Postpartum Opioid Use among Military Health System Beneficiaries.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with opioid prescriptions to postpartum patients among TRICARE beneficiaries receiving care in the civilian health care system versus a military health care facility. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated postpartum opioid prescriptions filled at discharge among patients insured by TRICARE Prime/Prime Plus using the Military Health System Data Repository between fiscal years 2010 to 2015. We included women aged 15 to 49 years old and excluded abortive pregnancy outcomes and incomplete datasets. The primary outcome investigated mode of delivery and demographics for those filling an opioid prescription. Secondary outcomes compared prevalence of filled opioid prescription at discharge for postpartum patients within civilian care and military care. RESULTS: Of a total of 508,258 postpartum beneficiaries, those in civilian health care were more likely to fill a discharge opioid prescription compared with those in military health care (OR 3.9, 95% CI 3.8-3.99). Cesarean deliveries occurred less frequently in military care (26%) compared with civilian care (30%), and forceps deliveries occurred more frequently in military care (1.38%) compared with civilian care (0.75%). Women identified as Asian race were least likely to fill an opioid prescription postpartum (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.75-0.83). Women aged 15 to 19 years had a lower odds of filling an opioid prescription (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.80-0.86). Women associated with a senior officer rank were less likely to fill an opioid prescription postpartum (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73-0.91), while those associated with warrant officer rank were more likely to fill an opioid prescription (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.23). CONCLUSION: Our data indicates that women who received care in civilian facilities were more likely to fill an opioid prescription at discharge when compared with military facilities. Factors such as race and age were associated with opioid prescription at discharge. This study highlights areas for improvement for potential further studies. KEY POINTS: · Opioid prescription patterns for postpartum women may vary across the country.. · Our study indicates postpartum patients in civilian care are more likely to fill opioids postpartum.. · This study highlights a population which may have an improved opioid prescribing pattern..

Contained morcellation using the GelPOINT advance access platforms and 3M Steri-Drape endobag.

OBJECTIVE: To report a technique that safely allows power and hand morcellation for laparoscopic hysterectomy and myomectomy specimens in a contained fashion in the event of unsuspected uterine sarcoma or leiomyosarcoma. DESIGN: Video article introducing a method for enclosed tissue morcellation for laparoscopic specimens. SETTING: Hospital of an academic-based practice. PATIENT(S): Two patients underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy: a 57-year-old G7 P5025 female for leiomyoma, anemia, and a history of CIN-3; and a 38-year-old G0P0 female with a 10-year history of pelvic pain and severe dysmenorrhea who failed medical therapy. INTERVENTION(S): A technique using the GelPOINT Platform incision extender system and GelSeal Cap (GSP) Advanced Access Platform and a 50 cm × 50 cm 3M Steri-Drape endobag for enclosed intracorporeal and extracorporeal tissue morcellation of laparoscopic specimens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): For training purposes, we used a pelvic simulator and cadaver to describe the step-by-step process and troubleshoot issues to optimize intra- and extracorporeal morcellation. This allowed for easier implementation on the live patient. RESULT(S): Simulation training and the cadaver model provided a learning platform for contained internal power and external hand morcellation, accelerating the learning curve in its application to the live patient. CONCLUSION(S): The GSP and 3M Steri-Drape endobag is an alternative for laparoscopic power or hand morcellation. Using simulation training helped transition this technique to the live patient, allowing for easy and safe removal of tissue specimens and minimizing the potential for tissue seeding and dissemination.

Safety of combined abdominal sacral colpopexy and sigmoid resection with suture rectopexy: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine if abdominal sacral colpopexy (ASC) using mesh can be safely combined with sigmoid resection and anastomosis. METHODS: This is a single institution, retrospective chart review of patients who underwent combined ASC and suture rectopexy with sigmoid resection between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2011. Charts were screened for outcome data and complications related to the placement of synthetic mesh at the time of bowel resection to include readmission and reoperation rates, infection, bowel obstruction, fistula, and mesh erosion. Outcome data for patients receiving combined procedures were compared to 2 separate cohorts of patients as follows: a group that underwent only ASC with polypropylene mesh and a group that underwent only sigmoid resection plus or minus suture rectopexy. The DINDO surgical classification system was used for each cohort to further analyze complications. RESULTS: There were 133 patients in the ASC only group (ASC only), 34 in the combined ASC and sigmoid resection group (Combined), and 27 in the sigmoidectomy plus rectopexy group (Colorectal only). The Colorectal only cohort had a higher rate of postoperative ileus; ASC only 3.8%, Combined 5.9%, Colorectal 22.2% (P = 0.004). There were otherwise no differences in intraoperative and postoperative complications or in the DINDO classification scores. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal sacral colpopexy with placement of synthetic mesh at the time of sigmoid resection and anastomosis does not seem to increase the rate of intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Laparoscopic colpotomy using monopolar electrocautery: does power really matter?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the extent and rate of vaginal tissue injury associated with the utilization of various monopolar electrosurgical power settings when laparoscopically transecting vaginal tissue. METHODS: This is an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee-approved prospective, paired, single-blinded study. Externalized porcine vagina was transected using monopolar energy at 30, 50, and 80 W in the cut mode with laparoscopic Endo Shears. The slides were prepared and stained with both hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome and were examined by board-certified veterinary pathologists blinded to the study. RESULTS: There were 18 swine; each animal was tested on all 3 power settings (n = 54). Tissue injury was measured to a mean (SD) of 767 (519) µm at 30 W, 690 (600) µm at 50 W, and 556 (470) µm at 80 W. When comparing the monopolar settings, the results were as follows: 30 versus 50 W (P = 0.33), 30 versus 80 W (P = 0.067), and 50 versus 80 W (P = 0.17). The mean (SD) time for complete transection was measured at each power setting (n = 18), with 35.8 (5.4) seconds for 30 W, 13.5 (5.5) seconds for 50 W, and 8.4 (5.1) seconds for 80 W (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean (SD) rates of injury, with 20.8 (8.8) µm/s at 30 W, 39.8 (11.8) µm/s at 50 W, and 50.1 (19.2) µm/s at 80 W (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Using various power settings of monopolar energy may not make a significant difference in swine vaginal tissue damage at the time of colpotomy. However, there was a significant difference in the times and rates at which tissue was transected when using higher powers. We recommend using the 50- or 80-W setting, as this will likely decrease surgical times without altering vaginal tissue damage.

Histo-mechanical properties of the swine cardinal and uterosacral ligaments.

The focus of this study was to determine the structural and mechanical properties of two major ligaments that support the uterus, cervix, and vagina: the cardinal ligament (CL) and the uterosacral ligament (USL). The adult swine was selected as animal model. Histological analysis was performed on longitudinal and cross sections of CL and USL specimens using Masson׳s trichrome and Verhoeff-van Giesson staining methods. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to visualize the through-thickness organization of the collagen fibers. Quasi-static uniaxial tests were conducted on specimens that were harvested from the CL/USL complex of a single swine. Dense connective tissue with a high content of elastin and collagen fibers was observed in the USL. Loose connective tissue with a considerable amount of smooth muscle cells and ground substance was detected in both the CL and USL. Collagen fibers, smooth muscle cells, blood vessels, and nerve fibers were arranged primarily in the plane of the ligaments. The USL was significantly stronger than the CL with higher ultimate stress and tangent modulus of the linear region of the stress-strain curve. Knowledge about the mechanical properties of the CL and USL will aid in the design of novel mesh materials, stretching routines, and surgical procedures for pelvic floor disorders.

Magnification effects on distance estimation during robotic suturing.

We aimed to understand the impact of magnification on distance estimation during robotic suturing. Twenty subjects estimated the lengths of various sutures externally, in plain sight, to validate their ability to measure distances. They then robotically repaired a 3-cm cystotomy, suturing 10 mm above and below the incision and 10 mm on either side of the incision. The bladder was removed and distances measured. A total of 20 surgeons were analyzed: 7 residents, 8 fellows, and 5 staff. Specialties comprised four urologists, eight general gynecologists, two urogynecologists, three gynecologic oncologists, and three reproductive endocrinologists. The mean estimation for external suture length was not significant at 10 mm: mean = 9.6 (±3.2) mm (p = 0.59). When comparing these data sets, the externally visualized 10-mm suture versus the suture-to-suture and the suture-to-incision distances were both significantly different (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). The mean distance between each suture was 6.5 (±1.8) mm, which was significantly different from the 10-mm goal (p < 0.001, 95 % confidence interval (CI) [-4.4,-2.6]). The mean distance from the suture to the incision was 4.1 (±1.0) mm, which was also statistically significantly different from the goal (p < 0.001, 95 % CI [-6.3,-5.4]). Surgical experience was negatively associated with suture-to-incision distance (r s = -0.53, p = 0.016). Inter-suture distance was also negatively associated with experience (r s = -0.30, p = 0.22), though not statistically significant. In vivo distances are significantly underestimated during robotic suture placement. Interestingly, the most experienced surgeons had the worst distance estimation from the incision to the suture.

Ultrasonic thermal damage during robotic hysterectomy.

Application of energy in minimally invasive hysterectomy creates thermal injury which may increase vaginal cuff dehiscence. The purpose of this study was to compare vaginal tissue damage in a swine model between the two power settings of ultrasonic energy. This was an IACUC-approved, prospective, single-blinded study analyzing energy-induced damage to the swine vagina during robotic hysterectomy. Multiple colpotomy transections were performed on 18 animals using robotic ultrasonic energy, the exact same platform used in human surgery. Specimens (n = 72) were analyzed by a veterinary pathologist blinded to the energy source. Thermal injury was microscopically measured. Mean thermal injury (µm) was not statistically different between Max-Setting 5 and Min-Setting 3 (1243 ± 544 vs. 1293 ± 554; 95 % CI -310 to 210, p = 0.66). Time (s) to complete transection was significantly shorter when using Setting 5 (13.00 ± 7.75 vs. 17.92 ± 9.03; 95 % CI -4.92 to -8.88, p = 0.001). The rate of injury (µm/s) for Setting 5 also trended toward being higher (118.98 ± 72.81 vs. 93.03 ± 62.34; 95 % CI -5.91 to 57.81, p = 0.053). In these swine vaginal specimens, energy-induced tissue damage was not statistically different for the two ultrasonic power settings. Max-Setting 5 was faster and trended toward a higher rate of damage; this was balanced by equivalent distance of tissue injury compared with Min-Setting 3. In larger human specimens, the use of Max-Setting 5 may be recommended to decrease surgical time as it is faster and causes an equivalent amount of injury to Min-Setting 3.

Does glycopyrrolate at anesthesia induction increase temporary postoperative urinary retention after a midurethral sling?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients receiving perioperative glycopyrrolate during midurethral sling surgery had more acute but temporary postoperative urinary retention. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort from 2006 to 2011. SETTING: Northern Virginia community urology practice. MEASUREMENTS: To minimize variability in surgical technique and postoperative care, all cases were from a single fellowship-trained urologist who performed most of the female incontinence procedures. Inclusion criteria were charts of women, 18 years of age or older, who had a primary preoperative diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and who underwent a midurethral sling procedure. Of 151 patients charts, 135 met study eligibility: 57 (42.2%) patients received glycopyrrolate; 78 (57.8%) did not. The postoperative course of those who did and did not receive glycopyrrolate was compared and formed the basis of group allocation. Data collected included age, body mass index, incontinence type, smoking status, diabetes mellitus, surgery performed, anesthesia type, estimated blood loss, intraoperative fluids, surgery end time to void, and postoperative urinary retention. MAIN RESULTS: No differences existed between the groups in baseline or surgical data. Seven patients (5.2%) had acute temporary postoperative retention, two of whom received glycopyrrolate and 5 did not (3.51% vs 6.41%; relative risk [RR] 0.55, 95% CI 0.11 -2.72, P = 0.70). Excluding those with continued persistent voiding dysfunction beyond 48 hours from surgery, only 3 patients (2.22%) had acute temporary postoperative urinary retention: one received glycopyrrolate and two did not (1.75% vs 2.56%; RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.064 - 7.36; P = 0.99). CONCLUSION: Acute temporary postoperative urinary retention is rare after midurethral slings. Glycopyrrolate during anesthesia induction does not appear significantly to increase this rate.

Commonalities of cerclage-related genitourinary fistulas.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review was to identify common features of cerclage-related genitourinary fistulas. METHODS: A retrospective case series of cerclage-related fistulas was performed. The results were then pooled with available published case reports to identify common factors in these cases. Fistula location, surgical technique, and previous surgical and obstetrical histories were examined. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2011, 5 women were referred with vesicovaginal fistulas after cerclage. Within this series, 4 had prior cervical procedures, 3 had previous cesarean deliveries, and 4 had a McDonald cerclage in the antecedent pregnancy. When pooled with available data in 7 published case reports on cerclage-related fistulas, all 12 fistulas occurred in patients with prior histories of cervical procedures or cesarean deliveries. Specifically, of the 12 patients, 8 [66.7%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39-0.86] had at least 1 prior cerclage and 10 (83.3%; 95% CI, 0.54-0.97) had at least 1 prior cervical surgery. When reported, 81.8% (95% CI, 0.51-0.96) had the McDonald technique used for placement of the current cerclage. CONCLUSIONS: The isolated and pooled findings suggest previous cerclage, any previous cervical procedures, and use of the McDonald technique are common factors in cases of cerclage-related genitourinary fistulas. This information may be useful when evaluating and counseling patients.

Pretreatment total testosterone level predicts pathological stage in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: In the last decade numerous groups have shown that low levels of pretreatment serum total testosterone consistently predict more aggressive disease, worse prognosis and worse treatment response in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Prior studies have not demonstrated this same correlation in patients with known localized disease. We rigorously tested pretreatment total testosterone levels as a potential staging and prognostic marker in a large cohort of 879 patients with localized cancer treated with radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 879 patients treated with radical prostatectomy between January 1, 1986 and June 30, 2002 from 9 hospital sites. Nonparametric tests were used to compare the relationship of pretreatment testosterone to other variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess clinical predictors of extraprostatic disease. Kaplan-Meier survival methods and Cox regression analysis were used to assess predictors of biochemical recurrence. RESULTS: Patients with non-organ confined prostate cancer (pT3-T4) showed significantly lower pretreatment total testosterone levels than those with organ confined cancer (pT1-T2) (nonparametric p = 0.041). In multivariate analysis pretreatment total testosterone emerged as a significant independent predictor of extraprostatic disease (p = 0.046). Total testosterone was not a significant predictor of biochemical (prostate specific antigen) recurrence (p = 0.467). CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment total testosterone was an independent predictor of extraprostatic disease in patients with localized prostate cancer. As testosterone decreases patients have an increased likelihood of non-organ confined disease. Low testosterone was not predictive of biochemical recurrence, although trends observed dictate study in larger cohorts with mature followup.