Impact of Combination of Local Anesthetic Wounds Infiltration and Ultrasound Transversus Abdominal Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Perioperative Results of a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Navigating challenges in anesthesia for robotic urological surgery: a comprehensive guide

Robotic surgery has emerged as a cornerstone in urological interventions, offering effectiveness and safety for patients. For anesthesiologists, this technological advancement presents a myriad of new challenges, spanning from patient selection and assessment to intraoperative dynamics and post-surgical pain management. This article aims to elucidate these challenges and provide guidance for anesthesiologists in navigating the complexities of anesthesia administration in robotic urological procedures. Through a detailed exploration of patient optimization, team coordination, intraoperative adjustments, and post-surgical care, this article serves as a valuable resource for ensuring the success of such interventions.

Surgeon-administered regional nerve blocks during radical cystectomy: a feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the technique for surgeon-administered, ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (SU-TAP) blocks performed during radical cystectomy as a component of multimodal, perioperative pain management.

METHODS

Retrospective, case series of patients receiving SU-TAP blocks just prior to incision for RC. TAP blocks were performed by the surgeon with a standard technique using US guidance to instill an anesthetic solution. The primary outcome was opioid consumption at the intervals of 0-12, 12-24, 24-36, and 36-48 h postoperatively. Opioid consumption was reported as oral morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Secondary outcomes included time to perform SU-TAP blocks, and safety of block procedure.

RESULTS

34 patients were included. During the median length of stay of 4 days (interquartile range [IQR] 3-7), only 30/34 (88%) of patients required opioids within the first 12 h post-op, decreasing to 38% by 48 h post-op. The median consumption decreased in the first 48 h from 21 MMEs (IQR 9-38) to 10 MMEs (IQR 8-15) at the 0-12 and 36-48 h intervals, respectively. The median time to perform block procedure was 6 min (IQR 4-8 min) and there were no safety events related to the SU-TAP blocks. Limitations include no comparative arm for opioid consumption.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that urologists may feasibly perform US-guided TAP blocks as a practical, efficient, and safe method of regional anesthesia. SU-TAP blocks should be considered in ERAS protocols for RC. Future comparative studies on opioid consumption compared to local infiltration and alternative block techniques are warranted.

Laparoscopic versus Ultrasound-Guided Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia Management after Radical Prostatectomy: Results from a Single Center Study

(1) Background: Regional anesthesia, achieved through nerve blocks, has gained widespread acceptance as an effective pain management approach. This research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic (LAP) transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. (2) Methods: From January 2023 to July 2023, 60 consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive radical prostatectomy were selected. Patients were split into two groups receiving ultrasound-guided (US) or laparoscopic-guided TAP block. The primary outcome was a pain score expressed by a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS) during the first 72 h after surgery. (3) Results: Both LAP-TAP and US-TAP block groups were associated with lower pain scores postoperatively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in surgery time, blood loss, time to ambulation, length of stay, and pain after surgery (all p > 0.2). In the LAP-TAP block group, the overall operating room time was significantly shorter than in the US-TAP block group (140 vs. 152 min, p = 0.04). (4) Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach, compared to the US-TAP block, was equally safe and not inferior in reducing analgesic drug use postoperatively. Moreover, the intraoperative LAP-TAP block seems to be a time-sparing procedure that could be recommended when patient-controlled analgesia cannot be delivered.

An analysis of post-operative pain and narcotic use following robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy for same day discharge

Robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) has become the primary surgical modality in the treatment of prostate cancer. Most patients are discharged on postoperative day one. Same-day discharge is emerging as a potential new standard. We sought to establish factors correlating with post-operative pain after RALP procedures to design a same-day discharge protocol. We retrospectively reviewed 150 of recently performed RALP procedures from March 2020 to January 2021. Patient demographics and intra-operative variables were compared to Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores and total morphine milliequivalents (MME) at 2 h, 8 h, and averaged over the patient's admission post-operatively or first 48 h, whichever occurred first. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to assess correlations with postoperative pain and narcotic use. NRS average > 3 or any MME given at 2 h postoperatively was significantly associated with continued post-operative pain averaged over admission (r_s = 0.32, 0.38, respectively; p < 0.001). MME given was also associated with longer operative time and negative related to body mass index. No other demographic data or intraoperative variables such as diabetes or pneumoperitoneum pressure were correlated with worsened post-operative pain scores > 3 or narcotic use. Local bupivacaine dose was also not associated with improved post-operative pain scores or narcotic use at 8 h (p = 0.98, 0.13). These findings suggest that patients with adequate postoperative pain control at 2 hours may be discharged same day from a pain control perspective. Further clinical evaluation regarding the role of local anesthetic use in RALPs is warranted.

Pediatric robotic surgery: issues in management-expert consensus from the Italian Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SARNePI) and the Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery (SICP)

BACKGROUND

Pediatric robotic-assisted surgeries have increased in recent years; however, guidance documents are still lacking. This study aimed to develop evidence-based recommendations, or best practice statements when evidence is lacking or inadequate, to assist surgical teams internationally.

METHODS

A joint consensus taskforce of anesthesiologists and surgeons from the Italian Society of Pediatric and Neonatal Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SARNePI) and the Italian Society of Pediatric Surgery (SICP) have identified critical areas and reviewed the available evidence. The taskforce comprised 21 experts representing the fields of anesthesia (n = 11) and surgery (n = 10) from clinical centers performing pediatric robotic surgery in the Italian cities of Ancona, Bologna, Milan, Naples, Padua, Pavia, Perugia, Rome, Siena, and Verona. Between December 2020 and September 2021, three meetings, two Delphi rounds, and a final consensus conference took place.

RESULTS

During the first planning meeting, the panel agreed on the specific objectives, the definitions to apply, and precise methodology. The project was structured into three subtopics: (i) preoperative patient assessment and preparation; (ii) intraoperative management (surgical and anesthesiologic); and (iii) postoperative procedures. Within these phases, the panel agreed to address a total of 18 relevant areas, which spanned preoperative patient assessment and patient selection, anesthesiology, critical care medicine, respiratory care, prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and pain management.

CONCLUSION

Collaboration among surgeons and anesthesiologists will be increasingly important for achieving safe and effective RAS procedures. These recommendations will provide a review for those who already have relevant experience and should be particularly useful for those starting a new program.

Predictors and trends of opioid-sparing radical prostatectomy from a large national cohort

OBJECTIVE

To examine the use of pain medications after radical prostatectomy using a large national database.

METHODS

The Premier Hospital Database was queried to identify all robotic and laparoscopic radical prostatectomies from January 2015 - March 2020 with length of stay ≥1 day. "Opioid-sparing" was defined as absence of intravenous opioid use after post-operative day 0 and absence of oral opioid use throughout admission. Comparisons were made between opioid-sparing and non-opioid-sparing prostatectomy. Logistic multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of opioid-sparing prostatectomy.

RESULTS

A total of 62,660 patients were included, of whom 14,806 (23.6%) underwent opioid-sparing prostatectomy. Opioid-sparing prostatectomy was associated with older age (65 vs. 63 years, p<0.01), white vs. black race (76.3% vs. 73.4%, p<0.01), high-volume surgeons (75.2% vs. 70.0%, p<0.01), and use of intravenous ketorolac (62.2% vs. 48.0%, p<0.01), intravenous acetaminophen (32.5% vs. 30.1%, p<0.01), and liposomal bupivacaine (5.4% vs. 4.9%, p<0.01). On multivariable regression, ketorolac was the strongest predictor of opioid-sparing prostatectomy (odds ratio: 1.86, 95% confidence interval: 1.79 - 1.93, p<0.01), and black race was predictive of non-opioid sparing prostatectomy (odds ratio: 0.75, 95% confidence interval: 0.71 - 0.80, P<0.01). Ketorolac was not associated with increased risk of postoperative bleeding (0.3% vs. 0.3%, p=1.0) or dialysis requirement (<0.1% vs. <0.1%, p=0.91).

CONCLUSION

Opioid-sparing radical prostatectomy was feasible and associated with administration of each of the non-opioid pain medications assessed. Ketorolac was the strongest predictor of opioid-sparing prostatectomy and was not associated with increased risk of bleeding or dialysis.

Robotic Vs. Ultrasound TAP Block Vs. Local Anesthetic in Urology: Results of UROTAP Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively compare robotically administered transperitoneal transversus abdominis plane to ultrasound-guided TAP (UTAP) to local anesthesia (LA) for pain control and narcotic use in robotic prostatectomy (RP) and robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) patients.

SUBJECTS/PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing RP or RPN were randomized in a single blind 2:2:1 fashion to RTAP:UTAP:LA, with the study powered to evaluate superiority of UTAP to LA and non-inferiority of RTAP to UTAP. We compared time to deliver the block, operating room time, postoperative pain scores using the visual analog scale (VAS), and intraoperative and postoperative analgesia consumption.

RESULTS

143 patients were randomized and received a treatment. There was no significant difference in patient baseline characteristics. UTAP did not demonstrate superiority to LA in terms of pain control. RTAP and LA were faster than UTAP (time to perform block 2.5 vs. 2.5 vs. 6.25 min, p<.001). There was no difference in postoperative narcotic, acetaminophen, ketorolac, or ondansetron requirements among all three groups (p>0.05). The study was terminated early due to the unexpected efficacy of LA.

CONCLUSION

UTAP and RTAP do not provide superior pain control to LA. LA's efficiency, effectiveness, and ease of administration make it a first line therapy for postoperative analgesia.

Ultrasound-guided posterior quadratus lumborum block for postoperative pain control after minimally invasive radical prostatectomy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

A minimally invasive approach to radical prostatectomy offers improved ambulation and discharge times. Postoperative pain control is one of the key factors that facilitates rapid recovery. With the aim to assure adequate analgesia and minimize the use of opioids, application of truncal nerve blocks has been proposed in a number of endoscopic procedures. The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of bilateral posterior quadratus lumborum block (pQLB) in alleviating pain and reducing postoperative opioid demand in patients following endoscopic extraperitoneal and laparoscopic prostatectomy. We enrolled 50 patients who were diagnosed with prostate cancer and scheduled for prostatectomy. They were randomized to receive preoperative, ultrasound-guided pQLB with the use of either 30 ml of 0.375 % ropivacaine (ropivacaine group) or 30 ml of 0.9 % NaCl (placebo group). Our primary endpoint was opioid consumption in the first 24 hours after surgery. Secondary endpoints were pain intensity at predefined timepoints and the incidence of nausea and vomiting and pruritus. No differences were detected between the ropivacaine and placebo groups in intravenous oxycodone consumption during the first 24 hours after surgery. Similarly, there were no differences in pain intensity at any of the timepoints assessed. The rate of nausea and vomiting was equal in both groups and pruritus was not observed. Application of bilateral pQLB does not reduce opioid consumption after minimally invasive prostatectomy.

Predictors of complications occurring after open and robot-assisted prostate cancer surgery: a retrospective evaluation of 1062 consecutive patients treated in a tertiary referral high volume center

To investigate factors associated with the risk of major complications after radical prostatectomy (RP) by the open (ORP) or robot-assisted (RARP) approach for prostate cancer (PCa) in a tertiary referral center. 1062 consecutive patients submitted to RP were prospectively collected. The following outcomes were addressed: (1) overall postoperative complications: subjects with Clavien-Dindo System (CD) one through five versus cases without any complication; (2) moderate to major postoperative complications: cases with CD < 2 vs.  ≥ 2, and 3) major post-operative complications: subjects with CDS CD ≥  3 vs.  < 3. The association of pre-operative and intra-operative factors with the risk of postoperative complications was assessed by the logistic regression model. Overall, complications occurred in 310 out of 1062 subjects (29.2%). Major complications occurred in 58 cases (5.5%). On multivariate analysis, major complications were predicted by PCa surgery and intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL). ORP compared to RARP increased the risk of major CD complications from 2.8 to 19.3% (OR = 8283; p < 0.0001). Performing ePLND increased the risk of major complications from 2.4 to 7.4% (OR = 3090; p < 0.0001). Assessing intraoperative blood loss, the risk of major postoperative complications was increased by BL above the third quartile when compared to subjects with intraoperative blood loss up to the third quartile (10.2% vs. 4.6%; OR = 2239; 95%CI: 1233-4064). In the present cohort, radical prostatectomy showed major postoperative complications that were independently predicted by the open approach, extended lymph-node dissection, and excessive intraoperative blood loss.

Surgeon-Administered Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) Block is Associated with Decreased Opioid Usage and Length of Stay following Radical Cystectomy

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of surgeon-administered Transversus Abdominis Plane block (sTAP) on opioid usage and length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

Starting in April 2018, two surgeons at our institution gradually introduced sTAP for radical cystectomy (RC) patients. We performed a retrospective observational cohort analysis of RC patients catalogued in a prospectively maintained database using the ERAS Interactive Auditing System. Two surgeons adopted the sTAP block technique in April 2018. We included patients undergoing RC for bladder malignancy under ERAS protocol between 1/2017-8/2020. Primary outcomes included LOS, and POD0-3 total opioids consumption measured by morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Multivariable linear or logistic models evaluated the association of TAP with outcomes while controlling for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Among 178 patients included in analysis, 84 patients underwent sTAP block and 94 did not. Multivariable analysis demonstrated significantly lower POD0-3 total opioid usage (106.4 vs 192.2 MME, p=.004), and mean LOS (5.6 vs 7.7 days, p<.001) among the sTAP group.

CONCLUSION

sTAP appears to be an effective adjunct to RC care associated with improved LOS, and POD0-3 opioid consumption. Further studies are needed to optimize TAP block technique and anesthetic composition.

Role of multimodal anaesthetic in post-operative analgesic requirement for robotic assisted radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

Robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is considered as standard of care for surgical management of localised prostate cancer. Procedure specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) guidelines are available for open radical prostatectomy. There is a lack of evidence for optimal pain management protocol in patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy. This study investigates the impact of multimodal anaesthetic on post-operative analgesic requirements.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

In our Institute, RARP is performed with a multimodal anaesthetic technique. Forty-one consecutive cases from October 2018 to March 2019 operated on by the same surgeon and anaesthetised by the same anaesthetic consultant were included in the study. All the patients received standardised multimodal anaesthetic technique. Data from visual analogue pain scores, nausea, vomiting and requirement of analgesics were collected from hospital records and results were analysed.

RESULTS

Our results showed that 60% of patients reported either no pain or mild pain. None of the patients required stronger opioids or parenteral analgesic. Only three patients required antiemetic. Length of hospital stay was 1.19 days which is comparable to published outcomes from high volume centres performing RARP.

CONCLUSION

Our study adds to the currently published literature that RARP when combined with the multimodal anaesthetic technique can significantly reduce stronger opioid analgesic requirement in the post-operative period without compromising LOS.

PROSPECT guidelines update for evidence-based pain management after prostatectomy for cancer

The aim of this review was to update the recommendations for optimal pain management after open and laparoscopic or robotic prostatectomy. Optimal pain management is known to influence postoperative recovery, but patients undergoing open radical prostatectomy typically experience moderate dynamic pain in the immediate postoperative day. Robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery may be associated with decreased pain levels as opposed to open surgery. We performed a systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) with PROcedure SPECific Postoperative Pain ManagemenT (PROSPECT) methodology. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English language, from January 2015 until March 2020, assessing postoperative pain, using analgesic, anaesthetic and surgical interventions, were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Databases. Of the 1797 studies identified, 35 RCTs and 3 meta-analyses met our inclusion criteria. NSAIDs and COX-2 selective inhibitors proved to lower postoperative pain scores. Continuous intravenous lidocaine reduced postoperative pain scores during open surgery. Local wound infiltration showed positive results in open surgery. Bilateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block was performed at the end of surgery and lowered pain scores in robot-assisted procedures, but results were conflicting for open procedures. Basic analgesia for prostatic surgery should include paracetamol and NSAIDs or COX-2 selective inhibitors. TAP block should be recommended as the first-choice regional analgesic technique for laparoscopic/robotic radical prostatectomy. Intravenous lidocaine should be considered for open surgeries.

Severe intraoperative bleeding predicts the risk of perioperative blood transfusion after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

To evaluate potential factors associated with the risk of perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) with implications on length of hospital stay (LOHS) and major post-operative complications in patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) as a primary treatment for prostate cancer (PCa). In a period ranging from January 2013 to August 2019, 980 consecutive patients who underwent RARP were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical factors such as intraoperative blood loss were evaluated. The association of factors with the risk of PBT was investigated by statistical methods. Overall, PBT was necessary in 39 patients (4%) in whom four were intraoperatively. Positive surgical margins, operating time and intraoperative blood loss were associated with perioperative blood transfusion on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, the risk of PBT was predicted by intraoperative blood loss (odds ratio, OR 1.002; 95% CI 1.001-1.002; p < 0.0001), which was associated with prolonged operating time and elevated body mass index (BMI). PBT was associated with delayed LOHS and Clavien-Dindo complications > 2. In patients undergoing RARP as a primary treatment for PCa, the risk of PBT represented a rare event that was predicted by severe intraoperative bleeding, which was associated with increased BMI as well as with prolonged operating time. In patients who received a PBT, prolonged LOHS as well as an elevated risk of major Clavien-Dindo complications were seen.

Minimizing opioid consumption following robotic surgery

The American opioid epidemic has led to one of the worse public health crises in recent history, and emerging evidence has highlighted the role of healthcare professionals in exposing patients and communities to potent opioid drugs. Surgeons, in treating postoperative pain, are at the forefront of this epidemic. In Urology, investigators are beginning to establish how patients handle and consume opioids following common urologic procedures in an effort to limit excess prescribing. However, there is a paucity of data to define acceptable amounts of opioid medications to adequately treat postoperative pain after urologic surgery. Many common urologic procedures are now routinely performed with robotic technology. Robotic, minimally-invasive approaches decrease incision size and accelerate postoperative recovery, thereby presenting a unique opportunity to curb excessive opioid prescribing in the postoperative patient. Herein, we explore the roots of the current crisis, outline current literature guiding pain control after surgery, and review the current, though sparse, literature that may guide urologists in decreasing opioid use after robotic surgery.

Comparison between epidural technique and mid-axillary ultrasound-guided TAP block for postoperative analgesia of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a quasi-randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Our goal was to evaluate whether TAP block offers the same analgesic pain control compared to epidural technique in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy surgery through the morphine consumption in the first 48 hours.

METHODS

In this study, 45 patients were recruited and assigned to either TAP or epidural. The main study outcome was morphine consumption during the first 48 hours after surgery. Other data recorded were pain at rest and upon movement, technique-related complications and adverse effects, surgical and postoperative complications, length of surgery, need for rescue analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting, start of intake, sitting and perambulation, first flatus, and length of in-hospital stay.

RESULTS

From a total of 45 patients, two were excluded due to reconversion to open surgery (TAP group = 20; epidural group = 23). There were no differences in morphine consumption (0.96 vs. 0.8 mg; p = 0.78); mean postoperative VAS pain scores at rest (0.7 vs. 0.5; p = 0.72); or upon movement (1.6 vs. 1.6; p = 0.32); in the TAP vs. epidural group, respectively. Sitting and perambulation began sooner in TAP group (19 vs. 22 hours, p = 0.03; 23 vs. 32 hours, p = 0.01; respectively). The epidural group had more technique-related adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

TAP blocks provide the same analgesic quality with optimal pain control than epidural technique, with less adverse effects.

Urine leak after robotic radical prostatectomy: not all urine leaks come from the anastomosis

Radical prostatectomy is the gold standard in patients that are surgical candidates with localized prostate cancer. While most postoperative urine leaks are from vesico-urethral anastomosis, urologists must be aware that a small percentage of patients may have a urine leak from other sites that may have been inadvertently injured during the procedure. We propose a systematic workup to evaluate the source of the urinary leak as well as appropriate management of such injuries. The mid-ureter can be injured during lymph node dissection. The distal ureter is at risk of injury when performing the Montsouris approach. The posterior bladder neck dissection can at times be challenging. If not careful, one can easily cause an injury to the trigone and/or ureteral orifices. The most common site of leak is at the vesico-urethral anastomosis due to a non-watertight closure. The management of intraoperatively detected ureteral injuries require placement of a ureteral stent. The location, severity and type of injury determine the reconstruction required to fix it. Postoperatively urine leak can be frequently detected when assessing the pelvic drain, and imaging such as CT Urogram with a cystogram phase may be helpful in the diagnosis. Urine leak after robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy remains a rare complication, sometimes the diagnosis can be challenging, and management varies depending on the site and severity of injury.

Safe transition to opioid-free pathway after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

To determine whether local anesthetic infiltration and non-narcotic pain medications can safely reduce or eliminate opioid use following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy while maintaining adequate pain control. After initiation of this quality-improvement project, patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy had surgeon-administered local anesthesia around all incisions into each successive layer from peritoneum to skin, with the majority infiltrated into the transversus abdominis muscle plane and posterior rectus sheath of the midline extraction incision. Post-operatively patients received scheduled acetaminophen plus ketorolac, renal function permitting. A retrospective review was performed for all cases over 19 months, spanning project implementation. 157 cases (76 in opioid-free pathway, 81 in standard pathway) were included. Five patients (6.6%) in the opioid-free pathway required post-operative opioids while inpatient, versus 61 (75.3%) in the standard pathway, p < .001. Mean patient-reported pain score on each post-operative day was lower in the opioid-free pathway compared to the standard pathway [day 0: 2.4 (SD 2.6) vs. 3.9 (SD 2.7), p < .001; day 1: 1.4 [SD 1.6] vs. 3.3 (SD 2.2), p < .001; day 2 0.9 (SD 1.5) vs. 2.6 (SD 1.9), p < .001]. Fewer post-operative complications were seen in the opioid-free pathway versus standard [0 vs. 5 (6.2%), p = 0.028], and there was no statistically significant difference in number of emergency room visits or readmissions within 3 weeks of surgery. The use of surgeon-administered local anesthetic plus scheduled non-narcotic analgesics can safely and significantly reduce opioid use after robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy while improving pain control.

Tips and tricks in achieving zero peri-operative opioid used in onco-urologic surgery

PURPOSE

To review non-opioid based protocols in urologic oncologic surgery and describe our institutional methods of eliminating peri-operative opioids.

METHODS

A thorough literature review was performed using PUBMED to identify articles pertaining to reducing or eliminating narcotic use in genitourinary cancer surgery. Studies were analyzed pertaining to protocols utilized in genitourinary cancer surgery, major abdominal and/or pelvic non-urologic surgery.

RESULTS

Reducing or eliminating peri-operative narcotics should begin with an institutionalized protocol made in conjunction with the anesthesia department. Pre-operative regimens should consist of appropriate counseling, gabapentin, and acetaminophen with or without a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Prior to incision, a regional block or local anesthetic should be delivered. Anesthesiologists may develop opioid-free protocols for achieving and maintaining general anesthesia. Post-operatively, patients should be on a scheduled regimen of ketorolac, gabapentin, and acetaminophen.

CONCLUSION

Eliminating peri-operative narcotic use is feasible for major genitourinary oncologic surgery. Patients not only have improved peri-operative outcomes but also are at significantly reduced risk of developing long-term opioid use. Through the implementation of a non-opioid protocol, urologists are able to best serve their patients while positively contributing to reducing the opioid epidemic.

Reducing Opioid Use After Endourologic Procedures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Surgeons have played a significant role in the current opioid epidemic through overprescribing practices in the postoperative setting. However, contemporary efforts have helped to decrease opioid excess, particularly in the field of urology. Minimally invasive surgery offers a unique avenue to address overuse of narcotics in the postoperative period given its emphasis on enhanced recovery.

RECENT FINDINGS

Historically, the majority of the literature characterizing postoperative opioid use and its reduction has focused on non-urological surgery. However, recent studies have shown that patients undergoing urologic procedures are prescribed opioids in a similar manner as patients in other surgical specialties. Reduction strategies have been implemented through the use of regional anesthesia, enhanced recovery after surgery pathways, and the development of procedure-specific opioid prescription recommendations. Patients undergoing urologic surgery experience the same risk of opioid misuse and abuse as patients undergoing other types of surgery. However, the wide use of minimally invasive urological surgeries including robotic surgery offers a unique opportunity to reduce postoperative opioid use through multimodal and interdisciplinary protocols and standardizing guidelines.

Anesthetic considerations for urologic surgeries

Urologic surgeries are widely performed, and the cases have increased owing to the fact that the elderly population is growing. The narrow and limited surgical space is a challenge in performing most urologic surgeries. Additionally, the elderly population is exposed to the risk of perioperative complications; therefore, a comprehensive understanding and approach are required to provide optimized anesthesia during surgery. We have searched the literature on anesthesia for urologic surgeries and summarized the anesthetic considerations for urologic surgeries.

A Radical Proposition: Opioid-sparing Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy has largely become a procedure requiring a single day in the hospital with improving convalescence. Pre-operative counseling on perioperatively expectations including a discussion of pain management using non-opioid alternatives is critical to further improve postoperative recovery and limit narcotic use. Preoperative regional pain blocks and intraoperative multi-modal analgesia, and scheduled non-opioid pain medication alternatives can greatly limit opioid exposure perioperatively. Liberal use of acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories upon discharge may eliminate the need for narcotic prescriptions at the time of discharge.

Application of TAP Block in Laparoscopic Urological Surgery: Current Status and Future Directions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Amid the opioid crisis, postoperative pain management is a major challenge for practitioners. Recent pain management guidelines emphasize the importance of using regional anesthesia as part of opioid-sparing multimodal analgesia. This report aims to review recent evidence regarding the utilization of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in minimally invasive urologic surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

TAP block has been shown to improve early and late pain at rest, and to reduce opioid consumption after minimally invasive surgery. These benefits have indirectly reduced the incidence of postoperative delirium, pneumonia, urinary retention, and falls. Compared to epidural analgesia, TAP block provides similar pain control, has a lower incidence of hypotension, and is associated with a shorter length of stay. Few studies focus specifically on the outcomes of TAP block in minimally invasive urologic surgery. TAP block decreases postoperative pain and reduces opioid consumption without increasing complications. TAP block should be integrated as an indispensable component in enhanced recovery after surgery protocols.