Preoperative fasting

Enhanced recovery programme for total knee replacement to reduce the length of hospital stay

PURPOSE

To compare the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing primary total knee replacement (TKR) with or without enhanced recovery (ER) programme.

METHODS

Medical records of 57 and 55 consecutive patients who underwent primary TKR with or without ER programme, respectively, were reviewed. 17 men and 40 women aged 43 to 87 (mean, 70) years with ER programme were compared with 22 men and 33 women aged 53 to 90 (mean, 73) years without ER programme in terms of the preoperative haemoglobin level, American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status grading, body mass index (BMI), and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the ER than non-ER groups in overall patients (6 vs. 7.8 days, p=0.0003), in patients with preoperative haemoglobin level of ≥ 14 g/dl (5.4 vs. 7.7 days, p=0.02), in patients with preoperative haemoglobin level of <14 g/dl (6.2 vs. 7.7 days, p=0.02), in patients with ASA grades 1 and 2 (5.6 vs. 7.6 days, p=0.01), in patients with ASA grade 3 (6.4 vs. 8.2 days, p=0.01), in patients with BMI of <30 kg/m(2) (6 vs. 8.1 days, p=0.0061), and in patients with BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m(2) (5.9 vs. 7.5 days, p=0.0006). Complications were noted in 4 ER patients and 5 non-ER patients.

CONCLUSION

ER programmes are readily transferable to patients undergoing TKR and significantly reduced the length of hospital stay.

Consensus guidelines for enhanced recovery after gastrectomy: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society recommendations

BACKGROUND

Application of evidence-based perioperative care protocols reduces complication rates, accelerates recovery and shortens hospital stay. Presently, there are no comprehensive guidelines for perioperative care for gastrectomy.

METHODS

An international working group within the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society assembled an evidence-based comprehensive framework for optimal perioperative care for patients undergoing gastrectomy. Data were retrieved from standard databases and personal archives. Evidence and recommendations were classified according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system and were discussed until consensus was reached within the group. The quality of evidence was rated 'high', 'moderate', 'low' or 'very low'. Recommendations were graded as 'strong' or 'weak'.

RESULTS

The available evidence has been summarized and recommendations are given for 25 items, eight of which contain procedure-specific evidence. The quality of evidence varies substantially and further research is needed for many issues to improve the strength of evidence and grade of recommendations.

CONCLUSION

The present evidence-based framework provides comprehensive advice on optimal perioperative care for the patient undergoing gastrectomy and facilitates multi-institutional prospective cohort registries and adequately powered randomized trials for further research.

Early rehabilitation after surgery program versus conventional care during perioperative period in patients undergoing laparoscopic assisted total gastrectomy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of early rehabilitation after surgery program (ERAS) in patients undergoing laparoscopic assisted total gastrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a study where 47 patients who are undergoing lap assisted total gastrectomy are selected. Twenty-two (n = 22) patients received enhanced recovery programme (ERAS) management and rest twenty-five (n = 25) conventional management during the perioperative period. The length of postoperative hospital stay, time to passage of first flatus, intraoperative and postoperative complications, readmission rate and 30 day mortality is compared. Serum levels of C-reactive protein pre-operatively and also on post-op day 1 and 3 are compared.

RESULTS

Postoperative hospital stay is shorter in ERAS group (78 ± 26 h) when compared to conventional group (140 ± 28 h). ERAS group passed flatus earlier than conventional group (37 ± 9 h vs. 74 ± 16 h). There is no significant difference in complications between the two groups. Serum levels of CRP are significantly low in ERAS group in comparison to conventional group. [d1 (52.40 ± 10.43) g/L vs. (73.07 ± 19.32) g/L, d3 (126.10 ± 18.62) g/L vs. (160.72 ± 26.18) g/L)].

CONCLUSION

ERAS in lap-assisted total gastrectomy is safe, feasible and efficient and it can ameliorate post-operative stress and accelerate postoperative rehabilitation in patients with gastric cancer. Short term follow up results are encouraging but we need long term studies to know its long term benefits.

Nutrition before, during, and after surgery increases the arginine:asymmetric dimethylarginine ratio and relates to improved myocardial glucose metabolism: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO) is essential for the optimal perfusion of the heart and its vasculature. NO may be insufficient in surgical patients because its precursor arginine is decreased, and the inhibitor of NO synthesis asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is increased. Besides arginine, the presence of other amino acids essential for the proper metabolism of cardiac cells may be decreased too. Supplementation of these amino acids with enteral and parenteral nutrition before, during, and after surgery may augment the myocardial and plasma arginine:ADMA ratio and availability of amino acids. Myocardial glucose metabolism and nutritional conditioning may result in a reduction of cardiac injury and support rapid recovery after major surgery.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effect of nutrition before, during, and after surgery on amino acids and the myocardial arginine:ADMA ratio and its relation to myocardial glucose metabolism.

DESIGN

In this trial, 33 patients who were undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) were randomly assigned between enteral, parenteral, or no nutrition (control) from 2 d before, during, and until 2 d after surgery. Both enteral and parenteral solutions were prepared with commercially available products and included proteins or amino acids, glucose, vitamins, and minerals. Concentrations of amino acids including ADMA were analyzed in myocardial tissue and plasma samples. ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography was performed before and after surgery to assess myocardial glucose metabolism.

RESULTS

The myocardial arginine:ADMA ratio increased during surgery and was significantly higher in the enteral and parenteral groups than in the control group [median (IQR): 115.0 (98.0-142.2) (P = 0.012), 116.9 (100.3-135.3) (P = 0.004), and 93.3 (82.7-101.1), respectively]. Furthermore, the change in the preoperative to postoperative plasma arginine:ADMA ratio correlated with the change in myocardial glucose metabolism in positron emission tomography (r = 0.427, P = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Enteral or parenteral nutrition before, during, and after CABG may positively influence myocardial glucose metabolism by increasing the plasma and myocardial arginine:ADMA ratio.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of gastric content during labour under epidural analgesia: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Women in labour are considered at risk of gastric content aspiration partly because the stomach remains full before delivery. Ultrasonographic measurement of antral cross-sectional area (CSA) is a validated method of gastric content assessment. Our aim was to determine gastric content volume and its changes in parturients during labour under epidural analgesia using bedside ultrasonography.

METHODS

The cut-off value corresponding to an increased gastric content was determined by ultrasound measurement of antral CSA in six pregnant women in late pregnancy before and after ingestion of 250 ml of non-clear liquid. Antral CSA was then measured twice in 60 parturients who presented in spontaneous labour: when the anaesthesiologist was called for epidural analgesia catheter placement, and at full cervical dilatation. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia was performed with a solution of ropivacaine and sufentanil.

RESULTS

After liquid ingestion, antral CSA (mm(2)) increased from 90 (range, 80-151) to 409 (range, 317-463). A CSA of 320 was taken as cut-off value. The feasibility rate of antral CSA determination was 96%. CSA decreased from 319 [Q1 158-Q3 469] to 203 [Q1 123-Q3 261] during labour (P=2×10(-7)). CSA was >320 in 50% of parturients at the beginning of labour vs 13% at full cervical dilatation (P=0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Bedside ultrasonographic antral CSA measurement is feasible in pregnant women during labour and easy to perform. The observed decrease in antral CSA during labour suggests that gastric motility is preserved under epidural anaesthesia. The procedure could be used to assess individual risk of gastric content aspiration during labour.

Ingestion of glutamine and maltodextrin two hours preoperatively improves insulin sensitivity after surgery: a randomized, double blind, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the abbreviation of preoperative fasting with a drink containing glutamine and dextrinomaltose improves organic response to surgical trauma.

METHODS

Thirty-six female patients adult (18-62 years) candidates for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly divided into three groups: conventional fasting (fasting group), and two groups receiving two different diets, eight hours (400ml) and two hours before induction of anesthesia (200ml): carbohydrate (CHO) group (12.5% dextrinomaltose) and the glutamine (GLN) group (12.5% dextrinomaltose and 40 and 10g of glutamine, respectively). Blood samples were collected pre and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients completed the study. No pulmonary complication occurred. Gastric residual volume was similar between groups (p = 0.95). Postoperatively, all patients from the fasting group had abnormal glucose (> 110mg/dl), this abnormality being of 50% when compared to the CHO group (p = 0.14), and of 22.2% when compared to the GLN group (p = 0.01). All patients who had the fasting period shortened (CHO + GLN) had normal postoperative insulin, contrasting with 66.7% in the fasted group (p = 0.02). The abnormal sensitivity to insulin postoperatively rose from 32.1% to 46.4% of cases (p = 0.24), and it occurred in only 11.1% of patients in GLN group when compared to 55.5% in the fasting group (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

the abbreviation of preoperative fasting for two hours with dextrinomaltose and glutamine improves insulin sensitivity in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Challenging boundaries: an enhanced recovery programme for radical cystectomy

INTRODUCTION

The implementation of enhanced recovery programmes (ERPs) in colorectal surgery has seen improvements in the length of inpatient stay with no increase in complications. We investigated the role of ERP in radical cystectomy at our institution.

METHODS

Prospective data were collected from 26 consecutive patients prior to the introduction of the ERP and 51 patients who underwent open radical cystectomy within an ERP. Individuals in the ERP cohort did not receive bowel preparation or nasogastric drainage but received preoperative carbohydrate drinks, perioperative epidural analgesia and immediate mobilisation on day 1. Primary outcome measures included duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and length of hospital stay. Secondary outcome measures included the time to the passage of flatus and faeces, and time to mobilisation. Other measures that were analysed included operation time and complications.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics for both groups were similar. The median length of hospital stay fell from 11.5 days to 10.4 days and the mean ICU stay dropped from 2.4 days to 1.0 days (p=0.01). Time to removal of nasogastric tube, and time to passage of flatus and faeces were significantly shorter in the ERP group, as was the time to full oral diet. Clavien complication rates and 30-day mortality rates were similar in both groups. There were no readmissions.

CONCLUSIONS

ERP in radical cystectomy is safe and not associated with any increase in complications or readmissions. It is associated with reductions in ICU stay, and could also reduce length of hospital stay and duration of postoperative ileus.

The Sisyphean tasks of avoiding case cancellation

n.a.

A randomized placebo controlled trial of preoperative carbohydrate drinks and early postoperative nutritional supplement drinks in colorectal surgery

AIM

There is evidence that preoperative carbohydrate drinks and postoperative nutritional supplements improve the outcome of colorectal surgery. There is little information on their individual contribution.

METHOD

A prospective four-arm double-blind controlled trial was carried out in which patients were randomized to carbohydrate or placebo drinks preoperatively and a polymeric supplement or placebo drink postoperatively. The primary outcome was insulin resistance (using the short insulin tolerance test and HOMA-IR). Secondary outcomes included handgrip strength, pulmonary function, intestinal permeability and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients were randomized to four demographically well matched groups. Patients who received preoperative and postoperative supplements had better glucose homeostasis (P = 0.004), peak expiratory flow rate (P = 0.035), handgrip strength (P = 0.002) and less insulin resistance (P = 0.001) compared with those who only received placebo drinks.

CONCLUSION

Oral nutritional supplements given preoperatively and postoperatively improve postoperative handgrip strength, pulmonary function and insulin resistance. A weaker effect was seen in patients who received supplements either preoperatively or postoperatively. Oral nutritional supplements should be given both preoperatively and postoperatively.

Preoperative fasting in children: An audit and its implications in a tertiary care hospital

Background:

Prolonged preoperative fasting in children is a common problem, especially in highvolume centers. All international professional society guidelines for preoperative fasting recommend 2 h for clear fluids, 4 h for breast milk and 6 h for solids, nonhuman and formula milk in children. These guidelines are rarely adhered to in practice.

Aims:

An audit was undertaken to determine the length of preoperative fasting time in children and its causes.

Settings and Design:

Cross-sectional study of 50 children below 15 years posted for elective surgeries.

Materials and Methods:

An initial audit was performed at our institution on preoperative fasting time in 50 children below 15 years of age for elective surgeries. The mean preoperative fasting times were found to be much longer than the recommended times. Ward nurses were then educated about internationally recommended preoperative fasting guidelines in children. Anesthesiologists started coordinating with surgeons and ward nurses to prescribe water for children waiting for more than 2 h based on changes in surgery schedule by instructing ward nurses through telephone on the day of surgery. A reaudit was done 6 months after the initial audit.

Statistical Analysis Used:

SPSS 16 software.

Results:

The initial audit revealed a mean preoperative fasting time of 11.25 h and 9.25 h for solids and water, respectively. Incorrect orders by ward nurses (74%) and change in the surgical schedule (32%) were important causes. After changing the preoperative system, mean preoperative fasting times in children decreased to 9 h and 4 h for solids and water, respectively in reaudit. Change in surgical schedule (30%) was the major cause for prolonged preoperative fasting in reaudit.

Conclusions:

Simple steps such as education of ward nurses and better coordination among the anesthesiologists, surgeons and nurses can greatly reduce unnecessary preoperative starvation in children.

Preoperative fasting: a clinical audit

This clinical audit examines the adherence to guidelines suggested by the Royal College of Nursing (2005); the results uphold previous studies of a preoperative starving period for patients undergoing elective surgical procedures. Patients excessively starved of food or fluids report problems relating to their health. These include hunger, distress and complaints of nausea.

Novel nutritional substrates in surgery

Pharmaco-nutrients have beneficial effects on protective and immunological mechanisms in patients undergoing surgery, which are important for recovery after injury and in combating infectious agents. The aim of this review article was to outline the potential of the administration of nutritional substrates to surgical patients and the underlying mechanisms that make them particularly important in peri-operative care. Surgery causes a stress response, which has catabolic effects on the body's substrate stores. The amino acid glutamine is a stimulating agent for immune cells. It activates protective mechanisms through its role as a precursor for antioxidants and it improves the barrier function of the gut. Arginine also enhances the function of the immune system, since it is the substrate for T-lymphocytes. Furthermore, n-3 PUFA stabilise surgery-induced hyper-inflammation. Taurine is another substrate that may counteract the negative effects of surgical injury on acid–base balance and osmotic balance. These pharmaco-nutrients rapidly become deficient under the influence of surgical stress. Supplementation of these nutrients in surgical patients may restore their protective and immune-enhancing actions and improve clinical outcome. Moreover, pre-operative fasting is still common practice in the Western world, although fasting has a negative effect on the patient's condition and the recovery after surgery. This may be counteracted by a simple intervention such as administering a carbohydrate-rich supplement just before surgery. In conclusion, there are various nutritional substrates that may be of great value in improving the condition of the surgical patient, which may be beneficial for post-operative recovery.

Preparation of patients submitted to thyroidectomy with oral glucose solutions

The AIM OF THE STUDY was to determine postoperative insulin-resistance in patients subject to total thyroidectomy, the prevalence of subjective feelings of hunger immediately before surgery, and the incidence of nausea/vomiting after surgery in patients prepared for elective operations by means of oral glucose solutions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group comprised 115 patients, including 71 patients prepared for surgery by means of oral glucose solutions (12.5% glucose) administered 12 and 3 hours before the procedure, at a dose of 800 and 400 ml. The control group comprised 44 patients prepared for surgery by means of the traditional manner- the last meal was served before 2pm the day before the surgical procedure, while fluids before 10pm. Considering both groups, we evaluated glucose and insulin levels three times, as well as determined the insulin-resistance ratio (HOMA-IR) 24 before, and 12 hours and 7 days after surgery. The incidence of nausea and vomiting after surgery, and the subjective feeling of hunger before surgery were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences considering insulin level and HOMA-IR values were observed during the II and III measurements. The glucose and insulin values, and the HOMA-IR insulin-resistance ratio, showed no statistically significant differences during measurement I. No statistically significant glucose level differences were observed during measurements II and III. A significantly greater subjective feeling of hunger before surgery and nausea/vomiting afterwards were observed in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The preparation of patients with oral glucose solutions decreases the incidence of postoperative (thyroidectomy) insulin-resistance, and occurrence of nausea/vomiting during the postoperative period.

Guidelines for perioperative care in elective colonic surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society recommendations

BACKGROUND

This review aims to present a consensus for optimal perioperative care in colonic surgery and to provide graded recommendations for items for an evidenced-based enhanced perioperative protocol.

METHODS

Studies were selected with particular attention paid to meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials and large prospective cohorts. For each item of the perioperative treatment pathway, available English-language literature was examined, reviewed and graded. A consensus recommendation was reached after critical appraisal of the literature by the group.

RESULTS

For most of the protocol items, recommendations are based on good-quality trials or meta-analyses of good-quality trials (quality of evidence and recommendations according to the GRADE system).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the evidence available for each item of the multimodal perioperative-care pathway, the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society, International Association for Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition (IASMEN) and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) present a comprehensive evidence-based consensus review of perioperative care for colonic surgery.

Optimizing perioperative care in bariatric surgery patients

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs have been shown to minimise morbidity in other types of surgery, but comparatively less data exist investigating ERAS in bariatric surgery. This article reviews the existing literature to identify interventions which may be included in an ERAS program for bariatric surgery. A narrative literature review was conducted. Search terms included 'bariatric surgery', 'weight loss surgery', 'gastric bypass', 'ERAS', 'enhanced recovery', 'enhanced recovery after surgery', 'fast-track surgery', 'perioperative care', 'postoperative care', 'intraoperative care' and 'preoperative care'. Interventions recovered by the database search, as well as interventions garnered from clinical experience in ERAS, were used as individual search terms. A large volume of evidence exists detailing the role of multiple interventions in perioperative care. However, efficacy and safety for a proportion of these interventions for ERAS in bariatric surgery remain unclear. This review concludes that there is potential to implement ERAS programs in bariatric surgery.

Effects of oral rehydration therapy on gastric volume and pH in patients with preanesthetic H2 antagonist

Recent preanesthetic fasting practice allows patients to take clear fluids up to 2 h before surgery without taking any antacid for the prophylaxis of aspiration pneumonia; this practice is defined as oral rehydration therapy (ORT). It has been reported that with ORT the gastric volume may be significantly lower than that with a standard fasting regimen, although in a standard fasting regimen without preanesthetic antacid, gastric pH and volume values could be critical for causing aspiration pneumonia. In this study we compared gastric fluid status in patients with ORT and those with a standard fasting regimen; patients in both groups received a preanesthetic H(2) antagonist. One hundred and four patients were randomly assigned to either the ORT or standard fasting group, and all were given roxatidine 75 mg 2 h before surgery. After the induction of anesthesia, the gastric contents were collected via a gastric tube to measure gastric volume and pH. Neither gastric volume nor pH differed between the groups (ORT 9.6 ± 8.2 ml and 5.6 ± 1.7, respectively, vs. standard fasting 8.5 ± 6.8 ml and 5.5 ± 1.7, respectively). These data suggest that ORT may not reduce gastric volume in patients receiving a preanesthetic H(2) antagonist.

[Evaluation of changes made in the peri-operative care in patients submitted to elective abdominal surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of the introduction of new measures to accelerate the postoperative recovery of patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

METHODS

We observed 162 patients and interviewed them on two distinct periods: the first between October to December 2009 (n = 81) comprised patients who underwent conventional perioperative monitoring (pre-intervention) and the second between March and May 2010 (n = 81), formed by a new group of patients, submitted to the new protocol of perioperative monitoring. Data collection in the two periods occurred without the knowledge of the professionals in the service. The variables were: indication for preoperative nutritional support, duration of fasting, post-operative volume of hydration, use of catheters and drains, length of stay and postoperative morbidity.

RESULTS

when comparing the two periods we observed a decrease of 2.5 hours in the time of preoperative fasting (p = 0.0002) in the post-intervention group. As for the reintroduction of oral diet, there was no difference between the two periods (p = 0.0007). When considering the patients without postoperative complications, there was a significantly decreased length of stay (p = 0.001325). There was a reduction of approximately 50% in antibiotic use in the post-intervention group (p = 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

The adoption of multidisciplinary perioperative measures is feasible within our reality, and although there was no statistically significant changes in the present study, it may improve morbidity and reduce length of stay in general surgery.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program attenuates stress and accelerates recovery in patients after radical resection for colorectal cancer: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this trial was to compare the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program with conventional perioperative management in patients who underwent radical resection for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

A combination of evidence-based and consensus methodology was used to develop the ERAS protocol. Five hundred ninety-seven consecutive patients who underwent elective colorectal resection were randomized to either the ERAS (n = 299) or the control group (n = 298). Outcomes relating to nutrition and metabolism index, stress index, and recovery index were measured and recorded.

RESULTS

Demographic and operative data were similar between the two groups. Patients in the ERAS group showed improved nutritional status when compared with those of the control group. On postoperative day (POD) 1, the HOMA-IR (insulin resistance index) of the ERAS group was lower than that of the control group (p < 0.001). The cortisol level of the control group was elevated on both POD 1 (p = 0.007) and POD 5 (p = 0.002) compared to the preoperative level. However, the cortisol level of the ERAS group was not increased until POD 5 (p = 0.001). Reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ in the ERAS group indicated less postoperative stress responses. In addition, ERAS was associated with accelerated recovery of gastrointestinal function. The postoperative length of stay (p < 0.001) and expense (p < 0.001) for the ERAS group were reduced in comparison to the controls. Twenty-eight cases in the control group and twenty-nine in the ERAS group suffered complications, which was not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

The ERAS protocol attenuates the surgical stress response and accelerates postoperative recovery without compromising patient safety.

Risk factors for gastric distension in patients with acute appendicitis: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

There has been no report on risk factors for gastric distension (GD) when inducing general anesthesia in an emergency situation. The aim of this study was to clarify the risk factors for GD in patients with acute appendicitis at their hospital visit.

METHODS

We reviewed medical records of patients from April 2007 to March 2010 who underwent open appendectomy for acute appendicitis and were diagnosed pathologically. GD was defined as a larger anteroposterior diameter and larger lateral diameter of the stomach than those of the left kidney in computed tomography (CT) imaging. The primary outcome was the presence of GD. Candidate variables such as patient characteristics, physical findings, and CT imaging findings associated with GD were assessed. Time after beginning of abdominal pain was categorized and compared. Determinants with significant univariate association (P < 0.20) with the primary outcome were used to construct multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

We enrolled 121 patients and divided this cohort into a GD group (44 cases, 36%) and a non-GD group (77 cases, 64%). Results of univariate analysis showed longer duration of time after beginning of abdominal pain (P = 0.016), younger age (P < 0.001), and more frequent distended small bowel (P < 0.001) in the GD group than in the non-GD group. In multivariate analysis, age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.939, P = 0.002] and time after beginning of abdominal pain (OR = 1.807, P = 0.031) were shown to be independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Younger appendicitis patients with acute abdominal pain for 1 or more days should be treated as patients with high risk for GD.

Enhanced recovery program in total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery program (ERP) was implemented to optimize the hospital stay in total hip arthroplasty. This study assessed the effects of optimizing preoperative and perioperative care using enhanced recovery (ER) on patients undergoing Total hip arthroplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We compared a prospective group of 64 patients on the ER program with a historic cohort of 63 patients that received conventional care (non ER).

RESULTS

ER patients were discharged earliest from hospital [mean length of stay (LOS) 5.3 days, median 4; P < 0.001] as compared to a mean of 8.3 days among non ER patients. Comparison based on American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades, preoperative hemoglobin, and body mass index (BMI) revealed that patients with ASA grade 3, preoperative hemoglobin of <14 g/dl, and BMI >30 on ER program spent shorter time in hospital as compared to the non ER's conventionally treated patients with more favorable physiological parameters of ASA grade 1 and 2, preoperative hemoglobin of >14 g/dl, and BMI <30.

CONCLUSION

The ER protocol is universally beneficial and confers an advantage regardless of the patients' preoperative condition.

Avaliação de estratégias no manejo da sede na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica

OBJETIVO: Avaliar estratégias simples e seguras para mitigar a sede no pós-operatório imediato (POI). MÉTODOS: Estudo quantitativo, experimental, de corte transversal, com amostra de 90 pacientes. Aqueles que apresentaram sede foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos, Água ou Gelo. RESULTADOS: 96 (75%) relataram sede. O jejum pré-operatório variou de 8 a 37 horas e não houve associação entre o tipo de anestesia, sangramento, tempo de jejum e sede. A intensidade média inicial de sede foi de 5,1 para o grupo Água e 6,1, ao grupo Gelo. Os métodos experimentados mostraram-se eficazes em aliviar a sede no POI. O grupo Gelo teve intensidade final de 1,51 contra os 2,33 de grupo Água. Dois (2,2%) pacientes apresentaram vômitos durante a pesquisa. CONCLUSÃO: A sede é um desconforto real e gera grande sofrimento ao paciente. Este estudo indicou estratégias viáveis e seguras no manejo da sede no POI.

Early removal of nasogastric tube is beneficial for patients undergoing radical cystectomy with urinary diversion

PURPOSE

Examine the beneficial effect of early nasogastric tube (NGT) removal in patients undergoing radical cystectomy with urinary diversion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

43 consecutive patients underwent radical cystectomy with urinary diversion and were randomized into 2 groups. In the intervention group (n = 22), the NGT was removed 12 hours after the operation. Comparatively, in the control group (n = 21), the NGT remained in place until the appearance of the first flatus. The appearance of ileus, patient ambulation, time to regular diet, and hospital discharge of the two patient groups were assessed. Patient discomfort due to the NGT was also recorded.

RESULTS

The 2 groups showed statistical homogeneity of their baseline characteristics. Two patients (9.09%) from the intervention and 3 patients (14.3%) from the control group developed postoperative ileus and were treated conservatively. No significant differences in intraoperative, postoperative, bowel outcomes or other complications were found between the two groups. All patients preferred the NGT to be removed first in comparison to their other co-existing drains.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first randomized, prospective study, to our knowledge, to assess early NGT removal after radical cystectomy. We advocate early removal, independently of the selected type of urinary diversion, since it is not correlated with ileus and is advantageous in terms of patient comfort and earlier ambulation.

The role of carbohydrate drinks in pre-operative nutrition for elective colorectal surgery

INTRODUCTION

Traditionally, patients have been fasted from midnight on the night before elective surgery. With the advent of the enhanced recovery programme for elective colorectal surgery, there has been a major change in established practice with patients able to continue with clear fluids up to two hours prior to surgery and solids up to six hours prior to surgery. It has been suggested that nutritional supplements in the immediate pre-operative period enhance post-operative recovery. The aim of this review was therefore critically to appraise the evidence available regarding the use of pre-operative carbohydrate (CHO) supplements for elective colorectal surgery.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using: PubMed, MEDLINE(®), Athens and Google Scholar. The following keywords were used: 'pre-operative', 'carbohydrate supplements', 'enhanced recovery' and 'colorectal surgery', singly or in combination. To ensure an up-to-date literature search, the search was restricted to the last ten years. To maximise the search, backward chaining of reference lists from retrieved papers was also undertaken. Only English language articles were included.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CHO drinks pre-operatively in colorectal surgery is both safe and effective. There is no increased risk of aspiration and it results in a shorter hospital stay, a quicker return of bowel function and less loss of muscle mass. On the basis of this evidence, the use of pre-operative CHO drinks should be standard in elective colorectal patients. Further research is nevertheless required for those with diabetes mellitus.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols: Time to change practice?

Radical cystectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection remains the standard treatment for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer. Despite improvements in surgical technique, anesthesia and perioperative care, radical cystectomy is still associated with greater morbidity and prolonged in-patient stay after surgery than other urological procedures. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are multimodal perioperative care pathways designed to achieve early recovery after surgical procedures by maintaining preoperative organ function and reducing the profound stress response following surgery. The key elements of ERAS protocols include preoperative counselling, optimization of nutrition, standardized analgesic and anesthetic regimens and early mobilization. Despite the significant body of evidence indicating that ERAS protocols lead to improved outcomes, they challenge traditional surgical doctrine, and as a result their implementation has been slow.The present article discusses particular aspects of ERAS protocols which represent fundamental shifts in surgical practice, including perioperative nutrition, management of postoperative ileus and the use of mechanical bowel preparation.

Safety and efficacy of oral rehydration therapy until 2 h before surgery: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

In many countries, patients are generally allowed to have clear fluids until 2-3 h before surgery. In Japan, long preoperative fasting is still common practice. To shorten the preoperative fasting period in Japan, we tested the safety and efficacy of oral rehydration therapy until 2 h before surgery.

METHODS

Three hundred low-risk patients scheduled for morning surgery in six university-affiliated hospitals were randomly assigned to an oral rehydration solution (ORS) group or to a fasting group. Patients in the ORS group consumed up to 1,000 ml of ORS containing balanced glucose and electrolytes: 500 ml between 2100 the night before surgery and the time they woke up the next morning and 500 ml during the morning of surgery until 2 h before surgery. Patients in the fasting group started fasting at 2100 the night before surgery. Primary endpoints were gastric fluid volume and pH immediately after anesthesia induction. Several physiological measures of hydration and electrolytes including the fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) and the fractional excretion of urea nitrogen (FEUN) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) gastric fluid volume immediately after anesthesia induction was 15.1 (14.0) ml in the ORS group and 17.5 (23.2) ml in the fasting group (P = 0.30). The mean difference between the ORS group and fasting group was -2.5 ml. The 95% confidence interval ranged from -7.1 to +2.2 ml and did not include the noninferior limit of +8 ml. Mean (SD) gastric fluid pH was 2.1 (1.9) in the ORS group and 2.2 (2.0) in the fasting group (P = 0.59). In the ORS group, mean FENa and FEUN immediately after anesthesia induction were both significantly greater than those in the fasting group (P < 0.001 for both variables). The ORS group reported they had been less thirsty and hungry before surgery (P < 0.001, 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral rehydration therapy until 2 h before surgery is safe and feasible in the low-risk Japanese surgical population. Physicians are encouraged to use this practice to maintain the amount of water in the body and electrolytes and to improve the patient's comfort.

Perioperative nutritional management in digestive tract surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews the recent research on perioperative nutrition in digestive tract surgery in the light of modern perioperative care principles, that is, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). Four major directions of research emerge: detecting malnutrition, perioperative hyperglycemia/insulin resistance, enteral/parenteral nutrition and immunonutrition.

RECENT FINDINGS

For preoperative nutritional screening/assessment, current data cannot single out superiority for SGA questionnaire, nutritional risk score, Reilly's nutritional risk score or nutritional risk index in the ability to predict nutrition-related complications. The use of ERAS elements to reduce surgical stress and preclude postoperative insulin resistance has recently been clearly linked to reductions in adverse outcomes. There are specific situations in which enteral nutrition is contraindicated and criterias for preoperative and postoperative parenteral nutrition in undernourished patients are defined in guidelines recently available. Several controlled randomized studies and systematic reviews indicate that immune nutrition formulas reduce both morbidity and length of stay after major abdominal surgery.

SUMMARY

To reduce surgical stress, insulin resistance, unnecessary protein losses and postoperative complications, the use of an ERAS protocol is important. Current data shows that the use of perioperative immunonutrition diets for major abdominal surgery is beneficial. Further research on nutritional assessment tools to predict who is at risk for postoperative complications is needed.

The effect of hospital size and surgical service on case cancellation in elective surgery: results from a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Short-term case cancellation causes frustration for anesthesiologists, surgeons, and patients and leads to suboptimal use of operating room (OR) resources. In many facilities, >10% of all cases are cancelled on the day of surgery, thereby causing major problems for OR management and anesthesia departments. The effect of hospital type and service type on case cancellation rate is unclear.

METHODS

In 25 hospitals of different types (university hospitals, large community hospitals, and mid- to small-size community hospitals) we studied all elective surgical cases of the following subspecialties over a period of 2 weeks: general surgery, trauma/orthopedics, urology, and gynecology. Case cancellation was defined as any patient who had been scheduled to be operated on the next day, but cancelled after the finalization of the OR plan on the day before surgery. A list of possible cancellation reasons was provided for standardized documentation.

RESULTS

A total of 6009 anesthesia cases of 82 different anesthesia services were recorded during the study period. Services in university hospitals had cancellation rates 2.23 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.49 to 3.34) times higher than mid- to small-size community hospitals 12.4% (95% CI = 11.0% to 13.8%) versus 5.0% (95% CI = 4.0% to 6.2%). Of the surgical services, general surgical services had a significantly (1.78, 95% CI = 1.25 to 2.53) higher cancellation rate than did gynecology services-11.0% (95% CI = 9.7% to 12.5%) versus 6.6% (95% CI = 5.1% to 8.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

When benchmarking cancellation rates among hospitals, comparisons should control for academic institutions having higher incidences of case cancellation than nonacademic hospitals and general surgery services having higher incidences than other services.

Fast-track rehabilitation program vs conventional care after colorectal resection: A randomized clinical trial

AIM: To compare the fast-track rehabilitation program and conventional care for patients after resection of colorectal cancer.

METHODS: One hundred and six consecutive patients who underwent fast-track rehabilitation program were encouraged to have early oral feeding and movement for early discharge, while 104 consecutive patients underwent conventional care after resection of colorectal cancer. Their gastrointestinal functions, postoperative complications and hospital stay time were recorded.

RESULTS: The restoration time of gastrointestinal functions in the patients was significantly faster after fast-track rehabilitation program than after conventional care (2.1 d vs 3.2 d, P < 0.01). The percentage of patients who developed complications was significantly lower 30 d after fast-track rehabilitation program than after conventional care (13.2% vs 26.9%, P < 0.05). Also, the percentage of patients who had general complications was significantly lower 30 d after fast-track rehabilitation program than after conventional care (6.6% vs 15.4%, P < 0.05). The postoperative hospital stay time of the patients was shorter after fast-track rehabilitation program than after conventional care (5 d vs 7 d, P < 0.01). No significant difference was observed in the re-admission rate 30 d after fast-track rehabilitation program and conventional care (3.8% vs 8.7%).

CONCLUSION: The fast-track rehabilitation program can significantly decrease the complications and shorten the time of postoperative hospital stay of patients after resection colorectal cancer.

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs hasten recovery after colorectal resections

Colorectal resection was traditionally associated with significant morbidity and prolonged stay in hospital. Laparoscopic colorectal resection was first described in 1991 as a minimally invasive form of colorectal surgery. It was later on assessed by multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis and was found to be associated with a faster recovery, lower complication rates and a shorter stay in hospital compared with open resection. To assess the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on postoperative length of stay after elective colorectal resections, a literature review was conducted, supplemented by the results of 111 ERAS colorectal resections at regional NWS Hospital using a protocol based on the Fast Track approach described by Kehlet in 1999. ERAS has been shown to improve postoperative recovery, reduce length of stay and enhance early return to normal function when compared with traditional colorectal surgical protocols. The role of laparoscopic surgery in colorectal resections within a fast-track (ERAS) program is controversial. The current evidence suggests that within such a program, there is no difference between laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery in terms of postoperative recovery rates or length of hospital stay.

Clinical benefits after the implementation of a multimodal perioperative protocol in elderly patients

CONTEXT

Multimodal protocol of perioperative care may enhance recovery after surgery. Based on evidence these new routines of perioperative care changed conventional prescriptions in surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of a multimodal protocol (ACERTO protocol) in elderly patients.

METHODS

Non-randomized historical cohort study was performed at the surgical ward of a tertiary university hospital. One hundred seventeen patients aged 60 and older were submitted to elective abdominal operations under either conventional (n = 42; conventional group, January 2004-June 2005) or a fast-track perioperative protocol named ACERTO (n = 75; ACERTO group, July 2005-December 2007). Main endpoints were preoperative fasting time, postoperative day of re-feeding, volume of intravenous fluids, length of hospital stay and morbidity.

RESULTS

The implantation of the ACERTO protocol was followed by a decrease in both preoperative fasting (15 [8-20] vs 4 [2-20] hours, P<0.001) and postoperative day of refeeding (1st [1st-10th] vs 0 [0-5th] PO day; P<0.01), and intravenous fluids (10.7 [2.5-57.5] vs 2.5 [0.5-82] L, P<0.001). The changing of protocols reduced the mean length of hospital stay by 4 days (6[1-43] vs 2[1-97] days; P = 0.002) and surgical site infection rate by 85.7% (19%; 8/42 vs 2.7%; 2/75, P<0.001; relative risk = 1.20; 95% confidence interval = 1.03-1.39). Per-protocol analysis showed that hospital stay in major operations diminished only in patients who completed the protocol (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of multidisciplinary routines of the ACERTO protocol diminished both hospitalization and surgical site infection in elderly patients submitted to abdominal operations.

Optimizing the management of elderly colorectal surgery patients

With the ever increasing number of geriatric surgical patients, there is a need to develop efficient processes that address all of the potential issues faced by patients during the perioperative period. This article explores the physiological changes in elderly surgical patients and the outcomes achieved after major abdominal surgery. Perioperative management strategies for elderly surgical patients in line with the practices of the Geriatric Surgical Team of Alexandra Health, Singapore, are also presented. A coordinated transdisciplinary approach best tackles the complexities encountered in these patients.

The impact and safety of preoperative oral or intravenous carbohydrate administration versus fasting in colorectal surgery--a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Increasing evidence suggests that preoperative fasting, as was the clinical practice for many decades, might be associated with untoward consequences and that a standardized preoperative intake of nutrients might be advantageous; this is a component of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concept. Thus, in a randomized controlled trial we compared preoperative fasting with preoperative preparation with either oral or intravenous intake of carbohydrates, minerals and water. Biochemical, psychosomatic, echocardiographic and muscle-power parameters were assessed in surgical patients with colorectal diseases during the short-term perioperative period. We also assessed the safety of peroral intake shortly before surgery.

METHODS

A total of 221 elective colorectal surgery patients in this bicentric, randomized, prospective and blinded clinical trial were divided into three groups: A - patients fasting from midnight (control group); B - patients supported preoperatively by glucose, magnesium and potassium administered intravenously; C - patients supported preoperatively by oral consumption of a specifically composed solution (potion).

RESULTS

The general perioperative clinical status of patients in groups C and B was significantly better than those in group A. Psychosomatic conditions postoperatively were found to be best in group C (P < 0.029). The rise in the index of insulin resistance (QUICKI) from the preoperative to the postoperative state was significant in group A (P < 0.05). The systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle improved postoperatively in group C vs. group A (P < 0.04), and the ejection fraction was also significantly higher postoperatively in group C vs. group A (P < 0.03). The gastric residual volume was 5 ml and the pH of stomach juice was 3.5-5 in all groups without statistically significant difference. No difference was found in the length of hospital stay or the rate of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative fasting does not confer any benefit or advantage for surgical patients. In contrast, consumption of an appropriate potion composed of water, minerals and carbohydrates offers some protection against surgical trauma in terms of metabolic status, cardiac function and psychosomatic status. Peroral intake shortly before surgery did not increase gastric residual volume and was not associated with any risk.

Reducing preoperative fasting time: A trend based on evidence

Preoperative fasting is mandatory before anesthesia to reduce the risk of aspiration. However, the prescribed 6-8 h of fasting is usually prolonged to 12-16 h for various reasons. Prolonged fasting triggers a metabolic response that precipitates gluconeogenesis and increases the organic response to trauma. Various randomized trials and meta-analyses have consistently shown that is safe to reduce the preoperative fasting time with a carbohydrate-rich drink up to 2 h before surgery. Benefits related to this shorter preoperative fasting include the reduction of postoperative gastrointestinal discomfort and insulin resistance. New formulas containing amino acids such as glutamine and other peptides are being studied and are promising candidates to be used to reduce preoperative fasting time.

[Does abbreviation of preoperative fasting to two hours with carbohydrates increase the anesthetic risk?]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of possible anesthetic complications related with the abbreviation of preoperative fasting to two hours with a solution of 12.5% dextrinomaltose within the ACERTO (from the Portuguese for Acceleration of Total Postoperative Recovery) project.

METHODS

All patients undergoing different types of digestive tract and abdominal wall surgeries within a new protocol of perioperative conducts, established by the ACERTO project, between August 2005 and December 2007 were evaluated. All patients received oral nutritional supplementation (12.5% dextrinomaltose) six and two hours before the procedure. Data were collected prospectively without the knowledge of the professionals in the department. The length of preoperative fasting and anesthetic complications related with the short fasting time (pulmonary aspiration) were recorded.

RESULTS

Three hundred and seventy five patients, 174 male (46.4%) and 201 female (53.6%), ages 18 to 90 years, were evaluated. The mean preoperative fasting time was four hours, ranging from two to 20 hours. Pulmonary aspiration was not observed during the procedures. The length of fasting was longer (p < 0.01) when combined anesthesia (blockade + general) was used.

CONCLUSIONS

Adopting the multidisciplinary preoperative measures of the ACERTO project was not associated with any preoperative fasting-associated complications. Dextrinomaltose is a useful and safe nutritional supplement for the patient.

Randomized clinical trial to compare the effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate versus placebo on insulin resistance after colorectal surgery

Background

Preoperative oral carbohydrate (OCH) reduces postoperative insulin resistance (PIR). This randomized trial investigated whether this effect is related to insulin-induced activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB) signalling pathway.

Methods

Patients with colorectal cancer scheduled for elective open resection were randomly assigned to preoperative OCH, fasting or placebo. Preoperative general well-being, insulin resistance before and immediately after surgery, and postoperative expression of PI3K, PKB, protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in rectus abdominis muscle were evaluated.

Results

Patient and operative characteristics did not differ between groups. Subjective well-being was significantly better in OCH and placebo groups than in the fasting group, primarily because of reduced thirst (P = 0·005) and hunger (P = 0·041). PIR was significantly greater in fasting and placebo groups (P &lt; 0·010). By the end of surgery, muscle PTK activity as well as PI3K and PKB levels were significantly increased in the OCH group compared with values in fasting and placebo groups (P &lt; 0·050), but GLUT4 expression was unaffected.

Conclusion

PIR involves the PI3K/PKB signalling pathway. Preoperative OCH intake improves preoperative subjective feelings of hunger and thirst compared with fasting, while attenuating PIR by stimulation of the PI3K/PKB pathway. Registration number: NCT00755729 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).