Putting patients first: ambulatory surgery facilitates patient-centered care

Transfers and anesthesia-related postoperative outcomes after 3361 same-day cancer surgeries at a freestanding surgery center: An observational retrospective study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Expanding outpatient surgery to the increasing number of procedures and patient populations warrants continuous evaluation of postoperative outcomes to ensure the best care and safety. We describe adverse postoperative outcomes and transfer rates related to anesthesia in a large sample of patients who underwent same-day cancer surgery at a freestanding ambulatory surgery center.

METHODS

Between January 2017 and June 2021, 3361 cancer surgeries, including breast and plastic, head and neck, gynecology, and urology, were performed. The surgeries were indicated for diagnosis, staging, and/or treatment. We report the incidence of transfers and adverse postoperative outcomes related to anesthesia.

RESULTS

Breast and plastic surgeries were the most common (1771, 53%), followed by urology (1052, 31%), gynecology (410, 12%), and head and neck surgeries (128, 4%). Based on patients' first procedure, comorbidity levels were highest for urology (75% American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score 3, 1.7% score 4) and lowest for breast surgeries (31% score 3, 0.2% score 4). Most gynecology surgeries used general anesthesia (97.6%), whereas breast surgeries used the least (38%). A total of seven patients (0.2%; 95% CI: 0.08%-0.4%) were immediately transferred to an outside hospital; four due to anesthesia-related reasons. Only 7 (0.2%) patients needed additional postoperative care related to anesthesia-related adverse events, specifically cardiac events (4), difficult intubations (2), desaturation (1), and agitation, nausea, and headache (1).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of anesthesia-related adverse postoperative outcomes is low in cancer patients undergoing outpatient surgeries at our freestanding ambulatory surgery center. This suggests that carefully selected cancer patients, including patients with metastatic cancer, can undergo anesthesia for same-day surgery, making cancer care accessible locally and reducing stress associated with travel for treatment. More research investigating complication rates related to surgery and to cancer disease trajectory are needed to establish a complete evaluation of safety for outpatient cancer surgery.

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane blocks for pain management after open lumbar laminectomy

PURPOSE

Lumbar spine surgery is associated with significant postoperative pain. The benefits of erector spinae plane blocks (ESPBs) combined with multimodal analgesia has not been adequately studied. We evaluated the analgesic effects of bilateral ESPBs as a component of multimodal analgesia after open lumbar laminectomy.

METHODS

Analgesic effects of preoperative, bilateral, ultrasound-guided ESPBs combined with standardized multimodal analgesia (n = 25) was compared with multimodal analgesia alone (n = 25) in patients undergoing one or two level open lumbar laminectomy. Other aspects of perioperative care were similar. The primary outcome measure was cumulative opioid consumption at 24 h. Secondary outcomes included opioid consumption, pain scores, and nausea and vomiting requiring antiemetics on arrival to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after surgery, as well as duration of the PACU and hospital stay.

RESULTS

Opioid requirements at 24 h were significantly lower with ESPBs (31.9 ± 12.3 mg vs. 61.2 ± 29.9 mg, oral morphine equivalents). Pain scores were significantly lower with ESPBs in the PACU and through postoperative day two. Patients who received ESPBs required fewer postoperative antiemetic therapy (n = 3, 12%) compared to those without ESPBs (n = 12, 48%). Furthermore, PACU duration was significantly shorter with ESPBs (49.7 ± 9.5 vs. 79.9 ± 24.6 min).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided, bilateral ESPBs, when added to an optimal multimodal analgesia technique, reduce opioid consumption and pain scores, the need for antiemetic therapy, and the duration of stay in the PACU after one or two level open lumbar laminectomy.

Day-surgery adult patients with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea: Current controversies and concerns

Obesity and obstructive sleep apnea are considered independent risk factors that can adversely affect perioperative outcomes. A combination of these two conditions in the ambulatory surgery patient can pose significant challenges for the anesthesiologist. Nevertheless, these patients should not routinely be denied access to ambulatory surgery. Instead, patients should be appropriately optimized. Anesthesiologists and surgeons must work together to implement fast-track anesthetic and surgical techniques that will ensure successful ambulatory outcomes.

Pro-Con Debate: Are Patients With Coronary Stents Suitable for Free-Standing Ambulatory Surgery Centers?

With increasing implantation of coronary artery stents over the past 2 decades, it is inevitable that anesthesiologists practicing in the outpatient setting will need to determine whether these patients are suitable for procedures at a free-standing ambulatory surgery center (ASC). Appropriate selection of patients with coronary artery stents for a procedure in an ASC requires consideration of factors that affect the balance between the risk of stent thrombosis due to interruption of antiplatelet therapy and the thrombogenic effects of surgery, and the risk of perioperative bleeding complications that may occur if antiplatelet therapy is continued. Thus, periprocedure care of these patients presents unique challenges, particularly for extensive surgical procedures that are increasingly scheduled for free-standing ASCs, where consultation and ancillary services, as well as access to percutaneous cardiac interventions, may not be readily available. Therefore, the suitability of the ambulatory setting for this patient population remains highly controversial. In this Pro-Con commentary, we discuss the arguments for and against scheduling patients with coronary artery stents in free-standing ASCs.

General Population and Surgeon Preferences for Pollicization Versus Toe-To-Thumb Transfer for Reconstruction of Traumatic Thumb Loss in Adults: An International, Multi-Center Survey Study

PURPOSE

Data objectively comparing outcomes following pollicization versus toe-to-thumb transfer for reconstruction after traumatic thumb amputation in adults remains sparse. Given that this decision is reliant on personal preference, it is important to understand the subjective nature of these preferences, particularly in the context of culture. The purpose of this study was to compare Eastern and Western societal and hand surgeon preferences for pollicization versus toe-to-thumb transfer for traumatic thumb reconstruction.

METHODS

Investigators from 6 international locations recruited local hand surgeons and members of the general population. Austria, Germany, the United States, and Spain were grouped as "Western" nations. China and India separately represented "Eastern" nations. Participants completed a questionnaire evaluating their personal preferences for pollicization and toe-to-thumb transfer. The questions posed to the general population and hand surgeons were identical. Demographic data were also collected.

RESULTS

When comparing the Western nations, China, and India, there was no difference in personal preferences within the general population for pollicization versus toe-to-thumb transfer. In contrast, most Indian hand surgeons favored toe-to-thumb transfer and most Western surgeons were uncertain about which procedure they would favor. Surgeons had more optimistic expectations regarding postoperative hand function, new thumb sensation, and hand appearance following pollicization than the general population. Similarly, for toe-to-thumb transfer, a greater proportion of surgeons predicted good-to-excellent function, sensation, and appearance.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no clear, observed "East" versus "West" difference in the general population's personal preferences for pollicization versus toe-to-thumb transfer among study participants. The members of the general population and hand surgeons had different outcome expectations.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Understanding how culture influences patient and hand surgeon preferences for pollicization versus toe-to-thumb transfer may help guide future decision-making for traumatic thumb reconstruction.

Towards an evolution in ambulatory surgery for orbital floor repair? Our experience over a period of 11 years

INTRODUCTION

Orbital floor fracture repair is a complex surgery with intra-orbital hematoma being the most feared complication as it can lead to visual loss if not treated in good time. This is why currently patients are monitored for almost 48 hours as inpatients. The purpose of this study was to find out if orbital floor repair surgery could be safely undertaken as a day case by reviewing the experience of the last 11 years at the Caen University Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective, monocentric study was conducted at the Caen University Hospital. All patients undergoing orbital floor reconstruction in a trauma setting from January 2008 to December 2019 were included.

RESULTS

Of the 130 included patients, none presented a post-operative complication such as intra-orbital hematoma. 3 patients had their surgery performed as a day case.

DISCUSSION

In the literature, more and more surgeons are proposing orbital floor fracture repair to be undertaken as day case. Indeed, the theoretical risk of intra-orbital hematoma is greater within the first 6 hours after surgery and can persist up to 10 days postoperatively. Provided patients meet the classic criteria for outpatient surgery, and are provided with a precise post-operative care protocol. Under these conditions, orbital floor fractures may be repair in ambulatory surgery.