Optimal analgesia during major open and laparoscopic abdominal surgery

Efficacy and safety of patient-controlled epidural analgesia versus patient-controlled intravenous analgesia following open hepatectomy: A single-center retrospective study

Background

Postoperative analgesia is an essential component of enhanced recovery after surgery following abdominal surgery. Studies comparing the effectiveness of epidural analgesia with that of other analgesic modalities after liver surgery have reported inconsistent results. Consequently, the use of epidural analgesia for open hepatectomy is controversial.

Objective

The present single-center retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) in adults undergoing open hepatectomy.

Methods

Patients who underwent open hepatectomy between January 2018 to December 2019 at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were retrospectively analyzed. Propensity score matching was used to adjust baseline information between the PCEA and PCIA groups. The primary outcome measure was scores of the numeric rating scales (NRSs) for resting, exercise, and nocturnal pain at postoperative 24 h (postoperative day 1 [POD1]) and 48 h (POD2). The secondary outcome indicators included postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), hypotension, pruritus, respiratory depression, functional activity score (FAS), effective analgesic pump compression ratio, analgesic relief rate, discontinuation of the analgesic pump, reasons for discontinuation of the analgesic pump, and patient satisfaction with postoperative analgesia.

Results

The NRS scores of the PCEA group on POD1 were significantly lower than those of the PCIA group (P < 0.05). On POD2, the difference between the two groups was significant only for motion NRS scores (P < 0.05). The PCIA group had significantly more patients with lower FAS functional class than the PCEA group (P < 0.001). The effective analgesic pump compression ratio and the analgesic relief rate at 2 days after the surgery were lower in the PCEA group than in the PCIA group (P < 0.001). The incidence of pump discontinuation was higher in the PCEA group than in the PCIA group on POD2 (P = 0.044). Moreover, on POD1 and POD2, the PCEA group showed a higher incidence of pruritus and hypotension than the PCIA group (P < 0.001). Both groups showed no significant difference in PONV incidence.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing open hepatectomy, PCEA was more effective than PCIA in relieving moderate to severe pain on POD1. However, improving the safety and effectiveness of PCEA remains a challenge.

Multimodal intrathecal analgesia (MITA) with morphine for reducing postoperative opioid use and acute pain following hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery: A multicenter retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

The optimal analgesic modality for patients undergoing hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery remains unknown. The analgesic effects of a multimodal intrathecal analgesia (MITA) technique of intrathecal morphine (ITM) in combination with clonidine and bupivacaine compared to ITM alone have not been investigated in these patients.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter retrospective study of patients undergoing complex HPB surgery who received ITM, bupivacaine, and clonidine (MITA group) or ITM-only (ITM group) as part of their perioperative analgesia strategy. The primary outcome was the unadjusted oral morphine equivalent daily dose (oMEDD) in milligrams on postoperative day 1. After adjusting for age, body mass index, hospital allocation, type of surgery, operation length, and intraoperative opioid use, postoperative oMEDD use was investigated using a bootstrapped quantile regression model. Other prespecified outcomes included postoperative pain scores, opioid-related adverse events, major complications, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

In total, 118 patients received MITA and 155 patients received ITM-only. The median (IQR) cumulative oMEDD use on postoperative day 1 was 20.5 mg (8.6:31.0) in the MITA group and 52.1 mg (18.0:107.0) in the ITM group (P < 0.001). There was a variation in the magnitude of the difference in oMEDD use between the groups for different quartiles. For the MITA group, on postoperative day 1, patients in the 25th percentile required 14.0 mg less oMEDD (95% CI: -25.9 to -2.2; P = 0.025), patients in the 50th percentile required 27.8 mg less oMEDD (95% CI: -49.7 to -6.0; P = 0.005), and patients in the 75th percentile required 38.7 mg less oMEDD (95% CI: -72.2 to -5.1; P = 0.041) compared to patients in the same percentile of the ITM group. Patients in the MITA group had significantly lower pain scores in the postoperative recovery unit and on postoperative days 1 to 3. The incidence of postoperative respiratory depression was low (<1.5%) and similar between groups. Patients in the MITA group had a significantly higher incidence of postoperative hypotension requiring vasopressor support. However, no significant differences were observed in major postoperative complications, or the length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing complex HPB surgery, the use of MITA, consisting of ITM in combination with intrathecal clonidine and bupivacaine, was associated with reduced postoperative opioid use and resulted in superior postoperative analgesia without risk of respiratory depression when compared to patients who received ITM alone. A randomized prospective clinical trial investigating these two intrathecal analgesic techniques is justified.

An enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in children who undergo nephrectomy for Wilms tumor safely shortens hospital stay

BACKGROUND

Pediatric unilateral renal tumors in the US are treated with upfront nephrectomy and surgical staging. We applied enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) principles in care of children after Wilms nephrectomy.

METHODS

We reviewed records of pediatric unilateral nephrectomies for Wilms tumors, and analyzed tumor stage, surgical approach, length of operation, use of anesthesia adjuncts and catheters, diet advancement, hospital length of stay (LOS), and complications. Our ERAS protocol includes: parental education regarding discharge criteria and anticipated LOS, avoiding thoraco abdominal incisions, avoiding routine nasogastric tubes, clear liquids starting day of surgery, minimizing opiates, routine IV ketorolac use, and avoiding routine ICU stay. We examined the effects of our protocol on postoperative hospital LOS and complication rates.

RESULTS

Sixty six children (31 boys, mean age 3.8y, range 0-11.9) underwent unilateral total nephrectomy for Wilms tumor. Mean nephrectomy duration was 2.7 h. Post operatively, seven (11%) had temporary gastric tubes and 24 (36%) had epidural catheters. Ten (15%) recovered in the ICU. Patients were given regular diets mean of 1.9 days post op. Mean LOS was 3.7 days, with 56% of patients being discharged within 2-3 days. Presence of tumor thrombus, longer epidural catheter duration, delayed diet advancement, and total IV narcotic usage were associated with longer LOS. Routine use of IV ketorolac was associated with shorter LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of an ERAS protocol in children undergoing nephrectomy for Wilms tumor is safe, resulting in rapid return to regular diet and compared to the published literature, shorter postoperative LOS without an increase in complications or return to ED/OR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Accidental epidural catheter infusion of potassium chloride for postoperative analgesia: A case report

An infusion of 100 cc of 0,2% potassium chloride was accidental performed through a thoracic epidural catheter, inserted to perioperative analgesia, to a 66 years old man who was scheduled for right hemicolectomy, 48 h after surgery. Paresis of upper limbs, flaccid paralysis of lower limbs and a sensitive level at T8 was observed. An epidural lavage with an initial dose of 20 cc of saline was slowly injected, followed for a saline infusion of 20 cc per hour. Neurologic signs were totally reverted some hours later and 24 h after the incident the physical exam was normal. We reviewed the clinical presentation of the complication and its mechanisms, the more frequent clinical evolution, as well as treatment measures and strategies to prevent the incident.

Accidental epidural catheter infusion of potassium chloride for postoperative analgesia: A case report

An infusion of 100cc of 0,2% potassium chloride was accidental performed through a thoracic epidural catheter, inserted to perioperative analgesia, to a 66years old man who was scheduled for right hemicolectomy, 48hours after surgery. Paresis of upper limbs, flaccid paralysis of lower limbs and a sensitive level at T8 was observed. An epidural lavage with an initial dose of 20cc of saline was slowly injected, followed for a saline infusion of 20cc per hour. Neurologic signs were totally reverted some hours later and 24hours after the incident the physical exam was normal. We reviewed the clinical presentation of the complication and its mechanisms, the more frequent clinical evolution, as well as treatment measures and strategies to prevent the incident.

Evaluation of early postoperative intravenous opioid rescue as a novel quality measure in patients who receive thoracic epidural analgesia: a retrospective cohort analysis and prospective performance improvement intervention

BACKGROUND

In this study, we explored the utility of intravenous opioid rescue analgesia in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU-OpResc) as a single marker of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) failure and evaluated the resource implications and quality improvement applications of this measure.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all TEA placements over a three-year period at a single academic medical center in Boston, Massachusetts. The study exposure was PACU-OpResc. Primary outcome was PACU length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included reasons for delayed PACU discharge and intraoperative hypotension. The analyses were adjusted for confounding variables including patient comorbidities, surgical complexity, intraoperative intravenous opioids, chronic opioid use and local anesthetic bolus through TEA catheter. Post analysis chart review was conducted to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of PACU-OpResc for inadequate TEA. As a first Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle, we then introduced a checkbox for documentation of a sensory level check after TEA placement. Post implementation data was collected for 7 months.

RESULTS

PACU-OpResc was required by 211 (22.1%) patients who received preoperative TEA, was associated with longer PACU LOS (incidence rate ratio 1.20, 95% CI:1.07-1.34, p = 0.001) and delayed discharge due to inadequate pain control (odds ratio 5.15, 95% CI 3.51-7.57, p <  0.001). PACU-OpResc had a PPV of 76.3 and 60.4% for re-evaluation and manipulation of the TEA catheter in PACU, respectively. Following implementation of a checkbox, average monthly compliance with documented sensory level check after TEA placement was noted to be 39.7%. During this time, a reduction of 8.2% in the rate of PACU-OpResc was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that PACU-OpResc can be used as a quality assurance measure or surrogate for TEA efficacy, to track performance and monitor innovation efforts aimed at improving analgesia, such as our intervention to facilitate sensory level checks and reduced PACU-OpResc.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

not applicable.

A Literature Review of Intrathecal Morphine Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Major Open Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary (HPB) Surgery

CONTEXT

The optimal analgesic method for patients undergoing major open hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery remains controversial. Continuous epidural infusion at the thoracic level remains the standard choice, however concerns have been raised due to associated complications. Single shot intrathecal morphine has emerged as a promising alternative offering similar analgesia with an enhanced safety profile.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

This review aimed to evaluate the literature comparing intrathecal morphine analgesia to other analgesic modalities following major open hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery. The primary outcome was pain scores at rest and on movement 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes were postoperative opioid consumption within 72 postoperative hours, length of stay (LOS), intra-operative fluid administration and post-operative fluid administration within 72 postoperative hours, and overall systemic complication rate within 30 postoperative days.

RESULTS

Eleven trials matching the inclusion criteria were analysed. Intrathecal morphine resulted in equivalent or lower pain scores when contrasted to alternative techniques, but required higher amounts of postoperative opioid. Intrathecal morphine also offered reduced LOS and reduced fluid administration requirements to epidural analgesia, and there was no difference observed in major complication rate between analgesic modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary the evidence suggests that intrathecal morphine may be a better first-line analgesic modality than epidural analgesia in the context of major open hepato-pancreatic-biliary surgery, but high-quality evidence supporting this is limited.

Analysis of the postoperative hemostatic profile of colorectal cancer patients subjected to liver metastasis resection surgery

BACKGROUND

Liver resection surgery has advanced greatly in recent years, and the adoption of fasttrack programs has yielded good results. Combination anesthesia (general anesthesia associated to epidural analgesia) is an anesthetic-analgesic strategy commonly used for the perioperative management of patients undergoing surgery of this kind, though there is controversy regarding the coagulation alterations it may cause and which can favor the development of spinal hematomas.

AIM

To study the postoperative course of liver resection surgery, an analysis was made of the outcomes of liver resection surgery due to colorectal cancer metastases in our centre in terms of morbiditymortality and hospital stay according to the anesthetic technique used (general vs combination anesthesia).

METHODS

A prospective study was made of 61 colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery due to liver metastases under general and combination anesthesia between January 2014 and October 2015. The patient characteristics, intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, evolution of hemostatic parameters, and stay in intensive care and in hospital were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 61 patients were included in two homogeneous groups: general anesthesia (n = 30) and combination anesthesia (general anesthesia associated to epidural analgesia) (n = 31). All patients had normal coagulation values before surgery. The international normalized ratio (INR) in both the general and combination anesthesia groups reached maximum values at 2448 h (mean 1.37 and 1.45 vs 1.39 and 1.41, respectively), followed by a gradual decrease. There was less intraoperative bleeding in the combination anesthesia group (769 mL) than in the general anesthesia group (1200 mL) (P < 0.05). Of the 61 patients, 38.8% in the general anesthesia group experienced some respiratory complication vs 6.6% in the combination anesthesia group (P < 0.001). The time to gastrointestinal tolerance was significantly correlated to the type of anesthesia, though not so the stay in critical care or the time to hospital discharge.

CONCLUSION

Epidural analgesia in liver resection surgery was seen to be safe, with good results in terms of pain control and respiratory complications, and with no associated increase in complications secondary to altered hemostasis.

Sufentanil Sublingual Tablet System (SSTS) for the management of postoperative pain after major abdominal and gynecological surgery within an ERAS protocol: an observational study

Background

The Sufentanil Sublingual Tablet System (SSTS) is a new, pre-programmed, noninvasive, handheld system for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) which may allow a faster postoperative recovery compared with standard PCA. The efficacy of SSTS in controlling pain after open abdominal surgery has already been documented. However, to our knowledge SSTS has never been investigated in patients undergoing major surgery within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol.

Methods

This observational, retrospective analysis included consecutive patients undergoing elective major abdominal and gynecological surgery. All patients received the SSTS device once they were fully awake and had a good control of pain at the end of the surgery. We analyzed changes in pain intensity according to the numerical rating scale (NRS) throughout the treatment as well as its duration, the number of administrations, and possible related adverse events. Patients were also interviewed to assess their quality of sleep and overall satisfaction with the SSTS device.

Results

The study included 308 patients. Compared to the first SSTS administration, pain intensity decreased from a median NRS of 6 to 0 at day 3, for an overall reduction of 79%. Results were already statistically significant at postoperative day 1 (p<0.01). Adverse reactions were observed in 62 patients, with nausea being the most frequent (12%), and in 93% of patients SSTS was discontinued because it was considered no longer necessary. Patient satisfaction was high, with 89% of them judging the device as “easy” or “very easy” to use.

Conclusions

Although the retrospective and observational nature of the study as well as the absence of a comparative group limits the strength of evidence, our results consider SSTS an effective and safe tool for the management of postoperative pain after major abdominal and gynecological surgery within an ERAS protocol.

Safety and Efficacy of Bupivacaine HCl Collagen-Matrix Implant (INL-001) in Open Inguinal Hernia Repair: Results from Two Randomized Controlled Trials

INTRODUCTION

Surgical site infiltration with bupivacaine results in short-lived analgesia. The MATRIX-1 and MATRIX-2 studies examined the efficacy and safety of the bioresorbable bupivacaine HCl collagen-matrix implant (INL-001) for postsurgical pain after open inguinal hernia repair. INL-001, designed to provide early and extended delivery of bupivacaine, provides prolonged duration of perioperative analgesia.

METHODS

In two phase 3 double-blind studies [MATRIX-1 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02523599) and MATRIX-2 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02525133)], patients undergoing open tension-free mesh inguinal hernia repair were randomized to receive 300-mg bupivacaine (three INL-001 100-mg bupivacaine HCl collagen-matrix implants) (MATRIX-1 n = 204; MATRIX-2 n = 213) or three placebo collagen-matrix implants (MATRIX-1 n = 101; MATRIX-2 n = 106) during surgery. Postsurgical medication included scheduled acetaminophen and as-needed opioids.

RESULTS

Patients who received INL-001 in both studies reported statistically significantly lower pain intensity (P ≤ 0.004; primary end point) and opioid analgesic use (P < 0.0001) through 24-h post-surgery versus those who received a placebo collagen-matrix. Patients who received INL-001 reported lower pain intensity through 72 h (P = 0.0441) for the two pooled studies. In both studies, more of the patients (28-42%) who received INL-001 used no opioid medication 0-24, 0-48, and 0-72 h post-surgery versus those who received a placebo collagen-matrix (12-22%). Among patients who needed opioid medication, patients receiving INL-001 used fewer opioids than those who received a placebo collagen-matrix through 24 h in both studies (P < 0.0001) and through 48 h in MATRIX-2 (P = 0.0003). Most adverse events were mild or moderate, without evidence of bupivacaine toxicity or deleterious effects on wound healing.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that INL-001 results in post-inguinal hernia repair analgesia that is temporally aligned with the period of maximal postsurgical pain and may reduce the need for opioids while offering a favorable safety profile.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers, NCT02523599; NCT02525133.

FUNDING

Innocoll Pharmaceuticals. Plain language summary available for this article.

Anaesthetic Drug Choices of Senior Anaesthetists: An Observational Analysis of Medication Habits in a Tertiary Hospital

Objective

Various drugs are available for general anaesthesia, and the anaesthesiologist in charge may choose the one that is considered as the most appropriate for each specific case. When selecting an anaesthetic drug, its specific pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics as well as certain non-pharmacological properties have to be considered. This may lead to decisions that may be justified or unjustified according to scientific evidence and local standards.

Methods

In a prospective, single-centre, non-randomised and non-interventional study, 30 attending anaesthetists were interviewed about their drug prescription for general anaesthesia cases scheduled for the next day. The stated reasons for their choices from available alternatives were recorded and analysed for being justified or unjustified.

Results

We found 69% of all decisions as justified, while 31% were incorrect, unjustified or random. Female anaesthetists made 83%±15% justified decisions, whereas males achieved a lower performance with 69%±17% justified decisions (p=0.046).

Conclusion

To a large proportion, convenience, habit and personal preferences influence the decision-making in choosing the anaesthetic medication. A change of paradigm in the postgraduate education and training seems to be necessary.

Joint consensus on abdominal robotic surgery and anesthesia from a task force of the SIAARTI and SIC

Minimally invasive surgical procedures have revolutionized the world of surgery in the past decades. While laparoscopy, the first minimally invasive surgical technique to be developed, is widely used and has been addressed by several guidelines and recommendations, the implementation of robotic-assisted surgery is still hindered by the lack of consensus documents that support healthcare professionals in the management of this novel surgical procedure. Here we summarize the available evidence and provide expert opinion aimed at improving the implementation and resolution of issues derived from robotic abdominal surgery procedures. A joint task force of Italian surgeons, anesthesiologists and clinical epidemiologists reviewed the available evidence on robotic abdominal surgery. Recommendations were graded according to the strength of evidence. Statements and recommendations are provided for general issues regarding robotic abdominal surgery, operating theatre organization, preoperative patient assessment and preparation, intraoperative management, and postoperative procedures and discharge. The consensus document provides evidence-based recommendations and expert statements aimed at improving the implementation and management of robotic abdominal surgery.

Safety and efficacy of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs in patients undergoing hepatectomy: A prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs, following a variety of perioperative treatments with evidence-based medical evidence, has indicated its validity to accelerate rehabilitation in a wide variety of surgical procedures. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study was implemented to verify the safety and efficacy of the perioperative effects in patients undergoing hepatectomy with ERAS or with conventional surgery (CS).

METHODS

From August 2016 to November 2017, according to the inclusion criteria, 160 patients with liver diseases were suitable for participating in this experiment. Patients before liver resection were randomized into ERAS group (n = 80) and CS group (n = 80), and then the outcome measures were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Enhanced recovery after surgery group had significantly less complications than CS group (P = .009). Compared with CS group, patients in ERAS group had low peak of WBCs in postoperative day (POD1), ALT in POD1 and POD3 (P < .05), high value of ALB in POD3 and POD5 (P < .05), less pain and higher patient satisfaction (P < .001), earlier exhaust, oral feeding, ambulation and extubation time (P < .05),and also had less hospital stay and cost (P < .001). There were no significant differences in readmission rate (<30 days) between two groups (P = .772).

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs applied to patients undergoing hepatectomy can safely and effectively relieve stress response, reduce the incidence of complications, improve patient satisfaction, accelerate patient recovery, reduce financial burden, and bring economic benefits.

Decreased pain tolerance before surgery and increased postoperative narcotic requirements in abstinent tobacco smokers

INTRODUCTION

The clinical influence of smoking cessation on pain tolerance before surgery and postoperative pain perception is not fully understood. This clinical study investigated the effect of smoking cessation on pain threshold during the perioperative period in patients undergoing hepatic resection.

METHODS

We enrolled 148 male patients (68 non-smokers and 80 abstinent smokers) who underwent hepatic resection and received postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia. Patients were tested for preoperative pain thresholds in response to electrical stimuli. We recorded the cumulative amount of extra morphine equivalent required during the first 48h after surgery. Pain intensity was evaluated at 1h, 6h, 24h and 48h after surgery using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Additionally, button-pressing consumption was recorded by a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump.

RESULTS

The groups did not differ with respect to baseline clinical characteristics. Compared with non-smokers, abstinent smokers exhibited lower pain thresholds before surgery and demanded a larger quantity of extra morphine equivalent during the first 48h after surgery. Abstinent smokers also exhibited more severe postoperative pain than non-smokers. Postoperative complications, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sedation, and respiratory depression, did not significantly differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, smokers deprived of cigarettes exhibited decreased pain tolerance before surgery and required a larger quantity of postoperative extra morphine equivalent than non-smokers. Health care providers must be aware of the potential for increased narcotic requirements in smokers.

The Effect of Preoperative Pregabalin on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Nonopioid adjuvant medications are increasingly included among perioperative Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols. Preoperative pregabalin has been shown to improve postoperative pain and limit reliance on opioid analgesia. Our group investigated the ability of preoperative pregabalin to also prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

METHODS

Our group performed a meta-analysis of randomized trials that report outcomes on the effect of preoperative pregabalin on PONV endpoints in patients undergoing general anesthesia.

RESULTS

Among all included trials (23 trials; n = 1693), preoperative pregabalin was associated with a significant reduction in PONV (risk ratio [RR] = 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39-0.73; P = 0.0001), nausea (RR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.46-0.83; P = 0.002), and vomiting (RR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52-0.88; P = 0.003) at 24 hours. Subgroup analysis designed to account for major PONV confounders, including the exclusion trials with repeat dosing, thiopental induction, nitrous oxide maintenance, and prophylactic antiemetics and including high-risk surgery, resulted in similar antiemetic efficacy. Preoperative pregabalin is also associated with significantly increased rates of postoperative visual disturbance (RR = 3.11; 95% CI, 1.34-7.21; P = 0.008) compared with a control.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative pregabalin is associated with significant reduction of PONV and should not only be considered as part of a multimodal approach to postoperative analgesia but also for prevention of PONV.

Impact of adherence to care pathway interventions on recovery following bowel resection within an established enhanced recovery program

INTRODUCTION

Guidelines recommend incorporation of more than 20 perioperative interventions within an enhanced recovery program (ERP). However, the impact of overall adherence to the pathway and the relative contribution of each intervention are unclear. The aim of this study was to estimate the extent to which adherence to ERP elements is associated with outcomes and identify key ERP elements predicting successful recovery following bowel resection.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data entered in a registry specifically designed for ERPs were reviewed. Patients undergoing elective bowel resection between 2012 and 2014 were treated within an ERP comprising 23 care elements. Primary outcome was successful recovery defined as the absence of complications, discharge by postoperative day 4 and no readmission. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay (LOS), 30-day morbidity, and severity (Comprehensive complication index, CCI, 0-100). Regression analyses were adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

A total of 347 patients were included in the study. Median primary LOS was 4 days (IQR 3-7). Patients were adherent to median 18 (IQR 16-20) elements. A total of 156 (45 %) patients had successful recovery. Morbidity occurred in 175 (50 %) patients with median CCI 8.6 (IQR 0-22.6). There was a positive association between adherence and successful recovery (OR 1.39 for every additional element, p < 0.001), LOS (11 % reduction for every additional element, p < 0.001), 30-day postoperative morbidity (OR 0.78, p < 0.001), and the CCI (17 % reduction, p < 0.001). Laparoscopy (OR 4.32, p < 0.001), early mobilization out of bed (OR 2.25, p = 0.021), and early termination of IV fluid infusion (OR 2.00, p = 0.013) significantly predicted successful recovery. These factors were also associated with reduced morbidity and complication severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased adherence to ERP interventions was associated with successful early recovery and a reduction in postoperative morbidity and complication severity. In an established ERP where overall adherence was high, laparoscopic approach, perioperative fluid management, and patient mobilization remain key elements associated with improved outcomes.

Effectiveness and safety of continuous wound infiltration for postoperative pain management after open gastrectomy

AIM: To prospectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of continuous wound infiltration (CWI) for pain management after open gastrectomy.

METHODS: Seventy-five adult patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification System (ASA) grade 1-3 undergoing open gastrectomy were randomized to three groups. Group 1 patients received CWI with 0.3% ropivacaine (group CWI). Group 2 patients received 0.5 mg/mL morphine intravenously by a patient-controlled analgesia pump (PCIA) (group PCIA). Group 3 patients received epidural analgesia (EA) with 0.12% ropivacaine and 20 µg/mL morphine with an infusion at 6-8 mL/h for 48 h (group EA). A standard general anesthetic technique was used for all three groups. Rescue analgesia (2 mg bolus of morphine, intravenous) was given when the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was ≥ 4. The outcomes measured over 48 h after the operation were VAS scores both at rest and during mobilization, total morphine consumption, relative side effects, and basic vital signs. Further results including time to extubation, recovery of bowel function, surgical wound healing, mean length of hospitalization after surgery, and the patient’s satisfaction were also recorded.

RESULTS: All three groups had similar VAS scores during the first 48 h after surgery. Group CWI and group EA, compared with group PCIA, had lower morphine consumption (P < 0.001), less postoperative nausea and vomiting (1.20 ± 0.41 vs 1.96 ± 0.67, 1.32 ± 0.56 vs 1.96 ± 0.67, respectively, P < 0.001), earlier extubation (16.56 ± 5.24 min vs 19.76 ± 5.75 min, P < 0.05, 15.48 ± 4.59 min vs 19.76 ± 5.75 min, P < 0.01), and earlier recovery of bowel function (2.96 ± 1.17 d vs 3.60 ± 1.04 d, 2.80 ± 1.38 d vs 3.60 ± 1.04 d, respectively, P < 0.05). The mean length of hospitalization after surgery was reduced in groups CWI (8.20 ± 2.58 d vs 10.08 ± 3.15 d, P < 0.05) and EA (7.96 ± 2.30 d vs 10.08 ± 3.15 d, P < 0.01) compared with group PCIA. All three groups had similar patient satisfaction and wound healing, but group PCIA was prone to higher sedation scores when compared with groups CWI and EA, especially during the first 12 h after surgery. Group EA had a lower mean arterial pressure within the first postoperative 12 h compared with the other two groups.

CONCLUSION: CWI with ropivacaine yields a satisfactory analgesic effect within the first 48 h after open gastrectomy, with lower morphine consumption and accelerated recovery.