Practice guidelines for postanesthetic care: an updated report by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Task Force on Postanesthetic Care

Commonly used antiemetics for prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting after Caesarean delivery with neuraxial morphine: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Dopamine antagonists, 5-HT3 antagonists, and dexamethasone are frequently used in obstetrics to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). However, the superiority of any drug class is yet to be established. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of these antiemetics for PONV prophylaxis in women receiving neuraxial morphine for Caesarean delivery.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Wanfang Data for eligible randomised controlled trials. Primary outcomes were the incidences of postoperative nausea (PON) and postoperative vomiting (POV) within 24 h after surgery. We used a Bayesian random-effects model and calculated odds ratios with 95% credible intervals for dichotomous data. We performed sensitivity and subgroup analyses for primary outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 33 studies with 4238 women were included. In the primary analyses of all women, 5-HT3 antagonists, dopamine antagonists, dexamethasone, and 5-HT3 antagonists plus dexamethasone significantly reduced PON and POV compared with placebo, and 5-HT3 antagonists plus dexamethasone were more effective than monotherapy. In the subgroup analyses, similar results were seen in women receiving epidural morphine or intrathecal morphine alone but not in women receiving intrathecal morphine with fentanyl or sufentanil. However, most included studies had some concerns or a high risk of bias, and the overall certainty of the evidence was low or very low.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined 5-HT3 antagonists plus dexamethasone are more effective than monotherapy in preventing PONV associated with neuraxial morphine after Caesarean delivery. Future studies are needed to determine the role of prophylactic antiemetics in women receiving intrathecal morphine and lipophilic opioids.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL

PROSPERO CRD42023454602.

Trends in preoperative carbohydrate load practice: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The preoperative carbohydrate load (PCL) is intended to improve surgical outcomes by reducing the catabolic state induced by overnight fasting. However, there is disagreement on the optimal PCL prescription, leaving local institutions without a standardized PCL recommendation. Results from studies that do not prescribe PCL in identical ways cannot be pooled to draw larger conclusions on outcomes affected by the PCL. The aim of this systematic review is to catalog prescribed PCL characteristics, including timing of ingestion, percentage of carbohydrate contribution, and volume, to ultimately standardize PCL practice.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials were included if they studied at least one group of patients who were prescribed a PCL and the PCL was described with respect to timing of ingestion, carbohydrate contribution, and total volume.

RESULTS

A total of 67 studies with 6551 patients were included in this systematic review. Of the studies, 49.3% were prescribed PCL on the night before surgery and morning of surgery, whereas 47.8% were prescribed PCL on the morning of surgery alone. The mean prescribed carbohydrate concentration was 13.5% (±3.4). The total volume prescribed was 648.2 ml (±377).

CONCLUSION

Variation in PCL practices prevent meaningful data pooling and outcome analysis, highlighting the need for standardized PCL prescription. Efforts dedicated to the establishment of a gold standard PCL prescription are necessary so that studies can be pooled and analyzed with respect to meaningful clinical end points that impact surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Olanzapine as a prophylactic antiemetic for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The antiemetic effectiveness of olanzapine, as a prophylactic off-label antiemetic drug, for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) is unknown. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the authors evaluate the efficacy and side effects of olanzapine as a prophylactic antiemetic in adult patients who undergo general anesthesia and assess adverse effects.

METHODS

A systematic search was done on electronic bibliographic databases in July 2023. Randomized controlled trials of olanzapine as a prophylactic antiemetic for PONV in adults who underwent general anesthesia were included. The authors excluded non-RCTs and retracted studies. The authors set no date of publication or language limits. The outcomes were the incidence of PONV within 24 h postoperatively and the safety of olanzapine. The risk of bias was assessed according to the tool suggested by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis included 446 adult patients. Olanzapine reduced on average 38 % the incidence of PONV. The estimated risk ratio (95 % CI) of olanzapine versus control was 0.62 (0.42-0.90), p = 0.010, I2 = 67 %. In the subgroup meta-analysis, doses of olanzapine (10 mg) reduced on average 49 % of the incidence of PONV (RR = 0.51 [0.34-0.77], p = 0.001, I2 = 31 %).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review with meta-analysis indicated that olanzapine as a prophylactic antiemetic alone or combined with other antiemetic agents reduced the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. However, this conclusion must be presented with some degree of uncertainty due to the small number of studies included. There was a lack of any evidence to draw conclusions on side effects.

Dexamethasone in anesthesia practice: A narrative review

Dexamethasone is routinely used in anesthesia practice and has been regarded as one of the ideal perioperative agents. It is a synthetic glucocorticoid with potent antiinflammatory action. It reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting, pain, postoperative opioid requirements after general anaesthesia as well as spinal anaesthesia. It has been used via intravenous, epidural and perineural routes. It has been used successfully in fascial blocks. It significantly decreases fatigue, shivering and postoperative sore throat and improves quality of recovery.

Incidence and Outcome of Reintubation in the Postanesthesia Care Unit: A Single-Center, Retrospective, Observational Matched Cohort Study in China

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence and outcome of reintubation after planned extubation (RAP) in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) in China.

DESIGN

A single-center, retrospective, 1:2 matched cohort study following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement.

METHODS

Among 121,965 patients in the PACU, 14 patients with RAP were included in this study from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. PACU length of stay, postoperative length of stay in hospital, inpatient healthcare costs, and outcomes were compared between the RAP and the matched groups.

FINDINGS

The incidence of RAP was 0.0115%. After propensity score matching, there were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, body mass index (BMI), elective/nonelective procedure, surgical classification, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, the duration of anesthesia, or the duration of surgical procedure between the two groups. PACU length of stay, postoperative length of stay in hospital, and inpatient healthcare costs significantly differed between the RAP group and the matched group (P < .01 for all). The percentage of patients with longer PACU length of stay in the RAP group was significantly higher than that in the matched group (92.86% vs 7.14%), with an odds ratio of 29.87 (95% confidence interval = 14.00-2,040.54, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite its low incidence, RAP in the PACU may be associated with life-threatening and severe complications with longer PACU length of stay, unexpected intensive care unit admission, longer hospitalization length, longer postoperative length of stay in hospital, and increased inpatient health costs. Appropriate timing of extubation and monitoring in the PACU can effectively prevent the occurrence of RAP and improve patient prognosis.

Feasibility and safety of deep sedation with propofol and remifentanil in spontaneous breathing during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: an observational prospective study

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an interventional procedure that requires deep sedation or general anaesthesia. The purpose of this prospective observational study was to assess the feasibility and safety of deep sedation in ERCP to maintain spontaneous breathing.

METHODS

This is a single-centre observational prospective cohort study conducted in a tertiary referral university hospital. All consecutive patients who needed sedation or general anaesthesia for ERCP were included from January 2021 to June 2021. Deep sedation was achieved and maintained by continuous infusion of an association of propofol and remifentanil. The primary endpoint was to assess the prevalence of major anaesthesia-related complications, such as arrhythmias, hypotension, gas exchange dysfunction, and vomiting (safety endpoint). Secondary endpoints were: (a) to assess the prevalence of signs of an insufficient level of sedation, such as movement, cough, and hiccups (feasibility endpoint): (b) time needed to achieve the target level of sedation and for recovery from anaesthesia. In order to do so we collect the following parameters: peripheral oxygen saturation, fraction of inspired oxygen, noninvasive systemic blood pressure, heart rate, number of breaths per minute, neurological functions with the use of the bispectral index to determine depth of anaesthesia, and partially exhaustive CO2 end pressure to continuously assess the ventilatory status. The collected data were analysed by several tests: Shapiro-Wilk, Student's t, Tuckey post-hoc, Wilcoxon rank-sum and Kruskall-Wallis ran. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata/BE 17.0 (StataCorp LLC).

RESULTS

114 patients were enroled. Eight patients were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. We found that all patients were hemodynamically stable: intraoperative mean systolic blood pressure was 139,23 mmHg, mean arterial pressure was on average 106,66 mmHg, mean heart rate was 74,471 bpm. The mean time to achieve the target level of sedation was 63 s, while the mean time for the awakening after having stopped drug infusion was 92 s.

CONCLUSIONS

During ERCP, deep sedation and analgesia using the association of propofol and remifentanil and maintaining spontaneous breathing are safe and feasible, allowing for a safe and quick recovery from anaesthesia.

Frequency and risk factors for failed weaning from supplemental oxygen therapy after general anesthesia at a postanesthesia care unit: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients are administered supplemental oxygen upon emergence from general anesthesia against the risk of hypoxia. However, few studies have assessed the weaning from supplemental oxygen therapy. This study investigated the frequency and risk factors of failure to discontinue supplemental oxygen at a postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. We reviewed the medical records of adult patients admitted to the PACU after general anesthesia for elective surgery between January 2022 and November 2022. The primary endpoint was the frequency of failed weaning from supplemental oxygen therapy at PACU. A failed weaning was defined as oxygen saturation (SpO2) < 92% after discontinuing oxygen administration. The rate of failed discontinuation of supplemental oxygen at the PACU was assessed. Demographics, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were explored to determine potential associations with failed weaning from supplemental oxygen therapy using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

We analyzed 12,109 patients. We identified 842 cases of failed weaning from supplemental oxygen therapy, with a frequency of 1:14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1:15-1:13). Risk factors that showed the strongest associations with failed weaning included postoperative hypothermia (odds ratio [OR], 5.42; 95% CI, 4.40-6.68; P < 0.001), major abdominal surgery (OR, 4.04; 95% CI, 3.29-4.99; P < 0.001), and preoperative SpO2 < 92% in room air (OR, 3.15; 95% CI, 2.09-4.64; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In the analysis of more than 12,000 general anesthetics, an overall risk of failed weaning from supplemental oxygen therapy of 1:14 was observed. The identified risk factors may help determine the discontinuation of supplemental oxygen administration at PACU.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Sedative-sparing effect of acupuncture in gastrointestinal endoscopy: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the efficacy of acupuncture therapy (including manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture) performed before or during gastrointestinal endoscopy with propofol as the main sedative, compared with placebo, sham acupuncture, or no additional treatment other than the same sedation.

Methods

A systematic search was performed through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Databases (CBM), Wanfang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), SinoMed, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP) to collect randomized controlled trials published before 5 November 2022. Bias assessment of the included RCTs was performed according to Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). Stata16.0 software was used to perform statistical analysis, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias analysis. The primary outcome was sedative consumption, and the secondary outcomes included the incidence of adverse events and wake-up time.

Results

A total of 10 studies with 1331 participants were included. The results showed that sedative consumption [mean difference (MD) = -29.32, 95% CI (-36.13, -22.50), P < 0.001], wake-up time [MD = -3.87, 95% CI (-5.43, -2.31), P < 0.001] and the incidence of adverse events including hypotension, nausea and vomiting, and coughing (P < 0.05) were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group.

Conclusion

Acupuncture combined with sedation reduces sedative consumption and wake-up time compared with sedation alone in gastrointestinal endoscopy; this combined approach allows patients to regain consciousness more quickly after examination and lower the risk of adverse effects. However, with the limited quantity and quality of relevant clinical studies, caution must be applied until more high-quality clinical studies verify and refine the conclusions.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?, identifier: CRD42022370422.

Postoperative Discharge Scoring Criteria After Outpatient Anesthesia: A Review of the Literature

PURPOSE

The aim of this review was to explore the existing literature on discharge criteria, tools and strategies used in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after ambulatory surgery and to identify the essential components of an effective and feasible scoring system based on applicable criteria for the three phases of anesthesia recovery to assess patient discharge after outpatient anaesthesia.

DESIGN

A review of the literature.

METHODS

In this study, a review of sixteen articles was conducted to analyze the affecting factors, evaluation tools, and the current research status of patients discharge after outpatient anesthesia.

FINDINGS

The main factors affecting the discharge after diagnostic or therapeutic procedures under outpatient anesthesia were hospital management, medical treatment and patients themselves. Physiological systems-based discharge assessment had several advantages over traditional time-based discharge assessment. The Aldrete scoring scale was often used for patients in the first stage of anesthesia recovery to leave the PACU, and the Chung's scoring scale was often used to evaluate patients in the second stage of recovery until they leave the hospital. These two scales were often used in combination for outpatient anesthesia. The Fast-tracking assessment tool was used in patients who directly returned to the ward or discharge of patients after ambulatory surgery. There is currently no uniform standard or tool for assessing patients discharge after diagnostic or therapeutic procedures under the outpatient anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal care under anesthesia should allow the patient to recover from anesthesia smoothly and quickly and leave the hospital safely. When the patients can safely leave the hospital after outpatient anesthesia is still a problem that needs to be solved in the nursing field. Various existing scoring systems have their historical advancements, but we need to formulate more in line with the current status of postoperative patients discharge standards.

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.

Magnitude and associated non-clinical factors of delayed discharge of patients from post-anesthesia care unit in a comprehensive specialized referral hospital in Ethiopia, 2022

Background

Patients are kept in the post anesthesia care unit until their condition is stabilized before transfer to the clinical areas. Prolonged length of stay in the PACU leads to increased health care cost and patient dissatisfaction.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and to identify the non-clinical factors that lead to delay discharge from the post anesthesia care unit.

Method

This prospective observational study was conducted from April 1, 2022 to June 5, 2022. Patients were considered ready for discharge after they had achieved a satisfactory discharge score. The data obtained were presented as descriptive statistic and were analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results

A total of 307 patients admitted to in the post anesthesia care were included in this study with a response rate of 100%. Majority of patients, 188 (61.2%), had prolonged length of stay in the PACU because of non-clinical factors. The most common non-clinical factor for delayed discharge was unavailability of beds in the respective ward (n = 69, 22.5%) followed by lack of available hospital patient transport (n = 34, 11.1%).

Conclusion

and recommendations: The proportion of delayed discharge of patients from the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) was significant. Non-clinical related delays contributed for a considerable extension of a patient's time in PACU. Delay discharge for non-medical reasons put patients at unnecessary risk for hospital-acquired infections and prolonged hospital stay and increased health care costs. Thus, understanding and addressing the causes of delayed discharge from PACU is essential.

•

The proportion of delayed discharge of patients from the post anesthesia care unit was significant.

•

Non-clinical factors contributed for an extended stay in the post anesthesia care unit.

•

Prolonged length of stay in the PACU may lead to increased health care cost and patient dissatisfaction.

•

Understanding and addressing the causes of delayed discharge in PACU improves patient flow and reduces length of stay.

Comparative study of a modified double-lumen tube ventilation control connector and traditional connector in clinical use: a randomised-controlled trial

Background

A Y-shaped rotatable connector (YRC) for double-lumen tubes (DLT) is invented and compared with the traditional connector (Y-shaped connector, YC).

Methods

Sixty patients with ASA grade I-III, aged ≥ 18 years, who needed to insert a DLT for thoracic surgery were recruited and assigned into the YRC group (n = 30) and the YC group (n = 30) randomly. The primary endpoints included the inhaled air concentration (Fi) and the exhaled air concentration (Et) of sevoflurane before and after the switch between two-lung ventilation and one-lung ventilation at different times, positioning time, and switching time. The secondary endpoints were the internal gas volume of the two connectors, airway pressure, and the sputum suction time.

Results

The Et and Fi of the YRC group and the YC group were significantly different (all p < 0.05) at 5s, 10s, and 30s after the patient switched from two-lung ventilation to one-lung ventilation. The positioning time of the YRC group was less than YC group (89.75 ± 14.28 s vs 107.80 ± 14.96 s, p < 0.05), as well as the switching time (3.60 ± 1.20 s vs 9.05 ± 2.53 s, p < 0.05) and the internal gas volume (17.20 ml vs 24.12 ml). There was no difference in airway pressure and the sputum suction time in two groups.

Conclusion

Compared with YC, YRC was beneficial for maintaining depth of anesthesia, improves efficiency for the switch between one-lung and two-lung ventilation, and shortens the tube positioning time.

1. YRC was beneficial to maintain the stability of anesthesia depth.

2. YRC improves the conversion efficiency for one-lung and two-lung ventilation.

3. YRC shortens the positioning time.

Framework, component, and implementation of enhanced recovery pathways

The introduction of enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) has led to a considerable paradigm shift towards evidence-based, multidisciplinary perioperative care. Such pathways are now widely implemented in a variety of surgical specialties, with largely positive results. In this narrative review, we summarize the principles, components and implementation of ERPs, focusing on recent developments in the field. We also discuss ‘special cases’ in ERPs, including: surgery in frail patients; emergency procedures; and patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19).

A Blueprint for Success: Implementation of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Mandated Anesthesiology Oversight for Procedural Sedation in a Large Health System

In 2009, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the §482.52 Condition of Participation (CoP) that the director of anesthesia services (DAS) is responsible for all anesthesia administered in the hospital, including moderate and deep procedural sedation provided by nonanesthesiologists. Although this mandate was issued several years ago, many anesthesiology departments remain uncertain as to how best to implement it, who needs to be involved, what resources are needed, and how to leverage this oversight to improve quality of care and patient safety. This article reviews the CMS CoP interpretive guidelines and other regulations as they relate to procedural sedation, outlines the components and benefits of anesthesiology oversight, and describes the tools and structure to implement these guidelines. In addition, we discuss some of the challenges surrounding this implementation. This initiative continues to evolve and expand as needs change and experience develops.

Effects of delayed postoperative void and preoperative urologic symptoms on delay in time of discharge for elective lumbar decompression surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Almost half of all patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery have preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). These symptoms could affect postoperative voiding and subsequently length of stay.

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between preoperative LUTS and time to first void and between time to first void and time to discharge among patients undergoing elective lumbar decompression surgery.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data among patients at a single academic medical center.

PATIENT SAMPLE

All patients ≥18 years of age undergoing elective lumbar decompression surgery between July 2017 and March 2020.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The physiologic measure of a delayed time to first void was defined as an initial postoperative void of > 4 hours after anesthesia stop time. The outcome of prolonged time to discharge was defined as a stay of >24 hours after anesthesia stop time.

METHODS

At their preoperative visit, patients completed the validated International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (range, 0-35 points), which is applicable for LUTS assessment in both sexes. Clinically relevant LUTS are defined as an IPSS score of ≥8. Patients were followed from their preoperative visit to surgery admission discharge. Association of LUTS with time to first void and time to first void with admission discharge were estimated using risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from a multivariable Poisson regression with a robust variance estimate adjusted for potential confounding variables including age, sex, IPSS, and intraoperative Foley catheter use.

RESULTS

The analytic cohort included 170 patients with an average age of 57 years and 103 (61%) were men. Preoperative LUTS prevalence was 45%, and 111 (65%) of patients voided within 4 hours after surgery. For patients with preoperative LUTS, the unadjusted RR for a first void of >4 hours was 1.04 (95% CI: 0.82-1.32) (p=.77). Adjustment for age, sex, intraoperative Foley catheter use, revision surgery, previous spine surgery, single versus multiple levels, and lumbar location did not materially alter the risk: the multivariable RR was 1.04 (95% CI: 0.82-1.31) (p=.74). The unadjusted RR for a discharge of > 24 hours for patients with a time to first void of > 4 hours was 2.17 (95% CI: 1.51-3.10) (p<.001). After adjusting for age, sex, intraoperative Foley catheter use, IPSS, revision surgery, previous spine surgery, single versus multiple levels, and lumbar location, the multivariable RR was 1.72 (95% CI: 1.22-2.41) (p=.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of preoperative LUTS status, an initial first void of >4 hours after surgery is associated with a longer time to discharge among patients undergoing elective lumbar decompression surgery. Future studies are needed to determine if encouraging early postoperative voiding results in timely discharge and shorter length of stay.

Endocardial Radiofrequency Ablation vs. Septal Myectomy in Patients With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Septal myectomy (SM) has been the gold standard therapy for most patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Endocardial radiofrequency ablation of septal hypertrophy (ERASH) is a novel treatment for septal reduction. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety between two treatment strategies.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to identify relevant studies published up to March 2021. Random-effect models were used to calculate standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for resting left ventricular outflow tract gradient (LVOTG) and septal thickness.

Results

Twenty-five studies are included in this review, eighteen studies for SM and seven studies for ERASH. During follow-up, there were significant reductions of the mean resting LVOTG in adults (SM groups: SMD = −3.03, 95% CI [−3.62 to −2.44]; ERASH groups: SMD = −1.95, 95% CI [−2.45 to −1.45]) and children (SM groups: SMD = −2.67, 95% CI [−3.21 to −2.12]; ERASH groups: SMD= −2.37, 95% CI [−3.02 to −1.73]) after the septal reduction therapies. For adults, SM groups contributed to more obvious reduction than ERASH groups in interventricular septal thickness (SM groups: SMD = −1.82, 95% CI [−2.29 to −1.34]; ERASH groups: SMD = −0.43, 95% CI [−1.00 to 0.13]). The improvement of the New York Heart Association class was similar in the two groups (SM groups: 46.4%; ERASH groups: 46.7%). The periprocedural mortality in SM and ERASH were 1.1 and 1.8%, respectively.

Conclusions

This systematic review suggests that SM is superior to ERASH in the treatment of HOCM. But for the patients who are at risk for open cardiac surgeries or prefer a less invasive approach, ERASH might be an optional approach.

Clinical practice and procedures for postoperative care in Sweden: Results from a nationwide survey

A nationwide survey describing Swedish post-anaesthesia care units (PACUs), n = 75 was undertaken. The patients most commonly cared for at PACUs were patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery, 69.3%, followed by patients who had undergone minor orthopaedic surgery, 68%. At the majority of the PACUs, 86.7%, the staff cared for emergency surgery patients and 48% for day surgery patients. In 31% of the PACUs, a pain relief service was offered through a specific pain service team. During the daytime, the anaesthetist in charge most frequently worked in the operating room 42.7%, and on call in the intensive care unit, 37.3% of the time. In 88% of the PACUs, either all or most registered nurses had a specialist education at an advanced level. The most frequent ratio of registered nurses to patients was 1 to 4, 37.3%. However, Swedish PACUS are also staffed by assistant nurses and the most frequent ratio of registered nurse to assistant nurse was 1:1. Thirty-three (44%) of the PACUs had access to a physiotherapist during the daytime. Almost all PACUs (93.3%) had predetermined discharge criteria but in the majority of PACUs' high-risk patients (68%) were not followed up by an anaesthetist after discharge from the PACU.

Patient Selection for Adult Ambulatory Surgery: A Narrative Review

With migration of medically complex patients undergoing more extensive surgical procedures to the ambulatory setting, selecting the appropriate patient is vital. Patient selection can impact patient safety, efficiency, and reportable outcomes at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Identifying suitability for ambulatory surgery is a dynamic process that depends on a complex interplay between the surgical procedure, patient characteristics, and the expected anesthetic technique (eg, sedation/analgesia, local/regional anesthesia, or general anesthesia). In addition, the type of ambulatory setting (ie, short-stay facilities, hospital-based ambulatory center, freestanding ambulatory center, and office-based surgery) and social factors, such as availability of a responsible individual to take care of the patient at home, can also influence patient selection. The purpose of this review is to present current best evidence that would provide guidance to the ambulatory anesthesiologist in making an informed decision regarding patient selection for surgical procedures in freestanding ambulatory facilities.

Implementation of a risk-stratified approach to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting in an institution with high baseline rates of prophylaxis

Background and Aims:

Although a risk-adjusted approach to preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is generally recommended, the successful implementation of such practice without mandated protocols remains elusive. To date, such a strategy has never been adapted to curb high baseline rates of prophylaxis.

Material and Methods:

We conducted an observational study on a cohort of patients undergoing elective surgery before and after the implementation of a quality improvement initiative including a risk-stratified approach to prevent PONV. The primary outcome was the number of prophylactic interventions administered. Secondary outcome included the repetition of ineffective medications and the need for rescue medication in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Results:

A total of 636 patients were included; 325 patients during the control period and 311 after the intervention. The educational program failed to reduce the amount of prophylactic antiemetics administered (2.0 vs. 2.6, P < 0.001) and the repeat administration of ineffective medications for rescue (16% vs. 20%, P = 0.15). More patients in the intervention group required rescue medication compared to the control group (16.9% vs. 9.7%; P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Implementation of best practices to combat PONV remains elusive. Our results indicate that difficulties in changing provider behavior also apply to institutions with high prophylactic antiemetic administration rates.

A Blueprint for Success: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Clinical Operations within a Bronchoscopy Suite

Building an efficient facility for advanced bronchoscopic procedures involves many considerations. This review places particular emphasis on anesthesiology services, based on experience at a tertiary/quaternary care referral academic medical center. Topics include equipment requirements, applicable clinical standards and multidisciplinary collaboration. Patient flow arrangements for both outpatients and inpatients, from pre-operative care to discharge/disposition are highlighted. The importance of effective business planning, personnel training, leadership, communication, teambuilding, quality of care and patient safety are also discussed.

Levels of Evidence Supporting the North American and European Perioperative Care Guidelines for Anesthesiologists between 2010 and 2020: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Although there are thousands of published recommendations in anesthesiology clinical practice guidelines, the extent to which these are supported by high levels of evidence is not known. This study hypothesized that most recommendations in clinical practice guidelines are supported by a low level of evidence.

METHODS

A registered (Prospero CRD42020202932) systematic review was conducted of anesthesia evidence-based recommendations from the major North American and European anesthesiology societies between January 2010 and September 2020 in PubMed and EMBASE. The level of evidence A, B, or C and the strength of recommendation (strong or weak) for each recommendation was mapped using the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association classification system or the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The outcome of interest was the proportion of recommendations supported by levels of evidence A, B, and C. Changes in the level of evidence over time were examined. Risk of bias was assessed using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II.

RESULTS

In total, 60 guidelines comprising 2,280 recommendations were reviewed. Level of evidence A supported 16% (363 of 2,280) of total recommendations and 19% (288 of 1,506) of strong recommendations. Level of evidence C supported 51% (1,160 of 2,280) of all recommendations and 50% (756 of 1,506) of strong recommendations. Of all the guidelines, 73% (44 of 60) had a low risk of bias. The proportion of recommendations supported by level of evidence A versus level of evidence C (relative risk ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.18 to 4.74; P = 0.933) or level of evidence B versus level of evidence C (relative risk ratio, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.72 to 3.72; P = 0.243) did not increase in guidelines that were revised. Year of publication was also not associated with increases in the proportion of recommendations supported by level of evidence A (relative risk ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.23; P = 0.340) or level of evidence B (relative risk ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.15; P = 0.283) compared to level of evidence C.

CONCLUSIONS

Half of the recommendations in anesthesiology clinical practice guidelines are based on a low level of evidence, and this did not change over time. These findings highlight the need for additional efforts to increase the quality of evidence used to guide decision-making in anesthesiology.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Impact of extending prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting for cancer surgical patients in the PACU: a before and after retrospective study

Backgrounds

Procedures for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) prevention are mostly based on identification of the risk factors before administering antiemetic drugs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the extended use of antiemetic on the PONV in the Postanesthetic Care Unit (PACU).

Methods

Two separate 4-year periods (2007...2010, P1, and (2015...2018, P2) were evaluated. During P1, the protocol consisted of dexamethasone and droperidol for patients with a locally adapted high PONV score, followed by ondansetron for rescue in the PACU. For Period 2, dexamethasone (8 mg) and ondansetron (4 mg) were administered in patients under general or regional anesthesia, or sedation longer than 30 minutes, while droperidol (1.25 mg) in rescue was injected in cases of PONV in the PACU. An Anesthesia Information Management System was used to evaluate the intensity score of PONV (1 to 5), putative compliance, sedation, and perioperative opioid consumption upon arrival in the PACU.

Results

A total of 27,602 patients were assessed in P1 and 36,100 in P2. The administration of dexamethasone and ondansetron increased several fold (p < 0.0001). The high PONV scores were more improved in P2 than in P1, with scores (3+4+5) for P1 vs. P2, p < 0.0001. Overall, 99.7% of the patients in P2 were asymptomatic at discharge. Morphine consumption decreased from 6.9..1.5 mg in P1 to 3.5 .. 1.5 mg in P2 (p < 0.0001).

Discussion

The extension of pharmacological prevention of PONV was associated with a decrease in the intensity of severe PONV. However, uncertainty regarding confounding factors should not be ignored.

IRB

n.. 92012/33465

Preoperative perfusion index as a predictor of post-anaesthetic shivering in caesarean section with spinal anaesthesia

BACKGROUND

Post-anaesthetic shivering is frequently preceded by a decrease in peripheral blood flow. Perfusion index is a fast non-invasive method to assess peripheral blood flow, thus might be correlated with post-anaesthetic shivering.

AIM

To analyse the relationship between preoperative perfusion index and post-anaesthetic shivering in patients undergoing caesarean section with spinal anaesthesia.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, preoperative perfusion index measurements were performed on 40 participants who were undergoing elective caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Spinal anaesthesia was performed using Lidodex (Lignocaine + Dextrose 5%) at vertebrae L4-L5 or L3-L4 interspace. Shivering was observed until 120 minutes according to the Crossley and Mahajan scale. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the correlation and cut-off of preoperative perfusion index as a predictor for post-anaesthetic shivering.

RESULT

There was a significant relationship between preoperative perfusion index with the incidence (p = 0.005) and the degree (p = 0.014) of post-anaesthetic shivering. The preoperative perfusion index cut-off value based on the ROC curve was 4.2 (AUC = 0.762, p = 0.002) with a sensitivity of 73.9% and specificity of 88.2%. Participants with preoperative PI < 4.2 had a greater risk of post-anaesthetic shivering (p < 0.001, RR = 3.13).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative perfusion index less than 4.2 can predict post-anaesthetic shivering in patients undergoing caesarean section with spinal anaesthesia.

Comparison of three intraoperative analgesic strategies in laparoscopic bariatric surgery: a retrospective study of immediate postoperative outcomes

Introduction and objectives

Multimodal Analgesia (MMA) has shown promising results in postoperative outcomes across a broad spectrum of surgeries, including bariatric surgery. We compared the analgesic effect immediately after Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery (LBS) of the combined effect of MMA and methadone against two techniques that were based mainly on the use of high-potency medium-acting opioids.

Methods

Two hundred seventy-one patients were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was postoperative pain score > 3/10 measured by the Verbal Numeric Scale (VNS) during the Postanesthetic Care Unit (PACU) stay. The three protocols of intraoperative analgesia were: (P1) sufentanil at anesthetic induction followed by remifentanil infusion; (P2) sufentanil at induction followed by dexmedetomidine infusion; and (P3) remifentanil at induction followed by MMA including dexmedetomidine, magnesium, lidocaine, and methadone. Only P1 and P2 patients received morphine toward the end of surgery. Poisson regression was used to adjust confounding factors and calculate Prevalence Ratio (PR).

Results

Postoperative VNS > 3 was recorded in 135 (49.81%) patients, of which 93 (68.89%) were subjected to P1, 25 (18.56%) to P2, and 17 (12.59%) to P3. In the final adjusted model, both anesthetic techniques (P3) (PR = 0.10; 95% CI [0.03–0.28]), and (P2) (PR = 0.42%; 95% CI [0.20–0.90]) were associated with lower occurrence of VNS > 3, whereas age range 20–29 was associated to higher occurrence of VNS > 3 (PR = 3.21; 95% CI [1.22–8.44]) in PACU. Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) was distributed as follows: (P1) 20.3%, (P2) 31.25% and (P3) 6.77%; (P3 < P1, P2; p < 0.05). Intraoperative hypotension occurred more often in P3 (39%) compared to P2 (20.31%) and P1 (17.46%) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

MMA + methadone was associated with higher incidence of intraoperative hypotension and lower incidence of moderate/severe pain in PACU after LBS.

The Evaluation Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Post-Anesthesia Unit-A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is the most rapidly growing imaging modality for acute care. Despite increased use, there is still wide variability and less evidence regarding its clinical utility for the perioperative setting compared to other acute care settings. This study sought to demonstrate the impact of POCUS examinations for acute hypoxia and hypotension occurring in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) versus traditional bedside examinations. Methods: This study was designed as a multi-center prospective observational study. Adult patients who experienced a reduced mean arterial blood pressure (MAP < 60mmHG) and/or a reduced oxygen saturation (SpO2 < 88%) in the PACU from 7AM to 4PM were targeted. POCUS was available or not for patient assessment based on PACU team training. All providers who performed POCUS exams received standardized training on cardiac and pulmonary POCUS. All POCUS exam findings were recorded on a standardized form and the number of suspected mechanisms to trigger the acute event were captured before and after the POCUS exam. PACU length of stay (minutes) across groups was the primary outcome_. Results: In total, 128 patients were included in the study, with 92 patients receiving a POCUS exam. Comparison of PACU time between the POCUS group (median = 96.5 min) and no-POCUS groups (median = 120.5 min) demonstrated a reduction for the POCUS group, p = 0.019. Hospital length of stay and 30-day hospital readmission did not show a significant difference between groups. Finally, there was a reduction in the number of suspected diagnoses from before to after the POCUS examination for both pulmonary and cardiac exams, p-values < 0.001. Conclusions: Implementation of POCUS for assessment of acute hypotension and hypoxia in the PACU setting is associated with a reduced PACU length of stay and a reduction in suspected number of diagnoses.

Guidelines for enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery. Consensus document of Spanish Societies of Anesthesia (SEDAR), Cardiovascular Surgery (SECCE) and Perfusionists (AEP)

The ERAS guidelines are intended to identify, disseminate and promote the implementation of the best, scientific evidence-based actions to decrease variability in clinical practice. The implementation of these practices in the global clinical process will promote better outcomes and the shortening of hospital and critical care unit stays, thereby resulting in a reduction in costs and in greater efficiency. After completing a systematic review at each of the points of the perioperative process in cardiac surgery, recommendations have been developed based on the best scientific evidence currently available with the consensus of the scientific societies involved.

Perioperative management and anaesthetic considerations in pelvic exenterations using Delphi methodology: results from the PelvEx Collaborative

Background

The multidisciplinary perioperative and anaesthetic management of patients undergoing pelvic exenteration is essential for good surgical outcomes. No clear guidelines have been established, and there is wide variation in clinical practice internationally. This consensus statement consolidates clinical experience and best practice collectively, and systematically addresses key domains in the perioperative and anaesthetic management.

Methods

The modified Delphi methodology was used to achieve consensus from the PelvEx Collaborative. The process included one round of online questionnaire involving controlled feedback and structured participant response, two rounds of editing, and one round of web-based voting. It was held from December 2019 to February 2020. Consensus was defined as more than 80 per cent agreement, whereas less than 80 per cent agreement indicated low consensus.

Results

The final consensus document contained 47 voted statements, across six key domains of perioperative and anaesthetic management in pelvic exenteration, comprising preoperative assessment and preparation, anaesthetic considerations, perioperative management, anticipating possible massive haemorrhage, stress response and postoperative critical care, and pain management. Consensus recommendations were developed, based on consensus agreement achieved on 34 statements.

Conclusion

The perioperative and anaesthetic management of patients undergoing pelvic exenteration is best accomplished by a dedicated multidisciplinary team with relevant domain expertise in the setting of a specialized tertiary unit. This consensus statement has addressed key domains within the framework of current perioperative and anaesthetic management among patients undergoing pelvic exenteration, with an international perspective, to guide clinical practice, and has outlined areas for future clinical research.

Comparison of CPAP and oxygen therapy for treatment of postoperative hypoxaemia in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To compare 5 cmH₂ O of continuous positive airway pressure with oxygen therapy in dogs recovering from general anaesthesia with low SpO₂ values. continuous positive airway pressure is more effective than oxygen therapy in restoring normoxaemia (SpO₂ ≥95%).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospectively, dogs recovering from anaesthesia, with SpO₂ <95% after extubation (T0), were randomised and treated with continuous positive airway pressure (FiO₂ 0.21) or oxygen (O₂ ; FiO₂ 0.35-0.40) therapy. Dogs were monitored with SpO₂ every 15 minutes for 1 hour (T15, T30, T45, T60). Data from normoxaemic dogs (SpO₂ >95%) were used as control (CTR).

RESULTS

Of the 42 dogs enrolled, 34 completed the study. Eleven dogs were treated with O₂ , 10 with continuous positive airway pressure and 13 were CTR. The SpO₂ values at T0 were similar in the continuous positive airway pressure and O₂ groups and were lower than in the CTR group. At T15, T30, T45 and T60, the SpO₂ values in the continuous positive airway pressure group were higher than at T0; these were similar to those of the CTR group at the same time-points. In the O₂ group, SpO₂ values were significantly higher at T45 and T60 than at T0; 45.5% of dogs became normoxaemic at T45 and the remaining dogs became normoxaemic at T60. The average time to reach normoxaemia in the O₂ group (53.1±7.3 minutes) was longer than in the continuous positive airway pressure group (15.0±0.0 minutes).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

In dogs recovering from general anaesthesia with pulmonary gas exchange impairment, normoxaemia is restored more effectively and rapidly by using continuous positive airway pressure than by oxygen therapy.

Levels of education and technical skills in registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Specialized nursing care should be provided by nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units to ensure safe and successful recovery after surgery and anaesthesia. However, there is no consensus regarding the competence and education needed by nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units.

AIM

The aim of this study is to describe and compare levels of education and technical skills in registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units in Sweden, as well as the education that post-anaesthesia care unit nurse managers' desire for registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Sweden between September and December of 2019. A web-based survey was developed that included questions about the levels of education and technical skills possessed by registered nurses working in Swedish post-anaesthesia care units and desired by nurse managers for these nurses. The survey was evaluated for content validity by four experts. The survey was distributed to the nurse manager of each studied post-anaesthesia care unit. All nurse managers received written information and were informed that submitting the survey was considered as consenting to participate in the study.

RESULTS

Most surveyed nurses held a postgraduate diploma in specialist nursing. Registered nurses performed many tasks autonomously; however, there was a significant difference between specialist nurses and registered nurses, with specialist nurses being more autonomous than registered nurses. Most of the nurse managers (n = 31/45) wanted the registered nurses in their units to have education in postoperative care. The relatively low overall response rate of 58% is a study limitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Registered nurses working in post-anaesthesia care units in Sweden must have various technical skills. Some of these skills are only performed by specialist nurses, indicating that postoperative care is an advanced level of nursing care.

The safety of early administration of oral fluid following general anesthesia in children undergoing tonsillectomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Background

The feasibility and safety of administrating a small amount of oral fluid to children in the early recovery period following tonsillectomy under general anesthesia to reduce the thirst and its associated restlessness remain unknown.

Methods

This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee and adhered to the CONSORT guidelines. Pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of our study were randomized into the study and control groups. In the study group, patients were given a small amount of water instantly after recovering from general anesthesia, which included the recovery of the cough and deglutition reflex, and attaining grade V of muscle strength. The control group was given a small amount of water at 4 to 6 h after the operation. The incidence of nausea and vomiting and the degree of thirst relief were measured and compared between the two groups.

Results

Three hundred patients were randomized into each group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting at 20 min after drinking water between the two groups (P > 0.05). The thirst score of children over 5 years old in the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Early administration of a small amount of oral fluid to children following tonsillectomy and recovering from general anesthesia is not only safe but also effective in reducing postoperative thirst.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ChiCTR1800020058, 12-12-2018.

Difficult and failed intubation in the first 4000 incidents reported on webAIRS

A review of the first 4000 reports to the webAIRS anaesthesia incident reporting database was performed to analyse cases reported as difficult or failed intubation. Patient, task, caregiver and system factors were evaluated. Among the 4000 reports, there were 170 incidents of difficult or failed intubation. Difficult or failed intubation incidents were most common in the 40-59 years age group. More than half of cases were not predicted. A total of 40% involved patients with a body mass index >30 kg/m² and 41% involved emergency cases. A third of the reports described multiple intubation attempts. Of the reports, 18% mentioned equipment problems including endotracheal tube cuff rupture, laryngoscope light failure, dysfunctional capnography and delays with availability of additional equipment to assist with intubation. Immediate outcomes included 40 cases of oxygen desaturation below 85%; of these cases, four required cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The majority of the incidents resulted in no harm or minor harm (45%). However, 12% suffered moderate harm, 3.5% severe harm and there were three deaths (although only one related to the airway incident). Despite advances and significant developments in airway management strategies, difficult and failed intubation still occurs. Although not all incidents are predictable, nor are all preventable, the information provided by this analysis might assist with future planning, preparation and management of difficult intubation.

Are results from randomized trials in anesthesiology robust or fragile? An analysis using the fragility index

AIM

In anesthesiology, the findings from randomized controlled trials often underpin guidelines influencing clinical decision-making and therefore directly affect patient care. The aim of this study is to evaluate the fragility index and fragility quotient of randomized controlled trials published in the eight highest ranked anesthesiology journals. In addition, we assess the extent to which risk of bias scores, loss to follow-up, Web of Science Citation Index, and journal impact factor influence fragility index and fragility quotient.

METHODS

We included randomized trials published between 2014 and 2016 from the eight highest ranking anesthesiology journals based on Clarivate Analytics' Science Citation Index and Google Scholar Metrics: Anesthesiology subcategory. We included journals that published general anesthesia topics and omitted specialty anesthesia journals. The fragility index and fragility quotient for all included trials were calculated. Risk of bias for each trial was evaluated using the Cochrane 'risk of bias' Tool 2.0.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty one randomized control trials were included in this analysis. The median fragility index was 3 (interquartile range 1.0-5.5) with a fragility quotient of 0.03 (interquartile range 0.01-0.08). In 11% (14/131) of trials, the number of patients lost to follow-up was greater than the corresponding fragility index. Weak correlations were found between fragility index and total sample size (r = 0.13) and between fragility index and event frequency (r = 0.19). A near-negligible correlation was found between 5-year impact factor and fragility index (r = -0.03) and, similarly, between fragility index and Science Citation Index (r = -0.05). Ten trials were at high risk of bias with the randomization process found to be the domain at the highest risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

In assessing the fragility of randomized controlled trials published in the top eight anesthesiology journals, our study suggests that statistically significant results in these journals are disconcertingly fragile. The median fragility index calculated from our 131 primary studies reveals that only three nonevents must be replaced with events to negate statistical significance. Although a current scale does not exist for fragility index ranges, many trials published by the top journals in anesthesiology are based on concerning methodology and highly fragile outcomes. With small median sample sizes and few patient events characterizing a large number of these trials, many of today's current guidelines and clinical practices may be founded on research containing statistical significance but lacking clinical significance.

Neuromuscular block monitoring by smartphone application (i-TOF© system): an observational pilot study

Neuromuscular block monitoring is recommended by international guidelines to improve myorelaxation during surgery and reduce the risk of postoperative residual curarization. We conducted a pilot study to verify the efficacy of i-TOF, a wireless neuromuscular monitoring device connectable to a smartphone, comparing it with TOF WATCH SX. We enrolled 53 patients who underwent general anesthesia. For each patient, we recorded by both devices, in different time intervals, train-of-four (TOF) count/ratio after induction to general anesthesia (TI0-TI3) and during recovery (TR0-TR3). Moreover, post-tetanic count (PTC) was evaluated during deep neuromuscular block (TP0-TP2). We noticed no significant differences between the devices in recorded mean values of TOF ratio, TOF count, and PTC analyzed at time intervals for every phase of general anesthesia, although the i-TOF tends to an underestimation compared to TOF WATCH SX. For each patient, data sessions were successfully recorded by a smartphone. This aspect could be relevant for clinicians in order to have a stored proof of good clinical practice to be added on anesthesiologist records. By our results, i-TOF demonstrates a comparable efficacy to TOF WATCH SX, suggesting that it could be a proven alternative to standard devices for neuromuscular block monitoring. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Barriers and aids to routine neuromuscular monitoring and consistent reversal practice-A qualitative study

Background

Neuromuscular monitoring is recommended whenever a neuromuscular blocking agent is administered, but surveys have demonstrated inconsistent monitoring practices. Using qualitative methods, we aimed to explore barriers and aids to routine neuromuscular monitoring and consistent reversal practice.

Methods

Focus group interviews were conducted to obtain insights into the thoughts and attitudes of individual anaesthetists, as well as the influence of colleagues and department culture. Interviews were conducted at five Danish and one US hospital. Data were analysed using template analysis.

Results

Danish anaesthetists used objective neuromuscular monitoring when administering a non‐depolarizing relaxant, but had challenges with calibrating the monitor and sometimes interpreting measurements. Residents from the US institution used subjective neuromuscular monitoring, objective neuromuscular monitoring was generally not available and most had not used it. Danish anaesthetists used neuromuscular monitoring to assess readiness for extubation, whereas US residents used subjective neuromuscular monitoring, clinical tests like 5‐second head lift and ventilatory parameters. The residents described a lack of consensus between senior anaesthesiologists in reversal practice and monitoring use. Barriers to consistent and correct neuromuscular monitoring identified included unreliable equipment, time pressure, need for training, misconceptions about pharmacokinetics of neuromuscular blocking agents and residual block, lack of standards and guidelines and departmental culture.

Conclusion

Using qualitative methods, we found that though Danish anaesthetists generally apply objective neuromuscular monitoring routinely and residents at the US institution often apply subjective neuromuscular monitoring, barriers to consistent and correct use still exist.

Continuous Analysis of Critical Incidents for 92,136 Postanesthesia Care Unit Patients of a Chinese University Hospital

PURPOSE

To determine the spectrum of critical incidents in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and the possible prediction and prevention of the worse scenario-associated critical incidents.

DESIGN

A retrospective observational study.

METHODS

The critical incidents in PACU comprising 92,136 patients were recorded. The incidents included the following disorders: delayed recovery, pain, bleeding, hypothermia, unplanned transfer to intensive care unit, shivering, agitation, nausea and vomiting, and respiratory or cardiovascular-related critical incidents. We then performed descriptive analyses and t test or χ² test on the collected data.

FINDINGS

A total of 1,760 critical incidents were recorded in 1,417 patients among 92,136 patients. Most critical incidents were associated with the patients after general anesthesia and general or gynecologic surgery. The most common critical incidents noted in the present study were pain, followed by cardiovascular-related and respiratory-related incidents. The average length of stay in PACU was 61.50 ± 44.40 minutes for the patients with critical incidents and 28.50 ± 19.40 minutes for the patients without critical incidents.

CONCLUSIONS

Critical incidents lead to longer length of stay in the PACU. Regular inspection and immediate response for critical incidents in the PACU is essential for the maintenance of the quality of the immediate postoperative care.

Optimizing non-opioid pain control after implant-based breast reconstruction: a review of the literature and proposed pain control algorithm

Despite the intense focus on the opioid epidemic and its known association with surgical procedures, there is a paucity of evidence-based literature on pain management in implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR). Herein, we present an updated review of the literature aimed at identifying pain treatment protocols to minimize narcotic use and its associated potential addiction in IBR. A comprehensive review of the published English literature was conducted using Ovid Medline/PubMed Database without timeframe limitations. The inclusion criteria of selected articles presented in this review included studies reporting objective outcomes of pain modulation (preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively) in IBR. Articles for inclusion were stratified based on intervention. A total of 219 articles were identified in the initial search query, with 23 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Pain optimization interventions in IBR are herein summarized and analyzed based on the reported outcomes of each respective study. There is a substantial need for evidence-based guidelines in the plastic surgery literature for pain optimization without the use of opioids. While this review of studies to date investigates potential solutions, we hope this area of study continues to be a top priority for plastic surgeons to allow for optimized post-operative care for patients following IBR.

Predicting poor postoperative acute pain outcome in adults: an international, multicentre database analysis of risk factors in 50,005 patients

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

Eight risk factors were identified in a large international database. Patients with 3 or more risk factors are at higher risk for poor pain outcome.

Background:

The aim of this study was to determine simple risk factors for severe pain intensity (≥7 points on a numeric rating scale [NRS]), to analyse their relation to other patient-reported outcome measures and to develop a simple prediction model.

Methods:

We used data from 50,005 patients from the PAIN-OUT project. Within a first data set (n = 33,667), relevant risk factors were identified by logistic binary regression analysis, assessed for additional patient-reported outcome measures beyond pain intensity and summed up for developing a simple risk score. Finally, sum of factors was plotted against postoperative pain outcomes within a validation data set (n = 16,338).

Results:

Odds ratios (OR) for the following risk factors were identified: younger age (<54 years, OR: 1.277), preoperative chronic pain at the site of surgery (OR: 1.195), female sex (OR: 1.433), duration of surgery (>90 minutes, OR: 1.308), preoperative opioid intake (OR: 1.250), feeling anxious (OR: 1.239) and feeling helpless due to pain (OR: 1.198), and the country of the recruiting centre (OR: 1.919). Patients with ≥3 risk factors had more severe pain intensity scores, spent a longer time in severe pain, and wished to have received more pain treatment (P < 0.001). A simple risk score was created with 4 risk factors showing a moderate prediction level.

Conclusions:

Patients with ≥3 risk factors are at higher risk for poor postoperative acute pain outcome after surgery. Future studies using this score might show that preventive strategies might decrease pain intensity, pain-related postoperative dysfunction, and the development of chronic pain.

Anesthesia Management and Postanesthetic Recovery Following Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Delayed anesthesia recovery following endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) can be an indicator of immediate complications and negatively impact healthcare efficiency. This study aims to examine clinical factors with a focus on improving clinical practice.

METHODS

Medical records of patients undergoing ESS under general anesthesia from 2014 to 2018 were reviewed. Based on the interquartile range of anesthesia recovery for the cohort, patients in the upper quartile were categorized as "prolonged" and the lowest three quartiles as "goal" recovery. Patient and surgical characteristics were investigated.

RESULTS

Analyzing 416 patients who underwent ESS, the median anesthesia recovery time was 48 [35-66] minutes. Prolonged recovery was associated with higher body mass index (odds ratio 1.50 [95% confidence interval 1.03-2.18] per 10 kg/m² , P = .03) and surgical duration (1.37 [1.10-1.72] per hour, P < .01). Inversely, goal recovery was associated with preoperative acetaminophen (0.61 [0.38-0.98], P = .04) and intraoperative remifentanil (0.55 [0.32-0.93], P = .03). Patients with prolonged recovery had higher rates of severe pain (33 (31.7%) vs. 25 (8.0%), P < .01), respiratory depression (7 [6.7] vs. 2 [0.6], P < .01), oversedation (39 [37.5] vs. 39 [12.5], P < .01), and the need for rescue opioids (52 [50] vs. 71 [22.8], P < .01). In addition to reduced postanesthesia recovery time, patients who were administered preemptive acetaminophen had lower rates of severe pain (OR 0.55 [0.31-0.98], P = .04) and nausea and vomiting (0.39 [0.17-0.87], P = .02).

CONCLUSION

Our findings substantiate the use of acetaminophen and remifentanil in ESS, facilitating anesthesia recovery. Broadly consideration of preemptive acetaminophen could further increase postoperative comfort in ESS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 - Retrospective. Laryngoscope, 131:E815-E820, 2021.

Preoperative opioid use is associated with increased length of stay after pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Preoperative opioid use in patients undergoing low complexity operations has been associated with increased complications, but its relationship to procedures of greater complexity is unclear. We aimed to assess this impact on outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

METHODS

A single institution, retrospective cohort of adults undergoing elective PD for cancer (1/2009-9/2015). Preoperative opioid users were defined as patients documented as taking opioids up to 90 days preoperatively. Discharge prescriptions were converted into Oral Morphine Equivalents (OME) and ten-point pain scores were abstracted. Univariate and multivariable analyses compared outcomes of naïve and preoperative opioid users overall and for laparoscopic vs open surgery.

RESULTS

Of 661 PD patients, 131 (19.8%) were preoperative opioid users. These patients had greater mean pain scores over the first three days after surgery (3.4 ± 1.6, vs 2.8 ± 1.4, p < 0.001), max pain (7.9 ± 1.9 vs 7.2 ± 2.0, p < 0.001), and discharge pain (2.3 ± 1.9 vs 1.8 ± 1.6, p = 0.01) than naïve patients. Preoperative opioid users received more opioids at discharge (mean 496 ± 764 OME) than naïve (320 ± 489 OME, p = 0.03). Thirty-day refill rates were 12.6% (19.1% preoperative vs 10.9% naïve, p = 0.02). After controlling for tumor type, pancreas texture, and duct size, naïve patients had similar odds of clinically significant post-operative pancreatic fistulas (grade B or C) (OR 1.13, p = 0.68) and delayed gastric emptying (OR 1.05, p = 0.87). After controlling for age and complications, preoperative opioid use was associated with increased odds of LOS ≥9 days (OR 1.59, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Following PD, preoperative opioid users had worse pain scores, received more opioids at discharge, refilled prescriptions more frequently, and were more likely to have prolonged LOS. As most opioid utilization research has been focused on low complexity surgery, additional work aimed at optimizing opioid use in complex oncologic operations is warranted.

A pharmacological profile of intravenous amisulpride for the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting

INTRODUCTION

The issue of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains important in surgical practice, contributing to patient distress, slower recovery, and increased use of healthcare resources. Many surgical patients report it to be a worse problem than the pain. New antiemetics of different classes are still needed to help manage PONV effectively, especially the treatment of established PONV after the failure of common prophylactic antiemetics such as 5-HT₃-antagonists and corticosteroids. Intravenous amisulpride, a drug with a long history of safe use in oral form as an antipsychotic, has recently been approved in the US (trade name: Barhemsys) as an intravenous antiemetic for the prevention and treatment of PONV.

AREAS COVERED

This review article summarizes the published data on the clinical pharmacology, safety, and efficacy of intravenous amisulpride as an antiemetic, supplemented by published data on oral amisulpride, where relevant to the intravenous form. Literature was obtained via the PubMed search terms 'intravenous amisulpride' and 'amisulpride AND safety.' Both primary and secondary pharmacology are covered, along with clinical pharmacokinetics (distribution, metabolism, and excretion). The review of clinical safety and efficacy includes data from four studies in the prevention of PONV, two in the treatment of PONV and two investigating effects on the QT interval of the electrocardiogram in healthy volunteers.

EXPERT OPINION

Given the importance of sufficient PONV prevention for patients and the healthcare system, the availability of intravenous amisulpride is helpful, restoring the dopamine-antagonist class as a potential mainstay in both combination prophylaxis and treatment.

Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Neuromuscular Blockade: What Are the Recommendations in the USA and Other Countries?

Purpose of Review

This review addresses various societal guidelines, standards, and consensus statements regarding optimal neuromuscular blockade management. We discuss the historical evolution of neuromuscular management as a means of identifying possible future trends.

Recent Findings

While a recent international panel of experts has called for abandoning clinical assessment and subjective evaluation using a peripheral nerve stimulator in favor of adopting quantitative monitoring, few anesthesia societies mandate similar practices at the moment.

Summary

The current status of neuromuscular monitoring in the world is still variable and unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, a positive trend can be observed in the anesthesia community to adopt and learn this neglected technique. The development of user-friendly monitoring devices should also help this process, but anesthesia national societies still need to do a lot to replace outdated and substandard practices.

Discerning Post Anesthesia Readiness for Transition (DPART): A Measurement Tool

PURPOSE

To develop a valid reliable measurement tool that accurately quantifies postanesthesia recuperation in adult and pediatric patients.

DESIGN

A descriptive factor-isolating design guided by measurement theory.

METHODS

Instrument development was based on collaborative discussions of professional evidence. A five-person expert panel was consulted for content and face validity. Reliability testing took place in the adult and pediatric postanesthesia care units.

FINDINGS

The expert panel's final review yielded a kappa statistic of 1 and scale content validity index based on universal agreement between raters of 1, suggesting high content validity. Reliability testing yielded a kappa statistic of 1, demonstrating complete agreement for all items.

CONCLUSIONS

The Discerning Post Anesthesia Readiness for Transition measurement tool is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used in practice or future research to assess postanesthesia recuperation in pediatric and adult patients.