A steady stream of knowledge: decreased urinary retention after implementation of ERAS protocols in ambulatory minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair

[Perioperative Management in Hernia Surgery]

Hernia surgery has evolved in recent years through the implementation of newer minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques. Moreover, abdominal wall reconstruction for abdominal wall hernias has increased in complexity, due to a peri- and intraoperative strategy for expansion. Perioperative management in this area is also determined by Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways to improve peri- and postoperative outcomes after hernia surgery. This article aims to assess the influence of individual factors in the multimodal ERAS concept on outpatient and inpatient hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction, on the basis of current studies.

Increased age and the volume of intraoperative fluid administered predict urinary retention after elective inguinal herniorrhaphy

BACKGROUND

Inguinal hernia repair (IHR) is a common surgical procedure worldwide. Although IHR can be performed by the minimally invasive method, which accelerates recovery, postoperative urinary retention (POUR) remains a common complication that significantly impacts patients. Thus, it is essential to identify the risk factors associated with POUR to diminish its negative impact.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center retrospective review of elective IHR from 2018 to 2021. POUR was defined as the postoperative use of straight catheter or placement of an indwelling catheter to relieve the symptoms. Adjusted multivariate regression analysis was performed to address the associations of clinicodemographic, surgical, and intraoperative factors with POUR.

RESULTS

A total of 946 subjects were included in the analysis after excluding cases of emergent surgery, recurrent hernia, or concomitant operations. The median age was 68.4 years, and 92.0% of the patients were male. Twenty-three (2.4%) patients developed POUR. In univariate analysis, POUR in comparison with non-POUR was significantly associated with increased age (72.2 versus 68.3 years, P = 0.012), a greater volume of intraoperative fluid administered (500 versus 400 ml, P = 0.040), and the diagnosis with benign prostate hypertrophy (34.8% versus 16.9%, P = 0.025). In the multivariate model, both increased age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08; P = 0.049) and a greater volume of intraoperative fluid administered (OR 1.12 per 100-mL increase, 95% CI 1.01-1.27; P = 0.047) were significantly associated with the occurrence of POUR.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that increased age and a greater volume of intraoperative fluid administered were significantly associated with the occurrence of POUR. Limiting the administration of intraoperative fluid may prevent POUR. From the perspective of practical implications, specific guidelines or clinical pathways should be implemented for fluid management and patient assessment.

Enhanced recovery program in ambulatory pediatric urology: A quality improvement initiative

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) was established in 2001 for adult patients undergoing complex procedures. ERAS in adult ambulatory surgery later followed with similar positive outcomes. For the pediatric population, ERAS implementation has shown promising results in complex surgeries such as bladder reconstruction. Its application in pediatric ambulatory surgery has only recently been reported. We hereby report a Quality Improvement initiative in implementing an Enhanced Recovery Protocol (ERP) for pediatric urology in an ambulatory surgery center.

METHODS

A project was launched to evaluate and implement enhanced recovery elements into an institutional Enhanced Recovery Protocol (ERP). These included reliance on peripheral nerve blocks for all inguinal and genital cases and reduction of opioids intraoperatively and postoperatively. Improvements were placed into a project plan broken into one preparation phase to collect baseline data and three implementation phases to enhance existing and implement new elements. The implementation phase went through iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles for all sub-projects. Team countermeasures were based on available evidence. A consensus process was used to resolve disagreement. Monthly meetings were held to share real-time data, gather new feedback, and modify plans as needed. The primary outcome measures selected were percent intraoperative opioid use, percent opioid prescribing, mean PACU length of stay, and average number of opioid doses prescribed. Secondary outcome measures were mean maximum pain score in PACU, PACU rescue rate for PONV, and patient/family satisfaction scores. Post-implementation data for 18 months was included for evaluation. Statistical process control methodology was used.

RESULTS

The total number of participants was 3306: 561 (baseline), 220 (Phase 1) 356 (Phase 2) and 527 (Phase 3), 1642 (post-implementation). Intraoperative opioid use was eliminated in >99% of cases. Post-operative opioid prescribing was reduced from 30% to 15% of patients. The number of opioid doses was also reduced from an average of 7.6 to 6.1 doses. There was no change for the mean maximum pain score in the recovery room despite elimination of opioids. Patient/family satisfaction scores were high and sustained throughout the period of study (9.8/10). Balancing measures such as return to the operating room within 30 days and return to the emergency department within 7 days were unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

This QI project demonstrated the feasibility of a pediatric enhanced recovery protocol in a urology ambulatory surgery setting. With implementation of this protocol, intraoperative opioid use was virtually eliminated, and opioid prescribing was reduced without affecting pain scores or post-operative complications.

Use of sugammadex in prevention of post-operative urinary retention in minimally invasive hernia surgery

PURPOSE

Post-operative urinary retention (POUR) is a known complication of hernia surgery. Minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair (IHR) is typically done under general anesthesia with neuromuscular blockade (NMB), which is commonly reversed with an anticholinesterase inhibitor paired with an anticholinergic agent. Sugammadex is a unique NMB reversal agent that does not have to be paired with an anticholinergic. We sought to explore the role of sugammadex in reducing the rate of POUR following these procedures.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively at a single institution between February 2016 and October 2019. We identified and studied patients who underwent minimally invasive IHR and received either sugammadex or neostigmine/glycopyrrolate for NMB reversal. The primary endpoint was POUR requiring bladder catheterization. Secondary endpoints included post-operative and 30-day readmissions.

RESULTS

274 patients were included in this study (143 received neostigmine and glycopyrrolate, 131 sugammadex). The sugammadex patients were on average 5 years older than the neostigmine/ glycopyrrolate patients (63.2 vs 58.2, p = 0.003), and received less median intravenous fluids (IVF) (900 ml vs 1000 ml; p = 0.015). There was a significant difference in the rate of POUR between the sugammadex and neostigmine/glycopyrrolate patients (0.0% vs 8.4%, p ≤ 0.001). The difference remained significant after controlling for age and IVF. The odds of POUR for those who received neostigmine/glycopyrrolate were 25 × higher than the odds of those who received sugammadex.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study reflect the protective role of sugammadex against POUR in minimally invasive IHR cases.

Effect of neuromuscular blockade reversal on post-operative urinary retention following inguinal herniorrhaphy

PURPOSE

This study aims to define the risk of post-operative urinary retention (POUR) following inguinal hernia repair in those that received sugammadex compared to anticholinesterase.

METHODS

Adults undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy from January 2019 to July 2022 with at least 30-day follow-up receiving rocuronium or edrophonium and reversed with an anticholinesterase or sugammadex were included. 1-to-2 propensity score matched models were fitted to evaluate the treatment of effect of sugammadex vs. anticholinesterase on POUR, adjusting for patient comorbidities, ASA class, wound class, operative laterality, urgency of case, and open versus minimally invasive repair.

RESULTS

3345 patients were included in this study with 1101 (32.9%) receiving sugammadex for neuromuscular blockade reversal. The 30-day rate of POUR was 2.8%; 1.4% in the sugammadex and 4.4% in the anticholinesterase group. After propensity score matching, patients receiving sugammadex had significantly lower risk of POUR compared to anticholinesterase overall (OR 0.340, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.198-0.585), in open (OR 0.296, p = 0.013, 95% CI 0.113-0.775) and minimally invasive cases (OR 0.36, p = 0.002, 95% CI 0.188-0.693), unilateral (OR 0.371, p = 0.001, 95% CI 0.203-0.681) and bilateral repairs (OR 0.25, p = 0.025, 95% CI 0.074-0.838), elective (OR 0.329, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.185-0.584) and clean cases (OR 0.312, p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.176-0.553).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of 30-day new onset POUR was 2.8%. Sugammadex was associated with significantly lower risk of POUR after inguinal herniorrhaphy compared to anticholinesterase overall and when stratifying by operative modality, laterality, and wound class.

Clinical Outcomes of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program in Elderly Patients Undergoing Transabdominal Preperitoneal

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol is an effective evidence-based multidisciplinary protocol to optimize the postsurgical recovery process through perioperative interventions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ERAS program on operation-related indicators, complications, pain, and quality of life in patients older than 60 years undergoing the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach. Methods: This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from a single institution. A total of 160 elderly patients who underwent TAPP were divided into two groups: 80 patients in the ERAS group from January 2019 to December 2020, and 80 patients in the non-ERAS group from January 2021 to December 2022 in the non-ERAS group, and the groups were managed with the ERAS protocol and conventional management, respectively. We compared differences in operation-related indicators, complications, pain, and quality of life between the two groups. Results: Operation-related indicators (exhaust time, postoperative eating time, time to first ambulation, hospitalization cost, and postoperative hospital stay) and early postoperative pain of the ERAS group were superior to those of the non-ERAS group, and the difference had statistical significance (P < .05). More importantly, our results demonstrated that compared with the non-ERAS group, the application of ERAS in inguinal hernia patients may reduce postoperative complications (urinary retention, chronic pain) and improve quality of life. Conclusion: The ERAS program might provide the efficiency and safety approach to optimize clinical outcomes in the elderly patients older than 60 years undergoing TAPP approach.

Enhanced recovery protocols for ambulatory surgery

INTRODUCTION

In the United States, ambulatory surgeries account for up to 87% of all surgical procedures. (1) It was estimated that 19.2 million ambulatory surgeries were performed in 2018 (https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/statbriefs/sb287-Ambulatory-Surgery-Overview-2019.pdf). Cataract procedures and musculoskeletal surgeries are the most common surgical interventions performed in ambulatory centers. However, more complex surgical interventions, such as sleeve gastrectomies, oncological, and spine surgeries, and even arthroplasties are routinely performed as day cases or in a model of an ambulatory extended recovery. (2-5) The ambulatory surgery centers industry has grown since 2017 by 1.1% per year and reached a market size of $31.2 billion. According to the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, there is a potential to save $57.6 billion in Medicare costs over the next decade (https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/ambulatory-surgery-centers-united-states/). These data suggest an expected rise in the volume of ambulatory (same day) or extended ambulatory (23 h) surgeries in coming years. Similar increases are also observed in other countries. For example, 75% of elective surgeries are performed as same-day surgery in the United Kingdom. (6) To reduce costs and improve the quality of care after those more complex procedures, ambulatory surgery centers have started implementing patient-centered, high-quality, value-based practices. To achieve those goals, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been implemented to reduce the length of stay, decrease costs, increase patients' satisfaction, and transform clinical practices. The ERAS fundamentals for ambulatory surgery are based on five pillars, including (1) preoperative patient counseling, education, and optimization; (2) multimodal and opioid-sparing analgesia; (3) nausea and vomiting, wound infection, and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis; (4) maintenance of euvolemia; and (5) encouragement of early mobility. Those pillars rely on interdisciplinary teamwork led by anesthesiologists, surgery-specific workgroups, and safety culture. (2) Research shows that a team of ambulatory anesthesiologists is crucial in improving postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pain control. (7) This review will summarize the current evidence on the elements and clinical importance of implementing ERAS protocol for ambulatory surgery.

Can robotic-assisted surgery support enhanced recovery programs?

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols comprise a multimodal approach to optimize patient outcome and recovery. ERAS guidelines recommend minimally invasive surgery (MIS) when possible. Key components in MIS include preoperative patient education and optimization; multimodal and narcotic-sparing analgesia; prophylactic measures regarding nausea, infection, and venous thrombosis; maintenance of euvolemia; and promotion of the early activity. ERAS protocols in MIS improve outcome mainly in terms of reduced length of stay and subsequently reduced cost. In addition, ERAS protocols in MIS reduce postoperative pain and nausea, increase patient satisfaction, and might reduce the rate of postoperative complications. Robotic surgery supports ERAS through facilitating MIS in complex procedures where laparotomy is an alternative approach.

Global Incidence and Risk Factors Associated With Postoperative Urinary Retention Following Elective Inguinal Hernia Repair: The Retention of Urine After Inguinal Hernia Elective Repair (RETAINER I) Study

Importance

Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a well-recognized complication of inguinal hernia repair (IHR). A variable incidence of POUR has previously been reported in this context, and contradictory evidence surrounds potential risk factors.

Objective

To ascertain the incidence of, explore risk factors for, and determine the health service outcomes of POUR following elective IHR.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Retention of Urine After Inguinal Hernia Elective Repair (RETAINER I) study, an international, prospective cohort study, recruited participants between March 1 and October 31, 2021. This study was conducted across 209 centers in 32 countries in a consecutive sample of adult patients undergoing elective IHR.

Exposure

Open or minimally invasive IHR by any surgical technique, under local, neuraxial regional, or general anesthesia.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the incidence of POUR following elective IHR. Secondary outcomes were perioperative risk factors, management, clinical consequences, and health service outcomes of POUR. A preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score was measured in male patients.

Results

In total, 4151 patients (3882 male and 269 female; median [IQR] age, 56 [43-68] years) were studied. Inguinal hernia repair was commenced via an open surgical approach in 82.2% of patients (n = 3414) and minimally invasive surgery in 17.8% (n = 737). The primary form of anesthesia was general in 40.9% of patients (n = 1696), neuraxial regional in 45.8% (n = 1902), and local in 10.7% (n = 446). Postoperative urinary retention occurred in 5.8% of male patients (n = 224), 2.97% of female patients (n = 8), and 9.5% (119 of 1252) of male patients aged 65 years or older. Risk factors for POUR after adjusted analyses included increasing age, anticholinergic medication, history of urinary retention, constipation, out-of-hours surgery, involvement of urinary bladder within the hernia, temporary intraoperative urethral catheterization, and increasing operative duration. Postoperative urinary retention was the primary reason for 27.8% of unplanned day-case surgery admissions (n = 74) and 51.8% of 30-day readmissions (n = 72).

Conclusions

The findings of this cohort study suggest that 1 in 17 male patients, 1 in 11 male patients aged 65 years or older, and 1 in 34 female patients may develop POUR following IHR. These findings could inform preoperative patient counseling. In addition, awareness of modifiable risk factors may help to identify patients at increased risk of POUR who may benefit from perioperative risk mitigation strategies.

Completion of an Enhanced Recovery Program in a Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery Center: A Quality Improvement Initiative

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) was first established in 2001 focusing on recovery from complex surgical procedures in adults and recently expanded to ambulatory surgery. The evidence for ERAS in children is limited. In 2018, recognized experts began developing needed pediatric evidence. Center-wide efforts involving all ambulatory surgical patients and procedures have not previously been described.

METHODS

A comprehensive assessment and gap analysis of ERAS elements in our ambulatory center identified 11 of 19 existing elements. The leadership committed to implementing an Enhanced Recovery Program (ERP) to improve existing elements and close as many remaining gaps as possible. A quality improvement (QI) team was launched to improve 5 existing ERP elements and to introduce 6 new elements (target 17/19 ERP elements). The project plan was broken into 1 preparation phase to collect baseline data and 3 implementation phases to enhance existing and implement new elements. Statistical process control methodology was used. Team countermeasures were based on available evidence. A consensus process was used to resolve disagreement. Monthly meetings were held to share real-time data, gather new feedback, and modify countermeasure plans as needed. The primary outcome measure selected was mean postanesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes measures were mean maximum pain score in PACU and patient/family satisfaction scores.

RESULTS

The team had expanded the pool of active ERP elements from 11 to 16 of 19. The mean PACU LOS demonstrated significant reduction (early in phase 1 and again in phase 3). No change was seen for the mean maximum pain score in PACU or surgical complication rates. Patient/family satisfaction scores were high and sustained throughout the period of study (91.1% ± 5.7%). Patient/family and provider engagement/compliance were high.

CONCLUSIONS

This QI project demonstrated the feasibility of pediatric ERP in an ambulatory surgical setting. Furthermore, a center-wide approach was shown to be possible. Additional studies are needed to determine the relevance of this project to other institutions.

Implementation of robotic hernia surgery using the Versius® system

This case series aims to demonstrate that hernia surgery is safe and feasible using the Versius® robotic system from CMR Surgical, and to describe the surgical techniques used. It is the first series published using this novel system. Forty-one consecutive hernia repair cases were completed using Versius®, including inguinal and ventral hernias. Data were collected prospectively on a number of pre-, peri-, and postoperative outcomes. Techniques are described for robotic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia, and intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair of ventral hernia. Thirty-two inguinal and nine ventral hernia repairs were performed over a 12-month period. The population were 88% male with a mean body mass index of 27.4 ± 3.5. There were no conversions to open surgery. Median length of stay was 0 days. Six patients (15%) experienced urinary retention, and there were 2 further minor complications with no major complications, readmissions or reoperations. Use of the Versius® system for robotic hernia surgery is safe, with comparable results to existing robotic systems. Implementation is possible with minimal changes to established surgical techniques.