Gynecologic Oncologist as surgical consultant: Intraoperative consultations during general gynecologic surgery as an important focus of gynecologic oncology training

Emeline M. Aviki, J. Alejandro Rauh-Hain, Rachel M. Clark, Tracilyn R. Hall, Lori R. Berkowitz, David M. Boruta, Whitfield B. Growdon, John O. Schorge, Annekathryn Goodman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective. The aimof this study is to explore the previously unexamined role of the Gynecologic Oncologist as an intraoperative consultant during general gynecologic surgery. Methods. Demographic and clinical data were collected on 98major gynecologic surgeries that included both a general Gynecologist and a Gynecologic Oncologist between October 2010 and August 2014. Data were analyzed using XLSTAT-Prov2014.2.02. Results. Of 794 major gynecologic surgeries, 98 (12.3%) cases that involved an intraoperative consultation were identified. There were 36 (37%) planned consults and 62 (63%) unplanned consults. Significantly more planned consults were during laparoscopy (100% v 58%; p < 0.01) and significantly more unplanned consults were during laparotomy (42% v 0%; p < 0.01). The majority of planned consults were for surgical training (86%) and themost common reasons for unplanned consults were adhesions (40%), bowel injury (19%), inability to identify ureter (19%), and cancer (11%). The most common interventions performed during unplanned consults were identification of anatomy (55%), lysis of adhesions (42%), and retroperitoneal dissection (27%). Average surgeon years in practice were significantly lower for unplanned consults (9 v 15; p < 0.01). A total of 25 major adverse events occurred in 15 cases with the majority occurring in cases with unplanned consults (23% v 3%; p < 0.01). After controlling for laparotomy, unplanned consultation was not significantly associated with major events (OR = 6.67, 95%CI 0.69-64.39; p = 0.10). Conclusions. Gynecologic Oncologists play a pivotal role in the support of generalist colleagues during pelvic surgery. In this series, Gynecologic Oncologists were consulted frequently for complex major benign surgeries. It is important to incorporate the skills required of an intraoperative consultant into Gynecologic Oncology fellowship training.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)93-97
Number of pages5
JournalGynecologic Oncology
Volume137
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015

Keywords

  • Benign Surgery
  • Fellowship training
  • Gynecologic Oncologist
  • Intraoperative Consultation
  • Surgical Complications

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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