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Midtrimester amniocentesis. Influence of operator caseload on sampling efficiency
R K Silver1, T L Russell, M P Kambich
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Evanston Hospital, Illinois 60201, USA. r-silver@nwu.edu
The Journal of Reproductive Medicine
|June 6, 1998
Summary
Physician experience significantly impacts amniocentesis success. Higher operator caseloads correlate with improved single-pass success rates for both early and standard genetic amniocentesis procedures.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Prenatal Diagnostics
Background:
- Amniocentesis is a common prenatal diagnostic procedure.
- Operator experience may influence procedural success rates.
- Early amniocentesis (13-14 weeks) and standard amniocentesis (15-20 weeks) have different technical considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between operator caseload and sampling efficiency in genetic amniocentesis.
- To determine if operator volume affects success rates in early versus standard amniocentesis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of genetic amniocenteses over 36 months.
- Procedures were categorized as early or standard gestation.
- Operator caseload was analyzed in relation to single-pass success rates.
Main Results:
- Physicians performing 50 or more procedures had higher single-pass success rates than those performing fewer than 50.
- This effect was observed for both early and standard amniocentesis.
- Caseload and ultrasound guidance independently predicted single-attempt success.
Conclusions:
- Operator caseload is a significant factor influencing amniocentesis sampling efficiency.
- Higher volume operators demonstrate better success rates in amniocentesis.
- Findings support the importance of experience in procedural outcomes.