E-Posters-Impact of Fiber-optic Lighted Retractors on Operative Times

Impact of Fiber-optic Lighted Retractors on Operative Times - Janelle M. Evans, MD

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to assess the impact of fiber-optic lighted retractors on operative times in patients undergoing pelvic reconstructive procedures. The researchers conducted a retrospective chart review from January 2015 to January 2017 for a single urogynecologist performing vaginal approach repairs. The study included English-speaking women over the age of 21 who underwent a pelvic reconstructive procedure with or without hysterectomy. Non-English speaking patients, patients under the age of 21, and cases performed with another surgeon or converted to laparotomy were excluded.<br /><br />The study included 144 patients, with 85 patients utilizing lighted retractors and 59 patients not using them. The use of lighted retractors was associated with decreased operative times for hysterectomy and pelvic organ prolapse repairs, as well as in the obese population. However, a multivariable logistic regression could not confirm a statistically significant decrease in operative time with the use of lighted retractors.<br /><br />In terms of demographics, the average age of the cohort was 64.16, with patients using lighted retractors being younger on average. There were no significant differences in BMI, history of incontinence surgery, diabetes, tobacco use, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) between the two groups. However, patients in the non-lighted retractor group had a higher history of prolapse repairs.<br /><br />The study concluded that the use of lighted retractors was associated with a decrease in operative times for certain procedures and in the obese population. However, the researchers noted that this was a retrospective study and suggested a prospective randomized study with a larger cohort to validate these findings and investigate additional outcomes.<br /><br />In summary, this study found that the use of fiber-optic lighted retractors may decrease operative times in certain pelvic reconstructive procedures and in obese patients. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore additional outcomes.

Keywords

fiber-optic lighted retractors

operative times

pelvic reconstructive procedures

retrospective chart review

hysterectomy

laparotomy

multivariable logistic regression

prolapse repairs

obese patients

research