mass index (BMI) were the most mentioned predictors (described, respectively, 83 and 45 times) in high quality studies. For longer operative time and higher blood loss, uterine weight ≥ 250 to 300 g and ≥500 g and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m(2) dominated as predictors. Previous operations, adhesions, and higher age were also considered as predictors for longer operative time. For complications and conversions, the patient characteristics varied widely, and uterine weight, BMI, previous operations, adhesions, and age predominated. Studies of high methodologic quality indicated uterine weight and BMI as relevant case-mix characteristics for all surgical outcomes. For future development of quality indicators of LH and to compare surgical outcomes adequately, a case-mix correction is suggested for at least uterine weight and BMI. A potential case-mix correction for adhesions and previous operations can be considered. For both surgeons and patients it is valuable to be aware of potential factors predicting adverse outcomes and to anticipate this. Finally, to benchmark clinical outcomes at an international level, it is of the utmost importance to introduce uniform outcome definitions.

Proficiency for Advanced Laparoscopic Procedures in Gynecologic Residency Program: Do all Residents Need to be Trained?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the current state of laparoscopic gynecologic surgery in the Dutch residency program, the level of competence among graduated residents, and whether they still perform these procedures. Furthermore, their current attitudes toward the implementation of minimally invasive surgery into residency training were assessed. DESIGN: An online survey (Canadian Task Force Classification III) regarding the level of competence, performance, training, and interest for gynecologic laparoscopic procedures. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Gynecologists who finished residency training between 2008 and 2013 in the Netherlands. RESULTS: Response rate was 73% (171/235). The scores for all basic and intermediate laparoscopic procedures performed immediately after residency showed the highest competence level (median 5, of scale 1-5). The competence level for advanced laparoscopic procedures was less at 3, indicating that the graduated residents are not able to perform these procedures without supervision. Overall, 56% of the gynecologists no longer perform any level 3 advanced procedures, and 86% do not perform level 4 advanced procedures. Gynecologists who still perform the inquired laparoscopic procedures scored a significantly higher competence level immediately after residency training for most of procedures compared with the gynecologists who do not perform these procedures. CONCLUSION: Residents are sufficiently trained for basic and intermediate laparoscopic procedures during residency training. However, they are not sufficiently equipped to perform advanced laparoscopic procedures without supervision. We should consider training advanced procedures especially to a selected group of residents because most gynecologists do not perform these procedures after residency. The learning curve for advanced procedures continues to rise after finishing residency for those who keep on performing these procedures, therefore an additional fellowship is recommended for this group.

Trends in the implementation of advanced minimally invasive gynecologic surgical procedures in the Netherlands.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess the implementation of advanced laparoscopic gynecologic surgical procedures, assess the number of gynecologists performing these procedures, and highlight the distribution of surgical approaches to hysterectomy. DESIGN: Observational multicenter study. DESIGN CLASSIFICATION: Canadian Task Force classification II-2. SETTING: All hospitals in The Netherlands. SAMPLE: Minimally invasive surgical procedures performed in all 90 hospitals in the year 2012, and the number of gynecologists performing these procedures. Data were compared with national surveys conducted in 2002 and 2007. INTERVENTIONS: The number of advanced laparoscopic gynecologic procedures, the number of gynecologists performing these procedures, and the distribution of approaches to hysterectomy were collected through a Web-based questionnaire. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The response rate was 96% (86 of 90 hospitals). A total of 4979 advanced laparoscopic gynecologic procedures were performed in 2012 (mean per hospital, 58; median, 50.5; SD, 44.4), which is a significant increase over 2007 (95% CI, 30.3-46.5; p < .001). The proportion of laparoscopic hysterectomy increased from 3% in 2002 to 10% in 2007 and to 36% in 2012. The proportions of abdominal hysterectomy (68% in 2002, 54% in 2007, and 39% in 2012) and vaginal hysterectomy (29% in 2002, 36% in 2007, and 25% in 2012) decreased significantly. However, approximately 37% of gynecologists (n = 76) and 12% of hospitals (n = 9) performed fewer than 20 advanced laparoscopic procedures (level 3 and level 4) annually. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of advanced laparoscopic gynecologic procedures has accelerated tremendously in the last decade, owing mainly to the increased number of laparoscopic hysterectomies. A significant shift has occurred from abdominal and vaginal hysterectomies toward a laparoscopic approach. The vaginal hysterectomy should be brought back in focus, to prevent the deterioration of skills needed to perform this least invasive approach. Furthermore, the introduction of case volume as quality assessment is sure to have consequences for daily gynecologic surgical practice in The Netherlands.

Training of hysteroscopic skills in residency program: the Dutch experience.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether hysteroscopy training in the Dutch gynecological residency program is judged as sufficient in daily practice, by assessment of the opinion on hysteroscopy training and current performance of hysteroscopic procedures. In addition, the extent of progress in comparison with that of the residency program of a decade ago is reviewed. DESIGN: Survey (Canadian Task Force Classification III). PARTICIPANTS: Postgraduate years 5 and 6 residents in obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologists who finished residency within 2008 to 2013 in the Netherlands. INTERVENTION: Subjects received an online survey regarding performance and training of hysteroscopy, self-perceived competence, and hysteroscopic skills acquirement. RESULTS: Response rate was 65% of the residents and 73% of the gynecologists. Most residents felt adequately prepared for basic hysteroscopic procedures (86.7%), but significantly less share this opinion for advanced procedures (64.5%) (p < 0.01). In comparison with their peers in 2003, the current residents demonstrated a 10% higher appreciation of the training curriculum. However, their self-perceived competence did not increase, except for diagnostic hysteroscopy. Regarding daily practice, not only do more gynecologists perform advanced procedures nowadays but also their competence level received higher scores in comparison with gynecologists in 2003. Lack of simulation training was indicated to be the most important factor during residency that could be enhanced for optimal acquirement of hysteroscopic skills. CONCLUSION: Implementation of hysteroscopic procedures taught during residency training in the Netherlands has improved since 2003 and is judged as sufficient for basic procedures. The skills of surgical educators have progressed toward a level in which gynecologists feel competent to teach and supervise advanced hysteroscopic procedures. Even though the residency preparation for hysteroscopy is more highly appreciated than a decade ago, this study indicated that simulation training might serve as an additional method to improve hysteroscopic skills acquisition. Future research is needed to determine the value of simulation training in hysteroscopy.

Assessing basic "physiology" of the morcellation process and tissue spread: a time-action analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the basic morcellation process in laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH). Proper understanding of this process may help enhance future efficacy of morcellation regarding the prevention of tissue scatter. DESIGN: Time-action analysis was performed based on video imaging of the procedures (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Procedures were performed at Leiden University Medical Centre and St Lucas Andreas Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. PATIENTS: Women undergoing LSH for benign conditions. INTERVENTIONS: Power morcellation of uterine tissue. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The morcellation process was divided into 4 stages: tissue manipulation, tissue cutting, tissue depositing, and cleaning. Stages were timed, and perioperative data were gathered. Data were analyzed as a whole and after subdivision into 3 groups according to uterine weight: <350 g, 350 to 750 g, and >750 g. A cutoff point was found at a uterine weight of 350 g, after which an increase in uterine weight did not affect the cleaning stage. The tissue strip cutting time was used as a measure for tissue strip length. With progression of the morcellation process, the tissue strip cutting time decreases. The majority of cutting time is of short duration (i.e., 60% of the cutting lasts 5 seconds or less), and these occur later on in the morcellation process. CONCLUSION: With the current power morcellators, the amount of tissue spread peaks and is independent of uterine weight after a certain cutoff point (in this study 350 g). There is a relative inefficiency in the rotational mechanism because mostly small tissue strips are created. These small tissue strips occur increasingly later on in the procedure. Because small tissue strips are inherently more prone to scatter by the rotational mechanism of the morcellator, the risk of tissue spread is highest at the end of the morcellation procedure. This means that LSH and laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures may be at higher risk for tissue scatter than total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Finally, engineers should evaluate how to create only large tissue strips or assess alternatives to the rotational mechanism.

[Increase in laparoscopic hysterectomy: shift in indications and dilemmas]. / Steeds vaker laparoscopische hysterectomie: verschuiving van indicatiegebied en dilemma's.

Hysterectomy is still one of the most frequently performed gynaecological procedures. The use of the laparoscopic approach has increased over recent years and a shift in indication has been observed. However, not every clinic or gynaecologist is able to provide laparoscopic hysterectomy for more challenging patients. Therefore, referral to an expert centre is of the highest importance in order to offer the patient the least invasive approach to hysterectomy. The advantages of the laparoscopic approach have become more evident over recent years. The widespread introduction of minimally invasive surgery means that surgeons are encountering new challenges, such as the rapid introduction of new instruments, the absolute increased incidence of rare complications and the provision of post-operative counselling on recovery. Maintaining knowledge of these matters is essential in order to secure the quality of care.

Electromechanical morcellators in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery: an update.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess all electromechanical morcellators used in gynecology to achieve an objective comparison between them and to make suggestions for improvements in future developments. DESIGN: Literature review. INTERVENTION: The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and MAUDE databases were systematically searched for all available literature using the terms "morcellator," "morcellators," "morcellate," "morcellation," and "morcellated." All articles with information on morcellation time and morcellated tissue mass or the calculated morcellation rate of electromechanical morcellators used for gynecologic laparoscopic surgery were included. For general data of an existing morcellator, the manufacturer was contacted and Google was searched. Data for morcellation rate, type of procedure, and general characteristics were compared. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Seven articles were suitable for analysis, and 11 different morcellators were found. In the past decades the morcellation rate has increased. The described morcellation rate ranged from 6.2 to 40.4 g/min. Motor peeling is currently the fastest working principle. Comparing hysterectomy and myomectomy per device, the Morcellex and Rotocut morcellators demonstrated a higher morcellation rate for myomectomy, 25.9 vs 30 g/min and 28.4 vs 33.1 g/min, respectively, although the X-Tract morcellator showed a higher rate for hysterectomy, 14.2 vs 11.7 g/min. CONCLUSION: Over the years, the morcellator has improved with respect to the morcellation rate. However, the morcellation process still has limitations, including tissue scattering, morcellator-related injuries, and the inevitable small blade diameter, which all come at the expense of the morcellation rate and time. Therefore, development of improved morcellators is required, with consideration of the observed limitations.

[Uterine fibroids complicated by haematometra]. / Hematometra als complicatie bij uterus myomatosus.

BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroids are common, benign tumours of the myometrium. The clinical symptoms include menorrhagia, abdominal pain and subfertility. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 37-year-old black woman known to have uterine fibroids presented at the gynaecology outpatient clinic with abdominal pain. Ultrasonography and an MRI scan revealed haematometra caused by an obstructive myoma, which was drained during a hysteroscopy. The patient was subsequently treated with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist in order to reduce the myoma. Resection of the myoma will take place sometime in the future. CONCLUSION: Haematometra is an accumulation of blood in the uterine cavity. It is a rare complication of uterine fibroids and causes abdominal pain and enlargement of the uterus. Amenorrhoea is often a finding because an adequate outflow of menstrual blood is no longer possible. The primary treatment is to drain the haematometra; a subsequent myomectomy should be performed.

[Actinomycosis resembling an ovarian malignancy]. / Actinomyces-infectie lijkend op ovariumcarcinoom.

BACKGROUND: Actinomyces is an uncommon cause of infection which can occur in the lower pelvic area in women using an intrauterine device (IUD). The clinical presentation of actinomycosis can easily be confounded with a malignancy. CASE DESCRIPTION: In a 53-year-old woman with abdominal pain and fluctuating temperature, ovarian carcinoma was strongly suspected. She underwent a laparotomy in which both adnexae were removed. Histopathological examination of the specimens revealed, however, a rare Actinomyces infection. The patient received long-term antibiotic therapy in the postoperative period, upon which her condition improved. CONCLUSION: Differentiation between actinomycosis (mycetoma) and a malignancy is difficult. There are few diagnostic tools to demonstrate an Actinomyces infection, and the diagnosis is therefore often not made until during or after operation. The treatment of actinomycosis consists of long-term administration of antibiotics, although combined surgery and antibiotic therapy is often necessary due to the extent of the infection.