Gynecological Society Research Articles

Survey of Transitional Care Between Pediatrics and Obstetrics/Gynecology in Japan.

Purpose: This study's aim was to determine the actual status of transitional care for patients with pediatric cancer (PPCs) in Japan by surveying obstetricians/gynecologists. Methods: A questionnaire survey on transitional medicine was conducted in the form of an online questionnaire at 579 major training facilities nationwide, which were registered with the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Results: While 40% of the facilities had received referrals for PPCs, only 13% provided transitional care specifically for PPCs. The most common problems with referrals were related to "insufficient explanation." In addition, at facilities with no experience treating PPCs, many respondents commented that they did not know how to follow the progression of the disease. Regarding the necessity of obstetrics/gynecology visits for PPCs, more than half of the respondents at facilities with experience treating PPCs answered that such visits were "necessary"; only 1% answered that they were "unnecessary." On the other hand, 37% of the facilities that had no experience treating PPCs answered that it was "necessary," whereas 4% answered that it was "unnecessary." Conclusions: This survey of the actual status of transitional care between pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology in Japan identified issues to be addressed for the spread of transitional care. The results suggest that, in the future, health care professionals need education to increase their knowledge, and that patient education that leads to patients' awareness of their own self-management is necessary.

Sharing the multidisciplinary clinical approach to peri- and postmenopausal women: A Delphi consensus among Italian gynecologists, endocrinologists, and cardiologists for an integrated and optimal approach to clinical practice.

The critical phase of perimenopausal period is marked by a reduction in estrogen levels, leading to various clinical issues (vasomotor and neurodegenerative symptoms, increased osteoporosis risk and cardiovascular risk). These complex clinical scenarios pose challenges to clinicians in providing the right support for diagnosis and treatment. A group of Italian cardiologists, endocrinologists, and gynecologists conducted a survey among expert colleagues to assess consensus on controversial issues and best practices for screening and treating peri- and postmenopausal women. The Delphi methodology was used to analyze responses from a qualitative expert panel comprising 25 cardiologists, 25 endocrinologists, and 25 gynecologists, selected nationwide. Two consecutive questionnaires were proposed between February and May 2023. Agreement among experts was assessed following the Delphi method as developed by the RAND Corporation. The results of this Delphi Consensus have been shared by the leading scientific societies: Italian Society of Cardiology, Italian Society of Endocrinology, Italian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and Italian Hospital Obstetricians Gynecologists Association. The experts highlighted comorbidities and hormone deprivation as crucial clinical problems to be evaluated in perimenopausal women, requiring investigation from cardiovascular and endocrinologic perspectives to assess cardiovascular risk, involving the use of BMI, standard blood samples, endocrine-metabolic tests, and lifestyle assessment, particularly in women with higher cardiovascular and metabolic risks candidates for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The experts also agreed on the benefits of HRT in improving lipid metabolism and reducing insulin resistance, thereby mitigating the metabolic risks associated with menopause. However, this therapy should be tailored considering individual women's comorbidities and thrombotic risk.

Thrombosis-related characteristics of pregnant women with antithrombin deficiency, protein C deficiency and protein S deficiency in Japan

Background We previously conducted a primary survey of pregnant women with hereditary thrombophilia based on national surveillance in Japan, but did not examine their thrombosis-related characteristics. Antithrombin (AT) deficiency, protein C (PC) deficiency and protein S (PS) deficiency are the major types of hereditary thrombophilia in Japan.MethodsWe examined their detailed information related to thrombosis, and evaluated peripartum outcomes in comparison with control data obtained from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.ResultsDefinite or probable AT deficiency, PC deficiency and PS deficiency were observed in 80, 50, and 317 pregnancies, respectively, from 2014 to 2018 in Japan, with prevalence rates among total deliveries of 0.011%, 0.007%, 0.044%. The number of pregnancies with AT, PC and PS deficiency might have been as many as 27, 17 and 108 every year if complete answers had been provided. In the peripartum period of current pregnancies, 27.5% of women with AT deficiency, 28.0% with PC deficiency and 13.2% with PS deficiency developed thrombosis (p < 0.001 vs. control). Pregnant women with AT and PC deficiency were more susceptible to thrombosis than those with PS deficiency (P < 0.01). Of the thromboses, 92.3% occurred during pregnancy, 62.8% at less than 15 gestational weeks. The earliest onset of thrombosis was 5 gestational weeks. Prophylactic anticoagulation significantly prevented the onset of both antepartum and postpartum thrombosis (p < 0.0001). The rate of recurrent pregnancy loss in women with low PC or PS activities was significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.0001); however, it is unknown whether recurrent pregnancy loss is related to hereditary PS deficiency. There seem to have been few serious maternal or fetal/neonatal complications due to placental insufficiency related to a hypercoagulable state other than growth restriction.ConclusionsThis survey revealed the thrombosis-related characteristics of pregnant women with hereditary thrombophilia in Japan. We suggest prophylactic anticoagulation to prevent maternal or fetal/neonatal complications.

Opportunistic Salpingectomy: A New Scope of Preventing a Deadly Disease

Background: Symptoms of ovarian cancer are non-specific and often do not arise until the cancer is in a late stage. Such late onset of symptoms and the lack of an effective screening test result in diagnosis at an advanced-stage for most patients of ovarian cancer. The fimbrial end of the fallopian tube has recently been suggested as the site of origin for epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC). Therefore, a change in practice with opportunistic salpingectomy (OS) at the time of hysterectomy has been advocated for prevention of ovarian cancer. Different gynaecological societies have published statements in favour of opportunistic salpingectomy in women at average population risk for ovarian cancer prevention. In recent years, salpingectomy has been increasingly performed for tubal sterilization also. We have gone through the available scientific publications and international guidelines in preparing this brief review in an attempt tobe familiar with the recent updated views regarding this issue. Delta Med Col J. Jan 2021;9(1):37-57

Intrauterine manipulator use during laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer: association for pathological factors and oncologic outcomes

ObjectiveTo examine the association between intrauterine manipulator use and pathological factors and oncologic outcomes in patients with endometrial cancer who had laparoscopic hysterectomy in Japan.MethodsThis was a nationwide retrospective cohort...

Respectful Abortion Care initiative: How a large-scale virtual training for providers in India increased knowledge of the new 2021 Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act.

In a historic move to ensure comprehensive abortion care, India amended the 1971 Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act in 2021, creating an unprecedented opportunity for accelerating safe, respectful, and rights-based abortion services. The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India (FOGSI), together with World Health Organization (WHO) India and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, set up a flagship initiative "Respectful Abortion Care" (RAC) to provide training to obstetricians and gynecologists on the new Act, and also address their values and biases. Virtual training sessions were organized during the COVID-19 pandemic to disseminate the amendments made under the MTP Act and address provider values and biases. The primary focus was on private providers as they account for more than half of all abortion services in India (52.9%). The RAC modules were systematically designed and delivered by 690 Master Trainers, trained by FOGSI and WHO. A total of 9051 FOGSI members (22%, with 50% from private clinics) completed the RAC trainings. Pretests and post-tests were conducted for impact assessment. Significant improvement was seen on knowledge of criteria for termination of pregnancy for significant birth defects (52%-83%). The post-training survey showed a high level of commitment to promote RAC: >95% were strongly motivated to perform or assist in abortion; 89% reported that the WHO value clarification exercises were helpful in facilitating open discussions on sensitive topics in a comfortable manner; 96% expressed a strong commitment to addressing the issue of respect and confidentiality in abortion care. RAC was a unique initiative around the MTP Act amendment 2021 in India, which demonstrated that collaboration and leadership by professional associations can help motivate providers and lead to improved knowledge and commitment from public and private sector providers.

Survey on the implementation status and reproductive outcomes of oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation in Japan: Historical comparison with nationwide surveys.

To clarify the reproductive outcomes of fertility preservation (FP) treatment. We conducted a mailed-in questionnaire survey at institutions certified by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology to investigate the number of oocyte cryopreservations (OC) and ovarian tissue cryopreservations (OTC) performed from December 2016 to the end of 2020. And, we conducted a detailed investigation of cases in which frozen specimens were used during the investigation period, and made historical comparisons with previous nationwide studies. Responses were received from 114 out of 150 facilities (response rate: 76.0%) for OC and 43 out of 51 for OTC (response rate: 84.3%). Breast cancer was the most common disease among patients whose FP specimens were used. During the study period, 1237 OCs and 198 OTCs were performed. In addition, 57 cycles of embryo transfer (ET) using cryopreserved oocytes and 12 cases of ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) were performed. The mean age of patients who underwent ET using cryopreserved oocytes was 34.8 (±5.8) years, with a median age of 36 years. The pregnancy rate per ET using cryopreserved oocytes was 26.3% and the live birth rate (LBR) was 17.5%. Further, the LBR per patient was 43.3%, and the pregnancy rate following OTTs was 33.3%. Also, controlled ovarian stimulation using the random start method or the combination of aromatase inhibitors had no effect on pregnancy outcome. Implementation of both OCs and OTCs have markedly increased over time in Japan, with comparable reproductive outcomes as other reports.

The German guideline "Obesity in pregnancy": comparison with the international approach.

Obesity is an increasing problem, even in young women of reproductive age. Obesity has a negative impact on conception, the course of pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes. Caring for obese pregnant women has becoming an important aspect of standard prenatal care. The Guideline "Obesity and Pregnancy" of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics aims to create evidence-based recommendations which can be used to improve the care of obese pregnant women. As obesity is a worldwide problem, many societies for obstetrics and gynecology have created national guidelines. We reviewed the following guidelines for obesity and pregnancy: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) 2021, Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (RCOG) 2018; AND Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) 2019. These guidelines were compared to the German guideline. There are some variations between the guidelines, though no major contradictions exist. Disparities were found regarding the recommendations for substitution of high folic acid and Vitamin D. Furthermore, the recommended time for screening for gestational diabetes and the methods to control fetal growth differ between the guidelines. Regarding place of birth, RCOG allows delivery in midwifery-led units in the absence of other high-risk circumstances, while others request facility of care by neonatologists and medical staff trained in care of obese women. Induction of labor at term due to increased risk of intrauterine demise is mostly limited to women with a body mass index of 40 kg/m2. Only one guideline considers induction of all obese women. For intrapartum management, the majority allows tolerating of longer labor times to delivery if fetal monitoring is sufficient and fetal stress is excluded. Special encouragement of breastfeeding and healthy lifestyle is commonly recommended; only in the Canadian guideline, postpartum depression evaluation is requested due to the overall high prevalence of depression and anxiety in obese women. All guidelines consider pregnancies in obese women as high-risk pregnancies and emphasize the need for preconception counseling. There are special needs in pregnancy care and in the intrapartum and postpartum management to be observed.

Retraction: Comparison between 200, 400 and 600 microgram rectal misoprostol before cesarian section: A randomized clinical trial.

The above article, published online on January 7th, 2019 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com) has been retracted by agreement between the journal's Editor-in-Chief, Hiroaki Kajiyama, Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and John Wiley & Sons, Australia, Ltd. The retraction has been agreed on following concerns about the validity of the presented data raised by a third party. As part of the investigation, an independent statistical expert concluded that there are inconsistencies in the data that could only be verified by examining the underlying clinical trial data. The authors have not responded to repeated requests for the original data and have not provided any explanation into the overlap between this study and one published in 2018 in a different journal. Furthermore, while the institute where the research was conducted confirmed that this clinical study was approved by an institutional ethics committee, documentation of the approval is not available. The authors have not responded when asked to agree to this retraction.

Opportunity window: vascular risk prevention in women. Adverse pregnancy outcomes and risk of vascular disease. Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SEGO) and the Spanish Interdiscuplinary Committee for Vascular Preventi

Opportunity window: vascular risk prevention in women. Adverse pregnancy outcomes and risk of vascular disease. Consensus document of the Spanish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SEGO) and the Spanish Interdiscuplinary Committee for Vascular Preventi

Association between anti-Müllerian hormone levels and polycystic ovary syndrome in a general cohort of young women in Japan.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) significantly affects women. This study investigated the association between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and menstrual cycle disorders, and AMH for PCOS in a general cohort of young Japanese women. We measured serum AMH levels in 528 healthy female students at two universities in Japan between 2014 and 2020. We investigated the association between serum AMH levels and hormone levels, menstrual cycle, and body mass index. The mean (±standard deviation) AMH level was 4.78 ± 2.88 ng/mL. Correlations were observed between serum AMH and luteinizing hormone (LH) or LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in women with irregular menstruation (LH: r = 0.542, p < 0.001; LH/FSH: r = 0.584, p < 0.001). The optimal serum AMH cutoff value that predicted LH ≥7.1 IU/L and LH/FSH ≥1.21 (PCOS diagnostic criteria revised by Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology) in women with menstrual irregularities was 5.30 ng/mL (area under the curve: 0.815, sensitivity: 84.2%, specificity: 70.3%). Serum AMH can be measured during annual health checkups and may be a useful biomarker for early and arcuate diagnosis and intervention in women with PCOS.

Detailed report on the clinicopathological factors of patients with endometrial cancer in Japan: a JSOG gynecologic tumor registry-based study.

In this study, we collected data over 8 years (2012-2019) from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) tumor registry to determine the status of endometrial cancer in Japan, and analyzed detailed clinicopathological factors. The JSOG maintains a tumor registry that gathers information on endometrial cancer treated at the JSOG-registered institutions. Data from the patients whose endometrial cancer treatment was initiated from 2012 to 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 82,969 patients with endometrial cancer underwent treatment from 2012 to 2019. Chemotherapy alone or in combination with hormonal therapy is more common among endometrial cancer patients under 40 years compared with those over 40 years. The number of patients with endometrial cancer, treated with laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery was observed to have increased yearly. Small cell carcinomas and undifferentiated carcinomas were more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. Lymphadenectomy was most commonly performed for stage IIIC2 disease, whereas positive peritoneal washing cytology was most common for stage IVB and serous carcinoma. Multi-year summary reports provided detailed clinicopathological information regarding endometrial cancer that could not be obtained in a single year. These reports were useful in understanding treatment strategies and trends over time based on age, histology, and stage.

Joint Statement on Comprehensive Education for Adolescents and Young People to Support Their Healthy Development and Wellbeing: Adolescent Health Academy, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India, Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, and Indian Public Health Association

Joint Statement on Comprehensive Education for Adolescents and Young People to Support Their Healthy Development and Wellbeing: Adolescent Health Academy, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India, Indian Association of Preventive and Social Medicine, and Indian Public Health Association

Assisted reproductive technology in Japan: A summary report for 2021 by the Ethics Committee of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) registry gathers comprehensive data from registered assisted reproductive technology (ART) facilities in Japan. Herein, we report 2021 ART cycle characteristics and outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize and analyze 2021 data. In 2021, 625 ART facilities participated in the registry; 27 facilities did not conduct ART cycles and 598 registered treatment cycles. In total, 498 140 cycles were registered, and there were 69 797 neonates (increases of 10.7% and 15.5%, respectively, from the previous year). The number of freeze-all invitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles decreased in 2021; the number of neonates born was 2268 for IVF-embryo transfer (ET) cycles and 2850 for ICSI cycles. Frozen-thawed ET (FET) cycles increased markedly from 2020 (11.2% increase). In 2021, 239 428 FET cycles were conducted, resulting in 87 174 pregnancies and 64 679 neonates. For fresh transfers, the total single ET, singleton pregnancy rate, and singleton live birth rates were 82.7%, 97.0%, and 97.3%; for FET, these rates were 84.9%, 96.9%, and 97.1%. The 2021 Japanese ART registry analysis showed marked increases in both total treatment cycles and live births from the previous year.

The COVID-19 pandemic affects pregnancy complications and delivery outcomes in Japan: a large-scale nationwide population-based longitudinal study

The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on pregnancy outcomes in Japan at the national level is unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on pregnancy complications and delivery outcomes in Japan using nationwide population-based longitudinal data. Secondary data from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology from 2016 to 2020 were analyzed. Obstetric information, pregnancy complications, and delivery information of pregnant women over 22 weeks of gestation were compared before and during the pandemic. The trends of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, fetal growth restriction, and APGAR < 7 increased, whereas those of preterm birth and low birth weight decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnancy complications and delivery outcomes have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Social changes caused by unprecedented situations may have massively influenced pregnancy in several ways. Our findings suggest that even in mild lockdowns like those in Japan, the introduction of social fear during the pandemic might negatively impact pregnancy outcomes.

Effective gestational weight gain advice to optimize infant birth weight in Japan based on quantile regression analysis

The optimal range of gestational weight gain (GWG) was recently raised in Japan. This may help reduce small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, but may also increase large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants. This study performed hypothetical experiments to determine effective GWG advice based on quantile regression analysis. In a total of 354,401 singleton pregnancies registered in the perinatal database of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2013–2017), the proportions of SGA and LGA were 9.33% and 11.13%, respectively. Using regression coefficients of GWG across the birth weight-for-gestational-age quantile distribution, we analyzed changes in their proportions by simulating a uniform 3-kg extra increase in GWG or an increase or decrease based on GWG adequacy. A hypothetical experiment of a uniform increase in GWG resulted in SGA and LGA proportions of 7.26% (95% confidence interval 7.15–7.36) and 14.51% (14.37–14.66), respectively. By contrast, assuming a 3-kg increase in women with inadequate GWG and a 3-kg decrease in women with excessive GWG resulted in SGA and LGA proportions of 8.42% (8.31–8.54) and 11.50% (11.37–11.62), respectively. Our real-world data analysis suggests that careful adjustment of GWG based on GWG adequacy will be effective in optimizing infant birth weight in Japan

Uterine cervical conisation and chorioamnionitis: A nationwide observational study.

To investigate whether conisation increases chorioamnionitis (CAM) and assess whether this risk differs between preterm and term periods. Furthermore, we estimated mediation effects of CAM between conisation and preterm birth (PTB). A nationwide observational study. Japan. Singleton pregnant women derived from the perinatal registry database of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology between 2013 and 2019. The association between a history of conisation and clinical CAM was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model with multiple imputation. We conducted mediation analysis to estimate effects of CAM on PTB following conisation. Clinical CAM. Of 1 500 206 singleton pregnant women, 6961 (0.46%) underwent conisation and 1 493 245 (99.5%) did not. Clinical CAM occurred in 150 (2.2%) and 11 484 (0.8%) women with and without conisation, respectively. Conisation was associated with clinical CAM (odds ratio [OR] 3.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.63-3.64; p < 0.001) (risk difference 1.57%; 95% CI 1.20-1.94). The association was detected among 171 440 women with PTB (OR 3.09; 95% CI 2.57-3.71), whereas it was not significant among 1 328 284 with term birth (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.58-1.34). OR of total effect of conisation on PTB was 2.71, OR of natural indirect effect (effect explained by clinical CAM) was 1.04, and OR of natural direct effect (effect unexplained by clinical CAM) was 2.61. The proportion mediated was 5.9%. Conisation increased CAM occurrence. Obstetricians should be careful regarding CAM in women with conisation, especially in preterm period. Bacterial infections may be an important cause of PTB after conisation.

Engaging National Professional Society to Combat Postpartum Hemorrhage Using Bundle Approach - A FIGO-SAFOG-OGSB-MGH Project: Experience of Implementation in Bangladesh

Objective: To reduce the incidence and death due to post-partum Hemorrhage (PPH) and capacity building of health service providers by using PPH Emergency response using Bundle Approach. Method: Planning and implementation of WHO formulated PPH Bundles [Active Management of Third Stage of Labour (AMTSL), First response Bundle and Refractory PPH Bundle] by Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Bangladesh (OGSB) in 14 different levels of public and private hospitals in Bangladesh. After discussion with International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) and South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SAFOG) team, a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed; permission from Ministry of Health and Family welfare (MOHFW) was obtained through Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and also from all the institutions. The project period was from November 2019 to September 2022 in a spoke-and-hub fashion. A group of master trainers and a technical advisory group were developed comprising of senior obstetricians and gynecologist of Bangladesh. Data were obtained through record keeping of the respective hospitals and Management Information System (MIS) of DGHS, monitoring was done by OGSB and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)-FIGO team. Results: Consultative and planning meetings were organized among OGSB, FIGO, SAFOG and MGH: 16 master trainers, 74 trainers were produced and 740 health service providers (Doctor, Nurses, midwives) and 450 non clinical staffs were trained. All clinical and nonclinical bundles were implemented in 14 facilities in spoke-and-hub fashion. Occurrence of PPH, detection rate of PPH, filling up PPH checklist and debrief forms were improved. Data collection system, understanding about data improved a lot. Facility readiness, team work, data monitoring &amp; supervision, network integration and leadership skills were instituted and shown excellent positive changes. Regular simulations were continued which helped old &amp; new service providers to learn and continue proper use of the clinical and non-clinical interventions. Scale up was planned and continued. Conclusion: PPH emergency response using bundle approach was found to be an important practical way to reduce occurrence, death and disability related to PPH. Needs for surgery has reduced also. Quality of services improved in terms of providing standard care, record keeping and reporting. Regular supervision and monitoring; data management and personal motivation are the challenges. Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2022; Vol. 37(2): 98-108

FIGO opinion paper: Drivers and solutions to the cesarean delivery epidemic with emphasis on the increasing rates in Africa and Southeastern Europe.

Cesarean delivery rates are rapidly increasing in Southeastern Europe (to more than 60%), North Africa (with a rate as high as 72% in Egypt), and in urban areas in Southern Africa (a rate of over 50% in Lagos, Nigeria). Data on the background to these increases are scarce, but likely to include poor birthing facilities in general hospitals, convenience for the doctor, private medicine, fear of litigation, socioeconomic status, shortage of midwives and nurses, and disappearance of vaginal instrumental deliveries. Options to reverse cesarean delivery trends are discussed. In this context there is a need to be better informed about how women are being counseled regarding vaginal or cesarean delivery. The long-term consequences in subsequent pregnancies for mothers and children may well be largely ignored, while these risks are highest in LMICs where higher birth numbers are desired. FIGO has begun discussions with obstetric and gynecologic societies, healthcare bodies, and governments in several countries discussed in this article, to find ways to lower the cesarean delivery rate. The requests came from the countries themselves, which may prove beneficial in helping advance progress.

Current Clinical Practice Patterns in Total Vaginal Hysterectomy.

There are no data on current surgical practice patterns for benign total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH) despite recently published guidelines. The objective was to determine gynecologic surgeon practice patterns regarding TVH perioperative interventions and to assess adherence to clinical practice guidelines. A survey to assess TVH practice patterns was distributed to gynecologic surgical society members for completion. The primary outcome was to compare adherence to practice guidelines between fellowship-trained and non-fellowship-trained gynecologic surgeons. Secondary outcomes included comparing adherence based on age, practice location, and hysterectomy volume. Of the 204 respondents, there were 163 (80%) fellowship-trained and 41 (20%) non-fellowship-trained gynecologic surgeons. Fellowship-trained surgeons were more likely than non-fellowship-trained surgeons to use vaginal packing (34% vs 15%, P = 0.028), which is contrary to the recommendations. No cohort followed the guideline recommending a circular cervicovaginal incision. Fellowship-trained surgeons also were more likely than non-fellowship-trained surgeons to use the clamp and suture technique for vessel ligation (88% vs 68%, P = 0.004); otherwise, there were no significant differences between cohorts for adherence to any of the other guidelines. Although fellowship-trained surgeons were adherent to fewer of the guidelines as compared with surgeons without fellowship training, both groups generally adhered to a majority of the clinical practice guidelines for benign TVH. This information demonstrates a need for the development of targeted education and interventions to increase the use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines during TVH for both fellowship-trained and non-fellowship-trained gynecologic surgeons.