The objective of this study is to evaluate the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of sentinel... more The objective of this study is to evaluate the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping using intra-operative cervical injection of filtered 99mTc-sulfur colloid (99mTc-SC) and patent blue in patients with endometrial cancer. Prospective evaluation of the first 100 endometrial cancer patients undergoing SLN mapping using cervical injection of patent blue combined with filtered 99mTc-SC in the operating room was done. Patients underwent robotic-assisted lymphatic mapping with frozen section, hysterectomy, BSO, and completion bilateral lymphadenectomy (including para-aortic nodes in grade 2 and 3 tumors). At least one SLN was detected in 92% of patients; in 66 of these (72%) bilateral SLN were detected, and in 15 cases the SLN was in the para-aortic area. Eleven percent of all patients had lymph node metastases, and 4 of which had pre-operative grade 1 tumor. The SLN was the only positive node in 44% of the cases with positive nodes. Sensitivity was 89% with 1 false negative result, yielding a negative predictive value of 99% (95% CI 93-100). Specificity was 100% (95% CI 94-100), and positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI 60-100). No complications or anaphylactic reactions were noted. Intra-operative SLN biopsy, using cervical injection of patent blue and filtered 99mTc-SC in endometrial cancer patients is feasible and yields adequate detection rates.
Leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor occurring in the uterus and female pelvis. It is estima... more Leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor occurring in the uterus and female pelvis. It is estimated that 25% of women over the age of 35 years have leiomyoma. i Symptomatic leiomyoma embellishes the spectrum of pelvic pain, pressure, and bleeding, as well as unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy losses. As women continue to delay their childbearing until the third and fourth decades of life, symptomatic leiomyoma will be encountered more frequently. Myomectomy is advocated for the treatment of symptomatic leiomyoma in women wishing to preserve their reproductive potential.
To investigate the development of new technical approaches for improving the implementation of ro... more To investigate the development of new technical approaches for improving the implementation of robotics in gynaecologic surgery, we conducted a prospective evaluation of five technical modifications developed during the implementation of a robotics program that included 171 robotic endometrial staging procedures from December 2007 until May 2010. Modification of the use of a Hohl uterine manipulator by applying only the intravaginal component minimizes the theoretical risk of spillage of endometrial cancer cells, without losing the capability of delineating the vaginal fornices. Entry to the peritoneal cavity under visual control using a left upper quadrant approach and a 5-mm endoscope through a 5-mm Endopath(®) trocar is quick and decreases the risk of bowel or vessel injury. Use of 12-mm Endopath(®) trocars with blunt tips without closure of the fascia was not associated with post-operative hernias. Positioning the Da Vinci(®) Surgical System at a 30° angle at the side of the patient allows easy access to the vagina for removal of large surgical specimens and does not interfere with proper movements of the robotic arms. Use of a tissue specimen bag introduced via the vagina at completion of surgery allows removal of large uteri vaginally to avoid (mini-)laparotomy and its morbidities. Finally, suturing of the vault using interrupted delayed absorbable monofilament sutures was not associated with vaginal cuff dehiscence. Early evaluation of evolving minor technical and surgical approaches was associated with low morbidity, and appears to benefit patients undergoing robotic surgery for gynaecologic cancers.
Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada, Jul 1, 2009
To optimize the management of adnexal masses and to assist primary care physicians and gynaecolog... more To optimize the management of adnexal masses and to assist primary care physicians and gynaecologists determine which patients presenting with an ovarian mass with a significant risk of malignancy should be considered for gynaecologic oncology referral and management. Laparoscopic evaluation, comprehensive surgical staging for early ovarian cancer, or tumour debulking for advanced stage ovarian cancer. To optimize conservative versus operative management of women with possible ovarian malignancy and to optimize the involvement of gynaecologic oncologists in planning and delivery of treatment. Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed or MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified by searching the web sites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. 1. Primary care physicians and gynaecologists should always consider the possibility of an underlying ovarian cancer in patients in any age group who present with an adnexal or ovarian mass. (II-2B) 2. Appropriate workup of a perimenopausal or postmenopausal woman presenting with an adnexal mass should include evaluation of symptoms and signs suggestive of malignancy, such as persistent pelvic/abdominal pain, urinary urgency/frequency, increased abdominal size/bloating, and difficulty eating. In addition, CA125 measurement should be considered. (II-2B) 3. Transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound examination is recommended as part of the initial workup of a complex adnexal/ovarian mass. (II-2B) 4. Ultrasound reports should be standardized to include size and unilateral/bilateral location of the adnexal mass and its possible origin, thickness of septations, presence of excrescences and internal solid components, vascular flow distribution pattern, and presence or absence of ascites. This information is essential for calculating the risk of malignancy index II score to identify pelvic mass with high malignant potential. (IIIC) 5. Patients deemed to have a high risk of an underlying malignancy should be reviewed in consultation with a gynaecologic oncologist for assessment and optimal surgical management. (II-2B).
The objective of this study is to evaluate the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of sentinel... more The objective of this study is to evaluate the detection rate and diagnostic accuracy of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping using intra-operative cervical injection of filtered 99mTc-sulfur colloid (99mTc-SC) and patent blue in patients with endometrial cancer. Prospective evaluation of the first 100 endometrial cancer patients undergoing SLN mapping using cervical injection of patent blue combined with filtered 99mTc-SC in the operating room was done. Patients underwent robotic-assisted lymphatic mapping with frozen section, hysterectomy, BSO, and completion bilateral lymphadenectomy (including para-aortic nodes in grade 2 and 3 tumors). At least one SLN was detected in 92% of patients; in 66 of these (72%) bilateral SLN were detected, and in 15 cases the SLN was in the para-aortic area. Eleven percent of all patients had lymph node metastases, and 4 of which had pre-operative grade 1 tumor. The SLN was the only positive node in 44% of the cases with positive nodes. Sensitivity was 89% with 1 false negative result, yielding a negative predictive value of 99% (95% CI 93-100). Specificity was 100% (95% CI 94-100), and positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI 60-100). No complications or anaphylactic reactions were noted. Intra-operative SLN biopsy, using cervical injection of patent blue and filtered 99mTc-SC in endometrial cancer patients is feasible and yields adequate detection rates.
Leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor occurring in the uterus and female pelvis. It is estima... more Leiomyoma is the most common benign tumor occurring in the uterus and female pelvis. It is estimated that 25% of women over the age of 35 years have leiomyoma. i Symptomatic leiomyoma embellishes the spectrum of pelvic pain, pressure, and bleeding, as well as unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy losses. As women continue to delay their childbearing until the third and fourth decades of life, symptomatic leiomyoma will be encountered more frequently. Myomectomy is advocated for the treatment of symptomatic leiomyoma in women wishing to preserve their reproductive potential.
To investigate the development of new technical approaches for improving the implementation of ro... more To investigate the development of new technical approaches for improving the implementation of robotics in gynaecologic surgery, we conducted a prospective evaluation of five technical modifications developed during the implementation of a robotics program that included 171 robotic endometrial staging procedures from December 2007 until May 2010. Modification of the use of a Hohl uterine manipulator by applying only the intravaginal component minimizes the theoretical risk of spillage of endometrial cancer cells, without losing the capability of delineating the vaginal fornices. Entry to the peritoneal cavity under visual control using a left upper quadrant approach and a 5-mm endoscope through a 5-mm Endopath(®) trocar is quick and decreases the risk of bowel or vessel injury. Use of 12-mm Endopath(®) trocars with blunt tips without closure of the fascia was not associated with post-operative hernias. Positioning the Da Vinci(®) Surgical System at a 30° angle at the side of the patient allows easy access to the vagina for removal of large surgical specimens and does not interfere with proper movements of the robotic arms. Use of a tissue specimen bag introduced via the vagina at completion of surgery allows removal of large uteri vaginally to avoid (mini-)laparotomy and its morbidities. Finally, suturing of the vault using interrupted delayed absorbable monofilament sutures was not associated with vaginal cuff dehiscence. Early evaluation of evolving minor technical and surgical approaches was associated with low morbidity, and appears to benefit patients undergoing robotic surgery for gynaecologic cancers.
Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada, Jul 1, 2009
To optimize the management of adnexal masses and to assist primary care physicians and gynaecolog... more To optimize the management of adnexal masses and to assist primary care physicians and gynaecologists determine which patients presenting with an ovarian mass with a significant risk of malignancy should be considered for gynaecologic oncology referral and management. Laparoscopic evaluation, comprehensive surgical staging for early ovarian cancer, or tumour debulking for advanced stage ovarian cancer. To optimize conservative versus operative management of women with possible ovarian malignancy and to optimize the involvement of gynaecologic oncologists in planning and delivery of treatment. Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed or MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words. Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified by searching the web sites of health technology assessment and health technology assessment-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. 1. Primary care physicians and gynaecologists should always consider the possibility of an underlying ovarian cancer in patients in any age group who present with an adnexal or ovarian mass. (II-2B) 2. Appropriate workup of a perimenopausal or postmenopausal woman presenting with an adnexal mass should include evaluation of symptoms and signs suggestive of malignancy, such as persistent pelvic/abdominal pain, urinary urgency/frequency, increased abdominal size/bloating, and difficulty eating. In addition, CA125 measurement should be considered. (II-2B) 3. Transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound examination is recommended as part of the initial workup of a complex adnexal/ovarian mass. (II-2B) 4. Ultrasound reports should be standardized to include size and unilateral/bilateral location of the adnexal mass and its possible origin, thickness of septations, presence of excrescences and internal solid components, vascular flow distribution pattern, and presence or absence of ascites. This information is essential for calculating the risk of malignancy index II score to identify pelvic mass with high malignant potential. (IIIC) 5. Patients deemed to have a high risk of an underlying malignancy should be reviewed in consultation with a gynaecologic oncologist for assessment and optimal surgical management. (II-2B).
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