Anaesthetic considerations in nonagenarians and centenarians

Outcomes of cataract surgeries performed in 8 eyes of centenarians

Cataract surgery outcomes in centenarian patients have not previously been explored. This study aimed to examine characteristics and report clinical results of people aged ≥100 years undergoing cataract surgery. This was a retrospective observational study, including patients aged ≥100 years who underwent cataract surgery between 2003 and 2021 at Miyata Eye Hospital in Japan. Medical charts were reviewed for information on cataract severity, surgery type, anesthesia, as well as ocular and medical comorbidities. Using Mann-Whitney test, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and corneal endothelial cell density were compared before and after surgery. Eight eyes of 5 patients were included in the study (mean age, 101.5 ± 1.2 years). Seven of these eyes (87.5%) belonged to women. All surgeries were performed under topical anesthesia using phacoemulsification and insertion of the intraocular lens fixed in the bag. All patients had multiple preoperative medical comorbidities; however, there were no intraoperative, postoperative ocular, or general complications. The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved compared to that before surgery (1.18 ± 0.74 and 0.29 ± 0.52, respectively, P = .004). Neither intraocular pressure nor corneal endothelial cell density demonstrated a significant difference postoperatively. Cataract surgery can be safely performed under topical anesthesia in centenarians without complications using proper perioperative medical control and preparation.

Perioperative Considerations in Older Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipients: A Review

With the growth of the older adult population, the number of older adults waitlisted for and undergoing kidney and liver transplantation has increased. Transplantation is an important and definitive treatment for this population. We present a contemporary review of the unique preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative issues that patients older than 65 y face when they undergo kidney or liver transplantation. We focus on geriatric syndromes that are common in older patients listed for kidney or liver transplantation including frailty, sarcopenia, and cognitive dysfunction; discuss important considerations for older transplant recipients, which may impact preoperative risk stratification; and describe unique challenges in intraoperative and postoperative management for older patients. Intraoperative challenges in the older adult include using evidence-based best anesthetic practices, maintaining adequate perfusion pressure, and using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Postoperative concerns include controlling acute postoperative pain; preventing cardiovascular complications and delirium; optimizing immunosuppression; preventing perioperative kidney injury; and avoiding nephrotoxicity and rehabilitation. Future studies are needed throughout the perioperative period to identify interventions that will improve patients' preoperative physiologic status, prevent postoperative medical complications, and improve medical and patient-centered outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.

Tumeszenz-Lokalanästhesie bei geriatrischen Patienten mit Hauttumoren im Kopf-Hals-Bereich - Eine retrospektive Studie an 782 Patienten: Tumescent local anesthesia in geriatric patients with head and neck skin cancer - a retrospective study of 782 patients

Hintergrund und Zielsetzung

Aufgrund ihrer Morbidität werden dermatochirurgische Eingriffe bei älteren Patienten vorzugsweise in Tumeszenz‐Lokalanästhesie durchgeführt. Allerdings ist die Datenlage hierzu begrenzt. Ziel der Arbeit war es, die Tumeszenz‐Lokalanästhesie für Hautkrebsoperationen bei älteren Patienten mit dem Fokus auf klinische Vorteile (Behandlungsprozesse, Schmerzmanagement) und dem lokalen postoperativen Komplikationsrisiko zu evaluieren.

Patienten und Methodik

Untersuchung von Patienten ≥75 Jahren mit stationär durchgeführten Hautkrebsoperationen im Kopf‐Hals‐Bereich unter Tumeszenz‐Lokalanästhesie.

Ergebnisse

2940 Eingriffe bei 782 Patienten (Durchschnittsalter 83,3 Jahre) mit dem Ziel einer vollständigen Tumorresektion während des stationären Aufenthaltes wurden durchgeführt. 3,8 (Bereich: 1–20) Eingriffe erfolgten über einen Zeitraum von durchschnittlich 4,9 Tagen (Bereich: 1–28). 43,2% benötigten keine postoperative Analgesie. 53,5% erhielten NSAID, 3,3% Opioide. Wundinfektionen (13,6%) waren die häufigste lokale postoperative Komplikation. Chirurgische Interventionen aufgrund von Nachblutungen waren in 2,8% der Fälle erforderlich. Keine der Blutungen waren hämoglobinrelevant oder lebensbedrohlich. Nahtdehiszenzen und Nekrosen waren selten (0,6%).

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Tumeszenz‐Lokalanästhesie ist für Hautkrebsoperationen bei älteren Menschen eine effektive Anästhesiemethode. Durch den Verzicht auf eine Vollnarkose können die Behandlungsabläufe optimiert und anästhesiologische Risiken minimiert werden. Lokale postoperative Komplikationen treten eher selten auf und sind gut behandelbar. Die langanhaltende Analgesie führt zu einem geringeren Analgetikabedarf und selteneren Medikamenteninteraktionen.

Tumescent local anesthesia in geriatric patients with head and neck skin cancer - a retrospective study of 782 patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Due to frailty, dermatosurgery in the elderly is preferably performed under tumescent local anesthesia, but data is limited. The aim was to evaluate tumescent local anesthesia for skin cancer surgery in the elderly with focus on clinical benefits (treatment processes, pain management) and local postoperative complication risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Investigation of patients ≥ 75 years with inpatient head and neck skin cancer surgery under tumescent local anesthesia.

RESULTS

2,940 procedures in 782 patients (mean age 83.3 years) were performed with the aim of complete tumor resection during the inpatient stay. 3.8 (range: 1-20) interventions were done over an average of 4.9 days (range: 1-28). 43.2% did not require any postoperative analgesia. 53.5% received NSAIDs, 3.3% opioids. Infection (13.6%) was the most common local postoperative complication. Surgical intervention due to bleeding was required in 2.8%. None was hemoglobin relevant or life-threatening. Suture dehiscence and necrosis were rare (0.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Tumescent local anesthesia is an effective method for skin cancer surgery in the elderly. By avoiding general anesthesia, treatment processes can be optimized and anesthesiologic risks minimized. Local postoperative complications are still low and well treatable. The long-lasting analgesia results in a reduced need for analgesics and drug interactions.

"The Big Three" of geriatrics: A review of perioperative cognitive impairment, frailty and malnutrition

Cognitive impairment, frailty, and malnutrition are three of the most impactful pathologies facing an aging population, having dramatic effects on morbidity and mortality across nearly all facets of medical care and intervention. By 2050, the World Health Organization estimates that the population of individuals over the age of sixty worldwide will nearly double, and the public health toll of these demographic changes cannot be understated. With these changing demographics comes a need for a sharpened focus on the care and management of this vulnerable population. The average patient presenting for surgery is getting older, and this necessitates that clinicians understand the implications of these pathologies for both their immediate medical care needs and for appropriate procedural selection and prognostication of surgical outcomes. We believe it is incumbent on clinicians to consider the frailty, nutritional status, and cognitive function of each individual patient when offering a surgical intervention, as well as consider interventions that may delay the progression of these pathologies. Unfortunately, despite excellent evidence supporting things like routine pre-operative frailty screening and nutritional optimization, many interventions that would specifically benefit this population still have not been integrated into routine practice. In this review, we will synthesize the existing literature on these topics to provide a pragmatic approach and understanding for anesthesiologists and intensivists faced with this complex population.

Risk analysis of systemic side effects of tumescent local anaesthesia in the surgical treatment of geriatric and multimorbid patients with skin cancer

BACKGROUND

Due to demographic change and increased UV exposure, the number of dermatosurgical procedures in the elderly is increasing. Data on the occurrence of systemic side effects during and after treatment with tumescent local anaesthesia are limited and do not refer to details such as volume and composition of local anaesthetics or epinephrine additive.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of systemic side effects in elderly patients undergoing skin tumour surgery with tumescent local anaesthesia.

METHODS

Investigation of systemic complications in patients (≥75 years) who underwent head and neck skin tumour surgery under tumescent local anaesthesia at the Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre Tübingen, between October 2018 and March 2020.

RESULTS

In total 782 patients (479 males, 303 females) with a mean age of 83.3 years (range: 75.1-102.2 years) could be included. A total of 2940 procedures were performed. Patients were assigned to two groups. The old-old group (≥75-84 years) included 491 patients and the oldest-old group (≥85 years) included 291 patients. The total inpatient stay and thus mean follow-up period was 4.9 days (range 1-28 days). 92.0% (719/782) suffered from pre-existing comorbidities. Systemic complications occurred in 10.2% (80/782; old-olds: 8.6%, oldest-olds: 13.1%). Hypertensive crisis (>180/120 mmHg) requiring intervention (6.7%) that occurred intraoperatively or during the inpatient stay was the most frequent systemic complication. Cardiac arrhythmias occurred postoperatively in 0.8% of cases. No life-threatening complications directly related to tumescent local anaesthesia were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Skin tumour surgery in tumescent local anaesthesia for the elderly is safe, and complications caused by general anaesthesia can be avoided. Systemic complications can occur, but are usually mild, are caused by pre-existing diseases and perioperative excitement, and can be rapidly detected and well treated by monitoring. There is no direct correlation of complications to high-tumescent concentrations or volume quantities.

Tumescent local anesthesia versus general anesthesia for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation: A cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

General anesthesia (GA) is the standard anesthetic approach for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation. Nonetheless, GA is expensive and can be associated with adverse events. Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) has been shown to reduce in-room and procedural times and to decrease post-procedural pain, all of which could result in a reduction in procedure-related costs.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to compare the cost-effectiveness of GA and TLA in patients undergoing S-ICD implantation.

METHODS

The present study is a prospective, nonrandomized, controlled study of patients who underwent S-ICD implantation between 2019 and 2022. Patients were allocated to either the TLA or the GA group. We performed a cost analysis for each intervention. As an effectiveness measure, the 0-10 point Numeric Pain Rating Scale at 1, 12, and 24 hours post-implantation was analyzed and compared between the groups. A score of 0 was considered no pain; 1-5, mild pain; 6-7, moderate pain; and 8-10, severe pain. Cost-effectiveness was calculated using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios.

RESULTS

Seventy patients underwent successful S-ICD implantation. The total cost of the electrophysiology laboratory was higher in the GA group than in the TLA group (median ± interquartile range US$55,824 ± US$29,411 vs US$37,222 ± US$24,293; P < .001), with a net saving of $20,821 when compared with GA for each S-ICD implantation. There was a significant decrease in post-procedural pain scores in the TLA group when compared with the GA group (repeated measures analysis of variance, P = .009; median ± interquartile range 0 ± 3 vs 0 ± 5 at 1 hour, P = .058; 3 ± 4 vs 6 ± 8 at 12 hours, P = .030; 0 ± 4 vs 2 ± 6 at 24 hours, P = .040).

CONCLUSION

TLA is a more cost-effective alternative to GA for S-ICD implantation, with both direct and indirect cost reductions. Importantly, these reduced costs are associated with reduced postprocedural pain.

Modern Cardiac Surgical Outcomes in Nonagenarians: A Multicentre Retrospective Observational Study

Background

There have been multiple recent advancements in the selection, optimisation and management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. However, there is limited data regarding the outcomes in nonagenarians, despite this cohort being increasingly referred for these interventions. The objective of this study was to describe the patient characteristics, management and outcomes of a cohort of nonagenarians undergoing cardiac surgery receiving contemporary peri-operative care.

Methods

After receiving ethics approval, we conducted a retrospective observational study of nonagenarians who had undergone cardiac surgery requiring a classic median sternotomy. All operative indications were included. We excluded patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), and surgery on the thoracic aorta via an endovascular approach (TEVAR). Patients undergoing TEVAR often have the procedure done under sedation and regional blocks with local anesthetic solution. There is no open incision and these patients do not require cardiopulmonary bypass. We also excluded patients undergoing minimally invasive mitral valve surgery via a videoscope assisted approach. These patients do not have a median sternotomy, have the procedure done via erector spinae block, and often are extubated on table. Data were collected from four hospitals in Victoria, Australia, over an 8-year period (January 2012–December 2019). The primary objective was to assess 6-month mortality in nonagenarian patients undergoing cardiac surgery and to provide a detailed overview of postoperative complications. We hypothesized that cardiac surgery in nonagenarian patients would be associated with a 6-month postoperative mortality <10%. As a secondary outcome, we hypothesized that significant postoperative complications (i.e., Clavien Dindo Grade IIIb or greater) would occur in > 30% of patients.

Results

A total of 12,358 adult cardiac surgery patients underwent surgery during the study period, of whom 18 nonagenarians (0.15%) fulfilled inclusion criteria. The median (IQR) [min-max] age was 91.0 years (90.0:91.8) [90–94] and the median body mass index was 25.0 (kg/m²) (22.3:27.0). Comorbidities, polypharmacy, and frailty were common. The median predicted mortality as per EuroSCORE-II was 6.1% (4.1:14.5). There were no cases of intra-operative, in-hospital, or 6-month mortality. One (5.6%) patient experienced two Grade IIIa complications. Three (16.7%) patients experienced Grade IIIb complications. Three (16.7%) patients had an unplanned hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge. The median value for postoperative length of stay was 11.6 days (9.8:17.6). One patient was discharged home and all others were discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility.

Conclusion

In this selected, contemporary cohort of nonagenarian patients undergoing cardiac surgery, postoperative 6-month mortality was zero. These findings support carefully selected nonagenarian patients being offered cardiac surgery (Trials Registry: https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622000058774.aspx).