Implementation of a Preoperative Anemia Clinic Utilizing a Minimal Staffing Model.

We present a process map for the implementation of a program to treat preoperative anemia utilizing 1 existing anesthesiologist in the preoperative evaluation clinic. In the first 7 months postimplementation, 342 patients were screened for anemia, 166 were diagnosed, and 107 were treated. The mean increase in hemoglobin in treated patients was ~2 g/dL (range 0-4.9 g/dL). Two patients' surgeries were delayed in favor of treatment and 3 surgical patients, who had received 2 complete iron infusions, received an intraoperative transfusion. The total revenue generated for the institution was enough to subsidize the cost of an additional anesthesiologist.

Designing and Running a Preoperative Clinic.

Value in health care has been described as quality divided by cost, where quality is the sum of patient outcomes and experience. A well-run preoperative evaluation clinic (PEC) offers many opportunities to improve the value of the care delivered to patients by reducing the associated costs and improving the quality of care. Certain patient education and medical optimization strategies initiated in the PEC clinic are linked to an improvement in patients' long-term health outcomes. When designing a PEC, it is important to address the PEC's mission and scope with all stakeholders early in the process.

Pharmacologic Considerations during the Preoperative Evaluation of Neurologic Patients.

BACKGROUND: Optimizing a patient for surgery is a central goal during the preoperative period. Patients with common neurologic disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis may require special attention in the perioperative management of their neurologic medications. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to organize the most current recommendations for neurologic medication management during the perioperative period to minimize the risk of postoperative neurologic decline. METHODS: A review of current literature present on PubMed and Medline of peer-reviewed research papers was conducted. The quality of the papers was assessed according to their research methodology and many of their sources were further analyzed in the same manner. A focused review question for each disease type was used, and, at times, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. RESULTS: Manuscripts covered a wide range of medical subspecialties with the most common sources being anesthetic, neurologic, and pharmacologic journals. CONCLUSION: The systemic inflammation that occurs in the perioperative period is detrimental to a patient's neurologic status. It is important to recognize that the proper management of neurologic medications can limit the negative effects of these stresses on a patient. Most medications appear safe to continue until the morning of surgery. Consultation with a neurologist regarding continuation of specific medications may be necessary to further ensure patient safety.

Radiology case of the month. Abnormally dilated arteries in an asymptomatic male. RADIOLOGIC DIAGNOSIS: Aortic coarctation. There is narrowing in the region of the aortic isthmus (arrows, Figures 2 and 4). The extent of collateral arterial dilation (arrows, Figures 1 and 3) suggests this to be a hemodynamically significant finding.

A 61-year-old male with a past medical history of chronic, uncontrolled hypertension received a non-contrasted computed tomogram (CT) of the chest and abdomen to investigate for possible Conn syndrome. This noncontrast study showed some areas of nodularity around the vertebral bodies bilaterally and extending into the posterior mediastinal region. A CT of the chest with intravenous contrast, and 3D reconstruction were then obtained.

Radiology case of the month. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in a patient with hepatitis C and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Diffuse, severe gastric-wall thickening, consistent with edema.

The patient is a 42-year-old male with a past medical history of HIV/AIDS (his most recent CD4 count, four months before admission, was 19) and hepatitis C who presented to the Emergency Department complaining of one week of persistent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. His admit labs were as follows: hemoglobin of 11.8, hematocrit of 35, total protein of 6.0, albumin of 1.6, total bilirubin of 2.3, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of 141, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of 146, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of 31. Computed tomography (CT) images of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast were obtained (Figures 1 - 4).