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The existing literature shows that the current obstetrics and gynecology residency training model is not able to produce proficiency in gynecologic surgery. As benign uterine and adnexal disorders become more complex with more treatment options and surgical routes available, new training and professional structures are needed to provide adequate surgical care to gynecologic patients. (J GYNECOL SURG 38:375) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, gynecologists have increased their use of telehealth services to expand access to care and minimize the need for in-person office-visits. While abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is the most-common complaint for patients presenting to gynecologic office visits, there is little research on the utility of telehealth in its management. A practical guide to managing AUB using telehealth services was developed for each of the common causes of AUB according to PALM-COEIN [polyp, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy and hyperplasia, coagulopathy, ovulatory dysfunction, endometrial, iatrogenic, and not yet classified] nomenclature. Examples of applications in assessment include comprehensive history intake, electronic scheduling of transvaginal ultrasounds, laboratory work orders, patient counseling, and referrals to specialists. Telemedicine can also be incorporated into treatment of AUB. Preoperative consultations, prescribing medications (such as non–long-acting reversible hormonal contraceptives), and uncomplicated postoperative management can all be done via telehealth services. Telehealth can improve the efficiency of evaluation and treatment of AUB, including appropriate triage of patients and completing necessary workups needed prior to an in-person visit. Integration of telemedicine services may help overcome challenges with access to care such as geographical or resource limitations. (J GYNECOL SURG 38:344) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol on patient experience after discharge from laparoscopic hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: Patients having laparoscopic hysterectomies by high-volume surgeons (>10 hysterectomies per year) at an urban tertiary-care hospital were divided into 2 cohorts: (1) a perioperative ERAS protocol adopted by the institution or (2) standard perioperative care according to the patient's surgeon. At the postoperative visit, each patient completed a validated questionnaire of self-reported recovery scores in domains of daily functional activities Results: There were 40 patients in the ERAS group and 44 in the standard perioperative care group, and 100% follow-up through the 2-week postoperative visits. Patients in both groups had similar rates of same-day discharges (88% versus 73%; p = 0.09). Both groups reported similar physical activity scores (1.38 versus 1.33; p = 0.79), days of first bowel movements (2.69 versus 2.71; p = 0.94), and days of opioid use after surgery (3.13 versus 2.64; p = 0.48). ERAS patients had fewer unplanned patient contacts than the standard care group (15% versus 50%; p < 0.01). There were no readmissions. Patients took few opioids, with 90% of all patients using <10 opioid tablets post surgery (5-mg oxycodone equivalents). Conclusions: Same-day discharge, patient-reported recovery experience, and opioid requirements did not differ between the ERAS protocol versus standard perioperative care. The ERAS protocol decreased unplanned patient contacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal of this research was to explore physicians' perceptions of uterine morcellation and minimally invasive hysterectomy in the setting of new hospital regulations, comparing gynecologists and internal medicine providers, geographic locations, and levels of training. Design: This was a multicenter cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: A 17-question, anonymous, electronic survey was administered to resident, fellow, and attending gynecologists, and internal medicine physicians at three institutions. Results: Two hundred and twenty-two gynecologists responded for a response rate of 46%. Most gynecologists believe morcellation is safe and acceptable, and the benefits of minimally invasive surgery outweigh the potential risk of cancer dissemination as a result of morcellation. The majority reported that the incidence of occult leiomyosarcoma is rarer than 1 in 350. Physicians from Boston, MA, responded less favorably toward morcellation than providers in Pittsburgh, PA, and Chapel Hill, NC ( p < 0.001). Trainees were not significantly different from attending gynecologists. One hundred and forty-seven internal medicine physicians responded for a response rate of 40%. Compared to internal medicine providers, significantly more gynecologists believe minimally invasive approaches, as opposed to laparotomy, yield the best overall outcome ( p < 0.001), and the benefits of morcellation outweigh its potential risks ( p < 0.001). Compared to gynecologists, more internal medicine physicians felt morcellation should be banned ( p < 0.001). Conclusions: Most gynecologists highly value morcellation as a means of tissue extraction to facilitate minimally invasive approaches in order to provide the most optimal patient outcomes. Gynecologists' opinions regarding morcellation differ by geographical location but not by level of training. Gynecologists responded more favorably toward minimally invasive hysterectomy and morcellation, compared to internal medicine physicians. (J GYNECOL SURG 33:12) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]