Impact of anesthesia for cancer surgery: Continuing Professional Development

Effects of dexmedetomidine and ketorolac applied for patient‑controlled analgesia on the balance of Th1/Th2 and level of VEGF in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for cervical cancer: A randomized controlled trial

The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) combined with ketorolac on postoperative patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), the balance of Th1/Th2 and the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with cervical cancer following laparoscopic radical surgery. A total of 70 women with cervical cancer undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy were enrolled in the study to randomly receive postoperative dexmedetomidine combined with ketorolac analgesia (DK group) and postoperative sufentanil analgesia (SUF group). The primary outcomes were the serum levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and VEGF, and the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio 30 min before induction (T0), and 24 and 48 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included numerical rating scale scores at 0 h (T0), 4 h (T1), 12 h (T2), 24 h (T3) and 48 h (T4) postoperatively, cumulative times of rescue analgesia, as well as the incidence of postoperative side effects within 48 h from surgery. Patients in the DK group reported similar analgesic effects as patients in the SUF group at T2, T3 and T4, and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was significantly lower in the DK group. In the DK group, the serum concentration of IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio at 24 and 48 h after surgery were higher compared with those in the SUF group. Conversely, the serum concentrations of IL-4 at 24 h after surgery and VEGF at 24 and 48 h after surgery were significantly lower. The results indicated that the combination of DEX and ketorolac for PCA significantly improved postoperative pain and decreased the serum level of VEGF, which are associated with tumor angiogenesis. In addition, it maintained the homeostasis of postoperative immune dysfunction of patients with cervical cancer by shifting the balance between type 1 T helper cells and type 2 T helper cell (Th1/Th2 balance) to Th1 (registration no. ChiCTR1900027979; December 7, 2019).

The Effect of Low-Dose Dexmedetomidine on Pain and Inflammation in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Dexmedetomidine has sedative, sympatholytic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the effects of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion without a loading dose in the prevention of pain and inflammation after laparoscopic hysterectomy. In this study, 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy under desflurane anesthesia were randomized to receive either 0.9% saline or dexmedetomidine (0.4 μg/kg/h) after induction to trocar removal. The primary endpoints were postoperative pain and inflammatory response presented by the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The secondary endpoints were hemodynamics during the anesthesia and surgery and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Postoperative pain was decreased in the dexmedetomidine group for every time point, and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) rescue fentanyl doses were decreased in the dexmedetomidine group. The inflammatory response representing TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and CRP were similar across the two groups. Postoperative nausea and vomiting from PACU discharge to 24 h post-surgery were reduced in the dexmedetomidine group. During anesthesia and surgery, the patient's heart rate was maintained lower in the dexmedetomidine-receiving group. Dexmedetomidine of 0.4 μg/kg/h given as an intraoperative infusion significantly reduced postoperative pain but did not reduce the inflammatory responses in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on perioperative immune function and postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing radical mastectomy: A randomized controlled trial

Radical mastectomy may lead to suppression of cellular immune function in patients with malignant tumors. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is widely used in clinical practice. However, there have been relatively few studies on the effects of TEAS on postoperative analgesia and immune function. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of TAES on postoperative pain and immune function in patients undergoing radical mastectomy. A total of 65 patients were enrolled and allocated to either receive TEAS or sham TEAS. TEAS was implemented on bilateral Hegu (LI4), Neiguan (PC6) and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints simultaneously for 30 min before induction of anesthesia at 4 and 12 h post-operation. The primary outcomes included visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 4 h (T₁), 12 h T₂), 24 h (T₃) and 48 h (T₄) post-operation, and serum levels of IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ and the IL-2/IL-4 ratio at 30 min before TEAS (T₀), T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄. Secondary outcomes included the cumulative time of rescue analgesia within 48 h post-surgery, as well as the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and pruritus. Compared with the sham TEAS group, postoperative VAS scores at T₂ and T₃, the total consumption of opioids in the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump, pressing times of the PCA pump and the incidences of PONV and headache were significantly lower in the TEAS group. The serum levels of IFN-γ at T₃ and T₄, and the serum levels of IL-2 and the IL-2/IL-4 ratio at T₂, T₃ and T₄ were higher in the TEAS group compared with the sham TEAS group. By contrast, the serum levels of IL-4 were lower at T₂, T₃ and T₄ in the TEAS group compared with the sham TEAS group. The results indicated that TEAS could improve postoperative analgesia, reduce postoperative consumption of opioids and alleviate postoperative side effects. Simultaneously, TEAS was able to reverse decreased serum levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ, reduce the level of IL-4 and restore the balance of Th1/Th2, thereby partially attenuating perioperative immune function depression in patients with breast cancer. The current trial was registered prior to participant enrollment at www.chictr.org.cn (Clinical Trial no. ChiCTR1800017768).

Sevoflurane suppresses cell viability and invasion and promotes cell apoptosis in colon cancer by modulating exosome‑mediated circ‑HMGCS1 via the miR‑34a‑5p/SGPP1 axis

As a novel halogenated hydroxyl ether-inhaled general anesthetic, sevoflurane has been reported to affect the progression of diverse human cancers. In the present study, we aimed to explore the functions and underlying mechanisms of sevoflurane in colon cancer. MTT assay, flow cytometric analysis and Transwell assay were conducted to evaluate cell viability, apoptosis and invasion, respectively. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein level of sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase 1 (SGPP1). The morphology and size of exosomes were analyzed by TEM and NTA. The levels of circular RNA 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 (circ-HMGCS1), microRNA (miR)-34a-5p and SGPP1 mRNA were examined by RT-qPCR. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA RIP assays were utilized to explore the interaction between miR-34a-5p and circ-HMGCS1 or SGPP1. A murine xenograft model was established to investigate the effect of circ-HMGCS1 in vivo. As a result, it was determined that sevoflurane suppressed cell viability and invasion and induced apoptosis in colon cancer in a dose-dependent way. Exosomal circ-HMGCS1 was increased in the serums and cells of colon cancer patients. Circ-HMGCS1 was downregulated by sevoflurane treatment in colon cancer cells and circ-HMGCS1 overexpression could restore the effect of sevoflurane on colon cancer cell development. miR-34a-5p was a target of circ-HMGCS1 and miR-34a-5p inhibition reversed the effect of circ-HMGCS1 silencing on colon cancer cell progression. Moreover, circ-HMGCS1 knockdown suppressed SGPP1 expression via sponging miR-34a-5p. Knockdown of circ-HMGCS1 blocked tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, sevoflurane inhibited colon cancer progression by modulating the exosome-transmitted circ-HMGCS1/miR-34a-5p/SGPP1 axis.

Influence of propofol-based total intravenous anaesthesia on peri-operative outcome measures: a narrative review

Propofol-based total intravenous anaesthesia is well known for its smooth, clear-headed recovery and anti-emetic properties, but there are also many lesser known beneficial properties that can potentially influence surgical outcome. We will discuss the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of propofol and their roles in pain, organ protection and immunity. We will also discuss the use of propofol in cancer surgery, neurosurgery and older patients.

Efficacy of Epidural Dexamethasone Combined with Intrathecal Nalbuphine in Lower Abdominal Oncology Operations

Background:

Dragging pain during lower abdominal surgeries under intrathecal anesthesia is a common problem. Epidural steroid seemed to be effective in reducing intra and postoperative pain. Kappa receptor agonist like nalbuphine helps in reduction of visceral pain. Hence, this study was designed to detect the efficacy of epidural steroid dexamethasone with intrathecal Kappa opioid as a sole anesthetic technique in patients subjected to lower abdominal oncology operations.

Patients and Methods:

Patients were randomly allocated into two groups; epidural placebo group–control group (Group P) – Intrathecal injection of 20 μg fentanyl followed by intrathecal injection of (15 mg) of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5%, then (epidural injection placebo 15 mL volume of sterile saline 0.9%). Epidural dexamethasone group–study group (Group D) – Intrathecal injection of 0.6 mg nalbuphine followed by intrathecal injection of (15 mg) of hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% then (epidural injection of 8 mg dexamethasone in 15 mL total volume using sterile saline 0.9%).

Results:

Group D recorded significantly longer times to 1^st analgesic request, sensory regression to S₁ and modified bromage Score 0 with significant lower number of patients that had abdominal dragging pain in comparison with Group P. Visual analog score in the first four postoperative hours, total postoperative nalbuphine dose in 1^st 24 h and incidence of nausea and vomiting were significantly lower in Group D. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were comparable in both groups. Postoperative headache incidence was comparable in both groups. Both patient and surgeon satisfaction were significantly higher in Group D compared to Group P.

Conclusion:

Combined epidural dexamethasone with intrathecal nalbuphine as a sole anesthetic technique during lower abdominal oncology operations could be an efficient anesthetic technique that offered better block characteristics, with more analgesia and as a result it gained better patient and surgeon satisfaction.

Perioperative Management May Improve Long-term Survival in Patients After Lung Cancer Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND:

Surgical resection is the main treatment for patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but patients’ long-term outcome is still challenging. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of long-term survival in patients after lung cancer surgery.

METHODS:

Patients who underwent surgery for NSCLC from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2009, were enrolled into this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was the survival length after surgery. Predictors of long-term survival were screened with the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS:

Postoperative follow-up was completed in 588 patients with a median follow-up duration of 5.2 years (interquartile range, 2.0–6.8). Two hundred ninety-one patients (49.5%) survived at the end of follow-up with median survival duration of 64.3 months (interquartile range, 28.5–81.6). The overall survival rates were 90.8%, 70.0%, and 57.1% at the end of the first, third, and fifth year after surgery, respectively. Limited resection (hazard ratio [HR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.98; P = .013) and large tumor size (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.17–1.42; P < .001) were associated with short survival; whereas high body mass index grade (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69–0.97; P = .021), highly differentiated tumor (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.37–0.93; P = .024), dissection of mediastinal lymph node during surgery (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.30–0.67; P < .001), and perioperative use of dexamethasone (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.54–0.90; P = .006) were associated with long survival. No association was found between perioperative use of flurbiprofen axetil and long survival (HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.62–1.03; P = .086). However, combined administration of dexamethasone and flurbiprofen axetil was associated with longer survival (compared to no use of both: adjusted HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.38–0.84; P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS:

Certain factors in particular perioperative dexamethasone and flurbiprofen axetil therapy may improve patients’ long-term survival after surgery for NSCLC. Given the small sample size, these findings should be interpreted with caution, and randomized clinical trials are needed for further clarification.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Improves Immunological Function During the Perioperative Period in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgical Lobectomy

The immunological function of patients with malignant tumors may be suppressed during the perioperative period. However, details on the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on immunological function are relatively lacking. We designed this study to examine the effects of TEAS on the immunological function of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) during the perioperative period. Participants (n = 144) were enrolled and randomly assigned into group TEAS or group sham TEAS. TEAS on bilateral Feishu (BL13), Hegu (L14), and Zusanli (ST36) was performed continuously throughout the procedure. The primary outcome was the quantities of natural killer (NK) cells at 30 minutes before induction (T₀), 5 minutes after intubation (T₁), at the beginning of the operation (T₂), at the beginning of the lobectomy (T₃), at the beginning of the lymphadenectomy (T₄), and immediately after extubation (T₅). The secondary outcomes were the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) at T₀ to T₅, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), the intraoperative consumption of propofol and remifentanil, the incidence of hypoxemia, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and the length of hospital stay. The quantities of NK cells were decreased in group sham TEAS after intubation compared to that in group TEAS, while the quantities of NK cells in group TEAS were similar at T₀ to T₅. Meanwhile, the quantities of NK cells in group sham TEAS at T₁ (P = .012), T₂ (P < .001), T₃ (P = .027), T₄ (P = .045), and T₅ (P = .021) were lower than those in group TEAS. In group TEAS, the serum levels of TNF-α were lower at T₁ to T₅, while the levels of IL-6 were lower at T₂ to T₅. Furthermore, the intraoperative MAP and HR were more stable, the total propofol and remifentanil consumptions were lower, and the length of hospital stay was shorter than those in group sham TEAS. The application of TEAS can effectively reverse the decrease in NK cells, decrease the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6, maintain hemodynamic stability during the perioperative period, decrease the consumption of propofol and remifentanil, and shorten the length of the hospital stay.

Reported analgesic and anaesthetic administration to non-human primates undergoing experimental surgical procedure: 2010-2015

BACKGROUND

The use of non-human primates (NHPs) in research remains a major societal concern with public expectations that appropriate anaesthetics and analgesics are used to minimize any pain or distress caused to animals undergoing invasive procedures. A literature review was conducted to examine the reporting of anaesthesia and analgesia methods used in non-human primates undergoing surgical procedures, with recovery from anaesthesia.

METHODS

A total of 397 papers from peer-review journals published between 2010 and 2015 were examined.

RESULTS

Only 25.9% of papers reported the analgesic regimen used, with carprofen and buprenorphine the 2 most widely used agents. Reporting of the anaesthetic regimens was included in 49.9% of papers. Ketamine and isoflurane were the most frequently used anaesthetic agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Anaesthetic and analgesic regimens administered to NHPs remain poorly reported. This lack of detailed descriptions of protocols does little to reassure the public or regulatory authorities that appropriate high standards of perioperative care are employed.

Effects of preemptive analgesia with flurbiprofen ester on lymphocytes and natural killer cells in patients undergoing esophagectomy: A randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

Tumors may induce systemic immune dysfunction, which can be aggravated by surgery and anesthesia/analgesia. Data on the effect of flurbiprofen preemptive analgesia on immune dysfunction is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of flurbiprofen preemptive analgesia on lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells in patients undergoing thoracotomy and thoracoscopy radical esophagectomy, and to explore the analgesic methods suitable for tumor patients.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled pilot study of 89 patients with esophageal cancer treated with surgery at the Henan Cancer Hospital between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1, thoracotomy; group 2, thoracoscopy and laparoscopic surgery; and group 3, flurbiprofen, thoracoscopy, and laparoscopic surgery. CD3+, CD19+, NK, CD4+, and CD8+ cells in whole blood were measured by flow cytometry 30 minutes before surgery (T0), at the end of the thoracic section of the procedure (T1), and at the end of the operation (T2).

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in CD3+, CD19+, CD8+, NK, and CD4+ cells between the three groups or regarding the time points during the procedure (all P > 0.05). Thoracotomy and thoracoscopy surgery resulted in similar immunological outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Flurbiprofen ester preemptive analgesia did not suppress the immune function in patients and could be a safe analgesic method for patients with esophageal cancer undergoing surgery.

Combined acupuncture and general anesthesia on immune and cognitive function in elderly patients following subtotal gastrectomy for gastric cancer

This study investigated the effects of acupuncture combined with general anesthesia on postoperative immune and cognitive functions in elderly patients undergoing subtotal gastrectomy. We recruited 96 elderly patients who received anesthesia for subtotal gastrectomy and randomly divided them into control (n=48) and experimental (n=48) groups. The control group received general anesthesia and the experimental group received combined acupuncture and general anesthesia. We measured hemodynamic immediately before and after anesthesia induction, and immune observations before and after surgery. We found no significant differences in mean heart rate (HR), mean oxygen saturation (SpO2), and partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) in the perioperative period between the two groups. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was lower in the experimental group than that in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3⁺), CD4⁺ and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ in both groups were significantly lower after surgery in both groups (P<0.05). We also found some time-points in which the immune markers where significantly higher in the experimental group. In terms of adverse reactions, there were no differences in nausea, vomiting, and hypoxemia between the two groups (P>0.05), but the incidence of delayed recovery and postoperative agitation were significantly lower in the experimental group compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). One day after surgery, the experimental group showed better protection of cognitive function than the control group (P<0.05). Overall, combined acupuncture and general anesthesia in elderly gastric cancer patients receiving subtotal gastrectomy showed more stable hemodynamics and fewer stress responses during surgery. Thus, combined acupuncture and general anesthesia can shorten the recovery time from anesthesia, have less negative effects on immune function and decrease the incidence of postoperative cognitive impairment.

Anesthetic technique and cancer recurrence in oncologic surgery: unraveling the puzzle

Surgery/anesthetic technique-stimulated immunosuppression in the perioperative period might cause an increase in cancer-related mortality. Whether anesthetic technique can affect the outcomes of cancer patients remains inconclusive. This review discusses data from the available literature on anesthetic techniques applied in oncologic surgery, the long-term outcomes of anesthetic technique, and their relation to survival and cancer recurrence. Searches of the PubMed database up to June 30, 2016, were conducted to identify publications with the terms "anesthetic technique and cancer recurrence," "regional anesthesia and cancer recurrence," "local anesthesia and cancer recurrence," "anesthetic technique and immunosuppression," and "anesthetic technique and oncologic surgery." Surgery/anesthesia-stimulated activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) provides immunosuppression through several soluble factors. Volatile anesthetics and opioids suppress cell-mediated immunity (CMI) and promote the proliferation of cancer cells and angiogenesis, whereas propofol does not suppress CMI and inhibits tumor angiogenesis. Regional anesthesia (RA) protects CMI and diminishes the surgical neuroendocrine stress response by blocking afferent neural transmission that stimulates the HPA axis and SNS, decreasing the requirement for opioids and volatile anesthetics and thereby decreasing cancer recurrence. Preclinical and retrospective studies highlight a potential benefit of anesthetic technique in reducing cancer-related mortality and recurrence by attenuating immunosuppression following surgical treatment in patients with specific types of cancer. Several well-planned, prospective, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are underway that may provide more conclusive and definitive results regarding the benefits of anesthetic technique on survival in oncologic surgery.

Effects of dexmedetomidine on H-FABP, CK-MB, cTnI levels, neurological function and near-term prognosis in patients undergoing heart valve replacement

This study investigated the effects of dexmedetomidine on heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB), and troponin I (cTnI) levels, neurological function and near-term prognosis in patients undergoing heart valve replacement. Patients undergoing heart valve replacement were randomly allocated to remifentanil anesthesia (control group, n=48) or dexmedetomidine anesthesia (observation group, n=48). Hemodynamic parameters were measured before anesthesia induction (T1), 1 min after intubation (T2), 10 min after start of surgery (T3), and on completion of surgery (T4). Levels of plasma H-FABP, CK-MB and cTnI were measured 10 min before anesthesia induction (C1), 10 min after start of surgery (C2), on completion of surgery (C3), 6 h after surgery (C4), and 24 h after surgery (C5). S100β protein and serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were detected 10 min before anesthesia induction (C1), and 24 h after surgery (C5). Neurological and cardiac function was evaluated 24 h after surgery. Incidence of cardiovascular adverse events was recorded for 1 year of follow-up. There were no significant differences in the average heart rate between the two groups during the perioperative period. The mean arterial pressure in the observation group was significantly lower than control group (P<0.05). Levels of H-FABP, CK-MB and cTnI at C2, C3, C4 and C5, were significantly higher than C1, but significantly lower in the observation versus control group (P<0.05). Twenty-four hours after surgery, levels of S100β and NSE in both groups were higher than those before induction (P<0.05), but significantly lower in the observation versus control group (P<0.05). Twenty-four hours after surgery, neurological function scores were better, and myocardial contractility and arrhythmia scores significantly lower in the observation versus control group (P<0.05 for all). After follow-up for 1 year, incidence of cardiovascular adverse events was significantly lower in the observation versus control group (P<0.05). Dexmedetomidine anesthesia can effectively maintain hemodynamic stability, reduce myocardial injury and the occurrence of cognitive dysfunction, and improve prognosis in patients undergoing heart valve replacement.

Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Use of NSAIDs During the Perioperative Period as Prognostic Indicators in Patients With NSCLC Undergoing Surgery

BACKGROUND

Hematological biomarkers of inflammation such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocytic rate have been reported as predictors of survival in a variety of cancers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of the perioperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to elucidate the effects of the perioperative use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on tumor recurrence and survival in patients undergoing surgical resection for NSCLC.

METHODS

This retrospective study included data from 1,637 patients who underwent surgical resection for stage I, II, or III NSCLC. Perioperative data and tumor-related variables were included. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) models were used to evaluate the association between perioperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and NSAID use on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that a preoperative platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio of at least 180 was associated with reduced rates of RFS (HR = 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.45; P = .019) and OS (HR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.10-1.62; P = .004). Perioperative use of NSAIDs showed no statistically significant changes in RFS and OS rates (P = .72 and P = .44, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A higher preoperative inflammatory status is associated with decreased rates of RFS and OS in patients with NSCLC undergoing curative surgery. Perioperative use of NSAIDs was not found to be an independent predictor of survival.

Survival rate and perioperative data of patients who have undergone hemipelvectomy: a retrospective case series

Background

Hemipelvectomy is a major orthopedic surgical procedure indicated in specific situations. Although many studies discuss surgical techniques for hemipelvectomy, few studies have presented survival data, especially in underdeveloped countries. Additionally, there is limited information on anesthesia for orthopedic oncologic surgeries. The primary aim of this study was to determine the survival rate after hemipelvectomy, and the secondary aims were to evaluate anesthesia and perioperative care associated with hemipelvectomy and determine the influence of the surgical technique (external hemipelvectomy [amputation] or internal hemipelvectomy [limb sparing surgery]) on anesthesia and perioperative care in Brazil.

Methods

This retrospective case series collected data from 35 adult patients who underwent hemipelvectomy between 2000 and 2013. Survival rates after surgery were determined, and group comparisons were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test. Mantel–Cox test and multiple linear regression analysis with stepwise forward selection were performed for univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively.

Results

Mean survival time was 32.8 ± 4.6 months and 5-year survival rate was 27 %. Of the 35 patients, 23 patients (65.7 %) underwent external hemipelvectomy and 12 patients (34.3 %) underwent internal hemipelvectomy. The survival rate was significantly higher in patients with bone tumors than in those with soft tissue sarcomas (P = 0.024). The 5-year cumulative probability of survival was significantly lower in patients who underwent external hemipelvectomy than in those who underwent internal hemipelvectomy (P = 0.043). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, only advanced disease stage (3 and 4) was identified as a significant independent predictor of reduced survival (P = 0.0003). Balanced general anesthesia combined with epidural block was the most frequent anesthesia technique. Median intraoperative crystalloid volume and red blood cell transfusions were 3500 mL and 2 units, respectively.

Conclusions

Overall mean survival time after hemipelvectomy was 32.8 months. Advanced disease stage might be independently associated with reduced survival. Smaller amounts of fluids and transfusions were administered and time to discharge was shorter. Acute and chronic pain as well as wound complications are still important challenges in hemipelvectomy.

Single-shot lamina thoracic paravertebral block with ketofol for modified radical mastectomy

We describe the use of single-shot lamina thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) with sedation for a 56-year-old female patient who had modified radical mastectomy with axillary clearance. Two years ago, she suffered vocal cord palsy post thyroidectomy, which was managed with tracheostomy. The tracheostomy tube was removed 8 months later, leaving the patient with persistent hoarseness of voice and left vocal cord palsy. She declined general anesthesia and consented for TPVB. The surgery lasted 95 minutes and was successfully completed with TPVB. Her vital signs were stable during the operation. She had low pain scores, minimal opioid use, early alimentation, and no postoperative nausea and vomiting and was discharged early. We present the anesthetic management of this case in our setting, where TPVB under ultrasound guidance and modern drug-delivery systems for sedation are unavailable.

Effects of anaesthesia on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of LoVo colon cancer cells in vitro

Tumour cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis are crucial steps in tumour metastasis. We evaluated the effect of serum from patients undergoing colon cancer surgery receiving thoracic epidural and propofol anaesthesia on colon cancer cell biology. Patients were randomly assigned to receive propofol anaesthesia with a concomitant thoracic epidural (PEA, n = 20) or sevoflurane anaesthesia with opioid analgesia (SGA, n = 20). Venous blood was obtained before induction of anaesthesia and 24 hours postoperatively. The LoVo colon cancer cells were cultured with patient serum from both groups and the effects on proliferation, invasion and apoptosis were measured. Twenty-four hours after surgery, the absorbance value of LoVo cells at 10% serum concentration from PEA was decreased when compared with SGA (0.302 (0.026) vs 0.391 (0.066), p = 0.005). The inhibitory rate of LoVo cells at 10% serum concentration from PEA was higher than that from SGA (p = 0.004) 24 h after surgery. The number of invasive LoVo cells at 10% serum concentration from PEA was reduced when compared with SGA (44 (4) vs 62 (4), p < 0.001). Exposure of LoVo cells to postoperative serum from patients receiving PEA led to a higher luminescence ratio (apoptosis) than those receiving SGA (0.36 (0.04) vs 0.27 (0.05), p < 0.001). Serum from patients receiving PEA for colon cancer surgery inhibited proliferation and invasion of LoVo cells and induced apoptosis in vitro more than that from patients receiving SGA. Anaesthetic technique might influence the serum milieu in a way that affects cancer cell biology and, thereby, tumour metastastasis.

Effect of Propofol and Desflurane on Immune Cell Populations in Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Trial

Several factors can affect the perioperative immune function. We evaluated the effect of propofol and desflurane anesthesia on the surgery-induced immune perturbation in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to receive propofol (n = 20) or desflurane (n = 20) anesthesia. The total and differential white blood cell counts were determined with lymphocyte subpopulations before and 1 hr after anesthesia induction and at 24 hr postoperatively. Plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 were also measured. Both propofol and desflurane anesthesia preserved the IL-2/IL-4 and CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratio. Leukocytes were lower in the propofol group than in the desflurane group at 1 hr after induction (median [quartiles], 4.98 [3.87-6.31] vs. 5.84 [5.18-7.94] 10(3)/µL) and 24 hr postoperatively (6.92 [5.54-6.86] vs. 7.62 [6.22-9.21] 10(3)/µL). NK cells significantly decreased 1 hr after induction in the propofol group (0.41 [0.34-0.53] to 0.25 [0.21-0.33] 10(3)/µL), but not in the desflurane group (0.33 [0.29-0.48] to 0.38 [0.30-0.56] 10(3)/µL). Our findings indicate that both propofol and desflurane anesthesia for breast cancer surgery induce a favorable immune response in terms of preservation of IL-2/IL-4 and CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratio in the perioperative period. With respect to leukocytes and NK cells, desflurane anesthesia is associated with less adverse immune responses than propofol anesthesia during surgery for breast cancer. (Clinical trial registration at https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris number: KCT0000939).

Cancer surgery: how may anesthesia influence outcome?

OBJECTIVE

To review the published literature regarding the effects of anesthesia on cancer surgery to prevent tumor cell proliferation/migration or induce apoptosis.

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the main treatment for potentially curable solid tumors, but most cancer-related deaths in patients who have received previous surgical treatment are caused by metastatic disease. There is increasing evidence that anesthetic technique has the potential to affect long-term outcome after cancer surgery.

METHODS

This work reviews the English published literature that was obtained by performing a search of the PubMed database up to January 2014. We selected articles that provided evidence or reviewed the possible actions of anesthetics on cancer cells or the influence of anesthesia in recurrence/outcome.

RESULTS

Inhaled anesthetics induce immunosuppression and activate inflammatory cascade activation, whereas propofol has a protective action. Opioids might promote cancer recurrence and metastasis. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that local anesthetics inhibit proliferation and migration of cancer cells and induce apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Anesthesiologists should follow current best clinical practice and include all strategies that effectively decrease pain and attenuate stress. Regional anesthesia and multimodal analgesia, adding anti-inflammatory drugs, play an unquestionable role in the control of perioperative pain and may improve recurrence-free survival.