National survey of enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery practice in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Cost-consequence analysis of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in major lung resection with minimally invasive technique (VATS)

Background

ERAS is an evidence-based multimodal perioperative protocol focused on stress reduction and promoting a return to function. The aim of this work is to perform a cost-consequence analysis for the implementation of ERAS in major lung resection by means of minimally invasive surgery (VATS) from the public health service perspective, evaluating resource consumption and clinical outcomes with respect to a control group of past patients, which did not adopt an ERAS protocol.

Methods

Outcome differences (re-intervention rates, major and minor intraoperative and postoperative complications, readmissions, and mortality) as well as the costs of preoperative, operative, and postoperative care were estimated. The sample consisted of 64 consecutive patients enrolled in the ERAS programme between April 2021 and August 2022, compared to a control group (historical cohort) comprising 31 patients treated from April 2020 to December 2020, prior to the implementation of the ERAS programme. The study sample comprises patients who fulfil the established ERAS protocol inclusion criteria, including general criteria (acceptance of the protocol, proximity of residence, absence of contraindications to physiotherapy and early mobilisation), surgical criteria (anatomical lung resection up to lobectomy, absence of extensive resection, good possibility of conducting the operation in VATS) and anaesthesiologic criteria (ASA ≤2). Costs were quantified using the national health system perspective.

Results

The average length-of-stay was at least one day shorter in the ERAS group [<0.001. Average total costs including entire pathway healthcare costs were substantially reduced for ERAS-VATS patients (mean: € 5,955.71 vs. €6,529.41 Δ = -573.70 p = 0.018)]. Specifically, the median costs of the admission phase were significantly different between the two groups (median: €4,648.82 vs. €5,596.58, p = 0.008), with a reduction in hospital stay expenditure in the ERAS-VATS group (median: €1,599.62 vs. €2,399.43, p = 0.025). No significant differences were found regarding major clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

The implementation of an ERAS programme is a dominant strategy, representing an intervention capable of reducing overall costs in the context of elective anatomical lung resection with VATS without any significant differences in major complications and re-intervention rates.

Obstacles to Compliance and Implementation of ERAS Protocol From Nursing Perspective: A Qualitative Study

PURPOSE

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a concept that covers evidence-based practices and requires multidisciplinary teamwork, and nurses play a key role in this team. This qualitative research is conducted to describe the experiences of nurses implementing ERAS and the obstacles they encounter in practice.

DESIGN

This research was conducted using the phenomenology pattern, one of the qualitative research designs.

METHODS

The research study group was determined by criterion sampling, one of the purposeful sampling methods.The criterion for participation in this study is to follow at least one of the steps of the ERAS protocol and volunteer to participate in the study. In this context, 12 nurses who met the inclusion criteria participated in the study. Data were obtained from May 1 to May 31, 2023 using an introductory information form and a semistructured interview form. The introductory information form asked questions such as age, gender, marital status, working year, ERAS application time, and total working year. The semistructured interview form, developed by the authors based on the related literature, consisted of four open-ended questions 1The obtained data were analyzed using the seven-step Colaizzi method.

FINDINGS

The study identified three themes: the importance of the ERAS protocol, the obstacles to the ERAS protocol, compliance with the ERAS protocol and applicability. Nine subthemes were found: reducing complications and accelerating the healing process, increasing the level of satisfaction, lack of knowledge, leader confusion, resistance to change, lack of team cooperation, policy, leadership, and education.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the experiences of nurses who implement at least one component of ERAS protocols regarding the obstacles to the implementation of the protocol. As a result, nurses stated that lack of information and team cooperation, leader complexity, and resistance to change were obstacles to the protocol. Identifying the obstacles encountered in the implementation of the protocols is important for producing solution suggestions.

Effect of an intravenous acetaminophen/ibuprofen fixed-dose combination on postoperative opioid consumption and pain after video-assisted thoracic surgery: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) often induces significant postoperative pain, potentially leading to chronic pain and decreased quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the acetaminophen/ibuprofen combination effectiveness in reducing analgesic requirements and pain intensity in patients undergoing VATS.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a double-blinded randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Adult patients scheduled for elective VATS for lung resection were randomized to receive either intravenous acetaminophen and ibuprofen (intervention group) or 100 mL normal saline (control group). Treatments were administered post-anesthesia induction and every 6 h for three cycles. The primary outcome was total analgesic consumption at 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were cumulative analgesic consumption at 2 and 48 h; analgesic-related side effects at 2, 24, and 48 h; quality of recovery at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively; pain intensity at rest and during coughing; and rescue analgesics use. Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) was assessed through telephone interviews 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The study included 96 participants. The intervention group showed significantly lower analgesic consumption at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively (24 h: median difference: - 100 µg equivalent intravenous fentanyl [95% confidence interval (CI) - 200 to - 5 μg], P = 0.037; 48 h: median difference: - 140 μg [95% CI - 320 to - 20 μg], P = 0.035). Compared to the controls, the intervention group exhibited a significantly lower quality of recovery 24 h post-surgery, with no significant difference at 48 h. All pain scores except for coughing at 48 h post-surgery were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the controls. No significant differences were observed between the groups in postoperative nausea and vomiting occurrence, hospital stay length, and CPSP.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative administration of acetaminophen/ibuprofen significantly decreased analgesic needs in patients undergoing VATS, providing an effective postoperative pain management strategy, and potentially minimizing the need for stronger analgesics.

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Implementation and Barriers among Healthcare Providers in France: A Cross-Sectional Study

The implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a challenge for healthcare systems, especially in case of patients undergoing major surgery. Despite a proven significant reduction in postoperative complications and hospital lengths of stay, ERAS protocols are inconsistently used in real-world practice, and barriers have been poorly described in a cohort comprising medical and paramedical professionals. This study aims to assess the proportion of French healthcare providers who practiced ERAS and to identify barriers to its implementation amongst those surveyed. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study to survey healthcare providers about their practice of ERAS using an online questionnaire. Healthcare providers were contacted through hospital requests, private hospital group requests, professional corporation requests, social networks, and personal contacts. The questionnaire was also designed to explore barriers to ERAS implementation. Identified barriers were allocated by two independent assessors to one of the fourteen domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), which is an integrative framework based on behavior change theories that can be used to identify issues relating to evidence on the implementation of best practice in healthcare settings. One hundred and fifty-three French healthcare providers answered the online questionnaire (76% female, median age 35 years (IQR: 29 to 48)). Physiotherapists, nurses, and dieticians were the most represented professions (31.4%, 24.2%, and, 14.4%, respectively). Amongst those surveyed, thirty-one practiced ERAS (20.3%, 95%CI: 13.9 to 26.63). Major barriers to ERAS practice were related to the "Environmental context and resources" domain (57.6%, 95%CI: 49.5-65.4), e.g., lack of professionals, funding, and coordination, and the "Knowledge" domain (52.8%, 95%CI: 44.7-60.8), e.g., ERAS unawareness. ERAS in major surgery is seldom practiced in France due to the unfavorable environment (i.e., logistics issues, and lack of professionals and funding) and a low rate of procedure awareness. Future studies should focus on devising and assessing strategies (e.g., education and training, collaboration, institutional support, the development of healthcare networks, and leveraging telehealth and technology) to overcome these barriers, thereby promoting the wider implementation of ERAS.

Enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery in low- and middle-income countries: Feasibility and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) applies multimodal, perioperative, and evidence-based practices to decrease postoperative morbi-mortality, the length of hospital stay, and hospitalization costs. Implementing enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is problematic. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of an ERATS protocol adapted to LMIC conditions in Tunisia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted this randomized controlled trial between December 2015 and August 2017 in the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Department at Habib Bourguiba University Hospital of Sfax, Tunisia.

RESULTS

One hundred patients undergoing thoracic surgery were randomly allocated to the ERATS group or Control group. During the postoperative phase, 13 patients (13%) were excluded secondary. These complication rates were lower in the ERATS group: lack of reexpansion (14.63% vs 16.10%: p = 0.72), pleural effusion (0% vs 10.86%, p = 0.05), and prolonged air leak (17.07% vs 30.43%, p = 0.14). The pain level decreased significantly in the ERATS group from postoperative H3 (p = 0.006). This difference was significant at H6 (p = 0.001), H24 (p = 0.05), H48 (p = 0.01), discharge (p = 0.002), and after 15 days (p = 0.01), with a decreased analgesic consumption. The length of hospital stay was shorter in the ERAS group (median six days vs seven days, p = 0.17).

CONCLUSION

This study provides an adapted ERATS protocol, applicable regardless of the surgical approach or the type of resection and suitable for LMIC hospital's conditions. This protocol can improve the postoperative outcomes of thoracic surgery.

The analgesic efficacy of erector spinae plane block versus paravertebral block in thoracic surgeries: a meta-analysis

Background

Acute postoperative pain after thoracic surgery might lead to chronic postsurgical pain (PSP), which lowers quality of life. The literature suggests thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) as a pain management approach. The ESPB (erector spinae plane block) is regarded to be an effective PVB alternative. The analgesic efficacy of the two analgesic therapies is controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare the analgesic efficacy of ESPB and PVB in preventing acute PSP.

Methods

We searched relevant articles in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The primary outcome was postoperative pain score, with secondary outcomes including analgesic consumption, the frequency of rescue analgesia, and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Results

This meta-analysis included ten RCTs with a total of 670 patients. PVB significantly lowered the pain scores at movement at 12 h following surgery as compared to the ESPB. The PVB group used much less opioids within 24 h after surgery compared to the ESPB group. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of postoperative rescue analgesia or in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

PVB produced superior analgesia than ESPB in patients who underwent thoracic surgeries. In addition, PVB demonstrated greater opioid sparing effect by consuming much less opioids.

Systematic review registration

This trial is registered on PROSPERO, number CRD42023412159.

Aktuelle ERAS-Implementierung in der Thoraxchirurgie an deutschen Kliniken

Einleitung In den letzten Jahren haben sich zunehmend ERAS-Behandlungspfade in vielen chirurgischen Bereichen etabliert, da sie allgemeine Komplikationen reduzieren und die Genesung von Patienten erheblich beschleunigen können. Für die Thoraxchirurgie wurden 2019 erstmals ERAS-Guidelines von der ERAS Society in Zusammenarbeit mit der European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) veröffentlicht. Inwieweit sich ERAS-Maßnahmen im klinischen Alltag in der Thoraxchirurgie in Deutschland etabliert haben, wurde anhand eines Online-Fragebogens evaluiert.

Material und Methoden Es wurde eine Onlineumfrage zur aktuellen ERAS-Implementierung an deutschen Kliniken durchgeführt. Zeitraum der Umfrage war vom 12.05.2021 bis zum 01.06.2021. Im Fragebogen, der 22 Fragen umfasste, wurde die aktuelle Umsetzung verschiedener perioperativer Maßnahmen (u. a. Mobilisation, Thoraxdrainagen-Management, Schmerzmanagement) als wesentliche Items des ERAS-Pathways erfragt. Anschließend wurden die Resultate zusammengefasst, beschreibend analysiert und in den Kontext der aktuellen Literatur gesetzt.

Ergebnisse Von 155 angeschriebenen leitenden Thoraxchirurgen beantworteten 32 den Fragebogen. Bei 28,1% (n = 9) der Kliniken war ein ERAS-Kernteam etabliert, eine Datenbank zur Erfassung der ERAS-Items gab es in 15,6% (n = 5). Zudem bekamen die Patienten meist kein ERAS-Tagebuch (96,9%, n = 31) ausgehändigt. Ein präoperatives Carboloading wurde von 15,6% (n = 5) durchgeführt. Eine PONV-Prophylaxe wurde bei 59,4% (n = 19) der Befragten standardmäßig durchgeführt. In der Regel wurde bei elektiven anatomischen Resektionen eine Thoraxdrainage (84,4%, n = 27) eingelegt. Bei 3% (n = 1) der Zentren wurden 2 Drainagen eingelegt, bei 12,5% (n = 4) wurde keine Drainage intraoperativ eingebracht. Meist wurden digitale Drainagesysteme verwendet (90,6%, n = 29). Der am häufigsten angewendete initiale Drainagensog war –10 cm H2O (75%, n = 24). Einen Sog von ≤ 2 cmH2O verwendeten lediglich 2 Befragte. Die Drainageentfernung erfolgte in 50% (n = 16) der Fälle am 1. oder 2. postoperativen Tag (POD), in 34,4% (n = 11) am 3. und 4. POD und bei 9,4% (n = 3) verblieb die Drainage über den 4. Tag hinaus. Bei 71,9% (n = 23) der Befragten erfolgte die erste Mobilisation postoperativ noch am OP-Tag.

Diskussion Die Implementierung der ERAS-Guidelines ist in Deutschland interindividuell noch sehr variabel. Bestimmte perioperative Prozesse werden bereits gut abgedeckt, allerdings ist eine vollständige Umsetzung von ERAS-Items noch nicht gänzlich in der klinischen Praxis angekommen. Erste Schritte in diese Richtung wurden bereits gemacht und legen die Grundlage für eine weitere zentrumsübergreifende Zusammenarbeit.

Feasibility study of a randomised controlled trial of preoperative and postoperative nutritional supplementation in major lung surgery

OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition and weight loss are important risk factors for complications after lung surgery. However, it is uncertain whether modifying or optimising perioperative nutritional state with oral supplements results in a reduction in malnutrition, complications or quality of life.

DESIGN

A randomised, open label, controlled feasibility study was conducted to assess the feasibility of carrying out a large multicentre randomised trial of nutritional intervention. The intervention involved preoperative carbohydrate-loading drinks (4×200 mL evening before surgery and 2×200 mL the morning of surgery) and early postoperative nutritional protein supplement drinks two times per day for 14 days compared with the control group receiving an equivalent volume of water.

SETTING

Single adult thoracic centre in the UK.

PARTICIPANTS

All adult patients admitted for major lung surgery. Patients were included if were able to take nutritional drinks prior to surgery and give written informed consent. Patients were excluded if they were likely unable to complete the study questionnaires, they had a body mass index <18.5 kg/m², were receiving parenteral nutrition or known pregnancy.

RESULTS

All patients presenting for major lung surgery were screened over a 6-month period, with 163 patients screened, 99 excluded and 64 (41%) patients randomised. Feasibility criteria were met and the study completed recruitment 5 months ahead of target. The two groups were well balanced and tools used to measure outcomes were robust. Compliance with nutritional drinks was 97% preoperatively and 89% postoperatively; 89% of the questionnaires at 3 months were returned fully completed. The qualitative interviews demonstrated that the trial and the intervention were acceptable to patients. Patients felt the questionnaires captured their experience of recovery from surgery well.

CONCLUSION

A large multicentre randomised controlled trial of nutritional intervention in major lung surgery is feasible and required to test clinical efficacy in improving outcomes after surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN16535341.

[Current approaches to anesthetic management in thoracic surgery-An evaluation from the German Thoracic Registry]

BACKGROUND

While many hospitals in Germany perform thoracic surgery, anesthetic techniques and methods that are actually used are usually only known for individual departments. This study describes the general anesthetic management of three typical thoracic surgical procedures across multiple institutions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The German Thoracic Registry recorded 4614 patients in 5 institutions between 2016 and 2019. Hospitals with a minimum number of more than 50 thoracic procedures per year are eligible for inclusion in the registry. To analyze the anesthetic management, a matching process yielded three comparable patient groups (n = 1506) that differed solely in the surgical procedure. Three surgical procedures with varying degrees of invasiveness were selected: Group A = video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with wedge resection, group B = VATS with lobectomy, group C = open thoracotomy. Statistical analysis was performed descriptively using relative and absolute frequencies. Dichotomous variables were compared using the χ²-test.

RESULTS

The study enrolled patients with a median age of 65.6 years. The mean value of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification was 2.8. One lung ventilation was most commonly performed (group A = 98.2%, group B = 99.4%, group C = 98.0%) with double lumen tubes (DLT). Bronchial blockers (group A = 0.2%, group B = 0.4%, group C = 0%) were rarely used. Primary bronchoscopy was used to control double lumen tubes after insertion in the majority of cases (group A = 77.5%, group B = 73.1%, group C= 79.7%). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP, group A = 1.2%, group B = 1.4%, group C = 5.1%) and jet ventilation (group A = 1.6%, group B = 1.6%, group C = 1.4%) were rarely used intraoperatively. In group C, the administration of a vasopressor was also more frequently required (group A = 59.9%, group B = 77.8%, group C = 86%). A central venous catheter was established in 30.1% of all patients in group A, 39.8% in group B and 73.3% in group C. Patients in group A received an arterial catheter less frequently (71.7%) when compared to groups B (96.4%) and C (95.2%). Total intravenous anesthesia with propofol was used in most patients (group A = 67.7%, group B 61.6%, group C 75.7%). Propofol supplemented by volatile anesthetics was used less frequently (group A = 28.5%, group B = 35.5%, group C = 23.7%). With increasing invasiveness of the surgical procedure, placement of an epidural catheter was preferred (group A = 18.9%, group B = 29.5%, group C = 64.1%). Paravertebral catheters (group A = 7.6%, group B = 4.4%, group C = 4.8%) or a single infiltration of the paravertebral space were performed less frequently (group A = 7.8%, group B = 17.7%, group C = 11.6%). Postoperatively, some patients (3.4-25.7%) were transferred to the general ward. The largest proportion of patients transferred to a general ward underwent less invasive thoracic procedures (group A). When the extent of resection was greater (group B and group C) patients were mostly transferred to an intermediate care unit (IMC) or an intensive care unit (ICU). The insertion of invasive catheters was neither associated with the patients' ASA classification nor preoperative pathologic pulmonary function.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that less invasive thoracic operations are associated with a reduction of invasive anesthetic procedures. As the presented data are descriptive, further studies are required to determine the impact of invasive anesthetic procedures on patient-related outcomes. This evaluation of the anesthetic management in experienced thoracic anesthesiology departments represents the next step towards establishing national quality standards and promoting structural quality in thoracic anesthesia.

Preoperative evaluation in thoracic surgery: limits of the patient's functional operability and consequence for perioperative anaesthesiologic management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Preoperative evaluation of older and more morbid patients in thoracic surgery is getting more advanced. In this context, early risk stratification has a crucial role for adequate informed decision-making, and thus for generating favourable effects of clinical outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent findings confirm that many risk factors impair mortality and morbidity beyond classical medical findings like results of lung function tests and values of the revised cardiac risk index. Especially results from holistic views on patients' functional status like frailty assessments are linked with long-term survival after lung resection.

SUMMARY

A comprehensive risk stratification by anaesthesiologists generates valuable guidance for the best strategy of clinical treatment. This includes preoperative, peri-operative and postoperative interventions, provided by interdisciplinary healthcare providers, resulting in an Early Risk Stratification and Strategy ('ERSAS') pathway.

The longitudinal impact of division-wide implementation of an enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery programme

OBJECTIVES

Data regarding enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) are sparse and inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the effects of implementing an enhanced ERATS programme on postoperative outcomes, patient experience and quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study evaluating 9 months before (pre-ERATS) and 9 months after (post-ERATS) a 3-month implementation of an ERATS programme in a single academic tertiary care centre. All patients undergoing major thoracic surgeries were included. The primary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), adverse events (AEs), 6-min walk test scores at 4 weeks, 30-day emergency room visits (without admission) and 30-day readmissions. The process-of-care outcomes included time to 'out-of-bed', independent ambulation, successful fluid intake, last chest tube removal and removal of urinary catheter. Perioperative anaesthesia-related outcomes were examined as well as patient experience and QOL scores.

RESULTS

The pre-ERATS group (n = 352 patients) and post-ERATS group (n = 352) demonstrated no differences in demographics. Post-ERATS patients had improved LOS (4.7 vs 6.2 days, P < 0.02), 6-min walk test scores (402 vs 371 m, P < 0.05) and 30-day emergency room visits (13.7% vs 21.6%, P = 0.03) with no differences in AEs and 30-day readmissions. Patients experienced shorter mean time to 'out-of-bed', independent ambulation, successful fluid intake, last chest tube removal and urinary catheter removal. There were no differences in postoperative analgesia administration, patient satisfaction and QOL scores.

CONCLUSIONS

ERATS implementation was associated with improved LOS, expedited feeding, ambulation and chest tube removal, without increasing AEs or readmissions, while maintaining a high level of patient satisfaction and QOL.

Many steps can be taken to enhance recovery after thoracic surgery

Our letter to the editor comments on issues raised in the May 14, 2020, article by Budacan et al. addressing the development of enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, a nationwide survey identified issues. Here, we expand on the authors’ findings.

Does thoracic epidural anaesthesia constitute over-instrumentation in video- and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic lung parenchyma resections?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Effective and sustained perioperative analgesia in thoracic surgery and pulmonary resection is beneficial to patients by reducing both postoperative pulmonary complications and the incidence of chronic pain. In this review, the indication of thoracic epidural anaesthesia in video- (VATS) and robotic-assisted (RATS) thoracoscopy shall be critically objectified and presented in a differentiated way.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pain following VATS and RATS has a negative influence on lung function by inhibiting deep respiration, suppressing coughing and secretion and favours the development of atelectasis, pneumonia and other postoperative pulmonary complications.In addition, inadequate pain therapy after these procedures may lead to chronic pain.

SUMMARY

Since clear evidence-based recommendations for optimal postoperative analgesia are still lacking in VATS and RATS, there can be no universal recommendation that fits all centres and patients. In this context, thoracic epidural analgesia is the most effective analgesia procedure for perioperative pain control in VATS and RATS-assisted surgery for patients with pulmonary risk factors.