Evaluation of core temperature during laparoscopic and open gastric bypass

Incidence of postoperative hypothermia and shivering and risk factors in patients undergoing malignant tumor surgery: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Perioperative hypothermia and shivering are common and can cause adverse outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of postoperative hypothermia and shivering and their risk factors in patients undergoing malignant tumor surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective study collected data from patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) I or II who underwent scheduled surgery from November 2020 to March 2021 at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Each patient's core body temperature was measured at three time points: time point 1 (arrival at the postanesthesia care unit (PACU)), time point 2 (after 30-min care in the PACU), and time point 3 (at discharge from the PACU). At time point 1, if the patient's body temperature was below 36 ℃, we provided an active forced-air warmer. At time point 2, if it was still below 36 ℃, the forced-air warmer was still applied until the patient was discharged from the PACU. If it reached 36 ℃, the forced-air warmer would be switched off. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression combined with stepwise methods and linear regression were used to explore risk factors for postoperative hypothermia and shivering.

RESULTS

The numbers (percentage) of 202 patients who developed postoperative hypothermia at the different time points were 52 (25.7%), 37 (18.3%) and 28 (13.9%). Eight patients (4.0%) experienced shivering. Multivariate logistic regression showed that high weight (OR = 0.923, 95% CI: 0.884 to 0.964, P = 0.0003) and low estimated blood loss (OR = 0.252, 95% CI: 0.115 to 0.550, P = 0.0005) were protective factors against hypothermia, while long surgical duration (OR = 3.339, 95% CI: 1.675 to 6.655, P = 0.0006) was an independent risk factor for hypothermia at time point 1. There was no risk factor associated with the occurrence of shivering (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference between the hypothermia and normothermia groups in the median length of stay in the PACU (59.0 vs. 49.0 min, P = 0.0123).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative hypothermia occurred frequently. Weight, estimated blood loss and surgical duration were significantly associated with hypothermia on arrival at the PACU.

Perioperative hypothermia in open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

The consequences of even mild inadvertent perioperative hypothermia (IPH) are significant. There is a perception laparoscopic abdominal surgery is less prone to cause hypothermia than open surgery. However, during laparoscopic surgery, the peritoneal cavity is insufflated with carbon dioxide, which has a greater evaporative capacity than ambient air. This study compared the intra-operative temperature profile of patients undergoing open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery to define the incidence and severity of hypothermia.

METHODS

All adult patients undergoing colorectal surgery between May 2005 and August 2013 were identified from an electronic database. Cases were categorized into laparoscopic and open cases. Hypothermic episodes were defined as a temperature less than 36°C lasting for more than two consecutive minutes. The incidence of hypothermic episodes, the total time under 36°C and the area under the curve (degree-minutes) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 1547 cases were analysed. The overall incidence of hypothermia was 67.0%. The incidence of cases with a hypothermic episode was greater in the laparoscopic group compared to the open group (71.23% versus 63.16%; chi-squared P-value 0.001). However, when other factors were considered, there was no significant difference in the relative risk of a hypothermic episode between types of surgery. There were significant differences in the severity of hypothermia.

CONCLUSION

Despite current measures to reduce the incidence, IPH remains a significant problem in colorectal surgery irrespective of the surgical approach. Further research is required to better characterize techniques that can reduce its incidence.

Completely intracorporeal anastomosis in robotic left colonic and rectal surgery: technique and 30-day outcomes

As robotic surgery continues to disseminate into the field of colon and rectal surgery, there is a growing interest in the utilization of intracorporeal anastomosis to potentially improve surgical outcomes. The purpoe of this study was to compare feasibility, safety, and short-term outcomes of robotic sigmoid and low anterior resections performed with completely intracorporeal anastomosis (CICA) technique to the traditional extracorporeal assisted anastomosis (ECAA) technique. Consecutive series of patients who underwent elective robotic sigmoid or low anterior resections for benign or malignant disease utilizes either CICA or ECAA between August 2017 and November 2019. Surgical complications were assessed until 30 postoperative days and compared between the two groups. A total of 160 patients were identified; 73 (45.6%) in the CICA group and 87 (54.4%) in the ECAA group. Most of the procedures were performed for malignancy (76%). Estimated blood loss was lower in the CICA group (80.7 mL vs. 110.2 mL; p = 0.048), while operative times were longer (5.9 ± SD hours vs. 4.9 ± SD hours; p =  < 0.001). Overall conversion rate was 1.9%, with no conversions in the CICA group. Overall complications occurred in 54 patients (33.8%) with 13 (8.3%) representing major complications. There were no significant differences in 30 day outcomes between the two groups. This study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of robotic sigmoid and low anterior resections with CICA. Outcomes for robotic sigmoid and low anterior resections are encouraging regardless of anastomotic technique (CICA vs ECAA).

Short-Periods of Pre-Warming in Laparoscopic Surgery. A Non-Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating Current Clinical Practice

Background: Pre-warming prevents perioperative hypothermia. We evaluated the current clinical practice of pre-warming and its effects on temperature drop and postoperative complications; Methods: This prospective, observational pilot study examines clinical practice in a tertiary hospital on 99 patients undergoing laparoscopic urological surgery. Pre-warming was performed in the pre-anesthesia room. Patients were classified into three groups: P 0 (non-prewarmed), P 5–15 (pre-warming 5–15 min) and P > 15 (pre-warming 15–30 min). Tympanic temperature was recorded in the pre-anesthesia room, prior to anesthesia induction, and in the PACU. Esophageal temperature was recorded intraoperatively. The occurrence of shivering, pain intensity, length of stay in PACU, and postoperative complications during hospital stay were also recorded; Results: After pre-warming, between-group difference in body temperature was higher in P > 15 than in P 0 (0.4 °C, 95% CI 0.14–0.69, p = 0.004). Between P 5–15 and P 0 difference was 0.2 °C (95% CI 0.04–0.55, p = 0.093). Temperature at the end of surgery was higher in pre-warmed groups [mean between-group difference 0.5 °C (95% CI 0.13–0.81, p = 0.007) for P 5–15; 0.9 °C (95% CI 0.55–1.19, p < 0.001) for P > 15]. Pain and shivering was less common in pre-warmed groups. Postoperative transfusions and surgical site infections were lower in P > 15; Conclusion: Short-term pre-warming prior to laparoscopic urological surgery decreased temperature perioperative drop and postoperative complications.

Influence of insufflated carbon dioxide on abdominal temperature compared to oesophageal temperature during laparoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND

Body core temperature is an important vital parameter during surgery and anaesthesia. It is influenced by several patient-related and surgery-related factors. Laparoscopy is considered beneficial in terms of a variety of parameters, for example, postoperative pain and length of hospital stay. Non-humidified, non-warmed insufflated CO₂ applied during laparoscopy is standard of care. This prospective observational trial therefore evaluates the impact of non-humidified CO₂ at room temperature on abdominal temperature and its correlation to body core temperature.

METHODS

Seventy patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery were included in this prospective observational study. Temperature was measured oesophageal and abdominal before induction of anaesthesia (T1), right before skin incision (T2), 15 min, 30 min and 60 min after skin incision. All patients were treated according to actual guidelines for perioperative temperature measurement.

RESULTS

Body core temperature and abdominal temperature correlated moderately (r = 0.6123; p < 0.0001). Bland-Altman plot for comparison of methods showed an average difference of 0.4 °C (bias - 0.3955; 95% agreement of bias from - 2.365 to 1.574). Abdominal temperature further decreased after establishing pneumoperitoneum (T2: 36.2 °C (35.9/36.4) to T5: 36.1 °C (35.6/36.4); p < 0.0001), whereas oesophageal temperature increased (T2: 36.2 °C (35.9/36.4) to 36.4 °C (36.0/36.7); p = 0.0296). Values of oesophageal and abdominal measurement points differed at T4 (36.3 °C (36.0/36.6) vs. 36.1 °C (35.4/36.6); p < 0.0001) and T5 (36.4 °C (36.0/36.7) vs. 36.1 °C (35.6/36.4) p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

This prospective observational trial shows the influence of insufflated, non-humidified carbon dioxide at room temperature on abdominal temperature during laparoscopic surgery. We show that carbon dioxide applied at these conditions decreases abdominal temperature and therefore might be a risk factor for perioperative hypothermia.

Effects of 10-min prewarming on core body temperature during gynecologic laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Previous research has shown a beneficial effect of prewarming for preventing inadvertent perioperative hypothermia. However, there are few studies of the effects of a short prewarming period, especially in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

Fifty-four patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Patients in the non-prewarming group were only warmed intraoperatively with a forced air warming device, while those in the prewarming group were warmed for 10 min before anesthetic induction and during the surgery. The primary outcome was incidence of intraoperative hypothermia.

Results

Intraoperative hypothermia was observed in 73.1% of the patients in the non-prewarming group and 24% of the patients in the prewarming group (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in core temperature changes between the groups (P < 0.001). Postoperative shivering occurred in 8 of the 26 (30.8%) patients in the non-prewarming group and in 1 of the 25 (4.0%) patients in the prewarming group (P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Forced air warming for 10 min before induction on the operating table combined with intraoperative warming was an effective method to prevent hypothermia in patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Efficacy of Forced-Air Warming to Prevent Perioperative Hypothermia in Morbidly-Obese Versus Non-obese Patients

BACKGROUND

Hypothermia is associated with an increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. Forced-air warming systems are the most effective methods for its prevention. When using a mattress, a reduction in the area of diffusion of warm air by crushing due to excess weight cannot be ruled out.

METHODS

We designed a prospective study to compare the efficacy of a forced-air warming mattress (Bair Hugger® 585) to prevent hypothermia (core temperature (CT°) < 36 °C) in morbidly obese (group MO, body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m²) and non-obese patients (group NO, BMI < 30 kg/m²).

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were included in group MO (84% bariatric surgery, 96% laparoscopic procedures) and 32 in group NO (37.5% cholecystectomy, 62.5% laparoscopic procedures). The incidence of hypothermia was not different between the two groups 1 h after induction (H1) and at extubation: 22 vs 19% (not significant (NS)) and 23 vs 19% (NS) for the group MO versus group NO. At H1, the mean CT° was not different: 36.3 ± 0.4 °C vs 36.4 ± 0.5 °C (NS), group MO versus group NO. No patient presented severe hypothermia (CT° < 34.9 °C). Dysfunction of the forced-air warming mattress was observed for eight patients (31%) in group MO but for none in group NO.

CONCLUSION

The forced-air warming mattress is effective in preventing hypothermia in MO patients. However, excess weight is associated with frequent dysfunction of the system, which does not make it a practical system in a context of MO.

What is the predictor of the intraoperative body temperature in abdominal surgery?

PURPOSE

Inadvertent hypothermia is a relatively common intraoperative complication. Few studies have investigated predictors of body temperature change or the effect of the blanket type used with a forced-air warming device during the intraoperative period. We investigated the predictive factors of intraoperative body temperature change in scheduled abdominal surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data from 2574 consecutive adult patients who underwent scheduled abdominal surgery in the supine position. Temperature data were collected from anesthesia records. Multiple regression analysis was performed at 60, 120, and 180 min after the surgical incision to identify the factors influencing body temperature change. We conducted nonlinear regression analysis using the equation ΔT = α (e^-γt-1) + βt, where ΔT represented the change in intraoperative core temperature (°C), t represented the surgical duration (minutes), and α, β, and γ were constants.

RESULTS

The intraoperative core temperature change was explained by the equation ΔT = 0.59 (e^- 0.018t - 1) + 0.0043t. Younger age, higher body mass index (BMI), male sex, laparoscopic surgery, and use of an underbody blanket were associated with increased core temperature at 1 or 2 h after surgical incision. Male sex and an underbody blanket remained strong predictive variables even 3 h after surgical incision, whereas BMI had little explanatory power at this timepoint. The difference in the heating effect of an underbody versus an overbody blanket was 0.0012 °C per minute.

CONCLUSIONS

The blanket type of the forced-air warmer, age, sex, laparoscopic surgery, and BMI are predictors of intraoperative core temperature change.

Thermal suit in preventing unintentional intraoperative hypothermia during general anaesthesia: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Unintentional perioperative hypothermia causes serious adverse effects to surgical patients. Thermal suit (T-Balance^® ) is an option for passive warming perioperatively. We hypothesized that the thermal suit will not maintain normothermia more efficiently than conventional cotton clothes when also other preventive procedures against unintentional hypothermia are used.

METHODS

One hundred patients were recruited to this prospective, randomized trial. They were allocated to the Thermal Suit group or a Control group wearing conventional hospital cotton clothes. All patients received our institution's standard treatment against unintentional hypothermia including a warming mattress, a forced-air upper body warming blanket and a warming device for intravenous fluids. Eardrum temperature was measured pre-operatively. In the operating room and post-anaesthesia care unit temperatures were measured from four locations: oesophagus, left axilla, dorsal surface of the left middle finger and dorsum of the left foot. The primary outcome measure was temperature change during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

RESULTS

The temperatures of 96 patients were analysed. There was no difference in mean core temperatures, axillary temperatures or skin temperatures on the finger between the groups. Only foot dorsum temperatures were significantly lower in the Thermal Suit group. Intraoperative temperature changes were similar in both groups. In the post-anaesthesia care unit temperature changes were minimal and they did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Provided that standard preventive procedures in maintaining normothermia are effective the thermal suit does not provide any additional benefit over conventional cotton clothes during robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Warmed and humidified carbon dioxide for abdominal laparoscopic surgery: meta-analysis of the current literature

BACKGROUND

The creation of a pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic surgery is performed by the insufflation of carbon dioxide (CO₂). The insufflated CO₂ is generally at room temperature (20-25 °C) and dry (0-5 % relative humidity). However, these physical characteristics could lead to alterations of the peritoneal cavity, leading to operative and postoperative complications. Warming and humidifying the insufflated gas has been proposed to reduce the iatrogenic effects of laparoscopic surgery, such as pain, hypothermia and peritoneal alterations. Two medical devices are currently available for laparoscopic surgery with warm and humidified CO₂.

METHODS

Clinical studies were identified by searching PubMed with keywords relating to humidified and warmed CO₂ for laparoscopic procedures. Analysis of the literature focused on postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, duration of hospital stay and convalescence, surgical techniques and hypothermia.

RESULTS

Bibliographic analyses reported 114 publications from 1977 to 2015, with only 17 publications of clinical interest. The main disciplines focused on were gynaecological and digestive surgery ). Analysis of the studies selected reported only a small beneficial effect of warmed and humidified laparoscopy compared to standard laparoscopy on immediate postoperative pain and per procedure hypothermia. No difference was observed for later postoperative shoulder pain, morphine equivalent daily doses, postoperative body core temperature, recovery room and hospital length of stay, lens fogging and procedure duration.

CONCLUSIONS

Only few beneficial effects on immediate postoperative pain and core temperature have been identified in this meta-analysis. Although more studies are probably needed to close the debate on the real impact of warmed and humidified CO₂ for laparoscopic procedures.

A prospective clinical study evaluating the development of bowel wall edema during laparoscopic and open visceral surgery

BACKGROUND

To examine bowel wall edema development in laparoscopic and open major visceral surgery.

METHODS

In a prospective study, 47 consecutively operated patients with gastric and pancreatic resections were included. Twenty-seven patients were operated in a conventional open procedure (open group) and 20 in a laparoscopic fashion (lap group). In all procedures, a small jejunal segment was resected during standard preparation, of which we measured the dry-wet ratio. Furthermore, HE staining was performed for measuring of bowel wall thickness and edema assessment.

RESULTS

Mean value (±std) of dry-wet ratio was significantly lower in the open than in the lap group (0.169 ± 0.017 versus 0.179 ± 0.015; p = 0.03) with the same amount of fluid administration in both groups and a longer infusion interval during laparoscopic surgery. Subgroup analyses (only pancreatic resections) still showed similar results. Histologic examination depicted a significantly larger bowel wall thickness in the open group.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery does not seem to lead to the bowel wall edema observed to occur in open surgery regardless of the degree of intravenous fluid administration, thus supporting its use even in major visceral surgery.

Aminophylline partially prevents the decrease of body temperature during laparoscopic abdominal surgery

Aminophylline can elicit thermogenesis in rats or increase metabolic rate during cold stress in lambs. We tested the hypothesis that aminophylline would reduce the change in core body temperature during laparoscopic abdominal surgery requiring pneumoperitoneum. Fifty patients were randomly divided into an aminophylline group (n=25) and a saline control group (n=25). Esophageal temperature, index finger temperature, and hemodynamic variables, such as mean blood pressure and heart rate, were measured every 15 min during sevoflurane anesthesia. In the aminophylline group, esophageal temperatures at T45 (36.1±0.38 vs. 35.7±0.29, P=0.024), T60 (36.0±0.39 vs. 35.6±0.28, P=0.053), T75 (35.9±0.34 vs. 35.5±0.28, P=0.025), T90 (35.8±0.35 vs. 35.3±0.33, P=0.011), and T105 (35.8±0.36 vs. 35.1±0.53, P=0.017) and index finger temperatures at T15 (35.8±0.46 vs. 34.9±0.33, P<0.001), T30 (35.7±0.36 vs. 35.0±0.58, P=0.029), T45 (35.8±0.34 vs. 35.2±0.42, P=0.020), T60 (35.7±0.33 vs. 34.9±0.47, P=0.010), T75 (35.6±0.36 vs. 34.8±0.67, P=0.028), T90 (35.4±0.55 vs. 34.4±0.89, P=0.042), and T105 (34.9±0.53 vs. 33.9±0.85, P=0.024) were significantly higher than in the saline control group. Aminophylline is effective in maintaining the core temperature through a thermogenic effect, despite reduced peripheral thermoregulatory vasoconstriction.

Recent advances in laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery has been widely adopted and new technical innovation, procedures and evidence based knowledge are persistently emerging. This review documents recent major advancements in laparoscopic surgery. A PubMed search was made in order to identify recent advances in this field. We reviewed the recent data on randomized trials in this field as well as papers of systematic review. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most frequently performed procedure, followed by laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Although bile duct injuries are relatively uncommon (0.15%-0.6%), intraoperative cholangiography still plays a role in reducing the cost of litigation. Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is the most commonly performed laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery in the USA, and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the treatment of choice for intractable gastroesophageal reflux disease. Recent randomized trials have demonstrated that laparoscopic gastric and colorectal cancer resection are safe and oncologically correct procedures. Laparoscopic surgery has also been widely developed in hepatic, pancreatic, gynecological and urological surgery. Recently, SILS and robotic surgery have penetrated all specialties of abdominal surgery. However, evidence-based medicine has failed to show major advantages in SILS, and the disadvantage of robotic surgery is the high costs related to purchase and maintenance of technology. Laparoscopic surgery has become well developed in recent decades and is the choice of treatment in abdominal surgery. Recently developed SILS techniques and robotic surgery are promising but their benefits remain to be determined.

Unplanned perioperative hypothermia and agreement between oral, temporal artery, and bladder temperatures in adult major surgery patients

Accurate body core temperature measurement is essential in perioperative areas to quickly recognize and address abnormal temperatures. The purposes of this prospective, descriptive study were to accurately identify unplanned perioperative hypothermia (UPH) in 64 elective major surgery patients; to describe factors that increased the risk of UPH; to describe active/passive warming measures; to describe thermal comfort in patients with and without UPH; and to compare oral, temporal artery, and bladder temperatures. Based on bladder temperatures, 52% of the patients had UPH in the operating room (OR) and 42% on postanesthesia care unit (PACU) admission. The temporal artery thermometer did not detect any hypothermia. Descriptive data and Bland-Altman plots showed lack of agreement between the temporal artery thermometer readings and those of the oral and bladder thermometers. The patient's thermal comfort report did not accurately reflect hypothermia. Factors found to increase the risk of UPH included older age, BMI lower than 30, and OR ambient temperature lower than 68°F. All but one patient had active warming in the OR; active warming was infrequently used in the PACU. Based on our findings and findings in previous studies, we do not recommend using the temporal artery thermometer in perioperative areas. To prevent UPH, we recommend aggressive use of convective and conductive warming measures in perioperative areas and increasing OR ambient temperatures.

Optimizing perioperative care in bariatric surgery patients

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs have been shown to minimise morbidity in other types of surgery, but comparatively less data exist investigating ERAS in bariatric surgery. This article reviews the existing literature to identify interventions which may be included in an ERAS program for bariatric surgery. A narrative literature review was conducted. Search terms included 'bariatric surgery', 'weight loss surgery', 'gastric bypass', 'ERAS', 'enhanced recovery', 'enhanced recovery after surgery', 'fast-track surgery', 'perioperative care', 'postoperative care', 'intraoperative care' and 'preoperative care'. Interventions recovered by the database search, as well as interventions garnered from clinical experience in ERAS, were used as individual search terms. A large volume of evidence exists detailing the role of multiple interventions in perioperative care. However, efficacy and safety for a proportion of these interventions for ERAS in bariatric surgery remain unclear. This review concludes that there is potential to implement ERAS programs in bariatric surgery.

[Management of peri-operative hypothermia]

Hypothermia (body temperature under 36°C) is the thermal disorder most frequently found in surgical patients, but should be avoided as a means of reducing morbidity and costs. Temperature should be considered as a vital sign and all staff involved in the care of surgical patients must be aware that it has to be maintained within normal limits. Maintaining body temperature is the result, as in any other system, of the balance between heat production and heat loss. Temperature regulation takes place through a system of positive and negative feedback in the central nervous system, being developed in three phases: thermal afferent, central regulation and efferent response. Prevention is the best way to ensure a normal temperature. The active warming of the patient during surgery is mandatory. Using warm air is the most effective, simple and cheap way to prevent and treat hypothermia.

Comparison of the effects of sevoflurane and propofol on core body temperature during laparoscopic abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND

A decrease in core body temperature caused by heat distribution depends on the anesthetic agent used. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of sevoflurane and propofol on core temperature during laparoscopic major abdominal surgery requiring pneumoperitoneum of more than 90 min.

METHODS

Fifty adult patients undergoing laparoscopic major abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to either a sevoflurane group (n = 25) or a propofol group (n = 25). In the sevoflurane group, anesthesia was induced with propofol 2 mg/kg, remifentanil 1.0 µg/kg, and maintained with 0.8-2.0 vol% sevoflurane and 0.1-0.2 µg/kg/min remifentanil. In the propofol group, anesthesia was induced with the effect-site concentration of propofol of 5.0 µg/ml and remifentanil 4 ng/ml, and maintained with the effect-site concentration of propofol of 2-3.5 µg/ml and remifentanil 3-5 ng/ml. Core body temperature was measured with an esophageal stethoscope with a temperature sensor after the start of the pneumoperitoneum (baseline) and at 15-min intervals until completion of surgery.

RESULTS

During the study period, core temperature was comparable between the two groups. When compared with baseline values, core temperatures in both groups were significantly decreased 45 min after pneumoperitoneum.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that in patients undergoing prolonged laparoscopic surgery, a decrease in core body temperature during sevoflurane-remifentanil anesthesia was not different than propofol-remifentanil anesthesia, and the incidence of hypothermia of the two groups did not differ.

Perioperative management of morbid obesity

Data from the NHS Information Centre reveals that more than one in three adults (36.9%) is overweight. In addition, almost a quarter of adults (24% of men and 25% of women aged 16 or over) are obese, with their need for treatment placing a growing burden on the NHS (The NHS Information Centre 2010). Given these proportions, and that an increasing number of morbidly obese patients are undergoing weight loss surgery and procedures related to obesity, it is an opportune time to review the perioperative care of morbidly obese patients.

Hipotermia no período intra-operatório em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias eletivas

OBJETIVO: Analisar a temperatura corporal do paciente submetido a cirurgia eletiva no período intra-operatório. MÉTODOS: Para a coleta de dados elaborou-se um instrumento que foi submetido à validação aparente e de conteúdo e a amostra foi constituída de 70 pacientes. As variáveis mensuradas foram: temperatura e umidade da sala de cirurgia e temperatura corporal do paciente em diferentes momentos do período intra-operatório. RESULTADOS: Em relação à temperatura corporal dos pacientes observou-se que no final do procedimento anestésico-cirúrgico a média foi de 33,6º C. A temperatura média da sala na chegada dos pacientes foi de 24,6º C e na quarta hora de procedimento anestésico-cirúrgico foi de 22,4ºC. Houve correlação estatisticamente significante e positiva entre as variáveis mensuradas. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados apontaram a necessidade de implementação de intervenções efetivas para a prevenção da hipotermia e, neste cenário, a atuação do enfermeiro é crucial para a melhoria da assistência prestada ao paciente cirúrgico.

Heated and humidified CO2 prevents hypothermia, peritoneal injury, and intra-abdominal adhesions during prolonged laparoscopic insufflations

BACKGROUND

Insufflation with standard cold-dry CO(2) during laparoscopic surgery has been shown to predispose patients to hypothermia and peritoneal injury. This study aimed to compare the effect of prolonged cold-dry CO(2) insufflation with heated-humidified CO(2) insufflation (3-5 h) on hypothermia, peritoneal damage, and intra-abdominal adhesion formation in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 160 Wistar rats were randomized to undergo no insufflation or insufflation with cold-dry CO(2) (21 degrees C, <1% relative humidity) or heated-humidified CO(2) (37 degrees C, 95% relative humidity) for 3, 4, or 5 h. Core body temperature was measured via rectum before and during insufflations. Peritoneal samples were taken at 6, 24, 48, and 96 h after treatments and analyzed with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Intra-abdominal adhesions were evaluated 2 weeks later.

RESULTS

Core body temperature significantly decreased in the cold-dry group, whereas it was maintained and increased in the heated-humidified group. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy studies showed intense peritoneal injury in the cold-dry CO(2) group but significantly less damages in the heated-humidified group. Increased intra-abdominal adhesion formation was observed in the cold-dry CO(2) group, while no adhesions were found in the rats insufflated with heated-humidified CO(2).

CONCLUSIONS

Heated-humidified CO(2) insufflation results in significantly less hypothermia, less peritoneal damage, and decreased adhesion formation as compared with cold-dry CO(2) insufflation. Heated-humidified CO(2) may be more suitable for insufflation application in prolonged laparoscopic surgery.

A comparison of 399 open and 568 laparoscopic gastric bypasses performed during a 4-year period

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) was introduced at the authors' institution 5 years ago. The authors analyzed the short- and long-term results of this procedure compared with those for the same procedure using the laparotomy approach over the same period.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected bariatric database used the outcome end points used by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) and the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in their center of excellence programs.

RESULTS

From January 2001 to July 2005, 568 laparoscopic and 399 open gastric bypasses were performed at Vanderbilt University. The patients were from the same bariatric surgery program and therefore received the same pre- and postoperative care. The hospital length of stay in the laparoscopic group was significantly shorter (2.5 +/- 2.4 days) than in the open group (3.7 +/- 3.7 days; p = 0.001). The procedure time was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group (164 +/- 50 min) than in the open group (195 +/- 50 min; p = 0.0001). The follow-up assessment response at 2 years was 76.6%. At 2 years, the excess weight loss (EWL) was significantly greater in the laparoscopic group (71.3% +/- 18.4%) than in the open group (67.3% +/- 15.3%; p = 0.03). The wound infection rate was significantly higher in open group (9.2%) than in the laparoscopic group (1.7%; p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality: open (0.50%) versus laparoscopic (0.17%; p = 0.371). There was no significant difference in the 30-day reoperation rate between the open (2.4%) and laparoscopic (2.6%; p = 0.705) groups. The 30-day readmission rate was similar in the open (5.0%) and laparoscopic (5.2%; p = 0.852) groups, as was the rate of leakage from the gastrojejunostomy in the open (0.50%) and laparoscopic (0.35%; p = 0.127) groups. The conversion rate from laparoscopic procedure to laparotomy was 1.7%.

CONCLUSION

In the authors' institution, a laparoscopic bariatric surgery program with a very low rate of morbidity and mortality has been introduced. Operative time, hospital stay, and wound complications are reduced with the laparoscopic approach. The laparoscopic and open procedures are equally safe, with equivalent 30-day mortality, readmission, reoperation, and gastrojejunostomy leakage rates.

What Happens to Patients who Do Not Follow-Up after Bariatric Surgery?

Loss of follow-up is a concern when tracking long-term clinical outcomes after bariatric surgery. The results of patients who are “lost to follow-up” are not known. After bariatric surgery, the lack of follow-up may result in less weight loss for patients. This study investigated the hypothesis that there are differences between patients who do not automatically return for their annual follow-up and those that do return. Patients who were greater than 14 months postoperative after laparoscopic gastric bypass were contacted if they had not returned for their annual appointment. They were seen in clinic and/or a phone interview was performed for follow-up. These patients (Group A) were compared with patients who returned to see us for their annual appointment (Group B) without us having to notify them. There were 105 consecutive patients, with 48 patients who did not automatically return for their annual appointment. Only six of these patients could not ultimately be contacted. There was no difference in preoperative body mass index between the two groups. Percentage excess body weight loss was greater in Group B (76 vs 65%; P < 0.003). More patients had successful weight loss (defined as within 50% of ideal body weight) in Group B (50 [88%] vs 28 [67%]; P < 0.02). We found that a significant number of patients will not comply with regular follow-up care after laparoscopic gastric bypass unless they are prompted to do so by their bariatric clinic. These patients have worse clinical outcome ( i.e., less weight loss). Caution should be taken when examining the results of any bariatric study where there is a significant loss to follow-up.

Unexpected pathology during laparoscopic bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND

The popularity of bariatric surgery has increased in recent years with the escalating incidence of morbid obesity in our society. The improvement in minimally invasive technology and the increased number of laparoscopic bariatric procedures being performed have resulted in the discovery of unexpected pathology not suspected preoperatively. The authors hypothesized that the occurrence of unexpected pathology is not associated with immediate adverse outcomes during laparoscopic bariatric procedures.

METHODS

From December 2002 to June 2004, 398 patients underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery for morbid obesity. A retrospective chart review was performed to determine the incidence of unexpected findings and their effect on patient results.

RESULTS

Nine unexpected pathologic lesions were found in eight patients (2%). The findings included lesions on the small bowel (n = 3), stomach (n = 4), and liver (n = 2). In all cases except one (for which a biopsy was performed), the abnormalities were found and removed laparoscopically. The final pathology showed gastric leiomyomas (n = 2), gastric gastrointestinal stromal cell tumors (n = 2), ectopic pancreatic tissue (n = 2), arteriovenous malformation (n = 1), biliary adenoma (n = 1), and fibrosed hemangioma (n = 1). The planned bariatric procedures were completed for all the patients without incident. No complications occurred postoperatively, and all were discharged in 1 to 3 days (mean, 2 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Unexpected findings occur with relative frequency during laparoscopic bariatric procedures. Biopsy or removal of these lesions usually does not increase complications nor preclude continuation of the planned bariatric procedure.

Best practice recommendations for anesthetic perioperative care and pain management in weight loss surgery

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence-based recommendations that optimize the safety and efficacy of perioperative anesthetic care and pain management in weight loss surgery (WLS) patients.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

This Task Group examined the scientific literature on anesthetic perioperative care and pain management published in MEDLINE from January 1994 to March 2004. We also reviewed additional data from other sources (e.g., book chapters). The search yielded 195 abstracts, of which 35 references were reviewed in detail. Task Group consensus was used to provide recommendations when evidence in the literature was insufficient.

RESULTS

We developed anesthesia practice and patient safety advisory recommendations for preoperative evaluation, intraoperative management, and postoperative care and pain management of WLS patients. We also provided suggestions related to medical error reduction and systems improvements, credentialing, and future research.

DISCUSSION

Obesity-related comorbidities including obstructive sleep apnea place WLS patients at increased risk for complications perioperatively. Regarding perioperative safety and outcomes, conclusive evidence beyond the accepted standard of care in the reviewed literature is limited. Few reports specifically address the perioperative needs of severely obese patients. In this advisory, we synthesize current knowledge and make best practice recommendations for perioperative care and pain management in WLS patients. These recommendations require periodic review as further medical knowledge and evidence evolve.

Comparison of the benefits and complications between laparoscopic and open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgeries

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been an increase in numbers of individuals seeking laparoscopic surgical procedures for obesity. The current study compared the benefits and risks between laparoscopic and open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) performed at the same center for more than 2,000 patients.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 1,077 laparoscopic and 1,198 open RYGBP procedures performed between the years 1999 and 2002. Measurements included population characteristics, anthropometries, complications, and hospital stay.

RESULTS

The laparoscopic RYGBP has both advantages and disadvantages. The disadvantages include a longer operative time and a higher incidence of fistulas, internal hernias, and small bowel obstruction. The advantages of the laparoscopic procedure are shorter hospital stay, lower incidence of wound infection, and fewer incisional hernias. Both procedures cause similar changes in body weight, but laparoscopic RYGBP is associated with less lean tissue loss during the early postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

Both laparoscopic and open RYGBP are effective in inducing massive weight loss. There are, however, differences in the benefits and risks between the two procedures.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity

Obesity among adults has increased 60% since 1991, and 25% of children are overweight or obese. Direct and indirect costs of obesity represent almost 17% of total health care costs. People who are morbidly obese are far more likely to develop diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and some forms of cancer, as well as depression and anxiety disorders than people who are not obese. Medical treatment of obesity only has long-term success rates of approximately 5%. Studies have validated that bariatric surgery, on the other hand, has greater success rates for weight loss maintenance. Of current surgical options, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass offers the best results:complications ratio and is seen as the "gold standard" in bariatric surgery.