Impact of Intraoperative Dexamethasone on Surgical and Oncologic Outcomes for Patients with Resected Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Administration of dexamethasone to mitigate postoperative nausea and vomiting has been suggested to improve short- and long-term outcomes after pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) resection. This study aimed primarily to evaluate these hypotheses in a contemporary patient cohort treated with multimodality therapy. METHODS: The clinicopathologic and perioperative characteristics of consecutive resected PDAC patients (July 2011 to October 2018) were analyzed from a prospectively maintained database. Intraoperative administration of dexamethasone (4-10 mg) was retrospectively abstracted from the electronic medical record. RESULTS: The majority of 373 patients (59.8%) received intraoperative dexamethasone. Most of these patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy (75.3%), were potentially resectable at presentation (69.7%), and underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (79.9%). Women were more likely to receive dexamethasone than men (69.9 vs 30.1%; p < 0.001). The cohorts were otherwise clinically similar. Intraoperative dexamethasone was not associated with differences in postoperative major complications (PMCs) (21.1 vs 19.3%; p = 0.68), postoperative pancreatic fistulas (6.3 vs 6.7%; p = 0.88), or composite infectious complications (28.7 vs 24.7%; p = 0.39). Dexamethasone was not associated with any improvement in median recurrence-free survival (RFS) (17 vs 17 months; p = 0.99) or overall survival (OS) (46 vs 43 months; p = 0.90). After adjustment for clinical factors including margin status, clinical classification, tumor size, and dexamethasone, the only factors independently associated with OS were pathologic node-positivity (hazard ratio [HR], 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32-2.47), perineural invasion (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.23-3.31), multimodality therapy (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.13-0.70), and PMCs (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.17-2.29) (all p < 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone failed to demonstrate any protective advantage in terms of mitigating short-term PMCs or infectious complications, or to confer any long-term survival benefit. Tumor biology, multimodality therapy, and PMCs remain the main prognostic factors after PDAC resection.

Perioperative blood transfusions and survival in resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients given multimodality therapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The impact of perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) on outcomes for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients given multimodality therapy (MMT) remains undefined. We sought to evaluate the association of PBT with survival after PDAC resection. METHODS: Pancreatectomy patients (July 2011-December 2017) who received MMT were abstracted from a prospective database. Overall survival (OS) was compared by PBT within 30 days, 24 h (24HR-BT), or 24 h until 30 days (Postop-BT). RESULTS: Most (76.6%) of 312 MMT patients underwent neoadjuvant therapy (NT). Eighty-nine patients (28.5%) received PBT; 58 (18.6%) 24HR-BT, and 31 (9.9%) Postop-BT. Compared with surgery-first, NT patients received more 24HR-BTs (22.2% vs. 6.8%, p = 0.003) and PBTs overall (32.6% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.004). Overall median OS was 45 months. The association of PBT with shorter median OS appeared limited to first 24-h transfusions (34 months 24HR-BT vs. 48 months Postop-BT vs. 53 months no-PBT, p = 0.009) and was dose-dependent, with a median OS of 52 months for 0 units 24HR-BT, 35 months for 1 unit, and 25 months for ≥2 units (p = 0.004). Independent predictors of OS included node-positivity (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.93, p < 0.001), perineural invasion (HR: 1.64, p = 0.050), postoperative pancreatic fistula (HR: 1.94, p = 0.018), and 24HR-BT (HR: 1.75, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Transfusions given within 24 h are associated with dose-dependent decreases in survival after pancreatectomy for PDAC.

Middle Hepatic Vein Roadmap for a Safe Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: When performing a right hepatectomy, the middle hepatic vein (MHV) should guide the parenchymal transection. MHV hotspots for bleeding can be anticipated when applying the previously developed MHV Roadmap to a minimally invasive approach.1 This video demonstrates application of the MHV Roadmap to perform a safe laparoscopic right hepatectomy. PATIENT: A 44-year-old woman with a solitary and large breast cancer liver metastasis in the right liver was considered for a laparoscopic right hepatectomy following an excellent response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The MHV anatomy was reconstructed using automated vascular reconstruction software (Synapse, Fuji) ahead of surgery. TECHNIQUE: With the patient in the French position, the hilar vessels are exposed and the inflow is controlled. Parenchymal transection begins along the demarcation line.2,3 The constant relationship between the portal bifurcation and the V5 ventral and dorsal allows for easy intraparenchymal identification of the MHV. The parenchymal transection is performed in a convex fashion to optimize exposure of the MHV. Using MHV guidance, the parenchymal transection is continued and V8 is safely identified. The operation is completed with division of the anterior fissure and right hepatic vein. CONCLUSION: Outlining the MHV anatomy according to the MHV Roadmap preoperatively helps to anticipate hotspots of bleeding. Guidance along the MHV through the parenchymal transection allows for early identification of tributaries, thereby preventing injury and remnant liver ischemia.

Inpatient Opioid Use After Pancreatectomy: Opportunities for Reducing Initial Opioid Exposure in Cancer Surgery Patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in enhanced surgical recovery programs, strategies limiting postoperative inpatient opioid exposure have not been optimized for pancreatic surgery. The primary aims of this study were to analyze the magnitude and variations in post-pancreatectomy opioid administration and to characterize predictors of low and high inpatient use. METHODS: Clinical characteristics and inpatient oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) were downloaded from electronic records for consecutive pancreatectomy patients at a high-volume institution between March 2016 and August 2017. Regression analyses identified predictors of total OMEs as well as highest and lowest quartiles. RESULTS: Pancreatectomy was performed for 158 patients (73% pancreaticoduodenectomy). Transversus abdominus plane (TAP) block was performed for 80% (n = 127) of these patients, almost always paired with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA), whereas 15% received epidural alone. All the patients received scheduled non-opioid analgesics (median, 2). The median total OME administered was 423 mg (range 0-4362 mg). Higher total OME was associated with preoperative opioid prescriptions (p < 0.001), longer hospital length of stay (LOS; p < 0.001), and no epidural (p = 0.006). The lowest and best quartile cutoff was 180 mg of OME or less, whereas the highest and worst quartile cutoff began at 892.5 mg. After adjustment for inpatient team, only epidural use [odds ratio (OR) 0.3; p = 0.04] predicted lowest-quartile OME. Preoperative opioid prescriptions (OR 8.1; p < 0.001), longer operative time (OR 3.4; p = 0.05), and longer LOS (OR 1.1; p = 0.007) predicted highest-quartile OME. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative opioid prescriptions and longer LOS were associated with increased inpatient OME, whereas epidural use reduced inpatient OME. Understanding the predictors of inpatient opioid use and the variables predicting the lowest and highest quartiles can inform decision-making regarding preoperative counseling, regional anesthetic block choice, and novel inpatient opioid weaning strategies to reduce initial postoperative opioid exposure.

Assessment of nephrotoxicity associated with combined cisplatin and mitomycin C usage in laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been used to treat various peritoneal malignancies. Cisplatin and mitomycin C (MMC) are agents commonly used in these procedures and, individually, each has been associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). There is limited literature on the complications associated with the use of both agents in HIPEC. Therefore, we sought to determine the incidence of nephrotoxicity and electrolyte abnormalities in patients undergoing laparoscopic HIPEC using this chemotherapeutic combination. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated patients undergoing laparoscopic HIPEC for gastric or gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma using both cisplatin and MMC. Sodium thiosulfate was given for renal protection and kidney function was evaluated daily up to postoperative day #2. Details regarding patient characteristics, selection criteria, chemotherapeutic regimen, perioperative lab values and anesthetic management were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients underwent 31 laparoscopic HIPEC procedures. Fifteen (65%) were male and the median age was 57 (range 21-75). Thirteen procedures were associated with an elevation in creatinine (Cr) with the median difference between POD#2 and baseline being 0.09 mg/dL (range 0-0.43). The glomerular filtration rate median difference between POD#2 and baseline was -17 mL/min/1.37 sq. m (range -42 to 11). No cases demonstrated AKI, defined as a 50% increase in Cr levels above baseline. An 84% incidence of postoperative hypophosphatemia (26/31) and 94% incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia (29/31) was observed. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach to HIPEC using both cisplatin and MMC in our cohort was not associated with an increased incidence of AKI. The incidence of hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia needs further evaluation to determine the exact etiology. Precis' statement: We retrospectively studied the association of AKI with the combined use of cisplatin and MMC in laparoscopic HIPEC.

Identification of risk factors associated with postoperative acute kidney injury after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a postoperative complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The incidence and risks factors for AKI after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) have not been fully studied. The purpose of this study was to identify perioperative risk factors predictive of AKI after CRS-HIPEC. METHODS: This retrospective study collected demographic, tumour-related, intraoperative and postoperative data from 475 patients who underwent CRS-HIPECs. AKI was defined using the acute kidney injury network criteria and calculated on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 7 and day of hospital discharge. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to assess the association between variables of interest and AKI. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The incidence of AKI was 21.3%. The multivariate analysis identified six predictor factors independently associated with the development of AKI (OR: [95%CI]); age: 1.16 (1.05-1.29, p < 0.005), BMI (overweight: 1.97 [1.00-3.88], p = 0.05) and obesity: 2.88 (1.47-5.63), p < 0.002)), preoperative pregabalin: 3.04 (1.71-5.39, p < 0.037), platinum-based infusion: 3.04 (1.71-5.39, p < 0.001) and EBL: 1.77 (1.27-2.47, p < 0.001). Splenectomy had a protective effect (OR: 0.44 (0.25-0.76, p < 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the incidence of AKI is high. While other studies have reported that AKI is associated with platinum-based infusion, age and obesity, we report for the first time a negative association between pregabalin use and AKI. More studies are needed to confirm our results.

Epidural Analgesia and Subcutaneous Heparin 3 Times Daily in Cancer Patients With Acute Postoperative Pain.

The use of epidural analgesia in conjunction with subcutaneous administration of unfractionated heparin 3 times per day could increase the risk of spinal epidural hematoma, but insufficient patient experience data exist to determine this. We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of spinal epidural hematoma in 3705 cases at our institution over a 7-year period of patients receiving acute postoperative epidural analgesia and heparin 3 times per day. No cases of spinal epidural hematoma were reported (95% CI, 0-0.0009952).

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Postoperative Thoracic Epidural Analgesia Versus Intravenous Patient-controlled Analgesia After Major Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this randomized trial was to compare thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) for pain control over the first 48 hours after hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery. Secondary endpoints were patient-reported outcomes, total narcotic utilization, and complications. BACKGROUND: Although adequate postoperative pain control is critical to patient and surgeon success, the optimal analgesia regimen in HPB surgery remains controversial. METHODS: Using a 2.5:1 randomization strategy, 140 patients were randomized to TEA (N = 106) or intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (N = 34). Patient-reported pain was measured on a Likert scale (0-10) at standard time intervals. Cumulative pain area under the curve was determined using the trapezoidal method. RESULTS: Between the study groups key demographic, comorbidity, clinical, and operative variables were equivalently distributed. The median area under the curve of the postoperative time 0- to 48-hour pain scores was lower in the TEA group (78.6 vs 105.2 pain-hours, P = 0.032) with a 35% reduction in patients experiencing ≥7/10 pain (43% vs 62%, P = 0.07). Patient-reported outcomes and total opiate use further supported the benefit of TEA on patient experience. Anesthesia-related events requiring change in analgesic therapy were comparable (12.2% vs 2.9%, respectively, P = 0.187). Grade 3 or higher surgical complications (6.6% vs 9.4%), median length of stay (6 days vs 6 days), readmission (1.9% vs 3.1%), and return to the operating room (0.9% vs 3.1%) were similar (all P > 0.05). There were no mortalities in either group. CONCLUSIONS: In major HPB surgery, TEA provides a superior patient experience through improved pain control and less narcotic use, without increased length of stay or complications.

Cancer Seeding Risk from an Epidural Blood Patch in Patients with Leukemia or Lymphoma.

Introduction: Lumber punctures are a common procedure in patients with cancer. However, a potential complication of a lumbar puncture is a postdural puncture headache. The risk of neoplastic seeding to the central nervous system has led to concern over performing epidural blood patches (EBPs) for the treatment of postdural puncture headaches in patients with cancer. The goal of this retrospective study was to evaluate cancer seeding in the central nervous system in patients diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma. Methods: Institutional electronic records were queried over a 13-year period from 2000 to 2013 for patients with leukemia and/or lymphoma and who received at least one EBP. Demographic and procedural data, cancer treatments, and mortality were all examined. Patient records were reviewed for evidence of new-onset neoplastic central nervous system seeding after an epidural blood patch. Results: A total of 80 patients were identified for review. Eighteen patients had a diagnosis of leukemia, and 62 had lymphoma. Following an EBP, none of the patients experienced new cancer or cancer seeding in the central nervous system following an epidural blood patch at a median follow-up of 3.74 years. Discussion: Though the risks of EBP in the cancer patient population have been hypothesized, no previous studies have assessed the risk of seeding cancer to the central nervous system. Based on our results, an epidural blood patch bears low risk of cancer seeding when used to treat postdural puncture headache that is unresponsive to conservative treatments.

Positive Impact of Epidural Analgesia on Oncologic Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have suggested that the use of regional anesthesia can reduce recurrence risk after oncologic surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of epidural anesthesia on recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) after hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases (CLM). METHODS: After approval of the institutional review board, the records of all adult patients who underwent elective hepatic resection between January 2006 and October 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized according to use of perioperative epidural analgesia versus intravenous analgesia. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors influencing RFS and OS. RESULTS: Of 510 total patients, 390 received epidural analgesia (EA group) and 120 patients received intravenous analgesia (IVA group). Compared with the IVA group, more patients in the EA group underwent associated surgical procedures with consequently longer operative times (p < 0.001). In addition, the EA group received more intraoperative fluids and had higher urine output volumes (p ≤ 0.001). Five-year RFS was longer in the EA group (34.7%) compared with the IVA group (21.1%). On multivariate analysis, the receipt of epidural analgesia was an independent predictor of improved RFS (p = 0.036, hazard ratio [HR] 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.95), but not OS (p = 0.102, HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.49-1.07). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests an association between epidural analgesia and improved RFS, but not OS, after CLM resection. These results warrant further prospective, randomized studies on the benefits of regional anesthesia on oncologic outcomes after hepatic resection for CLM.

Evaluating the Impact of Total Intravenous Anesthesia on the Clinical Outcomes and Perioperative NLR and PLR Profiles of Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) on the perioperative inflammatory profile and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC was performed. Patients receiving a combination of preoperative tramadol extended release (ER), celecoxib, and pregabalin, along with combined intraoperative infusions of propofol, dexmedetomidine, lidocaine, and ketamine were classified as receiving a TIVA regimen (TIVA group). The second group consisted of patients receiving volatile-opioid-based anesthesia (VO group). The neutrophil:leukocyte (NLR) and platelet: leukocyte (PLR) ratios were calculated to evaluate the perioperative inflammatory status of both groups. Length of stay (LOS) and complications of both groups were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 213 patients were included in the study-139 in the VO group and 74 in the TIVA group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to their postoperative inflammatory profiles, LOS, or complications by organ system; however, the incidence of renal complications was higher in the TIVA group (8.1 vs. 2.2 %) and approached statistical significance (p = 0.068). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study of patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC, the combined use of preoperative celecoxib, tramadol ER and pregabalin followed by intraoperative TIVA with infusions of propofol, dexmedetomidine, ketamine, and lidocaine was not associated with a reduction in LOS or complications by organ system. Postoperative NLR and PLR profiles were also not significantly impacted.

Safety of epidural analgesia in the perioperative care of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The perioperative coagulopathy, hemodynamic instability, and infectious complications that may occur during cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has raised concerns about the safety of epidural analgesia in patients undergoing such procedures. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the perioperative anesthetic management of 215 adult patients who had undergone CRS with HIPEC with epidural analgesia. We reviewed epidural-related complications and analyzed the effect of early initiation of continuous epidural analgesia on estimated blood loss, intraoperative fluid administration, blood transfusion and vasopressor requirements, time to extubation, and length of stay. RESULTS: No epidural hematomas or abscesses were reported. Two patients (0.9 %) had delays in epidural removal because of thrombocytopenia, and two had epidural-site erythema (0.9 %). The majority of postoperative epidural-related hypotensive episodes were successfully treated with fluid boluses. Early initiation of epidural analgesic infusions (before HIPEC) was associated with significantly less surgical blood loss and fluid requirements (P = 0.005 and 0.02, respectively). Pre-HIPEC initiation of epidural infusions was not associated with a statistically significant difference in the following: volume of blood transfused, intraoperative vasopressors use, time to extubation, and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: With close hematologic monitoring and particular attention to sterility, epidural analgesia can be safely provided to patients undergoing CRS with HIPEC. Early initiation of continuous epidural infusions during surgery could lead to decreased blood loss and less intraoperative fluid administration. Prospective randomized studies are required to further investigate these potential benefits.

Postoperative pain scores and opioid use after standard bupivacaine vs. liposomal bupivacaine regional blocks for abdominal cancer surgery: A propensity score matched study.

BACKGROUND: Fascial plane blocks (FPBs) are widely used for abdominal surgery with the assumption that liposomal bupivacaine (LB) is more effective than standard bupivacaine (SB). METHODS: This was a single-institution retrospective cohort study of patients administered FPBs with LB or SB â€‹+ â€‹admixtures (dexamethasone/dexmedetomidine) for open abdominal cancer surgery. Propensity score matching generated a 2:1 (LB:SB) matched cohort. Opioid use (mg oral morphine equivalents, OME) and severe pain (≥3 pain scores ≥7 in a 24-h period) were compared. RESULTS: Opioid use was >150 â€‹mg OME in 19.9 â€‹% (29/146) LB and 16.4 â€‹% (12/73) SB patients (p â€‹= â€‹0.586). Severe pain was experienced by 44 â€‹% (64/146) LB and 53 â€‹% (39/73) SB patients (p â€‹= â€‹0.198). On multivariable analysis, SB vs LB choice was not associated with high opioid volume >150 â€‹mg or severe pain. CONCLUSIONS: FPBs with standard bupivacaine were not associated with higher 72-h opioid use or more severe pain compared to liposomal bupivacaine.

Epidural versus ON-Q local anesthetic-infiltrating catheter for post-thoracotomy pain control.

OBJECTIVE: The authors compared thoracic epidural with ON-Q infiltrating catheters in patients having open thoracotomy to determine whether one method better relieves postoperative pain and would allow earlier discharge from the hospital and, hence, cost savings. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty adult patients (24 to 81 years old) undergoing open thoracotomy by one surgeon. INTERVENTIONS: One group had thoracic epidural catheters placed by an anesthesiologist and then managed by the acute pain service. The other group had intraoperative ON-Q (ON-Q; I-Flow; Lake Forest, California) infiltrating catheters placed by the surgeon, wound infiltration with a local anesthetic, plus patient-controlled analgesia with an intravenous opioid. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The authors measured and compared average daily pain rating, maximum pain rating, time to discharge from the hospital, and total bill for hospital stay. Patients who received epidural analgesia had lower average pain scores on day 2 than did patients in the ON-Q group. Patients in the ON-Q group reported higher maximum pain scores on days 1 and 2 and at the time of discharge. Patients in the ON-Q group were discharged an average of 1 day earlier; hence, their average total bill was lower. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the maximum pain score was higher in the ON-Q group, patients were comfortable enough to be discharged earlier, resulting in cost savings. ON-Q infiltrating catheters present a good option for providing postoperative analgesia to patients having an open thoracotomy.

Complications of Postoperative Epidural Analgesia For Oncologic Surgery: A Review of 18,895 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: The risks of epidural analgesia (EA) differ depending on the population studied. We describe our experience with postoperative EA for oncologic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched our Acute Pain Medicine database for cases in which postoperative EA was used between 2003 and 2012. We used word search to identify and catalog cases of neurological changes, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography of the spine, electromyography studies, and neurologist or neurosurgeon consultations. Medical records of patients with documented persistent neurological deficits and patients who had spine imaging or neurology consultations were reviewed further. In addition, we cross-checked medical records with billing diagnosis codes for spinal epidural abscess or hematoma. RESULTS: We reviewed 18,895 cases in which postoperative EA was used. Complications included neurological symptoms in 2436 cases (12.9%), epidural insertion site abnormalities in 1062 cases (5.6%), complete epidural catheter migration in 829 cases (4.4%), epidural replacement in 619 cases (3.3%), and inadvertent dura puncture in 322 cases (1.7%). There were 6 cases of persistent deficits of uncertain etiology, 4 deep spinal infections (1:4724), and 2 cases of catheter tip shearing. No spinal epidural hematomas were identified (95% confidence interval, 0-0.0002). DISCUSSION: Our findings provide a contemporary review of some risks associated with the use of postoperative EA for patients undergoing oncologic surgery. Despite a not-uncommon incidence of neurological changes, serious complications resulting in prolonged sequelae were rare.

Securing the Airway in Pretracheal Dermal Metastases From Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Dermal metastases reflect the ominous and aggressive spread of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. The rampant proliferation of these metastatic tumors to the neck results in respiratory distress and impending airway obstruction. We report a case of a patient with massive neck dermal metastases requiring urgent airway control for intermittent stridor. Awake tracheostomy is generally regarded as the gold standard to manage the compromised airway. However, in this unusual case, after discussion between surgeon and anesthesiologist, because of the anticipated formidable difficulties in performing awake tracheostomy, it was decided that awake fiberoptic intubation would provide the best chance of success.

Risk-stratified clinical pathways decrease the duration of hospitalization and costs of perioperative care after pancreatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pancreatic fistula is associated with adverse events, increased duration of stay and hospital costs. We developed perioperative care pathways stratified by postoperative pancreatic fistula risk with the aims of minimizing variations in care, improving quality, and decreasing costs. STUDY DESIGN: Three unique risk-stratified pancreatectomy clinical pathways-low-risk pancreatoduodenectomy, high-risk pancreatoduodenectomy, and distal pancreatectomy were developed and implemented. Consecutive patients treated after implementation of the risk-stratified pancreatectomy clinical pathways were compared with patients treated immediately prior. Duration of stay, rates of perioperative adverse effects, discharge disposition, and hospital readmission, as well as the associated costs of care, were evaluated. RESULTS: The median hospital stay after pancreatectomy decreased from 10 to 6 days after implementation of the risk-stratified pancreatectomy clinical pathways (P < .001), and the median cost of index hospitalization decreased by 22%. Decreased changes in median hospital stay and costs of hospitalization were observed in association with low-risk pancreatoduodenectomy (P < .05) and distal pancreatectomy (P < .05), but not high-risk pancreatoduodenectomy. The rates of 90-day adverse events, grade B/C postoperative pancreatic fistula, discharge to a facility other than home, or readmission did not change after implementation. CONCLUSION: Implementation of risk-stratified pancreatectomy clinical pathways decreased median stay and cost of index hospitalization after pancreatectomy without unfavorably affecting rates of perioperative adverse events or readmission, or discharge disposition. Outcomes were most favorably improved for low-risk pancreatoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy. Additional work is necessary to decrease the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula, minimize variability, and improve outcomes after high-risk pancreatoduodenectomy.

Impact of Regional Anesthesia on Recurrence, Metastasis, and Immune Response in Breast Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The perioperative period is critical in the long-term prognosis of breast cancer patients. The use of regional anesthesia, such as paravertebral block (PVB), could be associated with improvements in long-term survival after breast cancer surgery by modulating the inflammatory and immune response associated with the surgical trauma, reducing opioid and general anesthetic consumption, and promoting cancer cells death by a direct effect of local anesthetics. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for studies of patients who received PVB for breast cancer surgery. The Jadad score and Ottawa-Newcastle scale were used to assess the methodological quality of randomized controlled trial and observational retrospective studies, respectively. Only high-quality studies were considered for meta-analysis. The selected studies were divided into 3 groups to determine the impact of PVB on (a) recurrence and survival, (b) humoral response, and (c) cellular immune response. RESULTS: We identified 467 relevant studies; 121 of them underwent title and abstract review, 107 were excluded, and 15 studies were selected for full text reading and quality assessment. A meta-analysis was not conducted because of low-quality studies and lack of uniform definition among primary outcomes. Thus, a systematic review of the current evidence was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that there are no data to support or refute the use of PVB for reduction of cancer recurrence or improvement in cancer-related survival. However, PVB use is associated with lower levels of inflammation and a better immune response in comparison with general anesthesia and opioid-based analgesia.

Subcostal Transverse Abdominis Plane Block for Acute Pain Management: A Review.

The subcostal transverse abdominis plane (SCTAP) block is the deposition of local anesthetic in the transverse abdominis plane inferior and parallel to the costal margin. There is a growing consensus that the SCTAP block provides better analgesia for upper abdominal incisions than the traditional transverse abdominis plane block. In addition, when used as part of a four-quadrant transverse abdominis plane block, the SCTAP block may provide adequate analgesia for major abdominal surgery. The purpose of this review is to discuss the SCTAP block, including its indications, technique, local anesthetic solutions, and outcomes.