Perioperative management of patients with cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal carcinomatosis

Changes in Coagulation in Cancer Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Treatment (HIPEC)-A Systematic Review

Venous thromboembolism and postoperative bleeding are complications of cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The aim of this systematic review was to summarize current knowledge on the effect of cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC on coagulation and fibrinolysis within 10 days after surgery. Studies were identified in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science on December 12, 2022. Data on biomarkers of coagulation and fibrinolysis measured preoperatively up to the 10th postoperative day were extracted. Among 15 included studies, 13 studies reported markers of primary hemostasis. Eleven studies found reduced platelet count following cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC and two studies reported reduced platelet function. Twelve studies reported impaired secondary hemostasis until postoperative day 10 indicated by prolonged international normalized ratio, prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time. Fibrinogen was decreased in three studies from preoperative to postoperative day 3 switching to increased levels until postoperative day 10. In accordance, three studies found reduced maximum amplitude and maximum clot firmness by thromboelastography/thromboelastometry (ROTEM/TEG) on the first postoperative day indicating impaired clot strength. Four studies demonstrated increased d-dimer, factor (F) VIII, and thrombin generation during the 10 postoperative days. Four studies investigated fibrinolysis by ROTEM/TEG and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) after cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC reporting contradictive results. In conclusion, a decrease in platelet count and subtle changes in secondary hemostasis were found following cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC. Data on the effect of cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC on fibrinolysis are sparse and this needs to be further investigated.

Optimizing risk factors influence Intensive Care stay after Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy? An observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

It may be necessary to admit patients receiving Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) to the intensive care unit (ICU). They were required to evaluate the length of ICU stay (LOS) following HIPEC, as well as their survival rates and risk factors that influence LOS.

METHODS

74 HIPEC patients were observed after being admitted to the ICU. Their assignments were made based on their LOS at the ICU. Short stay group, patients who stayed in the ICU for three days or less (S-group) and patients who stayed for three days or longer (L-group).

RESULTS

Survival rates for both groups were comparable. After HIPEC, they exhibited intraoperative hypotension (P = 0.015), hyopthermia (P = 0.014), and hyperglycemia (P = 0.010). Additionally, patients in group L underwent longer surgeries (P = 0.013), lost more blood (P = 0.043), and required more transfusions (P = 0.001). Subjects in group-L had higher SOFA, fentanyl, and vasopressor requirements (all P 0.001), higher ALT and AST levels, disrupted K, lower Na, and higher INR levels (all P 0.001), as well as a higher APACHE II score (P = 0.007). Preoperative BUN had an independent risk factor for LOS of 0.861; (95% CI), (0.742- 0.999); P = 0.048; and crystalloid transfusion had an independent risk factor of 1.000; (95% CI), (0.999- 1.000); P = 0.003.

CONCLUSIONS

Transfusions of crystalloids and BUN were independent risk factors for extended LOS. ICU LOS had no impact on survival. All measures should be taken to control hemostasis in vulnerable HIPEC participants.

Malign asitli over kanserinde sitoredüktif cerrahide perioperatif hemodinamik optimizasyon

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of norepinephrine and albumin use in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer with malignant ascite in order to maintain plasma oncotic pressure and intravascular volume, to provide perioperative hemodynamic stabilization and tissue perfusion. In addition, it was aimed to compare in terms of postoperative intensive care admission, hospital stay and complications. Materials and Methods: A total of 66 patients, 38 with ascites and 28 without ascites, who underwent cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer were included in this study. PVI and invasive arterial monitoring of the patients were performed after hemodynamic stabilization (after the start of surgery) (T0). T0, 1st hour (T1) and 2nd hour (T2) and postoperative (Tpostop.) Ascites patients were composed of 3 subgroups which the ones received norepinephrine (NE) infusion, norepinephrine + albumin (NEA) infusion or only fluid therapy (FT). From the perioperative hemodynamic and laboratory data of the patients, tissue perfusion was evaluated with lactate, and hemodynamic status was evaluated with pleth variability index (PVI), perfusion index (PI) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Results: Demographic and clinical findings did not differ significantly between patients with and without ascites. Lactate level in NEA / NE group in Tpostop, PVI level in T1h, T2h and Tpostop time frames were determined higher than the FT group. PI was found to be significantly lower in the T2 time frame. The postoperative ICU admission rate was higher in the NEA and NE groups. The duration of ICU stay in group NEA was shorter than in group NE. Conclusion: We recommend the use of low-dose NE with albumin to provide perioperative hemodynamic optimization, tissue perfusion and plasma oncotic pressure in surgery of ovarian cancer with malignant ascites. Despite high fluid replacement in these patients, the use of norepinephrine and albumin together may have an important role in preventing / reducing major complications in the perioperative period.

Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic IntraPEritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations - Part I: Preoperative and intraoperative management

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been shown to considerably reduce complications, length of stay and costs after most of surgical procedures by standardised application of best evidence-based perioperative care. The aim was to elaborate dedicated recommendations for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) ± hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in a two-part series of guidelines based on expert consensus. The present part I of the guidelines highlights preoperative and intraoperative management.

METHODS

The core group assembled a multidisciplinary panel of 24 experts involved in peritoneal surface malignancy surgery representing the fields of general surgery (n = 12), gynaecological surgery (n = 6), and anaesthesia (n = 6). Experts systematically reviewed and summarized the available evidence on 72 identified perioperative care items, following the GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development, evaluation) system. Final consensus (defined as ≥50%, or ≥70% of weak/strong recommendations combined) was reached by a standardised 2-round Delphi process, regarding the strength of recommendations.

RESULTS

Response rates were 100% for both Delphi rounds. Quality of evidence was evaluated high, moderate low and very low, for 15 (21%), 26 (36%), 29 (40%) and 2 items, respectively. Consensus was reached for 71/72(98.6%) items. Strong recommendations were defined for 37 items, No consensus could be reached regarding the preemptive use of fresh frozen plasma.

CONCLUSION

The present ERAS recommendations for CRS±HIPEC are based on a standardised expert consensus process providing clinicians with valuable guidance. There is an urgent need to produce high quality studies for CRS±HIPEC and to prospectively evaluate recommendations in clinical practice.

Haemodynamic management during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A systematic review

CONTEXT

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a surgical technique for peritoneal carcinomatosis combining cytoreduction surgery and peritoneal irrigation of cytotoxic agents responsible for haemodynamics and fluid homeostasis alterations. To this day, no guidelines exist concerning intraoperative management.

OBJECTIVES

To review data on haemodynamic monitoring and management of patients undergoing HIPEC and to help design a standardised anaesthetic protocol.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane library were searched using the following.

STUDY SELECTION

Original articles and case-reports. Letters to editors and reviews were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data on haemodynamic management, morbidity and mortality.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Haemodynamic management during HIPEC is highly variable and depends on local protocols. Only one randomised controlled trial evaluated the benefit of goal-directed fluid administration (GDFA). GDFA guided by advanced haemodynamic monitoring resulted in significantly less complication, shorter length of stay and less mortality compared to standard fluid administration. Renal protection protocol did not decrease the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI).

CONCLUSION

Our review reveals that fluid administration guided by advanced monitoring seems to be associated with less postoperative morbidity and mortality after HIPEC. Nevertheless, the literature review shows that intraoperative haemodynamic management is highly variable for this surgery. The use of renal protection strategy does not decrease the prevalence of AKI. Further prospective trials comparing different fluid management and haemodynamic monitoring strategies are urgently needed (PROSPERO registration CRD42018115720).

Peritoneal Cancers and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is an aggressive, potentially curative approach used to treat locoregional disease associated with primary and secondary malignancies of the peritoneum. It involves resection of all macroscopic disease larger than 2.5 mm, followed by instillation of hyperthermic chemotherapy directly into the peritoneum for higher drug exposure to microscopic disease. In select patients with primary peritoneal mesothelioma, pseudomyxoma peritonei, colorectal adenocarcinoma, appendiceal adenocarcinoma, or ovarian cancer, with no extra-abdominal metastasis and limited involvement of the peritoneum, the procedure can be performed to increase overall survival.

Society of Onco-Anaesthesia and Perioperative Care consensus guidelines for perioperative management of patients for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC)

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) for primary peritoneal malignancies or peritoneal spread of malignant neoplasm is being done at many centres worldwide. Perioperative management is challenging with varied haemodynamic and temperature instabilities, and the literature is scarce in many aspects of its perioperative management. There is a need to have coalition of the existing evidence and experts' consensus opinion for better perioperative management. The purpose of this consensus practice guideline is to provide consensus for best practice pattern based on the best available evidence by the expert committee of the Society of Onco-Anaesthesia and Perioperative Care comprising perioperative physicians for better perioperative management of patients of CRS-HIPEC.

The effect of intraoperative fluid administration on outcomes of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Background

Determine the effect of intraoperative fluids (IOFs) administered during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) on postoperative patient outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent CRS/HIPEC from February 2010 to June 2017.

Results

A total of 335 patients formed the cohort study. Patients who received higher IOFs had longer hospital length of stay (LOS) (34 vs. 22.5 days; P<0.001), extended intensive care unit (ICU) admission (5.3 vs. 3.2 days; P<0.001) and a 12% increase in grade 3/4 complications (P<0.001). Greater amounts of blood product transfusion were associated with longer hospital LOS (33.7 vs. 23 days; P<0.001), and ICU admission (5 vs. 3.4 days; P<0.001) and 12% increase in grade 3/4 complications (P<0.001). When corrected for weight and peritoneal cancer index (PCI), increased transfusion of blood products still resulted in longer hospital LOS (31.2 vs. 25.2 days; P=0.04) and longer ICU admission (4.7 vs. 3.6 days; P=0.03). On multivariable analysis, less blood product transfusions demonstrated a decreased LOS in hospital by 4.8 days (P=0.01) and fewer grade 3/4 complications (OR 0.59; 95% CI, 0.35-0.99; P=0.05).

Conclusions

Greater IOF administration is associated with an increase in postoperative morbidity, including hospital LOS, ICU admission and grade 3/4 complications, in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC.

Predictive risk factors of acute kidney injury after cytoreductive surgery and cisplatin-based hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy for ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to assess the incidence and identify the predictive risk factors of acute kidney injury after cytoreductive surgery and cisplatin-based hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study from two centers evaluating patients with advanced or recurrent ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery followed by cisplatin-based hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy from January 2007 to December 2013. Patients were classified into two groups according to the occurrence of acute kidney injury, defined as a glomerular filtration rate at post-operative day 7 25% lower than at day 0. We also evaluated acute kidney injury following Risk, Injury, Failure, Lost and End-stage kidney function criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted in order to assess the association between different variables and the occurrence of acute kidney injury.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients were included: 29 (44%) underwent first-line treatment and 37 (56%) were treated for recurrent disease. The incidence of post-operative acute kidney injury was 48%. After multivariate analysis, hypertension (OR 18.6; 95% CI 1.9 to 182.3; p=0.012) and low intra-operative diuresis (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.4 to 0.8; p=0.001) were associated with acute kidney injury.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of acute kidney injury after cytoreductive surgery and cisplatin-based hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy was high. Hypertension and low intra-operative diuresis were independent risk factors for this complication. Adequate peri-operative hydration, in order to maintain correct diuresis, could decrease the occurrence of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy.

Restrictive Intraoperative Fluid Therapy is Associated with Decreased Morbidity and Length of Stay Following Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemoperfusion

BACKGROUND

Recent data have demonstrated multiple benefits of intra- and postoperative fluid restriction in major abdominal surgery; however, data regarding the outcomes of fluid restriction in cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (CRS/HIPEC) are limited. This study evaluates the safety and short-term clinical outcomes of restricted intraoperative fluid therapy in CRS/HIPEC.

METHODS

This was a single-institution, retrospective review of all CRS/HIPEC procedures performed at the University of Massachusetts Medical School between January 2009 and July 2017. Recorded variables included demographics, intraoperative factors, 60-day postoperative complications, and length of stay (LOS). Outcomes based on the use of intraoperative permissive fluid therapy (PFT) versus restrictive fluid therapy (RFT) were compared.

RESULTS

Overall, 169 CRS/HIPEC cases were performed during the study period; 84 were managed with PFT and 85 were managed with RFT. No significant differences were identified in patient demographics. There was a decrease in intraoperative administration of crystalloid (8.0 vs. 4.4 L, p < 0.01), colloid (900 vs. 300 mL, p < 0.01), and blood transfusion (0.26 vs. 0.04 units, p < 0.01) in the RFT cohort. LOS was reduced from 11.5 to 9.7 days (p < 0.01) and the incidence of any 60-day complication decreased from 45 to 28% (p = 0.02) in the RFT group. The overall 90-day mortality rate was 0.6% (n = 1). Adjusted logistic regression demonstrated the odds of having a Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher complication was 0.31 (95% confidence interval 0.10-0.95) with RFT.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative RFT with standard anesthesia monitoring devices can be safely used in CRS/HIPEC and is associated with a decreased LOS and decreased rate of postoperative complications.

Critical care management and intensive care unit outcomes following cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

AIM

To study the early postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) management and complications in the first 2 wk of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

METHODS

Our study is a retrospective, observational study performed at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, quaternary care hospital in New York City. All adult patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2012 and admitted to ICU postoperatively were studied. Fifty-one patients came to the ICU postoperatively out of 170 who underwent CRS and HIPEC therapy during the study period. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Of the 170 patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC therapy, 51 (30%) came to the ICU postoperatively. Mean ICU length of stay was 4 d (range 1-60 d) and mean APACHE II score was 15 (range 7-23). Thirty-one/fifty-one (62%) patients developed postoperative complications. Aggressive intraoperative and postoperative fluid resuscitation is required in most patients. Hypovolemia was seen in all patients and median amount of fluids required in the first 48 h was 6 L (range 1-14 L). Thirteen patients (25%) developed postoperative hypotension with seven requiring vasopressor support. The major cause of sepsis was intraabdominal, with 8 (15%) developing anastomotic leaks and 5 (10%) developing intraabdominal abscess. The median survival was 14 mo with 30 d mortality of 4% (2/51) and 90 d mortality of 16% (8/51). One year survival was 56.4% (28/51). Preoperative medical co morbidities, extent of surgical debulking, intraoperative blood losses, amount of intra op blood products required and total operative time are the factors to be considered while deciding ICU vs non ICU admission.

CONCLUSION

Overall, ICU outcomes of this study population are excellent. Triage of these patients should consider preoperative and intraoperative factors. Intensivists should be vigilant to aggressive postop fluid resuscitation, pain control and early detection and management of surgical complications.

Introducing Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy into Gynecological Oncology Practice - Feasibility and Safety Considerations: Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Within the surgical oncology community interest is increasingly focusing on combining surgical cytoreduction and regional chemotherapeutic drug delivery to manage solid abdominal tumors. In particular, the role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is evolving for treating epithelial ovarian carcinomas (EOCs), as EOCs remain confined to the peritoneal cavity for most of their natural history. Currently there is no evidence from prospective trials to confirm an overall survival benefit associated with HIPEC. In addition, there are no generally accepted regimens, which results in heterogeneous clinical procedures.

METHODS

We have initiated a HIPEC program at our institution and completed a phase I study of HIPEC with cisplatin in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent EOC. The data have been published and prove the feasibility of this approach. In the process of introducing HIPEC, several safety measures had to be taken into consideration.

RESULTS

We present the implications and requirements of introducing HIPEC in clinical practice and discuss our proposed procedure referring to the recent literature.

CONCLUSION

HIPEC is feasible and can be performed safely in daily gynecological oncology routine provided that certain considerations and precautions are taken into account during its introduction to guarantee a proper and safe operating sequence.

Anaesthetic Considerations in the Perioperative Management of Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has emerged as one of the primary modalities of treatment of diffuse peritoneal malignancies. It is a complex surgical procedure with the patients facing major and potentially life threatening alterations of haemodynamic, respiratory, metabolic and thermal balance with significant fluid losses and the perioperative management is challenging for anaesthesiologists and intensive care physicians. Though the alterations are short lived, these patients require advanced organ function monitoring and support perioperatively. The anaesthesiologist is involved in the management of haemodynamics, respiratory function, coagulation, haematologic parameters, fluid balance, thermal variations, and metabolic and nutritional support perioperatively. The chemotherapy instillate used are known to cause nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, dyselectrolytemia and lactic acidosis. The preoperative polypharmacy for pain control, previous surgery and/or chemotherapy, malnourished status secondary to feeding problems and tumour wasting syndrome make the task all the more challenging. The anaesthesiologist also needs to consider the perioperative care from a quality of life perspective and proper preoperative counselling is important. The present overview summarizes the challenges faced by the anaesthesiologist regarding the pathophysiological alterations during the Cytoreductive surgery and Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative periods.

A randomized trial of goal directed vs. standard fluid therapy in cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

The use of adequate fluid therapy during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) remains controversial. The aim of the study was to assess whether the use of fluid therapy protocol combined with goal-directed therapy (GDT) is associated with a significant change in morbidity, length of hospital stay, and mortality compared to standard fluid therapy. Patients American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) II-III undergoing CRS and HIPEC were randomized into two groups. The GDT group (N = 38) received fluid therapy according to a protocol guided by monitored hemodynamic parameters. The control group (N = 42) received standard fluid therapy. We evaluated incidence of major complications, total length of hospital stay, total amount of fluids administered, and mortality rate. The incidence of major abdominal complications was 10.5% in GDT group and 38.1% in the control group (P = 0.005). The median duration of hospitalization was 19 days in GDT group and 29 days in the control group (P < 0.0001). The mortality rate was zero in GDT group vs. 9.5% in the control group (P = 0.12). GDT group received a significantly (P < 0.0001) lower amount of fluid (5812 ± 1244 ml) than the control group (8269 ± 1452 ml), with a significantly (P < 0.0001) lower volume of crystalloids (3884 ± 1003 vs. 68,528 ± 1413 ml). In CRS and HIPEC, the use of a GDT improves outcome in terms of incidence of major abdominal and systemic postoperative complications and length of hospital stay, compared to standard fluid therapy protocol.

Epidural analgesia for cytoreductive surgery with peritonectomy and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To evaluate epidural analgesia role after cytoreductive surgery with peritonectomy combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

METHODS

101 patients were retrospectively studied (between 2008 and 2012) to evaluate epidural analgesia effectiveness, tolerability and safety in this surgical context through the assessment of pain, detection of adverse events (nausea, vomiting, itching), temporary motor block, respiratory failure and coagulation profile in the post-operative period.

RESULTS

The median duration of epidural analgesia was 5 [range 1-10] days. As regards pain relief, the median verbal numerical scale scores at rest and on movement were below 2 and 5 until the fifth post-operative day, respectively. 13% of patients suffered nausea, 4% vomit, and 1% itching. No bradycardia or respiratory failure event was reported. 9.9% of patients had hypotension episodes. Coagulation reached normality only 3-4 days after surgery. 5 risky accidental dislodgments of epidural catheter occurred (prothrombine time INR > 1.5) without neurological complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural analgesia ensures adequate pain relief and is well tolerated by patients after cytoreductive surgery with peritonectomy combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Hypotension is common in this context and careful monitoring of coagulation parameters, especially in the first 3 days after surgery, is advisable to reduce the risk of neuraxial complications.

Organ dysfunction in critically ill cancer patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

The aim of the present study was to observe the incidence of organ dysfunction and the intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes of critically ill cancer patients during the cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy post-operative period. The present study included 25 critically ill cancer patients admitted to the ICU of the National Cancer Institute (Mexico City, Mexico) between January 2007 and February 2013. The incidence of organ dysfunction was 68% and patients exhibiting ≤1 organ system dysfunction during ICU admittance remained in hospital for a significantly shorter period compared with patients who exhibited ≥2 organ system dysfunctions (12.4±10.7 vs. 24.1±12.8 days; P=0.025). Therefore, the present study demonstrated that a high incidence of organ dysfunction was associated with a longer ICU hospital stay.

Hemodynamic Monitoring During Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Using the FloTrac/Vigileo System

Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC has provided a chance for long-term survival in selected patients. However, perioperative management remains a challenge for the anesthesiology team. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in hemodynamic parameters during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) using the FloTrac/Vigileo system. Forty-one consecutive patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC were enrolled. Heart rate (HR), esophageal temperature, and cardiac output (CO) steadily increased until the end of HIPEC. In the first half of HIPEC, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and central venous pressure (CVP) increased whereas systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased; SVR stabilized in the second half. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and stroke volume (SV) showed no significant variation. Male gender was related to increased CVP, CO, and SV, and decreased SVR; age >55 years was related to increased SBP, and peritoneal cancer index (PCI) was correlated with HR, DBP, and SV. PCI >14 was associated with increased HR and decreased DBP and MAP. American Society of Anesthesiologists score >1 was related to decreased CO and SV. Patients undergoing HIPEC develop a hyperdynamic circulatory state because of the increased temperature, characterized by a steady decrease in SVR and continuous increase in HR and CO. FloTrac/Vigileo system may provide an easy-to-handle, noninvasive monitoring tool.

Anaesthetic management of cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy perfusion

BACKGROUND

Macroscopic cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy perfusion (HITHOC) is a new multimodal approach for selected patients with primary and secondary pleural tumors, which may provide the patient with better local tumor control and increased overall survival rate.

METHODS

We present a single-center study including 20 patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and HITHOC between September 2008 and April 2013 at the University Medical Center Regensburg, Germany. Objective of the study was to describe the perioperative, anaesthetic management with special respect to pain and complication management.

RESULTS

Anaesthesia during this procedure is characterized by increased intrathoracic airway and central venous pressure, hemodynamic alterations and the risk of systemic hypo- and hyperthermia. Securing an adequate intravascular volume is one of the primary goals to prevent decreased cardiac output as well as pulmonary edema. Transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBC) was necessary in seven of 20 (35%) patients. Only two patients (10%) showed an impairment of coagulation in postoperative laboratory analysis. Perioperative forced diuresis is recommended to prevent postoperative renal insufficiency. Supplementary thoracic epidural analgesia in 13 patients (65%) showed a significant reduction of post-operative pain compared with peroral administration of opioid and non-opioid analgesics.

CONCLUSION

This article summarizes important experiences of the anaesthesiological and intensive care management in patients undergoing HITHOC.

Colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis treated with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: the experience of a tertiary Asian center

INTRODUCTION

Compared with intravenous chemotherapy, cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been shown to improve survival in patients with recurrent colorectal disease confined to the peritoneum. We report our experience with CRS and HIPEC for colorectal cancer patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis, evaluating prognostic factors for disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and perioperative morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

All patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC were included in our study. Clinical characteristics, operative data, and 30-day morbidity and mortality were collected and evaluated.

RESULTS

Between January 2001 and December 2012, there were 35 consecutive patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC at our institution. Thirty-three patients (94%) had optimal cytoreduction. No 30-day mortality was reported, but 14 patients had postoperative complications. The median DFS was 9.4 months (95% confidence interval 5.5-18.7 months), and DFS at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years were 43.8%, 22.3%, and 22.3%, respectively. The median OS was calculated to be 27.1 months (95% confidence interval 15.3-39.1), and the OS at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years were 83.7%, 38.2%, and 19.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

CRS and HIPEC can provide survival benefit, with reasonable morbidity and mortality for Asian patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer. Patient selection and perioperative management of the patients are key to the success of the procedure.

Anaesthesia in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: retrospective analysis of a single centre three-year experience

Background

Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is a treatment option for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. There are limited data available on anaesthesia management and its impact on patients’ outcome. Our aim was to retrospectively analyze and evaluate perioperative management and the clinical course of patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC within a three-year period.

Methods

After ethic committee approval, patient charts were retrospectively reviewed for patient characteristics, interventions, perioperative management, postoperative course, and complications. Analysis was intervention based. Data are presented as median (range).

Results

Between 2009 and 2011, 54 consecutive patients underwent 57 interventions; median anaesthesia time was 715 (range 370 to 1135) minutes. HIPEC induced hyperthermia with an overall median peak temperature of 38.1 (35.7-40.2)°C with active cooling. Bleeding, expressed as median blood loss was 0.8 (0 to 6) litre and large fluid shifts occurred, requiring a total fluid input of 8.4 (4.2 to 29.4) litres per patient. Postoperative renal function was dependent on preoperative function and the type of fluids used. Administration of hydroxyethyl starch colloid solution had a significant negative impact on renal function, especially in younger patients. Major complications occurred after 12 procedures leading to death in 2 patients. Procedure time and need for blood transfusion were associated with a significantly higher risk for major complications.

Conclusions

Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC is a high-risk surgical procedure associated with major hemodynamic and metabolic changes. As well as primary disease and complexity of surgery, we have shown that anaesthesia management, the type and amount of fluids used, and blood transfusions may also have a significant effect on patients’ outcome.

Anesthetic management of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy procedures

Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy procedure are performed with increasing frequency to treat patients with diffused peritoneal carcinomatosis. These procedures have showed to increase life expectancy in what was previously considered a “terminal condition”. Anyway patients face major and life threatening derangements of their hemodynamic, respiratory and metabolic physiologic balance during the surgery and in the immediate postoperative period. Despite the need of an advanced organ monitoring and support all these derangements seem to be mild and short-lived when timely addressed, at least in the majority of patients. Intensive care physicians are involved in providing surveillance and organ support till the patient is effectively weaned after the operation. Moreover, the anesthesiologist as perioperative physician is involved in pain control, metabolic and nutritional support of this cohort of patients. This task can be challenging considering that part of the patients are already on a long list of pain control medication after previous surgery or chemotherapy. A malnourished state is common too and it is secondary to difficult feeding, wasting syndrome from the tumor and massive ascites. The last issue the anesthesiologists need to be aware of is the impact over the quality of life (QoL) of this procedure. The patient’s underlying pathology is unlikely to be definitively cured so no treatment is an acceptable choice. The possibility to withhold the treatments must be part of the consultation process like the discussion about the QoL in the immediate, as well as in the long-term, after the operation. Careful monitoring and treatment of every aspect that can impact the QoL must be taken and the efforts to be poured into an effective preservation of the QoL must be doubled when compared with a patient scheduled for major abdominal surgery.

Safety of epidural analgesia in the perioperative care of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

The perioperative coagulopathy, hemodynamic instability, and infectious complications that may occur during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has raised concerns about the safety of epidural analgesia in patients undergoing such procedures.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of the perioperative anesthetic management of 215 adult patients who had undergone CRS with HIPEC with epidural analgesia. We reviewed epidural-related complications and analyzed the effect of early initiation of continuous epidural analgesia on estimated blood loss, intraoperative fluid administration, blood transfusion and vasopressor requirements, time to extubation, and length of stay.

RESULTS

No epidural hematomas or abscesses were reported. Two patients (0.9 %) had delays in epidural removal because of thrombocytopenia, and two had epidural-site erythema (0.9 %). The majority of postoperative epidural-related hypotensive episodes were successfully treated with fluid boluses. Early initiation of epidural analgesic infusions (before HIPEC) was associated with significantly less surgical blood loss and fluid requirements (P = 0.005 and 0.02, respectively). Pre-HIPEC initiation of epidural infusions was not associated with a statistically significant difference in the following: volume of blood transfused, intraoperative vasopressors use, time to extubation, and length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

With close hematologic monitoring and particular attention to sterility, epidural analgesia can be safely provided to patients undergoing CRS with HIPEC. Early initiation of continuous epidural infusions during surgery could lead to decreased blood loss and less intraoperative fluid administration. Prospective randomized studies are required to further investigate these potential benefits.

The development of a peritoneal surface malignancy program: a tale of three hospitals

An increasing amount of evidence supports the use of cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for the treatment of select patients with carcinomatosis. The care of such patients is optimal at centers where physicians with expertise in the recognition, treatment, and follow-up of carcinomatosis collaborate to manage issues particular to patients undergoing HIPEC. New Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Programs should be introduced to meet the growing interest in this field; however, there are few guidelines available on how to propose, develop, and safely implement them across different hospital models. A new Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program was initiated at a large academic medical center affiliated with three hospital systems serving distinct patient populations: a private hospital, a public hospital, and a Veterans Affairs hospital. Ten groups were identified as playing key roles in program implementation. Program approval was successfully obtained at all three hospitals. The initial two-year experience included a total of 20 cases across the three sites. Six of these cases were aborted due to high tumor volume, most of which (4/6) were at the public hospital. No 30-day mortalities occurred. Hospitals vary significantly in their approval process and timeline for new Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program development. Patient populations differ in their awareness of HIPEC as a therapeutic modality. Public hospitals may serve patient populations with more advanced disease presentations. Careful coordination by the surgical oncologist with ten key groups allows for the safe introduction of a complex procedure within varied hospital models.

Pulmonary influences on early post-operative recovery in patients after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy treatment: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The combination of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a curative treatment option for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). There have been few studies on the pulmonary adverse events (AEs) affecting patient recovery after this treatment, thus this study investigated these factors.

METHODS

Between January 2005 and December 2006, clinical data on all pulmonary AEs and the recovery progress were reviewed for 76 patients with after CRS and HIPEC. Patients with pulmonary interventions (thoracocenthesis and chest tubes) were compared with the non-intervention patients. Two senior radiologists, blinded to the post-operative clinical course, separately graded the occurrence of pulmonary AEs.

RESULTS

Of the 76 patients, 6 had needed thoracocentesis and another 6 needed chest tubes. There were no differences in post-operative recovery between the intervention and non-intervention groups. The total number of days on mechanical ventilation, the length of stay in the intensive care unit, total length of hospital stay, tumor burden, and an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade of greater than 2 were correlated with the occurrence of atelectasis and pleural effusion. Extensive atelectasis (grade 3 or higher) was seen in six patients, major pleural effusion (grade 3) in seven patients, and signs of heart failure (grade 1-2) in nine patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical and radiological post-operative pulmonary AEs are common after CRS and HIPEC. However, most of the pulmonary AEs did not affect post-operative recovery.

Anesthetic management in patients undergoing hyperthermic chemotherapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has become an important therapeutic option for selected patients with peritoneal surface malignancies. This aggressive multimodality treatment is complex, not only regarding surgical technique, but also regarding anesthesia. The present review represents our experience in anesthetic care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Improved prognosis compared with systemic chemotherapy alone has recently been demonstrated for cytoreductive surgery when combined with intraoperative intracavitary hyperthermic chemotherapy. Anesthetic management of HIPEC is further impacted by these developments. In addition to the ambitious, long-lasting surgery, HIPEC causes significant fluid, blood and protein losses, increased intra-abdominal pressure, systemic hyperthermia, and increased metabolic rate, leading to relevant pathophysiological alterations, and therefore represents a challenge for anesthetist and critical care physicians.

SUMMARY

Anesthetic management importantly contributes to the containment of the perioperative complications of HIPEC. An appreciation of the technical aspects and physiologic disruptions associated with intra-abdominal HIPEC is critical to ensure effective anesthetic management. Although data on this specialized surgical procedure are scarce, some referral centers have accumulated extensive experience. This article reviews the current knowledge about the anesthesiological and intensive care management of patients undergoing HIPEC. It pinpoints strategies for perioperative monitoring as well as illustrates alterations in hemodynamic, hematopoetic, and fluid hemostasis.

Anesthesia considerations during cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

This article outlines the anesthetic management of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This includes a discussion of preoperative evaluation, hemodynamic monitoring, fluid and electrolyte therapy, and temperature management. An understanding of the unique physiologic consequences of this procedure is essential to ensure good outcomes and avoid patient injuries.

Perioperative management of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal surface malignancy: a multi-institutional experience

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is an established treatment for patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei. There is now increasing evidence for the use of CRS and HIPEC in the treatment of other peritoneal surface malignancies. There is currently no consensus on the perioperative management of this patient group.

METHODS

An international survey of practice was conducted using an online survey tool. Centers were identified from the list of delegates attending the Seventh International Workshop on Peritoneal Surface malignancy held in Uppsala, Sweden, in September 2010.

RESULTS

Fully completed surveys were received from 29 of 41 identified centers (71 %). The survey covers the combined experience amassed by anesthesiologists caring for 8,467 patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery. Intraoperative fluid management, management of coagulopathy, management of the HIPEC phase of the operation, and postoperative analgesia caused the greatest difficulties for the anesthesia team with variation in management identified between different institutions. The incidence of epidural abscess in this patient group was found to be 1:2,139.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care is crucial to diminish the complications in this complex treatment strategy. Multicenter collaboration is suggested to gain evidence on the best strategies for perioperative management. Further data collection needs to be undertaken to assess the safety of epidural anesthesia in this patient group.

Post-operative critical care management of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Background

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) results in a number of physiological changes with effects on the cardiovascular system, oxygen consumption and coagulation. The Critical Care interventions required by this cohort of patients have not yet been quantified.

Methods

This retrospective audit examines the experience of a Specialist Tertiary Centre in England over an 18 month period (January 2009-June 2010) during which 69 patients underwent CRS and HIPEC. All patients were extubated in the operating theatre and transferred to the Critical Care Unit (CCU) for initial post-operative management.

Results

Patients needed to remain on the CCU for 2.4 days (0.8-7.8). There were no 30 day mortalities. The majority of patients (70.1%) did not require post-operative organ support. 2 patients who developed pneumonia post-operatively required respiratory support. 18 (26.1%) patients required vasopressor support with norepinephrine with a mean duration of 13.94 hours (5-51 hours) and mean dose of 0.04 mcg/kg/min. Post-operative coagulopathy peaked at 24 hours. A significant drop in serum albumin was observed.

Conclusion

The degree of organ support required post-operatively is minimal. Early extubation is efficacious with the aid of epidural analgesia. Critical Care monitoring for 48 hours is desirable in view of the post-operative challenges.

[Epidural analgesia for surgical treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis: a risky technique?]

BACKGROUND

To study the risks of haemodynamic instability, and the possible occurrence of spinal haematoma, meningitis and epidural abscess when epidural analgesia is performed for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 35 patients treated by HIPEC with oxaliplatin or cisplatin. An epidural catheter was inserted before induction of general anaesthesia. Postoperatively, a continuous epidural infusion of ropivacain, then a patient-controlled epidural analgesia were started.

RESULTS

The epidural catheter was used peroperatively before HIPEC in 12 subjects (34%), and after HIPEC in 23 subjects (66%). The median dose of ropivacain given peroperatively in the epidural catheter was 40 mg (30-75). Norepinephrin was used in two subjects (6%) peroperatively (median infusion rate 0.325 μg/kg per minute [0.32-0.33]), and in four subjects (11%) in the postoperative 24 hours. No spinal haematoma, meningitis or epidural abscess were noted. Five subjects (14%) had a thrombopenia or a prothrombin time less than 60% before catheter removal. Two subjects (6%) had a leukopenia before catheter removal. No thrombopenia or blood coagulation disorders were recorded the day of catheter removal.

CONCLUSION

In this series of 35 patients, the use of epidural analgesia for HIPEC does not seem to be associated with a worse risk of haemodynamic instability, spinal haematoma, meningitis or epidural abscess. HIPEC with platinum salt is not incompatible with the safety of epidural analgesia, with an optimized fluid management peroperatively and the following of perimedullary anesthesia practice guidelines.

NCCN Task Force report: update on the management of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors

The standard of care for managing patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) rapidly changed after the introduction of effective molecularly targeted therapies involving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as imatinib mesylate and sunitinib malate. A better understanding of the molecular characteristics of GISTs have improved the diagnostic accuracy and led to the discovery of novel immunomarkers and new mechanisms of resistance to TKI therapy, which in turn have resulted in the development of novel treatment strategies. To address these issues, the NCCN organized a task force consisting of a multidisciplinary panel of experts in the fields of medical oncology, surgical oncology, molecular diagnostics, and pathology to discuss the recent advances, identify areas of future research, and recommend an optimal approach to care for patients with GIST at all stages of disease. The task force met for the first time in October 2003 and again in December 2006 and October 2009. This supplement describes the recent developments in the field of GIST as discussed at the October 2009 meeting.

Critical care issues in oncological surgery patients

As life expectancy increases and advances in cancer treatment more often convert deadly conditions into more chronic diseases, the surgical intensivist can expect to be faced with greater numbers of oncology patients undergoing aggressive surgical treatments for curative intent, prolonging survival, or primarily palliation by alleviating obstruction, infection, bleeding, or pain. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are a paradigm for the emerging field of multimodal aggressive oncological surgery. This article describes the CRS/HIPEC technique, and discusses the most common postoperative complications and critical care issues in these patients, including anastomotic leaks, intestinal perforation, abscesses, and intra-abdominal bleeding. The leading cause of mortality is sepsis leading to multiple organ failure, and such patients are at particularly higher risk due to the extensive CRS and HIPEC. The intensivist must be vigilant to ensure that source control is not overlooked. This process is a very difficult one, made even more challenging by the blunting of physiologic responses and the frequent absence of the classic acute abdomen.