Recommendations from the Italian intersociety consensus on Perioperative Anesthesa Care in Thoracic surgery (PACTS) part 2: intraoperative and postoperative care

Introduction

Anesthetic care in patients undergoing thoracic surgery presents specific challenges that require a multidisciplinary approach to management. There remains a need for standardized, evidence-based, continuously updated guidelines for perioperative care in these patients.

Methods

A multidisciplinary expert group, the Perioperative Anesthesia in Thoracic Surgery (PACTS) group, was established to develop recommendations for anesthesia practice in patients undergoing elective lung resection for lung cancer. The project addressed three key areas: preoperative patient assessment and preparation, intraoperative management (surgical and anesthesiologic care), and postoperative care and discharge. A series of clinical questions was developed, and literature searches were performed to inform discussions around these areas, leading to the development of 69 recommendations. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were graded using the United States Preventive Services Task Force criteria.

Results

Recommendations for intraoperative care focus on airway management, and monitoring of vital signs, hemodynamics, blood gases, neuromuscular blockade, and depth of anesthesia. Recommendations for postoperative care focus on the provision of multimodal analgesia, intensive care unit (ICU) care, and specific measures such as chest drainage, mobilization, noninvasive ventilation, and atrial fibrillation prophylaxis.

Conclusions

These recommendations should help clinicians to improve intraoperative and postoperative management, and thereby achieve better postoperative outcomes in thoracic surgery patients. Further refinement of the recommendations can be anticipated as the literature continues to evolve.

Is postoperative atelectasis following lumbar fusion more prevalent among patients with chronic opioid use?

OBJECTIVE

Chronic opioid use (COU) remains on the rise globally, acting as a marker for patient morbidity and a risk factor for adverse health outcomes. Opioid use is a risk factor for respiratory depression, which may lead to dysfunctional breathing, a known cause of atelectasis. The objective of this study was to determine whether COU is associated with increased rates of postoperative atelectasis among patients undergoing lumbar fusion.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Three State Inpatient Databases were used to identify patients who underwent an elective lumbar fusion through an anterior, posterior or circumferential approach in Florida, Kentucky and New York between 2013-2015. Patients with COU and those with postoperative atelectasis were identified using ICD diagnosis codes. Three operative groups were created and subsequently matched using propensity scores in order to provide comparable cohorts for analysis. Three-to-one propensity score matching was conducted using the variables of age, sex, race, number of chronic diagnoses and geographic state of admission. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship between COU and postoperative atelectasis.

RESULTS

A total of 3618 lumbar fusions were identified. Atelectasis was noted in 1.33 % of NCOU patients and 2.32 % of COU patients. On multivariable analysis, while controlling for the Elixhauser Mortality Index and patient insurance status, COU was significantly associated with atelectasis in posterior lumbar fusion (OR = 2.27; CI: 1.09-4.72; p = 0.028) and circumferential lumbar fusion (OR = 4.68; CI: 1.52-14.45; p = 0.007). The Elixhauser Mortality Index was also significantly associated with atelectasis in posterior lumbar fusion (OR = 1.08; CI: 1.04-1.11; p < 0.001) and circumferential lumbar fusion (OR = 1.09; CI: 1.03-1.16; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Higher rates of postoperative atelectasis were found among patients with COU following posterior and circumferential lumbar fusions. The Elixhauser Mortality Index was also independently associated with atelectasis. Knowledge of these risks may allow for earlier identification and intervention in patients who are at risk.

Evaluation of alveolar recruitment maneuver on respiratory resistance during general anesthesia: a prospective observational study

Background

Alveolar recruitment maneuvers enable easily reopening nonaerated lung regions via a transient elevation in transpulmonary pressure. To evaluate the effect of these maneuvers on respiratory resistance, we used an oscillatory technique during mechanical ventilation. This study was conducted to assess the effect of the alveolar recruitment maneuvers on respiratory resistance under routine anesthesia. We hypothesized that respiratory resistance at 5 Hz (R5) after the maneuver would be decreased after the lung aeration.

Methods

After receiving the ethics committee’s approval, we enrolled 33 patients who were classified with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of 1, 2 or 3 and were undergoing general anesthesia for transurethral resection of a bladder tumor within a 12-month period from 2017 to 2018. The recruitment maneuver was performed 30 min after endotracheal intubation. The maneuver consisted of sustained manual inflation of the anesthesia reservoir bag to a peak inspiratory pressure of 40 cmH₂O for 15 s, including 5 s of gradually increasing the peak inspiratory pressure. Respiratory resistance was measured using the forced oscillation technique before and after the maneuver, and the mean R5 was calculated during the expiratory phase. The respiratory resistance and ventilator parameter results were analyzed using paired Student’s t-tests, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

We analyzed 31 patients (25 men and 6 women). R5 was 7.3 ± 1.6 cmH₂O/L/sec before the recruitment maneuver during mechanical ventilation and was significantly decreased to 6.4 ± 1.7 cmH₂O/L/sec after the maneuver. Peak inspiratory pressure and plateau pressure were significantly decreased, and pulmonary compliance was increased, although the values were not clinically relevant.

Conclusion

The recruitment maneuver decreased respiratory resistance and increased lung compliance during mechanical ventilation.

Trial registration

Name of registry: Japan Medical Association Center for Clinical Trials.

Trial registration number: reference JMA-IIA00136.

Date of registration: 2 September 2013.

URL of trial registry record: https://dbcentre3.jmacct.med.or.jp/JMACTR/App/JMACTRE02_04/JMACTRE02_04.aspx?kbn=3&seqno=3582

A systematic review and meta-analysis: the effect of active cancer treatment on severity of COVID-19

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic hit all over the world, and cancer patients are more vulnerable for COVID-19. The mortality rate may increase up to 25% in solid malignancies. In parallel to increased mortality rates among cancer patients, safety concerns regarding cancer treatment has increased over time. However, there were contradictory results for the cancer treatment during pandemic. In this study, we assessed the effect of cancer treatment on the severity of COVID-19.

Methods

The MEDLINE database was searched on September 01, 2020. Primary end-points were severe disease and death in the cancer patients treated within the last 30 days before COVID-19 diagnosis. Quality of included studies was assessed by Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The generic inverse-variance method was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for each outcome.

Results

Sixteen studies were included for this meta-analysis. Chemotherapy within the last thirty days before COVID-19 diagnosis increased the risk of death in cancer patients after adjusting for confounding variables (OR: 1.85; 95% confidence interval: 1.26–2.71). However, severe COVID-19 risk did not increase. Furthermore, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy did not increase the severe disease and death risk in cancer patients with COVID-19.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy increased the risk of death from COVID-19 in cancer patients. However, there was no safety concern for immunotherapy, targeted therapies, surgery and radiotherapy.

Predictors and outcomes of postoperative respiratory failure after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Postoperative respiratory failure after cardiac surgery (CS-PRF) is a devastating complication and its incidence and predictors vary depending on how it is defined and the patient population.

AIMS

This study was conducted to determine the incidence, predictors and outcomes of CS-PRF defined as prolonged mechanical ventilation >48 hours and reintubation.

METHODS

This is a retrospective chart review of 1257 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between June 2011 and December 2018. The research questions were addressed through bivariate inferential, descriptive and binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of CS-PRF was 15.9% and significant regression predictors included diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.77, P = .001), preoperative renal replacement therapy (OR = 2.07, P = .033), need for intraoperative transfusion (OR = 2.35, P = .000), combined coronary bypass/valvular surgery (OR = 2.61, P = .001) and intra-aortic balloon pump (OR = 3.60, P = .000). CS-PRF patients had increased postoperative blood transfusions (69.5% vs 27.9%, P = .000), reoperation for bleeding (9.0 vs 0.4%, P = .000), pleural effusion (13.5% vs 4.1%, P = .000), pneumonia (33.5% vs 1.6%, P = .000), acute kidney injury (70.9% vs 39.9%, P = .000), atrial fibrillation (42.5% vs 26.3%, P = .000), coma/encephalopathy (21.5% vs 3.3%, P = .000) and cerebrovascular accident (6.0% vs 1.3%, P = .000). They also had longer intensive care (262.1 vs 97.4 hours, P = .000) and hospital lengths of stay (17 vs 8 days, P = .000), and increased in-hospital mortality (17.5% vs 0.4%, P = .000). Survivors of CS-PRF were less likely to be discharged home (38.0% vs 84.4%, P = .000).

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of predictors for CS-PRF may help identify patients who are at risk for this complication and who may benefit from preventive measures to promote early extubation and to avert reintubation.

"I Have Everything to Win and Nothing to Lose": Patient Experiences of Mobilization Out of Bed Immediately After Abdominal Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Early mobilization is advocated for patients going through abdominal surgery; however, little is known about the patient experience of being mobilized immediately after surgery. The purpose of this study was to explore patient experiences of mobilization immediately after elective abdominal cancer surgery.

METHODS

This interview study used qualitative content analysis. With the use of purposeful sampling, a total of 23 participants who had been mobilized immediately after abdominal surgery were recruited at a university hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted within 1 to 4 days after surgery and took place at the surgical ward where the participants were treated. A semi-structured guide was used. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim.

RESULTS

The content analysis revealed 3 categories that emerged into 1 overarching theme: "to do whatever it takes to get home earlier." The participants experienced that mobilization out of bed had an impact on their physical and mental well-being. Motivation and the experiences of themselves and others were factors that affected patient attitudes toward early mobilization. Preparation and competent caregivers were emphasized as important factors that enabled the patient to feel safe and confident during mobilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients experienced mobilization as an important part of the care that had an impact on recovery and well-being, physically as well as mentally, both immediately and over time.

IMPACT

As this is the first study to our knowledge to investigate patient experiences of mobilization immediately after abdominal surgery, this information can be used to support the development of early mobilization protocols in hospital settings.

Effects of an Alveolar Recruitment Maneuver During Lung Protective Ventilation on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Elderly Patients Undergoing Laparoscopy

Purpose

Controversy remains over whether alveolar recruitment maneuvers (ARMs) can reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. We hypothesized that performing an ARM in addition to lung protective ventilation (LPV) could improve intraoperative arterial oxygenation and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopy in the Trendelenburg position.

Patients and Methods

Sixty-two patients (aged 65-85) scheduled for laparoscopic low anterior resection were randomized to receive LPV only (LPV group, n = 32) or LPV with an ARM (ARM group, n = 30). LPV was set to a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg with a positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cmH₂O. The ARM was performed by serially increasing the PEEP to 10 cmH₂O for 3 breaths, 15 cmH₂O for 3 breaths, then 20 cmH₂O for 10 breaths, both immediately before and after abdominal insufflation. The primary end-point was the frequency of PPCs such as desaturation (SpO₂ <90%), atelectasis, and pneumonia. Secondary end-points were changes in intraoperative respiratory and gas exchange parameters and hemodynamic variables.

Results

One patient in the LPV group experienced desaturation on the first postoperative day. The frequency of chest X-ray abnormalities such as atelectasis or pleural effusion was comparable between groups (6 (19%) and 5 (17%) patients, respectively, P = 0.676). Changes in other respiratory, gas exchange and hemodynamic parameters over time were not significantly different between the groups. However, vasopressor requirements during surgery were higher in the ARM than the LPV group (9 (30%) and 2 (6%) patients, respectively, P = 0.014).

Conclusion

This study suggests that performing an ARM during LPV may not improve postoperative respiratory outcomes and intraoperative oxygenation compared to LPV alone in geriatric patients undergoing laparoscopy in the Trendelenburg position. In addition, since the ARM could cause a significant deterioration in hemodynamic parameters, applying ARM to elderly patients should be carefully considered.

Preoperative training education with incentive spirometry may reduce postoperative pulmonary complications

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether preoperative incentive spirometer training would influence the development of postoperative pulmonary complications after lung resection.

METHODS

Sixty-two lung resection patients were prospectively investigated; 17 were given an incentive spirometer preoperatively and 45 did not have an incentive spirometer preoperatively. Postoperatively, both arms exercised with an incentive spirometer. The number of repetitions per day, balls raised per repetition, correct technique of exercising, and postoperative pulmonary complications were compared between the 2 groups. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis of potential predictors of postoperative pulmonary complications led to multivariate analysis of independent predictors. Receiver operating characteristic analysis established the cutoff points of predictors.

RESULTS

The group with no preoperative incentive spirometer developed more postoperative pulmonary complications than the preoperative incentive spirometer group (24.4% vs. 5.9%, respectively, p = 0.045). The preoperative incentive spirometer arm achieved more repetitions per day, balls per repetition, and correct incentive spirometer technique (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.034, respectively). Balls raised per repetition and repetitions per day postoperatively were identified as independent predictors of postoperative pulmonary complications (p = 0.032 and p = 0.021, respectively). Less than 5 repetitions per day (sensitivity 93%, specificity 77%, p < 0.001) and less than 2 balls per repetition (sensitivity 93%, specificity 77%, p < 0.001) were predictive of postoperative pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative incentive spirometer exposure ensured better compliance with postoperative treatment and a more accurate technique (balls raised per repetition, repetitions per day). These variables correlated with a lower postoperative pulmonary complication rate.

Pure laparoscopic versus open major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma with liver F4 cirrhosis without routine Pringle maneuver - A propensity analysis in a single center

BACKGROUND

/Aim: Laparoscopic hepatectomy has been gaining popularity but its evidence in major hepatectomy for cirrhotic liver is lacking. We studied the long-term outcomes of the pure laparoscopic approach versus the open approach in major hepatectomy without Pringle maneuver in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis using the propensity score analysis.

METHODS

We reviewed patients diagnosed with HCC and cirrhosis who underwent major hepatectomy as primary treatment. The outcomes of patients who received the laparoscopic approach were compared with those of propensity-case-matched patients (ratio, 4:1) who received the open approach. The matching was made on the following factors: tumor size, tumor number, age, sex, hepatitis serology, HCC staging, comorbidity, and liver function.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients underwent pure laparoscopic major hepatectomy for HCC with cirrhosis. Ninety-six patients who underwent open major hepatectomy were matched by propensity scores. The laparoscopic group had less median blood loss (300 ml vs 645 ml, p = 0.001), shorter median hospital stay (6 days vs 10 days, p = 0.002), and lower rates of overall complication (12.5% vs 39.6%, p = 0.012), pulmonary complication (4.2% vs 25%, p = 0.049) and pleural effusion (p = 0.026). The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates in the laparoscopic group vs the open group were 95.2%, 89.6% and 89.6% vs 87.5%, 72.0% and 62.8% (p = 0.211). Correspondingly, the disease-free survival rates were 77.1%, 71.2% and 71.2% vs 75.8%, 52.7% and 45.5% (p = 0.422).

CONCLUSIONS

The two groups had similar long-term survival. The laparoscopic group had favorable short-term outcomes. Laparoscopic major hepatectomy without routine Pringle maneuver for HCC with cirrhosis is a safe treatment option at specialized centers.

Effect of Intraoperative Low Tidal Volume vs Conventional Tidal Volume on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Major Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

In patients who undergo mechanical ventilation during surgery, the ideal tidal volume is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether low-tidal-volume ventilation compared with conventional ventilation during major surgery decreases postoperative pulmonary complications.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Single-center, assessor-blinded, randomized clinical trial of 1236 patients older than 40 years undergoing major noncardiothoracic, nonintracranial surgery under general anesthesia lasting more than 2 hours in a tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia, from February 2015 to February 2019. The last date of follow-up was February 17, 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to receive a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg predicted body weight (n = 614; low tidal volume group) or a tidal volume of 10 mL/kg predicted body weight (n = 592; conventional tidal volume group). All patients received positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) at 5 cm H2O.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative pulmonary complications within the first 7 postoperative days, including pneumonia, bronchospasm, atelectasis, pulmonary congestion, respiratory failure, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or unplanned requirement for postoperative invasive or noninvasive ventilation. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pulmonary complications including development of pulmonary embolism, acute respiratory distress syndrome, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, acute kidney injury, wound infection (superficial and deep), rate of intraoperative need for vasopressor, incidence of unplanned intensive care unit admission, rate of need for rapid response team call, intensive care unit length of stay, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Among 1236 patients who were randomized, 1206 (98.9%) completed the trial (mean age, 63.5 years; 494 [40.9%] women; 681 [56.4%] undergoing abdominal surgery). The primary outcome occurred in 231 of 608 patients (38%) in the low tidal volume group compared with 232 of 590 patients (39%) in the conventional tidal volume group (difference, -1.3% [95% CI, -6.8% to 4.2%]; risk ratio, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.84-1.11]; P = .64). There were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among adult patients undergoing major surgery, intraoperative ventilation with low tidal volume compared with conventional tidal volume, with PEEP applied equally between groups, did not significantly reduce pulmonary complications within the first 7 postoperative days.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ANZCTR Identifier: ACTRN12614000790640.

Perioperative Management of Elderly patients (PriME): recommendations from an Italian intersociety consensus

BACKGROUND

Surgical outcomes in geriatric patients may be complicated by factors such as multiple comorbidities, low functional performance, frailty, reduced homeostatic capacity, and cognitive impairment. An integrated multidisciplinary approach to management is, therefore, essential in this population, but at present, the use of such an approach is uncommon. The Perioperative Management of Elderly patients (PriME) project has been established to address this issue.

AIMS

To develop evidence-based recommendations for the integrated care of geriatric surgical patients.

METHODS

A 14-member Expert Task Force of surgeons, anesthetists, and geriatricians was established to develop evidence-based recommendations for the pre-, intra-, and postoperative care of hospitalized older patients (≥ 65 years) undergoing elective surgery. A modified Delphi approach was used to achieve consensus, and the strength of recommendations and quality of evidence was rated using the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 81 recommendations were proposed, covering preoperative evaluation and care (30 items), intraoperative management (19 items), and postoperative care and discharge (32 items).

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations should facilitate the multidisciplinary management of older surgical patients, integrating the expertise of the surgeon, the anesthetist, the geriatrician, and other specialists and health care professionals (where available) as needed. These roles may vary according to the phase and setting of care and the patient's conditions.

Noninvasive ventilation during left atrial appendage closure under sedation: Preliminary experience with the Janus Mask

Background:

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is indicated in subjects with atrial fibrillation who cannot receive oral anticoagulants. This procedure requires transesophageal echocardiography guidance and is usually performed under general anesthesia. The Janus Mask is a new device designed to allow upper endoscopic procedures during noninvasive ventilation (NIV).

Aims:

This study aims to assess the possibility of performing LAAO under sedation and NIV.

Setting:

Cardiac electrophysiology laboratory.

Design:

Case–control study.

Materials and Methods:

Data from 11 subjects undergoing LAAO under sedation and NIV with the Janus Mask were retrospectively collected. Procedure duration, outcomes, and physicians' satisfaction were compared with those of 11 subjects who underwent LAAO under general anesthesia in the same period.

Statistical Analysis:

Univariate analysis and analysis of variance for between-groups comparison.

Results:

The 11 subjects treated with sedation experienced a good outcome, with a high degree of satisfaction from the medical team. An increase in arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the Janus group (45 [43–62] mmHg vs. 33 [30–35] mmHg in the general anesthesia group, P < 0.001) led to a transient pH decrease 45 min after the beginning of the procedure (7.30 [7.18–7.36] vs. 7.40 [7.39–7.46], P = 0.014). No differences in arterial partial pressure of oxygen, FiO₂, and hemodynamic parameters were observed. The subjects' conditions at discharge from the recovery room were comparable. No difference in procedure duration was registered.

Conclusions:

LAAO procedure under sedation and NIV through the Janus Mask is safe and feasible. This strategy might represent a valuable alternative to manage such a compromised and fragile population.

Effect of sugammadex on chest radiographic abnormality in the early postoperative period after video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy

Background/aim

Sugammadex, which offsets the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBs), has advantages over traditional reversal agents like pyridostigmine, as it enables fast and reliable recovery from neuromuscular blockade. This study compared the incidence of early postoperative chest radiographic abnormalities (CRA) between sugammadex (group S) and pyridostigmine (group P) following video-assisted thoracoscopic (VAT) lobectomy for lung cancer.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis by reviewing the medical records of patients who underwent VAT lobectomy at a single university medical center. We defined the early postoperative CRA as a characteristic appearance on chest radiograph up to 2 days after surgery. Arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA), surgical time, anaesthesia time, extubation time, and the total dose of rocuronium were analysed. Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pain scores were observed until 2 days after surgery.

Results

A total of 257 patients underwent VAT lobectomy during the study period; 159 were included in the final analysis. Ninety patients received sugammadex while 69 received pyridostigmine. The incidence of early postoperative atelectasis was significantly lower in group S than in group P (26.7%, 95% CI: 17.5%‒35.8% and 43.5%, 95% CI: 31.8%‒55.2%, respectively, P = 0.013). The median dose of rocuronium was higher in group S than in group P (120 mg vs. 90 mg, P < 0.001). ABGA, extubation time, and PONV were similar in both groups.

Conclusion

Sugammadex decreased the incidence of CRA in the early postoperative period despite higher NMB consumption.

Development of a preoperative risk score on admission in surgical intermediate care unit in gastrointestinal cancer surgery

Background

Gastrointestinal cancer surgery continues to be a significant cause of postoperative complications and mortality in high-risk patients. It is crucial to identify these patients. Our study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of specific perioperative risk assessment tools to predict postoperative complications, identifying the most informative variables and combining them to test their prediction ability as a new score.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of digestive cancer surgical patients admitted to the surgical intermediate care unit of the Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto, Portugal was conducted during the period January 2016 to April 2018. Demographic and medical information including sex, age, date from hospital admission, diagnosis, emergency or elective admission, and type of surgery, were collected. We analyzed and compared a set of measurements of surgical risk using the risk assessment instruments P-POSSUM Scoring, ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator, and ARISCAT Risk Score according to the outcomes classified by the Clavien-Dindo score. According to each risk score system, we studied the expected and observed post-operative complications. We performed a multivariable regression model retaining only the significant variables of these tools (age, gender, physiological P-Possum, and ACS NSQIP serious complication rate) and created a new score (MyIPOrisk-score). The predictive ability of each continuous score and the final panel obtained was evaluated using ROC curves and estimating the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

We studied 341 patients. Our results showed that the predictive accuracy and agreement of P-POSSUM Scoring, ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator, and ARISCAT Risk Score were limited. The MyIPOrisk-score, shows to have greater discrimination ability than the one obtained with the other risk tools when evaluated individually (AUC = 0.808; 95% CI: 0.755–0.862). The expected and observed complication rates were similar to the new risk tool as opposed to the other risk calculators.

Conclusions

The feasibility and usefulness of the MyIPOrisk-score have been demonstrated for the evaluation of patients undergoing digestive oncologic surgery. However, it requires further testing through a multicenter prospective study to validate the predictive accuracy of the proposed risk score.

The role of regional analgesia in personalized postoperative pain management

Pain management plays a fundamental role in enhanced recovery after surgery pathways. The concept of multimodal analgesia in providing a balanced and effective approach to perioperative pain management is widely accepted and practiced, with regional anesthesia playing a pivotal role. Nerve block techniques can be utilized to achieve the goals of enhanced recovery, whether it be the resolution of ileus or time to mobilization. However, the recent expansion in the number and types of nerve block approaches can be daunting for general anesthesiologists. Which is the most appropriate regional technique to choose, and what skills and infrastructure are required for its implementation? A multidisciplinary team-based approach for defining the goals is essential, based on each patient's needs, and incorporating patient, surgical, and social factors. This review provides a framework for a personalized approach to postoperative pain management with an emphasis on regional anesthesia techniques.

The Effect of Prone Positioning as Postoperative Physiotherapy to Prevent Atelectasis After Hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

The incidences of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) such as atelectasis, pneumonia and pleural effusion after major surgery range from <1 to 23%. Atelectasis after abdominal surgery increases the duration of hospitalization and short-term mortality rate, but there are few reports about atelectasis after hepatectomy. The effectiveness of prone position drainage as physiotherapy has been reported, but it remains unclarified whether prone positioning prevents atelectasis after hepatectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the prone position on the incidence of atelectasis after hepatectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of PPCs after hepatectomy at a single center. Patients were divided into two cohorts. The earlier cohort (n = 165) underwent hepatectomy between January 2016 and March 2018 and was analyzed to identify the risk factors for atelectasis and short-term outcomes; the later cohort (n = 51) underwent hepatectomy between April 2018 and March 2019 and underwent prone position drainage in addition to regular mobilization postoperatively. The incidences of PPCs were compared between the two cohorts.

RESULTS

Independent risk factors for atelectasis were anesthetic duration (P = 0.016), operation time (P = 0.046) and open surgery (P = 0.011). The incidence of atelectasis was significantly lower in the later cohort (9.8%) than the earlier cohort (34.5%, P < 0.001). Moreover, the later cohort had a significantly shorter duration of oxygen support (P < 0.001) and postoperative hospitalization (P < 0.001). After propensity score-matching, the incidence of atelectasis remained significantly lower in the later cohort (P = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

Prone position drainage may decrease the incidence of atelectasis after hepatectomy and improve the short-term outcomes.

Predictors of early postoperative pneumonia after oncologic surgery with the patients receiving professional oral health care: A prospective, multicentre, cohort study

This study was a prospective, multicentre, cohort study on 685 patients who had undergone oncologic surgery. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of postoperative pneumonia. The two groups were compared with respect to their background, index operation, food eaten, oral condition, contents of oral care and dental treatment, laboratory data, and bacterial flora. All postoperative pneumonias occurred in six cases within four days postoperatively. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative serum C-reactive protein was the strongest predictor of postoperative pneumonia. In addition, decreased postoperative Candida albicans colonies was an effective predictor of postoperative pneumonia. For patients with predictors of postoperative pneumonia, perioperative strategies for its prevention should be considered in addition to professional oral health care. This study was approved by the National Hospital Organization's Central Ethics Review Board and was also approved by the directors of the participating institutions.

Prediction formula for predicted diffusion capacity of lung for carbon monoxide in pulmonary surgery

OBJECTIVES

Diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (D_LCO) is a useful value for perioperative risk assessment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The percentage of the predicted D_LCO (%D_LCO: D_LCO/predicted D_LCO × 100) is often evaluated by setting cutoff values as in the clinical field, but several formulae are available for calculating the predicted D_LCO, and the %D_LCO thus varies depending on the formula used to predict D_LCO. We examined differences in %D_LCO calculated using several commonly used prediction formulae.

METHODS

A total of 490 eligible patients who underwent completed video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (c-VATS), especially radical pulmonary lobectomy, for NSCLC were analyzed retrospectively. Predicted D_LCO was calculated using the prediction formulae described by Burrows, Nishida, Cotes, and Kanagami, then the relationships with postoperative complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

The %D_LCO from Nishida's formula was two-thirds the value of that from Burrows' (p < 0.05). On logistic regression analysis, predicted postoperative %D_LCO (ppo-D_LCO) based on the formulae of Burrows, Cotes and Kanagami were independent factors related to postoperative pulmonary complications after c-VATS lobectomy for NSCLC (odds ratios 2.46, 1.79 and 2.33, p = 0.005, 0.043 and 0.009, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The %D_LCO is a useful index for surgical risk assessment of c-VATS lobectomy for NSCLC, while the results differ markedly between individual prediction formulae. Specification of the formula used is necessary in cases considering risk evaluations.

Hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release versus open: propensity-matched analysis of 30-day outcomes

PURPOSE

To examine the hospital length of stay (LOS) and 30 day outcomes of hybrid robotic transversus abdominis release (hrTAR) compared with open transversus abdominis release (oTAR).

METHODS

Patients receiving hrTAR were selected from the AHSQC database and propensity matched with a contemporary cohort of oTAR patients.

RESULTS

The cohort included 95 hrTAR and 285 oTAR patients. There was a significantly shorter median LOS in the hrTAR cohort (3 vs. 5 days, p < 0.001). The rate of surgical site occurrences in the hrTAR cohort was also lower than for oTAR (5% vs. 15%, p = 0.015). Readmission rates were not different between hrTAR and oTAR (6% vs. 8%, p = 0.65).

CONCLUSION

hrTAR demonstrates improved LOS compared to oTAR as well as fewer surgical site related occurrences. Further studies are needed to investigate the etiology behind the improved LOS and to confirm appropriate long-term outcomes from hybrid robotic TAR.

Recognizing Risks and Optimizing Perioperative Care to Reduce Respiratory Complications in the Pediatric Patient

There have been significant advancements in the safe delivery of anesthesia as well as improvements in surgical technique; however, the perioperative period can still be high risk for the pediatric patient. Perioperative respiratory complications (PRCs) are some of the most common critical events that can occur in pediatric surgical patients and they can lead to increased length of hospitalization, worsened patient outcomes, and higher hospital and postoperative costs. It is important to determine the various factors that put pediatric patients at increased risk of PRCs. This will allow for more detailed and accurate informed consent, optimized perioperative management strategy, improved allocation of clinical resources, and, hopefully, better patient experience. There are only a few risk prediction models/scoring tools developed for and validated in the pediatric patient population, but they have been useful in helping identify the key factors associated with a high likelihood of developing PRCs. Some of these factors are patient factors, while others are procedure-related factors. Some of these factors may be modified such that the patient’s clinical status is optimized preoperatively to decrease the risk of PRCs occurring perioperatively. Fore knowledge of the factors that are not able to be modified can help guide allocation of perioperative clinical resources such that the negative impact of these non-modifiable factors is buffered. Additional training in pediatric anesthesia or focused expertise in pediatric airway management, vascular access and management of massive hemorrhage should be considered for the perioperative management of the less than 3 age group. Intraoperative ventilation strategy plays a key role in determining respiratory outcomes for both adult and pediatric surgical patients. Key components of lung protective mechanical ventilation strategy such as low tidal volume and moderate PEEP used in the management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in pediatric intensive care units have been adopted in pediatric operating rooms. Adequate post-operative analgesia that balances pain control with appropriate mental status and respiratory drive is important in reducing PRCs.

A Sufentanil-Based Rapid Cardiac Anesthesia Regimen in Children Undergoing Percutaneous Minimally-Invasive Intraoperative Device Closure of Ventricular Septal Defect

Objective

To assess the effectiveness and safety of fast-track cardiac anesthesia using the short-acting opioid sufentanil in children undergoing intraoperative device closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Methods

This retrospective clinical study included 65 children who underwent intraoperative device closure of VSD between January 2017 and June 2017. Patients were diagnosed with isolated perimembranous VSD by transthoracic echocardiography. Then, they were divided into two groups, group F (n=30), whose patients were given sufentanil-based fast-track cardiac anesthesia, and group C (n=35), whose patients were given conventional cardiac anesthesia. Perioperative clinical data were analyzed.

Results

No significant differences were found between the preoperative clinical parameters and intraoperative hemodynamic indices between the two groups. In group C, compared with group F, the postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation, the length of stay in the intensive care unit, the length of hospital stay, and the hospital costs were significantly increased.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study at a single center, sufentanil-based fast-track cardiac anesthesia was shown to be a safe and effective technique for minimally-invasive intraoperative device closure of VSD in children, which was performed with reduced in-hospital costs.

Variations in respiratory rate do not reflect changes in tidal volume or minute ventilation after major abdominal surgery

Monitoring of postoperative pulmonary function usually includes respiratory rate and oxygen saturation measurements. We hypothesized that changes in postoperative respiratory rate do not correlate with changes in tidal volume or minute ventilation. In addition, we hypothesized that variability of minute ventilation and tidal volume is larger than variability of respiratory rate. Respiratory rate and changes in tidal volume and in minute ventilation were continuously measured in 27 patients during 24 h following elective abdominal surgery, using an impedance-based non-invasive respiratory volume monitor (ExSpiron, Respiratory Motion, Waltham, MA, US). Coefficients of variation were used as a measure for variability of respiratory rate, tidal volume and minute ventilation. Data of 38,149 measurements were analyzed. We found no correlation between respiratory rate and tidal volume or minute ventilation (r² = 0.02 and 0.01). Mean respiratory rate increased within the first 24 h after abdominal surgery from 13.9 ± 2.5 to 16.2 ± 2.4 breaths/min (p = 0.008), while tidal volume and minute ventilation remained unchanged (p = 0.90 and p = 0.18). Of interest, variability of respiratory rate (0.21 ± 0.06) was significantly smaller than variability of tidal volume (0.37 ± 0.12, p < 0.001) and minute ventilation (0.41 ± 0.12, p < 0.001). Changes in postoperative respiratory rate do not allow conclusions about changes in tidal volume or minute ventilation. We suggest that postoperative alveolar hypoventilation may not be recognized by monitoring respiratory rate alone. Variability of respiratory rate is smaller than variability in tidal volume and minute ventilation, suggesting that adaptations of alveolar ventilation to metabolic needs may be predominately achieved by variations in tidal volume.

COVID-19 in Post-Operative Patients: Imaging Findings

Background: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in the post-operative period is challenging. Its clinical manifestations may have similarities to other septic, thoracic, or gastrointestinal post-surgical complications. Additionally, the post-operative period may be a time of increased risk for severe manifestations of COVID-19. We sought to evaluate the frequency of COVID-19 in a cohort of patients who had recently had operations who were undergoing imaging for acute symptoms and the role of chest computed tomography (CT) in this setting. Patients and Methods: We included all patients who had chest CT for acute symptoms in the 15 days after a surgical procedure between March 1 and 31, 2020. Results: Of 46 patients with acute post-operative symptoms requiring chest imaging, eight (17%) were ultimately diagnosed with COVID-19. Among them, five (62%) required mechanical ventilation and two (25%) died. All had abnormal chest CT with typical findings of COVID-19 in 87%. Computed tomography provided an alternate diagnosis in 53% of patients who did not have COVID-19. The average time between a COVID-19-positive chest CT and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmation was 1.2 days (range, 0-4 days). Conclusion: COVID-19 is a serious post-operative condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Chest CT provides prompt diagnosis of COVID-19. In centers with a high prevalence of COVID-19, chest acquisition should be included in CT scans done for acute post-operative symptoms.

Respiratory Distress in Postanesthesia Care Unit: First Presentation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in a 17-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report

A 17-year-old healthy girl underwent an uneventful esthetic septorhinoplasty. She was easily extubated and transferred to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) with oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 96%. About 30 minutes after arrival in the PACU, she developed dyspnea with SpO2 of 84% and promptly received oxygen with bilevel positive airway pressure in conjunction with low-dose corticosteroid. The subsequent chest computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral patchy infiltrates similar to the radiologic findings of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Finally, a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of a pharyngeal specimen confirmed the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Impact of fractional exhaled nitric oxide on the outcomes of lung resection surgery: a prospective study

Background

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), which is representative of airway inflammation, is an indicator of chronic lung disease. However, its effect on the outcome of lung resection is unknown. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate FeNO in patients who underwent lung resection, to analyze the perioperative dynamics, and clarify the impact on postoperative complications.

Methods

We measured FeNO using NIOX VERO^® once before and on days 1, 3, 5–7 after surgery in participants who were candidates for lung cancer surgery. The primary endpoint was the relationship between postoperative morbidity and preoperative FeNO. The secondary endpoint was the relationship between postoperative FeNO and additional treatment, including readmission.

Results

We enrolled 105 patients between September 2017 and March 2019. Anatomical lung resection was the predominant treatment (87%) for primary lung cancer. Postoperative pulmonary complications developed in 16 patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative FeNO was a significant predictor of postoperative pulmonary complications (P=0.002, OR: 1.004, 95% CI: 1.016–1.074). FeNO levels increased significantly after surgery (P=0.011). Postoperative FeNO was a significant predictor of the need for additional medical treatment within 30 days of surgery (P=0.001, OR: 1.068, 95% CI: 1.028–1.110).

Conclusions

Perioperative FeNO was a significant predictor of surgical outcome among patients who underwent lung resection. The measurement of FeNO is expected to be a simple and useful method for preventing subsequent deterioration in these patients.

Perioperative strategies for the reduction of postoperative pulmonary complications

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), estimated between 2.0% and 5.6% in the general surgical population and 20-70% for upper abdominal and thoracic surgeries, are a significant factor leading to poor patient outcomes. Efforts to decrease the incidence of PPCs such as bronchospasm, atelectasis, exacerbations of underlying chronic lung conditions, infections (bronchitis and pneumonia), prolonged mechanical ventilation, and respiratory failure, begins with a detailed preoperative risk evaluation. There are several available preoperative tests to estimate the risk of PPCs. However, the value of some of these studies to estimate PPCs remains controversial and is still debated. In this review, the preoperative risk assessment of PPCs is examined along with preoperative pulmonary tests to estimate risk, intraoperative, and procedure-associated risk factors for PPCs, and perioperative strategies to decrease PPCs. The importance of minimizing these events is reflected in the fact that nearly 25% of postoperative deaths occurring in the first week after surgery are associated with PPCs. This review provides important information to help clinical anesthesiologists to recognize potential risks for pulmonary complications and allows strategies to create an appropriate perioperative plan for patients.

Body Position Alters Mechanical Power and Respiratory Mechanics During Thoracic Surgery

BACKGROUND

During thoracic surgery, patients are usually positioned in lateral decubitus and only the dependent lung ventilated. The ventilated lung is thus exposed to the weight of the contralateral hemithorax and restriction of the dependent chest wall. We hypothesized that mechanical power would increase during one-lung ventilation in the lateral position.

METHODS

We performed a prospective, observational, single-center study from December 2016 to May 2017. Thirty consecutive patients undergoing general anesthesia with mechanical ventilation (mean age, 68 ± 11 years; body mass index, 25 ± 5 kg·m) for thoracic surgery were enrolled. Total and partitioned mechanical power, lung and chest wall elastance, and esophageal pressure were compared in supine and lateral position with double- and one-lung ventilation and with closed and open chest both before and after surgery. Mixed factorial ANOVA for repeated measurements was performed, with both step and the period before or after surgery as 2 within-subject factors, and left or right body position during surgery as a fixed, between-subject factor. Appropriate interaction terms were included.

RESULTS

The mechanical power was higher in lateral one-lung ventilation compared to both supine and lateral position double-lung ventilation (11.1 ± 3.0 vs 8.2 ± 2.7 vs 8.7 ± 2.6; mean difference, 2.9 J·minute [95% CI, 1.4-4.4 J·minute] and 2.4 J·minute [95% CI, 0.9-3.9 J·minute]; P < .001 and P = .002, respectively). Lung elastance was higher during lateral position one-lung ventilation compared to both lateral and supine double-lung ventilation (24.3 ± 8.7 vs 9.5 ± 3.8 vs 10.0 ± 3.8; mean difference, 14.7 cm H2O·L [95% CI, 11.2-18.2 cm H2O·L] and 14.2 cm H2O·L [95% CI, 10.8-17.7 cm H2O·L], respectively) and was higher compared to predicted values (20.1 ± 7.5 cm H2O·L). Chest wall elastance increased in lateral position double-lung ventilation compared to supine (11.1 ± 3.8 vs 6.6 ± 3.4; mean difference, 4.5 cm H2O·L [95% CI, 2.6-6.3 cm H2O·L]) and was lower in lateral position one-lung ventilation with open chest than with a closed chest (3.5 ± 1.9 vs 7.1 ± 2.8; mean difference, 3.6 cm H2O·L [95% CI, 2.4-4.8 cm H2O·L]). The end-expiratory esophageal pressure decreased moving from supine position to lateral position one-lung ventilation while increased with the opening of the chest wall.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical power and lung elastance are increased in the lateral position with one-lung ventilation. Esophageal pressure monitoring may be used to follow these changes.

Residual Neuromuscular Blockade and Postoperative Pulmonary Complications: What Does the Recent Evidence Demonstrate?

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to assess how residual neuromuscular block impacts postoperative pulmonary complications and whether we can modify the risk by improving certain aspects in daily clinical care.

Recent findings

Postoperative respiratory impairment may be due to various causes, such as age, surgery type, comorbidity, smoking, preoperative anemia, and general anesthesia. However, increasing evidence suggests that residual neuromuscular block is an important risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications and may affect the outcome. Conflicting data from some recent reports show that the use of quantitative neuromuscular monitoring alone does not preclude residual neuromuscular block and that improvements in the interpretation of neuromuscular monitoring may be required. Pulmonary complications seem to be reduced for train-of-four ratios > 0.95 before tracheal extubation compared with > 0.9.

Summary

This review stresses the need for appropriate management of neuromuscular block in the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications but acknowledges that the causes are multifactorial.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes between pure laparoscopic surgery and open right hepatectomy in living donor hepatectomy: Propensity score matching analysis

Pure laparoscopic donor right hepatectomy (PLDRH) is not a standard procedure for living donor liver transplantation but is safe and reproducible in the hands of experienced surgeons. However, the perioperative outcomes of PLDRH have not been fully evaluated yet. We used propensity score matching to compare the perioperative complications and postoperative short-term outcomes of donors undergoing PLDRH and open donor right hepatectomy (ODRH). A total of 325 consecutive donors who underwent elective, adult-to-adult right hepatectomy were initially screened. After propensity score matching, all patients were divided into two groups: PLDRH (n = 123) and ODRH (n = 123) groups. Perioperative complications and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Postoperative pulmonary complications were significantly more common in the ODRH than in the PLDRH group (54.5 vs. 31.7%, P < 0.001). The biliary complications (leak and stricture) were higher in PLDRH group than in the ODRH group (8% vs. 3%), but it failed to reach statistical significance (P = 0.167). Overall, surgical complication rates were similar between the two groups (P = 0.730). The opioid requirement during the first 7 postoperative days was higher in the ODRH group (686 vs. 568 mg, P < 0.001). The hospital stay and time to the first meal were shorter in the PLDRH than in the ODRH group (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively). PLDRH reduced the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and afforded better short-term postoperative outcomes compared to ODRH. However, surgical complication rates were similar in both groups.

Smoking cessation prior to gynecological surgery-A registry-based randomized trial

INTRODUCTION

Smoking cessation, both pre- and postoperatively, is important to reduce complications associated with surgery. Identifying feasible and effective means of alerting the patient before surgery to the importance of perioperative smoking cessation is a challenge to healthcare systems.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A randomized registry-based trial using the web-version of the Swedish national quality register for gynecological surgery, GynOp, was performed (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03942146). Current smokers scheduled for gynecological surgery were randomly assigned before surgery to group 1 (control group, no specific information), group 2 (web-based written information), group 3 (information to doctor that the woman was a smoker and should be recommended smoking cessation or group 4 (a combination of groups 2 and 3). Perioperative smoking habits were evaluated in a postoperative questionnaire 2 months after surgery. The treatment effect was estimated to be a 15% reduction in the number of smokers at the time of surgery. Thus, 94 women in each group were required, in total 376 women, using a one-sided test with an alpha level of 0.001 and a statistical power of 80%.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 1427) were recruited between 5 November 2015 and 6 December 2017. A total of 1137 smokers responded to the follow-up questionnaire (80%), with 486 women declining to participate, leaving 651 women eligible for analysis. Women who received both web-based information prior to surgery and information from a doctor, reported smoking cessation more often from 1 to 3 weeks preoperatively (Odds ratio [OR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-3.3) and 1 to 3 weeks after surgery (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.3) compared with the control group who received no specific information.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of written information in the health declaration and a recommendation from a doctor regarding smoking cessation may be associated with higher odds of smoking cessation at 1-3 weeks pre- and postoperatively.

Perioperative interventions for prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To identify, appraise, and synthesise the best available evidence on the efficacy of perioperative interventions to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in adult patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, CINHAL, and CENTRAL from January 1990 to December 2017.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials investigating short term, protocolised medical interventions conducted before, during, or after non-cardiac surgery were included. Trials with clinical diagnostic criteria for PPC outcomes were included. Studies of surgical technique or physiological or biochemical outcomes were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Reviewers independently identified studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality of evidence. Meta-analyses were conducted to calculate risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Quality of evidence was summarised in accordance with GRADE methods. The primary outcome was the incidence of PPCs. Secondary outcomes were respiratory infection, atelectasis, length of hospital stay, and mortality. Trial sequential analysis was used to investigate the reliability and conclusiveness of available evidence. Adverse effects of interventions were not measured or compared.

RESULTS

117 trials enrolled 21 940 participants, investigating 11 categories of intervention. 95 randomised controlled trials enrolling 18 062 participants were included in meta-analysis; 22 trials were excluded from meta-analysis because the interventions were not sufficiently similar to be pooled. No high quality evidence was found for interventions to reduce the primary outcome (incidence of PPCs). Seven interventions had low or moderate quality evidence with confidence intervals indicating a probable reduction in PPCs: enhanced recovery pathways (risk ratio 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 0.58), prophylactic mucolytics (0.40, 0.23 to 0.67), postoperative continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (0.49, 0.24 to 0.99), lung protective intraoperative ventilation (0.52, 0.30 to 0.88), prophylactic respiratory physiotherapy (0.55, 0.32 to 0.93), epidural analgesia (0.77, 0.65 to 0.92), and goal directed haemodynamic therapy (0.87, 0.77 to 0.98). Moderate quality evidence showed no benefit for incentive spirometry in preventing PPCs. Trial sequential analysis adjustment confidently supported a relative risk reduction of 25% in PPCs for prophylactic respiratory physiotherapy, epidural analgesia, enhanced recovery pathways, and goal directed haemodynamic therapies. Insufficient data were available to support or refute equivalent relative risk reductions for other interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Predominantly low quality evidence favours multiple perioperative PPC reduction strategies. Clinicians may choose to reassess their perioperative care pathways, but the results indicate that new trials with a low risk of bias are needed to obtain conclusive evidence of efficacy for many of these interventions.

STUDY REGISTRATION

Prospero CRD42016035662.

Effects of Acetaminophen, NSAIDs, Gabapentinoids, and Their Combinations on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications After Total Hip or Knee Arthroplasty

Objective

Multimodal analgesia has gained popularity in total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but large multicenter studies evaluating specific analgesic combinations are lacking.

Design

A retrospective study using the Premier Healthcare Database (2009–2014).

Subjects

Adults who underwent elective primary THA or TKA.

Methods

We categorized day-of-surgery analgesic exposure using eight mutually exclusive categories: acetaminophen (Ac), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ns), gabapentinoids (Ga; gabapentin or pregabalin), Ac+Ns, Ac+Ga, Ns+Ga, Ac+Ns+Ga, and none of the three drugs. Multilevel models measured associations of the analgesic categories with a composite of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs).

Results

Among 863,139 patients, 75.2% received at least one of the three drugs. In multilevel models, compared with none of the three drugs, Ga use was associated with increased odds of PPCs when used alone (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27 to 1.44), combined with Ac (aOR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.08 to 1.26), or combined with Ns (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.21 to 1.34). In contrast, the Ac+Ns pair was associated with decreased odds of PPCs (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.83 to 0.90) and lower opioid consumption. Ac+Ns+Ga was not associated with PPCs, whereas it was associated with the lowest opioid consumption on the day of surgery.

Conclusions

Gabapentinoids, alone and in single combination with either acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, were associated with higher PPCs, whereas the Ac+Ns pair was associated with fewer PPCs and an opioid-sparing effect. Ac+Ns+Ga was not associated with PPCs, whereas it was associated with the lowest opioid consumption on the day of surgery.

Effect of an ultrasound-guided lung recruitment manoeuvre on postoperative atelectasis in children: A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided alveolar recruitment, regardless of the technique, could be more effective because it facilitates real-time monitoring of the expansion of collapsed alveoli.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the effects of an ultrasound-guided lung recruitment manoeuvre with those of a conventional recruitment manoeuvre on the occurrence of postoperative atelectasis and clinical outcomes in children.

DESIGN

A randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Tertiary children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Children aged 6 years or less.

INTERVENTION

Children scheduled for simple, superficial procedures underwent lung ultrasound after tracheal intubation (T1), at the end of surgery (T2) and before discharge from the postanaesthesia care unit (T3). Following lung ultrasound evaluation at T1 and T2, the conventional recruitment manoeuvre with a maximal airway pressure of 30 cmH2O was performed in the control group, while an ultrasound-guided recruitment manoeuvre was performed in the ultrasound group.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the incidence of significant atelectasis at T3.

RESULTS

The incidences of atelectasis at T3 were 20.9 and 11.6% in the control (n = 43) and ultrasound groups (n = 43), respectively (odds ratio [OR], 2.012; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.614 to 6.594; P = 0.249). The lung ultrasound scores were better in the ultrasound group than in the control group at T2 and T3, and the incidence of postoperative desaturation was higher in the control group than in the ultrasound group (16.3 vs. 2.3%; OR, 0.12; 95% CI 0.01 to 1.04; P = 0.05). The median airway pressure required for full lung expansion in the ultrasound group was 35 cmH2O at T1 and T2. Other postoperative outcomes were similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided lung recruitment may be more effective than the conventional procedure in terms of the prevention of intra-operative atelectasis and postoperative desaturation; however, its beneficial effects on postoperative atelectasis remain unclear. An inspiratory airway pressure of more than 30 cmH2O is required for full recruitment of alveoli in healthy children.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03453762).

Driving Pressure During General Anesthesia for Open Abdominal Surgery (DESIGNATION): study protocol of a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative driving pressure (ΔP) is associated with development of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC). When tidal volume (V_T) is kept constant, ΔP may change according to positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP)-induced changes in lung aeration. ΔP may decrease if PEEP leads to a recruitment of collapsed lung tissue but will increase if PEEP mainly causes pulmonary overdistension. This study tests the hypothesis that individualized high PEEP, when compared to fixed low PEEP, protects against PPC in patients undergoing open abdominal surgery.

METHODS

The "Driving prESsure durIng GeNeral AnesThesIa for Open abdomiNal surgery trial" (DESIGNATION) is an international, multicenter, two-group, double-blind randomized clinical superiority trial. A total of 1468 patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two intraoperative ventilation strategies. Investigators screen patients aged ≥ 18 years and with a body mass index ≤ 40 kg/m², scheduled for open abdominal surgery and at risk for PPC. Patients either receive an intraoperative ventilation strategy with individualized high PEEP with recruitment maneuvers (RM) ("individualized high PEEP") or one in which PEEP of 5 cm H₂O without RM is used ("low PEEP"). In the "individualized high PEEP" group, PEEP is set at the level at which ΔP is lowest. In both groups of the trial, V_T is kept at 8 mL/kg predicted body weight. The primary endpoint is the occurrence of PPC, recorded as a collapsed composite of adverse pulmonary events.

DISCUSSION

DESIGNATION will be the first randomized clinical trial that is adequately powered to compare the effects of individualized high PEEP with RM versus fixed low PEEP without RM on the occurrence of PPC after open abdominal surgery. The results of DESIGNATION will support anesthesiologists in their decisions regarding PEEP settings during open abdominal surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03884543. Registered on 21 March 2019.

Perioperative risk factors for pulmonary complications after non-cardiac surgery

Background and Aims:

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) lead to increased morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, and cost to the patient. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors and assess the incidence of PPC after non-cardiac surgery.

Material and Methods:

This prospective, observational study was conducted on 1,170 patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Details of patient, surgical, and anesthetic factors were collected and patients were followed up for the entire duration of hospital stay for the occurrence of PPC. Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia (ARISCAT) score and the length of hospital stay was noted for all the patients. Regression analysis was used to find the risk factors associated with development of respiratory complications.

Results:

The incidence of PPC was found to be 59 in 1,170 patients (5%) in our hospital. Multivariate analysis revealed that patients with intermediate and high risk ARISCAT scoring had higher odds of developing PPC. Higher age (>50 years), positive cough test, presence of nasogastric tube, and intraoperative pulmonary complications were identified as independent risk factors associated with the occurrence of PPC.

Conclusion:

We found 5% incidence of PPC in our study. Recognition of the delineated risk factors and routine use of ARISCAT score for preoperative assessment may help identify patients at a higher risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications.

Dose-Dependent Association of Gabapentinoids with Pulmonary Complications After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasties

BACKGROUND

Gabapentinoids are commonly prescribed in perioperative multimodal analgesia protocols. Despite widespread use, the optimal dose to reduce opioid consumption while minimizing risks is unknown. We assessed dose-dependent effects of gabapentinoids on opioid consumption and postoperative pulmonary complications following total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA or TKA). We hypothesized that use of a gabapentinoid on the day of THA or TKA is associated with an increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in a dose-response fashion compared with the risk for patients who did not receive the drug.

METHODS

Using the Premier Database, we identified adults who underwent elective primary THA or TKA from 2009 to 2014. The exposure was receipt of a gabapentinoid (gabapentin or pregabalin) on the day of surgery. Gabapentin dose was categorized into 5 groups: none, 1 to 350, 351 to 700, 701 to 1,050, and >1,050 mg per day. Pregabalin dose was categorized into 4 groups: none, 1 to 110, 111 to 250, and >250 mg per day. The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative pulmonary complications, defined as respiratory failure, pneumonia, reintubation, pulmonary edema, noninvasive ventilation, or invasive mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

Of 858,306 patients who underwent THA or TKA, 11.0% received gabapentin and 10.2% received pregabalin. The mean age (and standard deviation) of the patients was 65.6 ± 10.7 years, 39.6% were male, 78.2% were Caucasian, and 55.2% were covered by Medicare. In multilevel regression analysis, receipt of gabapentinoid at any dose on the day of surgery was associated with increased odds of postoperative pulmonary complications. Compared with no exposure to the drug being used by the particular group, all dose ranges of gabapentin and pregabalin were associated with greater odds of postoperative pulmonary complications (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 1.51, 1.40 to 1.63, for >1,050 mg of gabapentin and 1.81, 1.57 to 2.09, for >250 mg of pregabalin). We found no clinically meaningful associations between exposure to either gabapentin or pregabalin and perioperative opioid consumption or the length of the hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to gabapentinoids at any dose on the day of THA or TKA was associated with increased odds of postoperative pulmonary complications in a dose-response fashion, with minimal effects on perioperative opioid consumption.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Performance in 6-min walk test in prediction of post-operative pulmonary complication in major oncosurgeries: A prospective observational study

Background and Aims

Post-operative pulmonary complications (PPC) contribute to increased morbidity and mortality, necessitating pre-operative functional assessment. Six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple option for functional assessment.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study conducted in 75 patients who underwent elective abdominal or thoracic oncosurgery under general anaesthesia with either age above 60 years or with cardiopulmonary diseases or obstructive sleep apnoea or low serum albumin or smoking. Patients with history of acute coronary syndrome in past 6 months, dyspnoea at rest, severe pain, inability to walk or interpret instructions and haemodynamic instability were excluded. Preoperatively 6MWT was conducted according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines and patients were observed for PPC. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1-no PPC and group 2-developed PPC. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (version 11.0.1). Categorical variables were assessed using Chi-square/Fisher's exact test and continuous variables using student's t-test/Mann-Whitney U test. Association was tested using logistic regression.

Results

Out of the 75 patients, 40 patients had no PPC (group 1) and 35 patients had PPC (group 2) including a death. The 6MWD of group with PPCs was significantly less (344 ± 61.927 m) compared to the group without PPCs (442.28 ± 83.194 m, P value = 0.001). The cut-off 6MWD obtained was 390 m, which correlated with longer duration of hospital stay and ICU stay (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Six-minute walk test is a reliable predictor of post-operative pulmonary complications with a cut-off 6MWD of 390 m in the studied oncosurgery patients.

Intraoperative Anesthetic Management of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease to Decrease the Risk of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Abdominal Surgery

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exhibit airflow limitation and suboptimal lung function, and they are at high risk of developing postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). We aimed to determine the factors that would decrease PPC risk in patients with COPD. We retrospectively analyzed 419 patients with COPD who were registered in our institutional PPC database and had undergone an abdominal surgery under general anesthesia. PPCs comprised respiratory failure, pleural effusion, atelectasis, respiratory infection, and bronchospasm; the presence or type of PPC was diagnosed by respiratory physicians and recorded in the database before this study. Binary logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. Of the 419 patients, 121 patients (28.8%) experienced 200 PPCs. Multivariable analysis showed three modifiable anesthetic factors that could decrease PPC risk: low tidal volume ventilation, restricted fluid infusion, and sugammadex-induced neuromuscular blockade reversal. We found that the 90-day mortality risk was significantly greater in patients with PPC than in those without PPC (5.8% vs. 1.3%; p = 0.016). Therefore, PPC risk in patients with COPD can be decreased if low tidal volume ventilation, restricted fluid infusion, and sugammadex-induced reversal during abdominal surgery are efficiently managed, as these factors result in decreased postoperative mortality.

Effect of Intravenous Propofol and Inhaled Sevoflurane Anesthesia on Postoperative Spirometric Indices: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Anesthetic drugs may directly or indirectly affect respiratory function. We investigated the effects of intravenous propofol and inhaled sevoflurane anesthesia on postoperative spirometric indices in patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy surgery.

Methods

We randomly assigned 111 patients, aged 18 - 65 years, undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy surgery, to receive either intravenous propofol or inhaled sevoflurane. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and FEV1/FVC were measured before and after anesthesia. Comparisons between the two groups were made using the t-test and ANOVA.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, sex, height, body weight, BMI, pain score, ASA class, operation duration, and received analgesics. The FEV1 and FVC values significantly decreased after the operation in the sevoflurane group.

Conclusions

Both intravenous propofol and inhaled sevoflurane can decrease postoperative spirometry parameters. However, it seems that patients receiving propofol have less decreased spirometric indices.

Root causes and outcomes of postoperative pulmonary complications after abdominal surgery: a retrospective observational cohort study

Background

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) contribute significantly to overall postoperative morbidity and mortality. In abdominal surgery, PPCs remain frequent. The study aimed to analyze the profile and outcomes of PPCs in patients submitted to abdominal surgery and admitted in a Portuguese polyvalent intensive care unit.

Methods

From January to December 2017 in the polyvalent intensive care unit of Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal, we conducted a retrospective, observational study of inpatients submitted to urgent or elective abdominal surgery who had severe PPCs. We evaluated the perioperative risk factors and associated mortality. Logistic regression was performed to find which perioperative risk factors were most important in the occurrence of PPCs.

Results

Sixty patients (75% male) with a median age of 64.5 [47-81] years who were submitted to urgent or elective abdominal surgery were included in the analysis. Thirty-six patients (60%) developed PPCs within 48 h and twenty-four developed PPCs after 48 h. Pneumonia was the most frequent PPC in this sample. In this cohort, 48 patients developed acute respiratory failure and needed mechanical ventilation. In the emergency setting, peritonitis had the highest rate of PPCs. Electively operated patients who developed PPCs were mostly carriers of digestive malignancies. Thirty-day mortality was 21.7%. The risk of PPCs development in the first 48 h was related to the need for neuromuscular blocking drugs several times during surgery and preoperative abnormal arterial blood gases. Median abdominal surgical incision, long surgery duration, and high body mass index were associated with PPCs that occurred more than 48 h after surgery. The American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score 4 and COPD/Asthma determined less mechanical ventilation needs since they were preoperatively optimized. Malnutrition (low albumin) before surgery was associated with 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

PPCs after abdominal surgery are still a major problem since they have profound effects on outcomes. Our results suggest that programs before surgery, involve preoperative lifestyle changes, such as nutritional supplementation, exercise, stress reduction, and smoking cessation, were an effective strategy in mitigating postoperative complications by decreasing mortality.