Elements not Graded in the Cardiac Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Guidelines Might Improve Postoperative Outcome: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

Association between improved compliance with enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery guidelines and postoperative outcomes: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery is a multidisciplinary clinical care pathway that relies on a bundle of interventions, aiming to reduce the stress response to surgery and promote early recovery of organ function. In 2011, our institution introduced an institutional enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery program focusing on 9 central interventions, which have been expanded during the past decade by additional interventions now considered standard of care. After the recent publication of the enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery guidelines, we evaluated the relation between the compliance with these enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery guidelines and postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

All patients enrolled in our enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery program in 2019 were included in this retrospective single-center audit. The primary outcome was compliance with 23 enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery guidelines. Secondary outcomes included occurrence of at least 1 postoperative complication and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

A total of 356 patients were included in this study. Compliance with the enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery guidelines was 64%. Postoperatively, 51% of the patients experienced at least 1 complication and had a median hospital length of stay of 6 days. Multivariable analysis showed that an increased compliance (per 10%) with the enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery guidelines was associated with a lower risk for any complication (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.79; P = .0003) and a higher probability of earlier hospital discharge (hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.43; P = .0008).

CONCLUSIONS

This audit revealed a correlation between increased compliance with enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery guidelines and a reduction of postoperative complications and hospital length of stay. Future trials are needed to establish evidence-based recommendations for each separate intervention of the enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery guidelines and to create a minimum core-set of enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery interventions.

Effects of an open lung extubation strategy compared with a conventional extubation strategy on postoperative pulmonary complications after general anesthesia: a single-centre pilot randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are a common cause of morbidity. Postoperative atelectasis is thought to be a significant risk factor in their development. Recent imaging studies suggest that patients' extubation may result in similar postoperative atelectasis regardless of the intraoperative mechanical ventilation strategy used. In this pilot trial, we hypothesized that a study investigating the effects of an open lung extubation strategy compared with a conventional one on PPCs would be feasible.

METHODS

We conducted a pilot, single-centre, double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Adult patients at moderate to high risk of PPCs and scheduled for elective surgery were eligible. Patients were randomized to an open lung extubation strategy (semirecumbent position, fraction of inspired oxygen [FIO2] 50%, pressure support ventilation, unchanged positive end-expiratory pressure) or to a conventional extubation strategy (dorsal decubitus position, FIO2 100%, manual bag ventilation). The primary feasibility outcome was global protocol adherence while the primary exploratory efficacy outcome was PPCs.

RESULTS

We randomized 35 patients to the conventional extubation group and 34 to the open lung extubation group. We observed a global protocol adherence of 96% (95% confidence interval, 88 to 99), which was not different between groups. Eight PPCs occurred (two in the conventional extubation group vs six in the open lung extubation group). Less postoperative supplemental oxygen and better lung aeration were observed in the open lung extubation group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-centre pilot trial, we observed excellent feasibility. A multicentre pilot trial comparing the effect of an open lung extubation strategy with that of a conventional extubation strategy on the occurrence of PPCs is feasible.

STUDY REGISTRATION DATE

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04993001); registered 6 August 2021.

Erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia in robotically-assisted coronary artery bypass surgery: Results of a randomized placebo-controlled trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate if an erector spinae plane (ESP) block decreases postoperative opioid consumption, pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing robotically-assisted minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass surgery (RAMIDCAB).

DESIGN

A single-center, double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Postoperative period; operating room, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and hospital ward in a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Sixty-four patients undergoing RAMIDCAB surgery via left-sided mini-thoracotomy and enrolled in the institutional enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery program.

INTERVENTIONS

At the end of surgery, patients received an ESP catheter at vertebra T5 under ultrasound guidance and were randomized to the administration of either ropivacaine 0.5% (loading dose of 30 ml and three additional doses of 20 ml each, interspersed with a 6 h interval) or normal saline 0.9% (with an identical administration scheme). In addition, patients received multimodal analgesia including acetaminophen, dexamethasone and patient-controlled analgesia with morphine. Following the final ESP bolus and before catheter removal, the position of the catheter was re-evaluated by ultrasound. Patients, investigators and medical personnel were blinded for the group allocation during the entire trial.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcome was cumulative morphine consumption during the first 24 h after extubation. Secondary outcomes included location and severity of pain, presence/extent of sensory block, duration of postoperative ventilation and hospital length of stay. Safety outcomes comprised the incidence of adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

Median (IQR) 24-h morphine consumption was not different between the intervention- and control-groups, 67 mg (35-84) versus 71 mg (52-90) (p = 0.25), respectively. Likewise, no differences were detected in secondary and safety endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

Following RAMIDCAB surgery, adding an ESP block to a standard multimodal analgesia regimen did not reduce opioid consumption and pain scores.

Postoperative Weight Gain within Enhanced Recovery after Cardiac Surgery

Optimal fluid therapy during perioperative care as part of enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS) should improve the outcome. Our objective was finding out the effects of fluid overload on outcome and mortality within a well-established ERACS program. All consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery between January 2020 and December 2021 were enrolled. According to ROC curve analysis, a cut-off of ≥7 kg (group M, n = 1198) and <7 kg (group L, n = 1015) was defined. A moderate correlation was shown between weight gain and fluid balance r = 0.4, and a simple linear regression was significant p < 0.0001, R² = 0.16. Propensity score matching showed that increased weight gain was associated with a longer hospital length of stay (LOS) (L 8 [3] d vs. M 9 [6] d, p < 0.0001), an increased number of patients who received pRBCs (L 311 (36%) vs. M 429 (50%), p < 0.0001), and a higher incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) (L 84 (9.8%) vs. M 165 (19.2%), p < 0.0001). Weight gain can easily represent fluid overload. Fluid overload after cardiac surgery is common and is associated with prolonged hospital LOS and increases the incidence of AKI.

Efficacy of erector spinae plane block for minimally invasive mitral valve surgery: Results of a double-blind, prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate if an erector spinae plane (ESP) block decreases postoperative opioid consumption, pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS).

DESIGN

A single-center, double-blind, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Postoperative period; operating room, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and hospital ward in a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Seventy-two patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic MIMVS via right-sided mini-thoracotomy and enrolled in the institutional enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery program.

INTERVENTIONS

At the end of surgery, all patients received an ESP catheter at vertebra T5 under ultrasound guidance and were randomized to the administration of either ropivacaine 0.5% (loading of dose 30 ml and three additional doses of 20 ml with a 6 h interval) or normal saline 0.9% (with an identical administration scheme). In addition, patients received multimodal postoperative analgesia including dexamethasone, acetaminophen and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia with morphine. Following the final ESP bolus and before catheter removal, the position of the catheter was re-evaluated by ultrasound. Patients, investigators and medical personnel were blinded for the group allocation during the entire trial.

MEASUREMENTS

Primary outcome was cumulative morphine consumption during the first 24 h after extubation. Secondary outcomes included severity of pain, presence/extent of sensory block, duration of postoperative ventilation and hospital length of stay. Safety outcomes comprised the incidence of adverse events.

MAIN RESULTS

Median (IQR) 24-h morphine consumption was not different between the intervention- and control-group, 41 mg (30-55) versus 37 mg (29-50) (p = 0.70), respectively. Likewise, no differences were detected for secondary and safety endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

Following MIMVS, adding an ESP block to a standard multimodal analgesia regimen did not reduce opioid consumption and pain scores.

Enhanced recovery of postoperative nursing for single-port thoracoscopic surgery in lung cancer patients

Lung cancer is a common clinical malignant tumor, and the number of new lung cancer patients is increasing year by year. With the advancement of thoracoscopy technology and equipment, the scope of application of minimally invasive surgery has expanded to almost all types of lung cancer resection, making it the mainstream lung cancer resection surgery. Single-port thoracoscopic surgery provides evident advantages in terms of postoperative incision pain since only a single incision is required, and the surgical effect is similar to those of multi-hole thoracoscopic surgery and traditional thoracotomy. Although thoracoscopic surgery can effectively remove tumors, it nevertheless induces variable degrees of stress in lung cancer patients, which eventually limit lung function recovery. Rapid rehabilitation surgery can actively improve the prognosis of patients with different types of cancer and promote early recovery. This article reviews the research progress on rapid rehabilitation nursing in single-port thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery.

Patient and caregiver preferences and prioritized outcomes for cardiac surgery: A scoping review and consultation workshop

OBJECTIVE(S)

In light of the absence of patient and caregiver input in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Cardiac Surgery guideline development, we conducted a scoping review to identify patient and caregiver preferences and prioritized outcomes related to perioperative care in cardiac surgery and its lifelong impact.

METHODS

Five electronic databases were searched to retrieve studies investigating patient or caregiver preferences and prioritized outcomes. Information was charted in duplicate and analyzed using descriptive statistics or thematic analysis. A patient and caregiver consultation workshop validated scoping review findings and solicited novel preferences and outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 5292 articles retrieved, 43 met inclusion criteria. Most were from Europe (n = 19, 44%) or North America (n = 15, 35%) and qualitative and quantitative designs were represented in equal proportions. Fifty-two methods were used to obtain stakeholder preferences and prioritized outcomes, the majority being qualitative in nature (n = 32, 61%). Based on the collective preferences of 3772 patients and caregivers from the review and 17 from the consultation workshop, a total of 108 patient preferences, 32 caregiver preferences, and 19 prioritized outcomes were identified. The most commonly identified theme was "information and education." Improved quality of life was the most common patient-prioritized outcome, and all caregiver-prioritized outcomes were derived from the consultation workshop.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient and caregiver preferences overlap with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Cardiac Surgery recommendations targeting preoperative risk reduction strategies, prehabilitation, patient engagement technology, and intra- and postoperative strategies to reduce discomfort. To support clinical practice, future research should investigate associations with key surgical outcomes.

Feasibility and postoperative opioid sparing effect of an opioid-free anaesthesia in adult cardiac surgery: a retrospective study

Background

No previous study investigated the dexmedetomidine-based opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) protocol in cardiac surgery. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and the postoperative opioid-sparing effect of dexmedetomidine-based OFA in adult cardiac surgery patients.

Methods

We conducted a single-centre and retrospective study including 80 patients above 18 years old who underwent on-pump cardiac surgery between November 2018 and February 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: OFA (lidocaine, ketamine, dexmedetomidine, MgSO4) or opioid-based anaesthesia (remifentanil and anti-hyperalgesic medications such as ketamine and/or MgSO4 and/or lidocaine at the discretion of the anesthesiologist). The primary endpoint was the total amount of opioid consumed in its equivalent of intravenous morphine during the first 48 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes included perioperative hemodynamics, post-operative maximal pain at rest and during coughing and adverse outcomes. Data are expressed as median [interquartile range].

Results

Patients in the OFA-group had a higher EuroSCORE II, with more diabetes, more dyslipidemia and more non-elective surgery but fewer smoking history. In the OFA group, the median loading dose of dexmedetomidine was 0.6 [0.4–0.6] μg.kg^− 1 while the median maintenance dose was 0.11 μg.kg^− 1.h^− 1 [0.05–0.20]. In 10 (25%) patients, dexmedetomidine was discontinued for a drop of mean arterial pressure below 55 mmHg. The median total amount of opioid consumed in its equivalent of intravenous morphine during the first 48 postoperative hours was lower in the OFA group (15.0 mg [8.5–23.5] versus 30.0 mg [17.3–44.3], p < 0.001). While no differences were seen with rest pain (2.0 [0.0–3.0] versus 0.5 [0.0–5.0], p = 0.60), the maximal pain score during coughing was lower in OFA group (3.5 [2.0–5.0] versus 5.5 [3.0–7.0], p = 0.04). In OFA group the incidence of atrial fibrillation (18% versus 40%, p = 0.03) and non-invasive ventilation use (25% versus 48%, p = 0.04) were lower. The incidence of bradycardia and the intraoperative use of norepinephrine were similar between both groups.

Conclusion

Dexmedetomidine-based OFA in cardiac surgery patients is feasible and could be associated with a lower postoperative morphine consumption and better postoperative outcomes. Further randomized studies are required to confirm these promising results and determine the optimal associations, dosages, and infusion protocols during cardiac surgery.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12871-021-01362-1.