Post-anaesthesia pulmonary complications after use of muscle relaxants (POPULAR): a multicentre, prospective observational study

An educational intervention to reduce the incidence of postoperative residual curarisation: a cluster randomised crossover trial in patients undergoing general anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

The incidence of postoperative residual curarisation remains unacceptably high. We assessed whether an educational intervention on perioperative neuromuscular block management can reduce it.

METHODS

In this multicentre, cluster randomised crossover trial, centres were allocated to receive an educational intervention either in a first or a second period. The educational intervention consisted of a lecture about neuromuscular management key points, including quantitative neuromuscular monitoring and use of reversal agents. The lecture was streamed to allow repetition. Additionally, memory cards were distributed in each operating theatre. The primary outcome was postoperative residual curarisation in the PACU. Secondary outcomes were frequency of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring, use of reversal agents, and incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications during hospital stay. Measurements were performed before randomisation and after the first and the second period. The effect of the educational intervention was estimated using multivariable mixed effects logistic regression models.

RESULTS

We included 2314 subjects in 34 Spanish centres. Postoperative residual curarisation incidence was not affected by the educational intervention (odds ratio [OR] 0.90 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.51-1.58]; P=0.717 and 1.30 [0.73-2.30]; P=0.371] for first and second time-period interaction). The educational intervention increased the quantitative neuromuscular monitor usage (OR 2.04 [95% CI: 1.31-3.19]; P=0.002), the use of reversal agents was unchanged (OR 0.79 [95% CI: 0.50-1.26]; P=0.322), and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications decreased (OR 0.19 [95% CI: 0.10-0.35]; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

An educational intervention on perioperative neuromuscular block management did not reduce the incidence of postoperative residual curarisation nor increase reversal, despite increased quantitative neuromuscular monitoring. Sugammadex reversal was associated with reduced postoperative residual curarisation. The educational intervention was associated with a decrease in postoperative pulmonary complications.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03128151.

Deep versus moderate neuromuscular blockade during total hip arthroplasty to improve postoperative quality of recovery and immune function: protocol for a randomised controlled study

INTRODUCTION

There is accumulating evidence that deep neuromuscular blockade (NMB) improves intraoperative surgical conditions during laparoscopic surgery. Studies investigating the effects of deep NMB in open surgery are scarce. In theory, by limiting surgical damage through deeper muscle relaxation, postoperative inflammation and concomitant immune suppression can be reduced. Therefore, this study will investigate the effects of deep NMB during total hip arthroplasty, which demands a relatively large exposure of the hip joint through and in between muscles.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is a monocentre blinded randomised controlled trial in 100 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty under general anaesthesia. Patients will be randomised in a 1:1 fashion to an intervention group of intraoperative deep NMB (a post-tetanic count of 1-2) or a control group receiving moderate NMB (a train-of-four count of 1-2). NMB will be achieved by continuous or bolus administration of rocuronium, respectively. The primary endpoint is the quality of recovery at postoperative day 1 measured by the Quality of Recovery-40 Questionnaire, analysed by Analysis of Variance. The secondary endpoint is postoperative innate immune function, measured by ex vivo production capacity of tumour necrosis factor and interleukin-1β on endotoxin stimulation of whole blood.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval for this study was granted by the Medical Ethics Committee 'METC Oost-Nederland' (reference number 2022-15754). Informed consent will be obtained prior to study participation. Study results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT05562999) and EudraCT Registry (2022-002451-19).

Consensus guidelines for the perioperative management of patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Deep sedation without tracheal intubation (monitored anaesthesia care) and general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation are commonly used anaesthesia techniques for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There are distinct pathophysiological differences between monitored anaesthesia care and general anaesthesia that need to be considered depending on the nature and severity of the patient's underlying disease, comorbidities, and procedural risks. An international group of expert anaesthesiologists and gastroenterologists created clinically relevant questions regarding the merits and risks of monitored anaesthesia care vs general anaesthesia in specific clinical scenarios for planning optimal anaesthetic approaches for ERCP. Using a modified Delphi approach, the group created practical recommendations for anaesthesiologists, with the aim of reducing the incidence of perioperative adverse outcomes while maximising healthcare resource utilisation. In the majority of clinical scenarios analysed, our expert recommendations favour monitored anaesthesia care over general anaesthesia. Patients with increased risk of pulmonary aspiration and those undergoing prolonged procedures of high complexity were thought to benefit from general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation. Patient age and ASA physical status were not considered to be factors for choosing between monitored anaesthesia care and general anaesthesia. Monitored anaesthesia care is the favoured anaesthesia plan for ERCP. An individual risk-benefit analysis that takes into account provider and institutional experience, patient comorbidities, and procedural risks is also needed.

Esketamine opioid-free intravenous anesthesia versus opioid intravenous anesthesia in spontaneous ventilation video-assisted thoracic surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) provides adequate analgesia and can reduce postoperative opioid consumption, but its efficacy in spontaneous ventilation video-assisted thoracic surgery (SV-VATS) has not been demonstrated. We aimed to investigate the hypothesis that OFA could provide the same perioperative pain control as opioid anesthesia (OA), maintain safe and stable respiration and hemodynamics during surgery, and improve postoperative recovery.

Methods

Sixty eligible patients (OFA group: n=30; OA group: n=30) treated between September 15, 2022, and December 15, 2022, at The First Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University were included. They were randomized to receive standard balanced OFA with esketamine or OA with remifentanil combined with sufentanil. The primary outcome was the pain numeric rating score (NRS) at postoperative 24 h, and the secondary outcomes were intraoperative respiratory and hemodynamic data, opioid consumption, vasoactive drug dosage, and recovery in the post-anesthesia care unit and ward.

Results

There was no significant difference in the postoperative pain scores and recovery quality between the two groups. The OFA group had a significantly lower dose of phenylephrine (P=0.001) and a lower incidence of hypotension (P=0.004) during surgery. The OFA group resumed spontaneous respiration faster (P<0.001) and had a higher quality of lung collapse (P=0.02). However, the total doses of propofol and dexmetomidine were higher (P=0.03 and P=0.02), and the time to consciousness was longer (P=0.039) in the OFA group.

Conclusions

OFA provides the same level of postoperative pain control as OA, but it is more advantageous in maintaining circulatory and respiratory stability and improving the quality of pulmonary collapse in SV-VATS.

Postoperative oxygenation assessed by SpO2/FiO2 ratio and respiratory complications after reversal of neuromuscular block with Sugammadex or neostigmine: A retrospective cohort study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Residual neuromuscular block may lead to postoperative muscle weakness, inadequate oxygenation, and other pulmonary complications. Sugammadex may provide more rapid and effective restoration of neuromuscular function than neostigmine. We therefore tested the primary hypothesis that noncardiac surgical patients given sugammadex oxygenate better during initial recovery than those given neostigmine. Secondarily, we tested the hypothesis that patients given sugammadex have fewer pulmonary complications during hospitalization.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis.

SETTING

Postoperative recovery area of a tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

Adults who had non-cardiothoracic surgery and were given either neostigmine or sugammadex.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was the lowest SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio in the post-anesthesia care unit. The secondary outcome was a composite of pulmonary complications.

MAIN RESULTS

Among 71,457 cases, 10,708 (15%) were given sugammadex and 60,749 (85%) received neostigmine. After propensity weighting, the mean minimum SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio was 301 ± 77 (SD) in patients given sugammadex and 303 ± 71 in those given neostigmine, yielding an estimated difference in means of -3.5 (95% confidence interval: -5.3, -1.7; P = 0.0002). 4.4% of patients given sugammadex and 3.6% of patients given neostigmine had postoperative pulmonary complications (P = 0.0005, number-needed-to-be-exposed =136; 95% CI: 83, 330), with the main contributing components being new bronchospasm or exacerbation of obstructive pulmonary disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative minimum SpO₂/FiO₂ ratio during PACU admission was similar after reversal of neuromuscular block by sugammadex and neostigmine. Reversal with sugammadex was associated with more pulmonary complications, but most were minor and of little consequence.

Reversing Neuromuscular Blockade without Nerve Stimulator Guidance in a Postsurgical ICU-An Observational Study

We aimed to determine if not using residual neuromuscular blockade (RNB) analysis to guide neuromuscular blockade reversal administration in the postsurgical ICU resulted in consequences related to residual weakness. This single-center, prospective study evaluated 104 patients arriving in a postcardiac surgical ICU. After demonstrating spontaneous movement and T > 35.5 °C, all patients underwent RNB evaluation, and neostigmine/glycopyrrolate was then administered. When patients later demonstrated an adequate Rapid Shallow Breathing Index, negative inspiratory force generation, and arterial blood gas values with minimal mechanical ventilatory support, RNB evaluation was repeated in 94 of the 104 patients, and all patients were extubated. Though RNB evaluation was performed, patients were extubated without considering these results. Eleven of one hundred four patients had not achieved a Train-of-Four (TOF) count of four prior to receiving neostigmine. Twenty of ninety-four patients demonstrated a TOF ratio ≤ 90% prior to extubation. Three patients received unplanned postextubation adjunct respiratory support-one for obvious respiratory weakness, one for pain-related splinting compounding baseline disordered breathing but without obvious benefit from BiPAP, and one for a new issue requiring surgery. Residual neuromuscular weakness may have been unrecognized before extubation in 1 of 104 patients administered neostigmine without RNB analysis. ICU-level care may mitigate consequences in such cases.

Effect of quantitative versus qualitative neuromuscular blockade monitoring on rocuronium consumption in patients undergoing abdominal and gynecological surgery: a retrospective cohort study

The level of neuromuscular blockade can be assessed by subjective (qualitative) and objective (quantitative) methods. This study aims to compare the dosage of the neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) rocuronium and the need for reversion by sugammadex between those methods. A retrospective, observational analysis was conducted. In the tactile qualitative-neuromuscular monitoring-group (tactile NMM) (n = 244), muscle contractions were assessed tactilely. In the quantitative neuromuscular monitoring-group (n = 295), contractions were accessed using an acceleromyograph. Primary endpoints were dosage of rocuronium per minute operation-time (milligram per kilogram bodyweight per minute (mg/kgBW/min)), count of repeated rocuronium administrations and use of sugammadex. Secondary endpoints were: NMM use before repeated NMBA application or extubation, time to extubation, post-operative oxygen demand. A total of n = 539 patients were included. n = 244 patients were examined with tactile NMM and 295 patients by quantitative NMM. Quantitative NMM use resulted in significantly lower rocuronium dosing (tactile NMM: 0.01 (± 0.007) mg/kgBW/min vs. quantitative NMM: 0.008 (± 0.006) mg/kgBW/min (p < 0.001)). In quantitative NMM use fewer repetitions of rocuronium application were necessary (tactile NMM: 83% (n = 202) vs. quantitative NMM: 71% (n = 208) p = 0.007). Overall, 24% (n = 58) in the tactile NMM-group, and 20% (n = 60) in the quantitative NMM-group received sugammadex ((p = 0.3), OR: 1.21 (0.81-1.82)). Significantly fewer patients in the quantitative NMM-group required oxygen-supply postoperative (quantitative NMM: 43% (n = 120)) vs. tactile NMM: 57% (n = 128)) (p = 0.002). The use of quantitative assessment of NMBA results in a lower overall dosage and requires fewer repetitions of rocuronium application. Therefore, quantitative monitoring systems should be used to monitor NMBA intraoperatively to reduce NMBA dosing, while achieving continuous neuromuscular blockade.

Postoperative Risk of Transfusion After Reversal of Residual Neuromuscular Block With Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Sugammadex and neostigmine are routinely used to reverse residual neuromuscular blocks at the end of surgery. Sugammadex has been linked with prolongation of laboratory coagulation markers, but clinical relevance on postoperative blood loss and transfusions remains unclear.

METHODS

In this retrospective, single-center, cohort study, we analyzed medical records of adult patients having noncardiac surgery who were given sugammadex or neostigmine from May 2016 to December 2020. Our primary outcome was the incidence of any postoperative transfusion of red blood cells, and/or fresh-frozen plasma, and/or platelets. Secondary outcomes were duration of hospitalization, need for resurgery, and postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission. After propensity score weighting, the odds ratio (OR) for postoperative transfusion was assessed in both groups (sugammadex versus neostigmine) using a generalized estimation equation to count within-subject correlation weighted by the inverse propensity score.

RESULTS

Out of 39,325 eligible surgeries, 33,903 surgeries in 29,062 patients were included in the analysis; with 4581 patients receiving sugammadex and 29,322 patients receiving neostigmine. The raw incidence of postoperative transfusion was 7.40% in sugammadex and 7.45% in the neostigmine group. After weighting by propensity score, the incidence of postoperative transfusion was 8.01% in the sugammadex and 7.38% in the neostigmine group (OR, 1.11 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-1.26; P = .118]). There was no difference in duration of hospitalization and need for resurgery, but odds of postoperative ICU admission were significantly higher for patients receiving sugammadex than those receiving neostigmine (OR, 1.33 [98.33% CI, 1.17-1.52; P < .0001]). Our a priori planned analysis of coagulation laboratory parameters could not be completed because of a high amount of missing laboratory data.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no statistically significant nor clinically important difference in the risk of postoperative transfusion in patients receiving sugammadex or neostigmine.

Emergency use of sugammadex after failure of standard reversal drugs and postoperative pulmonary complications: A retrospective cohort study

Background and Aims

The use of sugammadex instead of neostigmine for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade may decrease postoperative pulmonary complications. It is unclear if this finding is applicable to situations where sugammadex is administered after the administration of neostigmine. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of a composite outcome measure of major postoperative pulmonary complications in patients who received sugammadex as a rescue agent after neostigmine versus those who received sugammadex alone for reversal of neuromuscular blockade.

Material and Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed the medical records of adult patients who underwent elective inpatient noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia and received sugammadex for reversal of neuromuscular blockade, at a tertiary care academic hospital between August 2016 and November 2018.

Results

A total of 1,672 patients were included, of whom 1,452 underwent reversal with sugammadex alone and 220 received sugammadex following reversal with neostigmine/glycopyrrolate. The composite primary outcome was diagnosed in 60 (3.6%) patients. Comparing these two groups, and after adjusting for confounding factors, patients who received sugammadex after reversal with neostigmine had more postoperative pulmonary complications than those reversed with sugammadex alone (6.8% vs. 3.1%, odds ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25 to 4.18; P = 0.006).

Conclusion

The use of sugammadex following reversal with neostigmine was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications as compared to the use of sugammadex alone. The implications of using sugammadex after the failure of standard reversal drugs should be investigated in prospective studies.

Model for predicting early and late-onset postoperative pulmonary complications in perioperative patients receiving neuromuscular blockade: a secondary analysis

Pulmonary complications continue to be the most common adverse event after surgery. The main objective was to carry out two independent predictive models, both for early pulmonary complications in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and late-onset pulmonary complications after 30 postoperative days. The secondary objective was to determine whether presenting early complications subsequently causes patients to have other late-onset events. This is a secondary analysis of a cohort study. 714 patients were divided into four groups depending on the neuromuscular blocking agent, and spontaneous or pharmacological reversal. Incidence of late-onset complications if we have not previously had any early complications was 4.96%. If the patient has previously had early complications the incidence of late-onset complications was 22.02%. If airway obstruction occurs, the risk of atelectasis increased from 6.88 to 22.58% (p = 0.002). If hypoxemia occurs, the incidence increased from 5.82 to 21.79% (p < 0.001). Based on our predictive models, we conclude that diabetes mellitus and preoperative anemia are two risk factors for early and late-onset postoperative pulmonary complications, respectively. Hypoxemia and airway obstruction in Post-Anesthesia Care Unit increased four times the risk of the development of pneumonia and atelectasis at 30 postoperative days.

Superiority of sugammadex in preventing postoperative pulmonary complications

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pulmonary complications often lead to increasing mortality and financial burden. Residual paralysis plays a critical role in postoperative pulmonary complications. This meta-analysis was performed to determine whether sugammadex overmatch neostigmine in reducing postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline through Ovid, Cochrane Library, Wan fang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese BioMedical Literature Databases were searched from their inception to 24 June 2021. Random effects models were used for all analyses. Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of RCTs, while Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to assess for the quality of cohort studies.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled data from cohort studies showed reversing neuromuscular blocking with sugammadex had less risk of compound postoperative pulmonary complications [relative risk (RR): 0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-0.89; P = 0.002; I2 = 81%], pneumonia (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.48-0.86; I2 = 42%) and respiratory failure (RR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.41-0.56, I2 = 0%). However, pooled data from RCTs did not show any difference between the two groups in pneumonia (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.24-1.40; I2 = 0%) and respiratory failure. The difference was not found between sugammadex and neostigmine about atelectasis in pooled data from either RCTs (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.69-1.05; I2 = 0%) or cohort studies (RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.87 to 1.18; I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSION

The evidence of superiority of sugammadex was limited by the confounding factors in cohort studies and small scale of RCTs. Whether sugammadex precedes neostigmine in preventing pulmonary complications after surgery is still unknown. Well-designed RCTs with large scale are needed.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD 42020191575.

Evaluation of the Effects of an Extubation Protocol With Neostigmine on Duration of Mechanical Ventilation After Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Residual neuromuscular blockade is associated with increased postoperative pulmonary complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an extubation protocol incorporating neuromuscular blockade reversal (NMBR) by train-of-four monitoring on "fast-track" cardiac surgery outcomes.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

At a university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Out of 1,843 cardiac surgery patients, from February 2, 2015, to March 31, 2017, 957 (52%) underwent cardiac surgery on or after February 29, 2016.

INTERVENTIONS

An extubation protocol, comprised of weaning from mechanical ventilation and NMBR guidelines, was implemented on February 29, 2016.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The associations of baseline characteristics with the postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation (primary outcome) and respiratory and/or adverse complications (secondary outcomes) were evaluated using regression and interrupted- time series models. The implementation of an extubation protocol was associated with an 18% decrease in the duration of mechanical ventilation (incident rate ratio [IRR] 0.82, 95% CI 0.72-0.94; p < 0.01), statistically insignificant 26% increase in patients extubated ≤6 hours (odds ratio [OR] 1.26, 95% CI 0.97-1.65; p = 0.09), and 13% shorter intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) (IRR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79-0.97; p < 0.01). Patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft or isolated valve procedures, on or after February 29, 2016, had decreased extubation times (IRR 0.82, p < 0.01 and IRR 0.80, p = 0.02). The protocol did not have a statistically significant association with hospital LOS (IRR 0.98, p = 0.57) or readmission (OR 1.22, p = 0.33), and differences in the occurrence of pulmonary complications and adverse outcomes between the pre- and postprotocol groups were clinically insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of an extubation protocol incorporating NMBR based on neuromuscular monitoring was associated with a decrease in postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation and facilitated more patients meeting the early extubation benchmark without an increased risk of respiratory complications or adverse outcomes.

The effects of sugammadex vs. neostigmine on postoperative respiratory complications and advanced healthcare utilisation: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

Reversing neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex can eliminate residual paralysis, which has been associated with postoperative respiratory complications. There are equivocal data on whether sugammadex reduces these when compared with neostigmine. We investigated the association of the choice of reversal drug with postoperative respiratory complications and advanced healthcare utilisation. We included adult patients who underwent surgery and received general anaesthesia with sugammadex or neostigmine reversal at two academic healthcare networks between January 2016 and June 2021. The primary outcome was postoperative respiratory complications, defined as post-extubation oxygen saturation < 90%, respiratory failure requiring non-invasive ventilation, or tracheal re-intubation within 7 days. Our main secondary outcome was advanced healthcare utilisation, a composite outcome including: 7-day unplanned intensive care unit admission; 30-day hospital readmission; or non-home discharge. In total, 5746 (6.9%) of 83,250 included patients experienced postoperative respiratory complications. This was not associated with the reversal drug (adjusted OR (95%CI) 1.01 (0.94-1.08); p = 0.76). After excluding patients admitted from skilled nursing facilities, 8372 (10.5%) patients required advanced healthcare utilisation, which was not associated with the choice of reversal (adjusted OR (95%CI) 0.95 (0.89-1.01); p = 0.11). Equivalence testing supported an equivalent effect size of sugammadex and neostigmine on both outcomes, and neostigmine was non-inferior to sugammadex with regard to postoperative respiratory complications or advanced healthcare utilisation. Finally, there was no association between the reversal drug and major adverse cardiovascular events (adjusted OR 1.07 (0.94-1.21); p = 0.32). Compared with neostigmine, reversal of neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex was not associated with a reduction in postoperative respiratory complications or post-procedural advanced healthcare utilisation.

Sugammadex Versus Neostigmine for Recovery of Respiratory Muscle Strength Measured by Ultrasonography in the Postextubation Period: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Although sugammadex is well known for its use in reducing the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade, this has not always been translated to improved clinical measures of postoperative respiratory muscle strength. Expiratory muscles play an important role in airway clearance and inspiratory muscle capacity augmentation, yet they have not been well studied. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis on whether sugammadex could enhance expiratory muscle strength recovery more completely than neostigmine in the immediate postextubation period.

METHODS

Adult patients having microlaryngeal surgery under total intravenous anesthesia were randomized to receive sugammadex or neostigmine. The thickening fraction of internal oblique abdominal muscle (TF IO ) and diaphragm excursion, respectively, reflecting expiratory and inspiratory muscle strength, were measured via ultrasonography at 3 time points: before induction (baseline), train-of-four ratio (TOFR) recovery to 0.9, and 30 minutes after postanesthesia care unit (PACU) arrival. The primary outcome was the change in TF IO from baseline to TOFR ≥0.9. The postoperative changes of diaphragm excursion from baseline, incidences of TF IO and diaphragm excursion returning to baseline levels, and the time from TOFR 0.9 to 0.95 and 1 were also measured.

RESULTS

Among 58 patients, a significant difference in the change in TF IO from baseline to TOFR ≥0.9 between the sugammadex and neostigmine groups was observed: mean ± standard deviation, 9% ± 6% vs 16% ± 9%; difference in means: -6% (95% confidence interval [CI], -10 to -2); and adjusted P =.005 (adjusting for imbalanced variables between 2 groups). Sugammadex resulted in smaller changes in diaphragm excursion from baseline to TOFR ≥0.9 compared with neostigmine: difference in means: -0.83 cm (99.4% CI, -1.39 to -0.28 cm; Bonferroni-corrected P < .001). After 30 minutes in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU),33% of patients reversed with sugammadex versus 14% of those receiving neostigmine reached baseline TF IO levels (99.4% CI, -14 to 52; Bonferroni-corrected P > .999). The incidences of TF IO and diaphragm excursion returning to baseline were relatively low (<40%) in both groups despite TOFR reaching 1. The median time from TOFR of 0.9 to 0.95 and to 1 among patients receiving sugammadex was 7 and 10× faster than those receiving neostigmine (0.3 vs 2 minutes, Bonferroni-corrected P = .003; 0.5 vs 5.3 minutes, Bonferroni-corrected P < .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Sugammadex provides a more complete recovery of expiratory muscle strength than neostigmine at TOFR ≥0.9. Our data suggest that the respiratory muscle strength might still be impaired despite TOFR reaching 1.

Peri-operative management of neuromuscular blockade: A guideline from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care

Recent data indicated a high incidence of inappropriate management of neuromuscular block, with a high rate of residual paralysis and relaxant-associated postoperative complications. These data are alarming in that the available neuromuscular monitoring, as well as myorelaxants and their antagonists basically allow well tolerated management of neuromuscular blockade. In this first European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) guideline on peri-operative management of neuromuscular block, we aim to present aggregated and evidence-based recommendations to assist clinicians provide best medical care and ensure patient safety. We identified three main clinical questions: Are myorelaxants necessary to facilitate tracheal intubation in adults? Does the intensity of neuromuscular blockade influence a patient's outcome in abdominal surgery? What are the strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of residual paralysis? On the basis of this, PICO (patient, intervention, comparator, outcome) questions were derived that guided a structured literature search. A stepwise approach was used to reduce the number of trials of the initial research ( n  = 24 000) to the finally relevant clinical studies ( n  = 88). GRADE methodology (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used for formulating the recommendations based on the findings of the included studies in conjunction with their methodological quality. A two-step Delphi process was used to determine the agreement of the panel members with the recommendations: R1 We recommend using a muscle relaxant to facilitate tracheal intubation (1A). R2 We recommend the use of muscle relaxants to reduce pharyngeal and/or laryngeal injury following endotracheal intubation (1C). R3 We recommend the use of a fast-acting muscle relaxant for rapid sequence induction intubation (RSII) such as succinylcholine 1 mg kg -1 or rocuronium 0.9 to 1.2 mg kg -1 (1B). R4 We recommend deepening neuromuscular blockade if surgical conditions need to be improved (1B). R5 There is insufficient evidence to recommend deep neuromuscular blockade in general to reduce postoperative pain or decrease the incidence of peri-operative complications. (2C). R6 We recommend the use of ulnar nerve stimulation and quantitative neuromuscular monitoring at the adductor pollicis muscle to exclude residual paralysis (1B). R7 We recommend using sugammadex to antagonise deep, moderate and shallow neuromuscular blockade induced by aminosteroidal agents (rocuronium, vecuronium) (1A). R8 We recommend advanced spontaneous recovery (i.e. TOF ratio >0.2) before starting neostigmine-based reversal and to continue quantitative monitoring of neuromuscular blockade until a TOF ratio of more than 0.9 has been attained. (1C).

Effect of Remifentanil vs Neuromuscular Blockers During Rapid Sequence Intubation on Successful Intubation Without Major Complications Among Patients at Risk of Aspiration: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

It is uncertain whether a rapid-onset opioid is noninferior to a rapid-onset neuromuscular blocker during rapid sequence intubation when used in conjunction with a hypnotic agent.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether remifentanil is noninferior to rapid-onset neuromuscular blockers for rapid sequence intubation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Multicenter, randomized, open-label, noninferiority trial among 1150 adults at risk of aspiration (fasting for <6 hours, bowel occlusion, recent trauma, or severe gastroesophageal reflux) who underwent tracheal intubation in the operating room at 15 hospitals in France from October 2019 to April 2021. Follow-up was completed on May 15, 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to receive neuromuscular blockers (1 mg/kg of succinylcholine or rocuronium; n = 575) or remifentanil (3 to 4 μg/kg; n = 575) immediately after injection of a hypnotic.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was assessed in all randomized patients (as-randomized population) and in all eligible patients who received assigned treatment (per-protocol population). The primary outcome was successful tracheal intubation on the first attempt without major complications, defined as lung aspiration of digestive content, oxygen desaturation, major hemodynamic instability, sustained arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and severe anaphylactic reaction. The prespecified noninferiority margin was 7.0%.

RESULTS

Among 1150 randomized patients (mean age, 50.7 [SD, 17.4] years; 573 [50%] women), 1130 (98.3%) completed the trial. In the as-randomized population, tracheal intubation on the first attempt without major complications occurred in 374 of 575 patients (66.1%) in the remifentanil group and 408 of 575 (71.6%) in the neuromuscular blocker group (between-group difference adjusted for randomization strata and center, -6.1%; 95% CI, -11.6% to -0.5%; P = .37 for noninferiority), demonstrating inferiority. In the per-protocol population, 374 of 565 patients (66.2%) in the remifentanil group and 403 of 565 (71.3%) in the neuromuscular blocker group had successful intubation without major complications (adjusted difference, -5.7%; 2-sided 95% CI, -11.3% to -0.1%; P = .32 for noninferiority). An adverse event of hemodynamic instability was recorded in 19 of 575 patients (3.3%) with remifentanil and 3 of 575 (0.5%) with neuromuscular blockers (adjusted difference, 2.8%; 95% CI, 1.2%-4.4%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among adults at risk of aspiration during rapid sequence intubation in the operating room, remifentanil, compared with neuromuscular blockers, did not meet the criterion for noninferiority with regard to successful intubation on first attempt without major complications. Although remifentanil was statistically inferior to neuromuscular blockers, the wide confidence interval around the effect estimate remains compatible with noninferiority and limits conclusions about the clinical relevance of the difference.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03960801.

Perioperative neuromuscular blockade. 2020 update of the SEDAR (Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación) recommendations

We present an update of the 2020 Recommendations on neuromuscular blockade of the SEDAR. The previous ones dated 2009. A modified Delphi consensus analysis (experts, working group, and previous extensive bibliographic revision) 10 recommendations were produced1: neuromuscular blocking agents were recommended for endotracheal intubation and to avoid faringo-laryngeal and tracheal lesions, including critical care patients.2 We recommend not to use neuromuscular blocking agents for routine insertion of supraglotic airway devices, and to use it only in cases of airway obstruction or endotracheal intubation through the device.3 We recommend to use a rapid action neuromuscular blocking agent with an hypnotic in rapid sequence induction of anesthesia.4 We recommend profound neuromuscular block in laparoscopic surgery.5 We recommend quantitative monitoring of neuromuscular blockade during the whole surgical procedure, provided neuromuscular blocking agents have been used.6 We recommend quantitative monitoring through ulnar nerve stimulation and response evaluation of the adductor pollicis brevis, acceleromyography being the clinical standard.7 We recommend a recovery of neuromuscular block of at least TOFr ≥ 0.9 to avoid postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade.8 We recommend drug reversal of neuromuscular block at the end of general anesthetic, before extubation, provided a TOFr ≥ 0.9 has not been reached.9 We recommend to choose anticholinesterases for neuromuscular block reversal only if TOF≥2 and a TOFr ≥ 0.9 has not been attained.10 We recommend to choose sugammadex instead of anticholinesterases for reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced with rocuronium.

Association between choice of reversal agent for neuromuscular block and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients at increased risk undergoing non-emergency surgery: STIL-STRONGER, a multicentre matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pulmonary complications are a source of morbidity after major surgery. In patients at increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications we sought to assess the association between neuromuscular blocking agent reversal agent and development of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective matched cohort study, a secondary analysis of data collected in the prior STRONGER study. Data were obtained from the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group. Included patients were aged 18 yr and older undergoing non-emergency surgery under general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation with neuromuscular block and reversal, who were predicted to be at elevated risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. This risk was defined as American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status 3 or 4 in patients undergoing either intrathoracic or intra-abdominal surgery who were either aged >80 yr or underwent a procedure lasting >2 h. Cohorts were defined by reversal with neostigmine or sugammadex. The primary composite outcome was the occurrence of pneumonia or respiratory failure.

RESULTS

After matching by institution, sex, age (within 5 yr), body mass index, anatomic region of surgery, comorbidities, and neuromuscular blocking agent, 3817 matched pairs remained. The primary postoperative pulmonary complications outcome occurred in 224 neostigmine cases vs 100 sugammadex cases (5.9% vs 2.6%, odds ratio 0.41, P<0.01). After adjustment for unbalanced covariates, the adjusted odds ratio for the association between sugammadex use and the primary outcome was 0.39 (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of patients at increased risk for pulmonary complications compared with neostigmine, use of sugammadex was independently associated with reduced risk of subsequent development of pneumonia or respiratory failure.

How robust are the STRONGER and STIL-STRONGER studies?

In 2020, the Sugammadex vs Neostigmine for Reversal of Neuromuscular Blockade and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (STRONGER) study provided evidence for the first time that use of sugammadex is associated with fewer postoperative pulmonary complications than use of neostigmine. In a recent publication in the British Journal of Anaesthesia, a secondary analysis of the same data, the Association Between Neuromuscular Blockade Reversal Agent Choice and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications (STIL-STRONGER) study, has produced similar evidence of the advantages of sugammadex over neostigmine in high-risk and older patients undergoing prolonged, elective surgery. Here we consider the implications of the detailed statistical analysis used in these two studies and how its limitations could possibly have enhanced the statistical differences between the two drugs with respect to postoperative pulmonary complications.

2023 American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines for Monitoring and Antagonism of Neuromuscular Blockade: A Report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Neuromuscular Blockade

These practice guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations on the management of neuromuscular monitoring and antagonism of neuromuscular blocking agents during and after general anesthesia. The guidance focuses primarily on the type and site of monitoring and the process of antagonizing neuromuscular blockade to reduce residual neuromuscular blockade.

Airway driving pressure is associated with postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery: a multicentre retrospective observational cohort study

Background

High airway driving pressure is associated with adverse outcomes in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation, but large multicentre studies investigating airway driving pressure during major surgery are lacking. We hypothesised that increased driving pressure is associated with postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Methods

In this preregistered multicentre retrospective observational cohort study, the authors reviewed major abdominal surgical procedures in 11 hospitals from 2004 to 2018. The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative pulmonary complications, defined as postoperative pneumonia, unplanned tracheal intubation, or prolonged mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h. Associations between intraoperative dynamic driving pressure and outcomes, adjusted for patient and procedural factors, were evaluated.

Results

Among 14 218 qualifying cases, 389 (2.7%) experienced postoperative pulmonary complications. After adjustment, the mean dynamic driving pressure was associated with postoperative pulmonary complications (adjusted odds ratio for every 1 cm H₂O increase: 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.06; P<0.001). Neither tidal volume nor PEEP was associated with postoperative pulmonary complications. Increased BMI, shorter height, and female sex were predictors for higher dynamic driving pressure (β=0.35, 95% CI 0.32-0.39, P<0.001; β=-0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.00, P=0.005; and β=0.74, 95% CI 0.63-0.86, P<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Dynamic airway driving pressure, but not tidal volume or PEEP, is associated with postoperative pulmonary complications in models controlling for a large number of risk predictors and covariates. Such models are capable of risk prediction applicable to individual patients.

A survey on the availability, usage and perception of neuromuscular monitors in Europe

PURPOSE

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are routinely administered to patients in a multiplicity of anesthetic settings. Absence of postoperative residual neuromuscular block is widely considered an anesthetic patient safety mandate. Despite the increasing availability of a wider range of commercial quantitative neuromuscular monitors, the availability and use of neuromuscular monitoring devices is deemed to be suboptimal even in countries with above-average health system ratings. The present study aims to more precisely characterize the perceived availability, cost sensitivity and usability of neuromuscular monitoring devices within European anesthesia departments.

METHODS

A pre-registered internet-based survey assessing the availability, cost sensitivity and usability of neuromuscular monitoring devices was distributed as e-mail newsletter by the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC) to all of its active full members. The survey was available online for a total of 120 days.

RESULTS

Having targeted a total of 7472 ESAIC members, the survey was completed by a total of 692 anesthesiologists (9.3%) distributed across 37 different European countries. Quantitative monitors were reported to be proportionally more available than qualitative ones (87.6% vs. 62.6%, respectively), as well as in greater monitor-per-operating room ratios. Most anesthesiologists (60.5%) expressed moderate confidence in quantitative monitors, with artifactual recordings and inaccurate measurements being the most frequently encountered issues (25.9%). The commercial pricing of quantitative devices was considered more representative of a device's true value, when compared to qualitative instruments (average cost of €4.500 and €1.000 per device, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The availability of quantitative NMM in European operating theaters has increased in comparison with that reported in previous decades, potentially indicating increasing monitoring rates. European anesthesiologists express moderate confidence in quantitative neuromuscular monitors, along with a sentiment of adequate pricing when compared to their qualitative counterparts. Trust in quantitative monitors is marked by caution and awareness for artifactual recordings, with a consequent expectation that developments focusing on accuracy, reliability and ergonomics of neuromuscular monitors be prioritized.

Comparison of onset time, duration of action, and intubating conditions after cisatracurium 0.15 mg/kg in young and elderly patients

Introduction

Tracheal intubation during anesthesia can be facilitated by the neuromuscular blocking agent cisatracurium. However, limited data exists about onset time, duration of action and effect on intubating conditions in elderly patients above 80 years of age. We hypothesized that elderly patients would present a longer onset time and duration of action compared to younger adults.

Methods

This prospective observational study included 31 young (18–40 years) and 29 elderly (≥ 80 years) patients. Patients were given fentanyl 2 μg/kg and propofol 1.5–2.5 mg/kg for induction of anesthesia and maintained with remifentanil and propofol. Monitoring of neuromuscular function was performed with acceleromyography. Primary outcome was onset time defined as time from injection of cisatracurium 0.15 mg/kg (based on ideal body weight) to a train-of-four (TOF) count of 0. Other outcomes included duration of action (time to TOF ratio ≥ 0.9), intubation conditions using the Fuchs-Buder scale and the Intubating Difficulty Scale (IDS), and occurrence of hoarseness and sore throat postoperatively.

Results

Elderly patients had significantly longer onset time compared with younger patients; 297 seconds (SD 120) vs. 199 seconds (SD 59) (difference: 98 seconds (95% CI: 49–147), P < 0.001)). Duration of action was also significantly longer in elderly patients compared with younger patients; 89 minutes (SD 17) vs. 77 minutes (SD 14) (difference: 12 minutes (95% CI: 2.5–20.5) P = 0.01)). No difference was found in the proportion of excellent intubating conditions (Fuchs-Buder); 19/29 (66%) vs 21/31 (68%) (P = 0.86) or IDS score (P = 0.74). A larger proportion of elderly patients reported hoarseness 24 hours postoperatively; 62% vs 34% P = 0.04.

Conclusion

In elderly patients cisatracurium 0.15 mg/kg had significantly longer onset time and duration of action compared with younger patients. No difference was found in intubating conditions at a TOF count of 0.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04921735, date of registration 10 June 2021).

Association of Sugammadex or Neostigmine With Major Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Children

BACKGROUND

Recent data in adult patients indicate that the use of sugammadex compared to neostigmine for reversal of neuromuscular block (NMB) was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of composite postoperative pulmonary complications. Despite the clinical significance of pulmonary complications in children, studies exploring the role of NMB reversal in the risk of these complications are currently unavailable.

METHOD

We performed a propensity score-matched retrospective study using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) dataset spanning the years 2016 and 2020. We studied children <18 years who underwent elective, inpatient, noncardiac surgical procedures and received either neostigmine or sugammadex for reversal of NMB. Our primary outcome was major postoperative pulmonary complication, which we defined as the occurrence of either postoperative pneumonia or respiratory failure.

RESULTS

Our study included a study population of 33,819 children, of whom 23,312 (68.9%) received neostigmine and 10,507 (31.1%) received sugammadex. After propensity score matching (10,361 matched from each group), we found no evidence of a statistically significant association between the NMB reversal agent and the incidence of pulmonary complications (3.1% vs 3.1%; odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-1.05; P = .19). The components of pulmonary complications, including respiratory failure and pneumonia, were not statistically associated with the choice of NMB reversal agent.

CONCLUSIONS

Choice of NMB reversal agent does not appear to impact the incidence of major postoperative pulmonary complications. Further research is needed to determine whether our results carry forth across subpopulations defined by surgical specialty, the presence of complex chronic conditions, and anesthesia technique.

Recruitment s during mechanical ventilation with sequential high-flow nasal oxygen after extubation to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergone thoracic surgery: a protocol, prospective randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) following thoracic surgery is high, which increases the mortality rate, prolongs the length of hospital stay and increases medical costs. Some studies have confirmed that preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative anaesthesia methods and intraoperative mechanical ventilation strategies, including recruitment manoeuvres (RMs), can reduce the incidence of PPCs. Despite these improved strategies, the incidence of PPCs remains high. However, mechanical ventilation strategies have not been studied in the postoperative period.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We assume that RM during mechanical ventilation with sequential high-flow nasal oxygen therapy (HFNO) after extubation can maintain the opening of the postoperative alveoli and ultimately reduce the incidence of PPCs after thoracic surgery. We will include thoracic surgery patients and divide them into the RM with sequential HFNO group and the control group. They will be given RMs and sequential HFNO or be given conventional treatment. The sample size is 654 adult patients (327 per group) undergone thoracic surgery and presenting to the intensive care unit.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University (REC2019-730). It is expected that this study will lead to a randomised controlled trial. We assume that the findings will provide more evidence about PPCs and improve the management of patients undergone thoracic surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2100046356.

Predictive study of pharmacological reversal for residual neuromuscular blockade and postoperative pulmonary complications: a prospective, observational, cohort study

In recent years, some studies have generated controversy since they conclude that intraoperatively pharmacological reversal of neuromuscular blockade does not contribute to the reduction of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade or pulmonary complications. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade and postoperative pulmonary complications according to spontaneous or pharmacological neuromuscular reversal. The secondary aim was to present a prognostic model to predict the probability of having postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade depending on a patient's comorbidities and intraoperative neuromuscular blocking agents management. A single-center, prospective, observational cohort study including patients undergoing surgical procedures with general anesthesia was designed. A total of 714 patients were analyzed. Patients were divided into four groups: cisatracurium with spontaneous reversal, cisatracurium with neostigmine antagonism, rocuronium with spontaneous reversal, and rocuronium with sugammadex antagonism. According to our binomial generalized linear model, none of the studied comorbidities was a predisposing factor for an increase in the residual neuromuscular blockade. However, in our study, pharmacological reversal of rocuronium with sugammadex and, particularly, neuromuscular monitoring during surgery were the factors that most effectively reduced the risk of residual neuromuscular blockade as well as early and late postoperative pulmonary complications.

Anesthetic Management during Robotic-Assisted Minimal Invasive Thymectomy Using the Da Vinci System: A Single Center Experience

Background: Robotic-assisted surgery is gaining more adaption in different surgical specialties. The number of patients undergoing robotic-assisted thymectomy is continuously increasing. Such procedures are accompanied by new challenges for anesthesiologists. We are presenting our primary anesthesiologic experience in such patients. Methods: This is a retrospective single center study, evaluating 28 patients who presented with thymoma or myasthenia gravis (MG) and undergone minimal invasive robotic-assisted thoracic thymectomy between 01/2020−01/2022. We present our fast-track anesthesia management as a component of the enhanced recovery program and its primary results. Results: Mean patient’s age was 46.8 ± 18.1 years, and the mean height was 173.1 ± 9.3 cm. Two-thirds of patients were female (n = 18, 64.3%). The preoperative mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was 3.8 ± 0.7 L, forced vital capacity (FVC) was 4.7 ± 1.1 L, and the FEV1/FVC ratio was 80.4 ± 5.3%. After the creation of capnomediastinum, central venous pressure and airway pressure have been significantly increased from the baseline values (16.5 ± 4.9 mmHg versus 13.4 ± 5.1 mmHg, p < 0.001 and 23.4 ± 4.4 cmH2O versus 19.3 ± 3.9 cmH2O, p < 0.001, respectively). Most patients (n = 21, 75%) developed transient arrhythmias episodes with hypotension. All patients were extubated at the end of surgery and discharged awake to the recovery room. The first 16 (57.1%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit and the last 12 patients were only observed in intermediate care. Postoperatively, one patient developed atelectasis and was treated with non-invasive ventilation therapy. Pneumonia or reintubation was not observed. Finally, no significant difference was observed between MG and thymoma patients regarding analgesics consumption or incidence of complications. Conclusions: Robotic-assisted surgery is a rapidly growing technology with increased adoption in different specialties. Fast-track anesthesia is an important factor in an enhanced recovery program and the anesthetist should be familiar with challenges in this kind of operation to achieve optimal results. So far, our anesthetic management of patients undergoing robotic-assisted thymectomy reports safe and feasible procedures.

Incidence and Associated Factors of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Abdominal Surgery in the Public Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background

Postoperative pulmonary complications are a wide variety of disorders that affect normal respiratory functions, which in turn lead to morbidity and mortality. The extent to which it occurs is not yet studied in most clinical settings. This study assessed the incidence and risk factors of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anesthesia.

Methods

A multicenter, prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Menelik II, Tikur Anbessa Specialized, Zewditu Memorial, and Yekatit 12 Memorial hospitals after obtaining ethical clearance from each hospital. The study recruited a total of 287 participants using systematic random sampling. The data collection tool included sociodemographic, surgical, and anesthetic factors. Participants were followed for 7 days postoperatively, and any respiratory problems were recorded once identified. The collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used for analysis. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

About 33% of the participants that underwent abdominal surgery developed postoperative pulmonary complications. Age > 65 years (AOR = 12.091, 95% CI = 3.310–44.169), duration of surgery >3 hours (AOR = 11.737, 95% CI = 3.621–38.039), preoperative oxygen saturation <94% (AOR = 10.671, 95% CI = 3.794–30.016), and postoperative serum albumin level <3.5 g/dl (p value <0.001) were associated with postoperative pulmonary complications significantly. Conclusion and Recommendations. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications after abdominal surgeries was high. Age >65years, duration of surgery >3 hours, preoperative SpO2% <94%, cigarette smoking, and postoperative serum albumin level <3.5 g/dl were factors strongly associated with postoperative pulmonary complications. We recommend special care for elderly patients, limit the surgical duration to less than 3 hours, treat the underlying cause of desaturation, and correct postoperative serum albumin to prevent the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Evaluation of Perioperative Complications and Mortality in Covid-19 Patients Who Had Emergency Surgery

Objective: The risk for adverse outcomes in COVID-19 patients necessitates further scrutiny in Covid 19 patients in providing appropriate surgical indications and perioperative surgical safety precautions. In this study, we aimed to contribute to elective surgery resumption about infection with early and late postoperative complications and mortality in patients with RT-PCR (+) and clinically suspicious COVID-19 who underwent emergency surgery in our hospital. Methods: A total of 86 patients who have been operated on in our institution for emergency surgery over the age of 18 who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection seven days before or 30 days after surgery were enrolled in the study. In this retrospective study, the primary outcome has been established as mortality factors and survival within postoperative 30 days. Results: Regarding the primary outcome as 30-day survival, every 1-year increase in age increased the risk of death by two folds. Patients with one or more comorbidities have an increased risk of death 13 times and those with two or more have an increased risk of death 23 times. Patients in intensive care units increase the risk of death by 8.5 times compared to those who are not hospitalized. On the contrary, an increase in hemoglobin level was shown to reduce the risk of death by 0.8 times. Conclusion: The need for intensive care and mortality is high, especially after emergency surgery, in patients with COVID19 symptoms and more than one comorbidity. Surgical indications of such patients should be well investigated.

Prevention of Postoperative Events following Reversal with Sugammadex or Neostigmine (the P-PERSoN Trial): Pilot Data Following Early Termination of a Prospective, Blinded, Randomised Trial

Background

Residual paralysis following anaesthesia is common and can lead to postoperative morbidity. While sugammadex has been shown to be effective in minimising residual paralysis, uncertainty exists as to whether its use reduces any associated morbidity. We designed this trial to determine if the use of sugammadex for the reversal of intraoperative aminosteroid neuromuscular blockade results in improvements in postoperative pulmonary complications, complications in the recovery unit, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and patient satisfaction, when compared to reversal with neostigmine.

Methods

A prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled trial in adult patients admitted for surgical operations at two Australian hospitals between December 2018 and March 2019 was performed comparing the reversal of neuromuscular paralysis using sugammadex 2 mg/kg versus neostigmine 50mcg/kg. Statistical analysis of continuous data was performed using two tailed t-tests, with categorical and ordinal data being assessed by chi-squared analysis.

Results

The trial was terminated due to a combination of resource constraints and the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Of 51 patients screened, 33 were eligible for participation and 30 subsequently recruited and randomised. All patients received the intended treatment allocated. Data for the primary outcome was obtained in all patients. There was no difference in the rates of postoperative pulmonary complications between the sugammadex and neostigmine groups (0% (0/19) vs 9% (1/11) RR 5.0 (95% CI 0.22-113) p=0.37. There was no difference in any of the secondary outcomes between the groups.

Conclusions

The P-PERSoN trial showed no difference in postoperative pulmonary complications between sugammadex and neostigmine based reversal of aminosteroid neuromuscular block, but was underpowered to show any difference due to early trial termination. The randomisation and data collection was feasible. We support the need for an adequately resourced and funded randomised controlled trial to address this important clinical question.

Pro-Con Debate: Do We Need Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring in the Era of Sugammadex?

In this Pro-Con article, we debate the merits of using quantitative neuromuscular blockade monitoring. Consensus guidelines recommend their use to guide the administration of nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade and reversal agents. A major impediment to this guideline is that until recently, reliable quantitative neuromuscular blockade monitors have not been widely available. Without them, anesthesia providers have been trained with and are adept at using a variety of qualitative neuromuscular blockade monitors otherwise known as peripheral nerve stimulators. Although perhaps less accurate, anesthesia providers find them reliable and easy to use. They have a long track record of using them with the perception that their use leads to effective neuromuscular blockade reversal and minimizes clinically significant adverse events from residual neuromuscular blockade. In the recent past, 2 disruptive developments have called upon anesthesia care providers to reconsider their practice in neuromuscular blockade administration, reversal, and monitoring. These include: (1) commercialization of more reliable quantitative neuromuscular monitors and (2) widespread use of sugammadex, a versatile reversal agent of neuromuscular blockade. Sugammadex appears to be so effective at rapidly and effectively reversing even the deepest of neuromuscular blockades, and it has left anesthesia providers wondering whether quantitative monitoring is indeed necessary or whether conventional, familiar, and less expensive qualitative monitoring will suffice? This Pro-Con debate will contrast anesthesia provider perceptions with evidence surrounding the use of quantitative neuromuscular blockade monitors to explore whether quantitative neuromuscular monitoring (NMM) is just another technology solution looking for a problem or a significant advance in NMM that will improve patient safety and outcomes.

Evaluation of prognostic risk models for postoperative pulmonary complications in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: a systematic review and international external validation cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stratifying risk of postoperative pulmonary complications after major abdominal surgery allows clinicians to modify risk through targeted interventions and enhanced monitoring. In this study, we aimed to identify and validate prognostic models against a new consensus definition of postoperative pulmonary complications.

METHODS

We did a systematic review and international external validation cohort study. The systematic review was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 1, 2020, for articles published in English that reported on risk prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. External validation of existing models was done within a prospective international cohort study of adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing major abdominal surgery. Data were collected between Jan 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, in the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Discriminative ability and prognostic accuracy summary statistics were compared between models for the 30-day postoperative pulmonary complication rate as defined by the Standardised Endpoints in Perioperative Medicine Core Outcome Measures in Perioperative and Anaesthetic Care (StEP-COMPAC). Model performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCC).

FINDINGS

In total, we identified 2903 records from our literature search; of which, 2514 (86·6%) unique records were screened, 121 (4·8%) of 2514 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 29 unique prognostic models were identified. Nine (31·0%) of 29 models had score development reported only, 19 (65·5%) had undergone internal validation, and only four (13·8%) had been externally validated. Data to validate six eligible models were collected in the international external validation cohort study. Data from 11 591 patients were available, with an overall postoperative pulmonary complication rate of 7·8% (n=903). None of the six models showed good discrimination (defined as AUROCC ≥0·70) for identifying postoperative pulmonary complications, with the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia score showing the best discrimination (AUROCC 0·700 [95% CI 0·683-0·717]).

INTERPRETATION

In the pre-COVID-19 pandemic data, variability in the risk of pulmonary complications (StEP-COMPAC definition) following major abdominal surgery was poorly described by existing prognostication tools. To improve surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and beyond, novel risk stratification tools are required.

FUNDING

British Journal of Surgery Society.

Rocuronium 0.3 mg/kg or 0.9 mg/kg comparing onset time, duration of action and intubating conditions in patients 80 years and older. A randomized study

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist about the optimal dose of rocuronium for intubation in elderly patients. We hypothesized that rocuronium 0.9 mg kg^-1 would lead to a shorter onset time than 0.3 mg kg^-1 in patients above 80 years.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients were randomized to either rocuronium 0.3 mg kg^-1 or 0.9 mg kg^-1 . The primary outcome was onset time defined as time to train-of-four (TOF) count of 0. Other outcomes included duration of action (time to TOF ratio > 0.9), proportion of excellent intubating conditions using the Fuchs-Buder scale and tracheal intubating conditions using the Intubating Difficulty Scale (IDS).

RESULTS

Rocuronium 0.9 mg kg^-1 resulted in shorter onset time compared to rocuronium 0.3 mg kg^-1 ; 108 sec (SD 40) vs. 228 sec (SD 140) (difference: 119 seconds (95% CI: 41-196), P=0.005)), respectively. However, in 66% of the patients receiving rocuronium 0.3 mg kg^-1 a TOF count of 0 was not obtained. Duration of action was longer after rocuronium 0.9 mg kg^-1 : 118 minutes (SD 43) vs. 46 minutes (SD 13) (difference: 72 minutes (95% CI: 49-95) P<0.0001)), and a greater proportion of excellent intubating conditions (Fuchs-Buder) was obtained; 11/16 (69%) vs 4/18 (22%) (P=0.006). No difference was found regarding IDS score.

CONCLUSION

Rocuronium 0.9 mg kg^-1 resulted in a shorter onset time compared to rocuronium 0.3 mg kg^-1 in patients above 80 years of age. In 66% of the patients receiving rocuronium 0.3 mg kg^-1 a TOF count of 0 was not obtained.

General anaesthesia with double-lumen intubation compared to opioid-sparing strategies with laryngeal mask for thoracoscopic surgery: A randomised trial

BACKGROUND

General anaesthesia for thoracoscopic lung surgery can be performed with the opioid-sparing strategies without intubation and may reduce the risk of glottic injury and enhance recovery after surgery. We therefore tested the primary hypothesis that avoiding intubation reduces glottic injury.

METHODS

Adults having elective thoracoscopic lung resections were randomised to: (1) intubated group: routine general anaesthesia with a double-lumen tube intubation; or, (2) non-intubated group: a bundle of opioid-sparing strategies, which included paravertebral blocks and total intravenous anaesthesia with minimal remifentanil infusion from 0.05 to 1.0 ng/mL (avoid sufentanil unless the respiratory rate exceeds 25/min or the systolic blood pressure exceeds 30% of the baseline value), no muscle relaxation, and spontaneous ventilation through a laryngeal mask. The primary outcome was glottal injury as determined by transnasal bronchoscopy one hour after removal of the laryngeal mask or double-lumen tube.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventeen patients were assessed for the primary outcome. Sufentanil use was reduced 96% and remifentanil was reduced 40% in non-intubated opioid-sparing patients. The incidence of glottal injury was 9% (10/109) in the non-intubated vs. 37% (40/108) in the intubated patients (RR: 0.25; 95%CI: 0.13-0.47, P < 0.001). The non-intubated group also had less postoperative sore throat (8% vs. 39%; P < 0.001) and hoarseness (3% vs. 19%; P < 0.001). Postoperative pulmonary complications and lung injury biomarkers did not differ between the groups. Compared to the intubated group, the non-intubated group had less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and improved quality-of-life scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-intubated opioid-sparing strategies for video-assisted lung resections reduce airway injury and promote postoperative recovery.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER AND REGISTRY URL

ChiCTR1800018198 https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=30780.

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents and Monitoring in China: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Current Management

Background

Little is known about the recent use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) and monitoring in China. This paper presents the results of a nationwide survey conducted to obtain information regarding the current management of NMBAs in China.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to Chinese anesthesiologists inviting them to participate in the study. The questionnaire was available through the wenjuanxing website, and the link was sent to 1,488 anesthesiologists using the Wechat mini app.

Results

The web-based survey consisted of 28 questions, and data were collected using an online tool. Between May 19, 2021 and June 16, 2021, 637 responses were collected (response rate = 42.8%). Only 10.2% of anesthesiologists reported using neuromuscular function monitors, and 6.59% of respondents reported that they had the relevant monitors in the operating room.

Conclusion

Although PORC is a potential safety issue, the frequency of using reversal agents and monitors remains extremely low in China. Surveys such as this are important to understand the use and application customs of NMBAs in China.

The effects of moderate neuromuscular blockade combined with transverse abdominal plane block on surgical space conditions during laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a randomized clinical study

Background

Deep neuromuscular blockade may be beneficial on surgical space conditions during laparoscopic surgery. The effects of moderate neuromuscular blockade combined with transverse abdominal plane block (TAPB) on surgical space conditions during laparoscopic surgery have not been described. This work investigated whether the above combination is associated with similar surgical space conditions to those of deep neuromuscular blockade.

Methods

Eighty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group was treated with moderate neuromuscular blockade (train-of-four (TOF) count between 1 and 3) combined with TAPB (M group), while the control group was treated with deep neuromuscular blockade (D group), with a TOF count of 0 and a post-tetanic count (PTC) ≥1. Both groups received the same anesthesia management. The distance between the sacral promontory and the umbilical skin during the operation was compared between the two groups. The surgeon scored the surgical space conditions according to a five-point ordinal scale. Patients’ pain scores were evaluated 8 h after the operation.

Results

The distance from the sacral promontory to the umbilical skin after pneumoperitoneum was similar between the D group and M group (16.03 ± 2.17 cm versus 16.37 ± 2.78 cm; P = 0.544). The 95% confidence intervals of the difference in the distance from the sacral promontory to the umbilical skin between the two groups were − 1.45–0.77 cm. According to the preset non-inferior standard of 1.5 cm, (− 1.45, ∞) completely fell within (− 1.50, ∞), and the non-inferior effect test was qualified. No significant difference was found in the surgical rating score between the two groups. The dosage of rocuronium in the group D was significantly higher than that in the group M (P < 0.01). The M group had significantly lower pain scores than the D group 8 h after the operation (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Moderate neuromuscular blockade combined with TAPB applied to laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery can provide surgical space conditions similar to those of deep neuromuscular blockade. In addition, it reduces the use of muscle relaxants, relieves postoperative pain within 4 h after operation, and shorten the extubation time and stay in PACU when neostigmine was used as muscle relaxant antagonist.

Trial registration

chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2000034621), registered on July 12, 2020.

The Use of Muscle Relaxants and Reversal Agents in a Setting Without Cost Restrictions: Experience from a Tertiary Academic Hospital in the Netherlands

Introduction

Material and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Triaging urological surgeries to cope with the coronavirus-19 pandemic

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to strains on hospital resources and difficulties in safely and effectively triaging surgical procedures. In this article, we discuss the important considerations for triaging urologic surgeries during a global pandemic, mitigating factors on how to perform surgeries safely, and general guidelines for specific surgeries.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many urological procedures have been cut back due to the pandemic, with benign disease states being most affected whereas oncology cases affected least. Current recommendations in urology triage life-threatening conditions, or conditions that may lead to life-threatening ailments as a priority for treatment during the pandemic. Additionally, published recommendations have been put forth recommending all surgical patients be screened for COVID-19 to protect staff, prevent disease dissemination, and to educate patients on worse outcomes that can occur if infected with COVID-19 in the postoperative period.

SUMMARY

COVID-19 has caused worldwide shortages of healthcare resources and increased the need to ethically triage resources to adequately treat the urologic community. These resource limitations have led to increased wait times and cancellations of many urology surgeries that are considered 'elective'.