Longitudinal perioperative patient-reported outcomes in open compared with minimally invasive hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: There are few prospective studies in the gynecologic surgical literature that compared patient-reported outcomes between open and minimally invasive hysterectomies within enhanced recovery after surgery pathways. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare prospectively collected perioperative patient-reported symptom burden and interference measures in open compared with minimally invasive hysterectomy cohorts within enhanced recovery after surgery pathways. STUDY DESIGN: We compared patient-reported symptom burden and functional interference in 646 patients who underwent a hysterectomy (254 underwent open surgery and 392 underwent minimally invasive surgery) for benign and malignant indications under enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. Outcomes were prospectively measured using the validated MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, which was administered perioperatively up to 8 weeks after surgery. Cohorts were compared using Fisher exact and chi-squared tests, adjusted longitudinal generalized linear mixed modeling, and Kaplan Meier curves to model return to no or mild symptoms. RESULTS: The open cohort had significantly worse preoperative physical functional interference (P=.001). At the time of hospital discharge postoperatively, the open cohort reported significantly higher mean symptom severity scores and more moderate or severe scores for overall (P<.001) and abdominal pain (P<.001), fatigue (P=.001), lack of appetite (P<.001), bloating (P=.041), and constipation (P<.001) when compared with the minimally invasive cohort. The open cohort also had significantly higher interference in physical functioning (score 5.0 vs 2.7; P<.001) than the minimally invasive cohort at the time of discharge with no differences in affective interference between the 2 groups. In mixed modeling analysis of the first 7 postoperative days, both cohorts reported improved symptom burden and functional interference over time with generally slower recovery in the open cohort. From 1 to 8 postoperative weeks, the open cohort had worse mean scores for all evaluated symptoms and interference measures except for pain with urination, although scores indicated mild symptomatic burden and interference in both cohorts. The time to return to no or mild symptoms was significantly longer in the open cohort for overall pain (14 vs 4 days; P<.001), fatigue (8 vs 4 days; P<.001), disturbed sleep (2 vs 2 days; P<.001), and appetite (1.5 vs 1 days; P<.001) but was significantly longer in the minimally invasive cohort for abdominal pain (42 vs 28 days; P<.001) and bloating (42 vs 8 days; P<.001). The median time to return to no or mild functional interference was longer in the open than in the minimally invasive hysterectomy cohort for physical functioning (36 vs 32 days; P<.001) with no difference in compositive affective functioning (5 vs 5 days; P=.07) between the groups. CONCLUSION: Open hysterectomy was associated with increased symptom burden in the immediate postoperative period and longer time to return to no or mild symptom burden and interference with physical functioning. However, all patient-reported measures improved within days to weeks of both open and minimally invasive surgery and differences were not always clinically significant.

Rate of venous thromboembolism on an enhanced recovery program after gynecologic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism is a life-threatening complication of surgery. An Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program is a multimodal care pathway that facilitates faster recovery from surgery. The rate of venous thromboembolism after gynecologic surgery on an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the rate of venous thromboembolism within 30 days of gynecologic surgery on an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery pathway performed at a cancer center. STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected prospectively on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery pathway gynecologic patients undergoing open surgery (November 3, 2014, to March 31, 2021) and minimally invasive surgery (February 1, 2017, to March 31, 2021). Care was delivered at a tertiary cancer care center located in a large urban area. Patients undergoing emergency surgery or multispecialty surgeries were excluded. Patients undergoing open surgery were to receive heparin prophylaxis before surgery, sequential compression devices during surgery and admission, and low-molecular-weight heparin prophylaxis during admission. If diagnosed with malignancy, patients were to receive extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for 28 days after surgery. For minimally invasive surgery, patients received only sequential compression devices during surgery and no heparin prophylaxis before or after surgery. Venous thromboembolism events were included if detected on imaging obtained for symptoms or other indications. Descriptive statistics and bivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 3329 patients, 1519 (45.6%) underwent laparotomy, 1452 (43.6%) underwent laparoscopy, and 358 (10.8%) underwent robotic surgery. The incidence rates of venous thromboembolism were 0.6% (n=21; 95% confidence interval, 0.4%-0.9%) overall, 1.1% (n=16, 95% confidence interval, 0.6%-1.7%) in the open approach, and 0.3% (n=5; 95% confidence interval, 0.3%-0.6%) in the minimally invasive approach (P=.02). The incidence rates of venous thromboembolism among the 1999 patients with malignancy were 0.9% (n=18; 95% confidence interval, 0.5%-1.4%) overall, 1.4% (n=15; 95% confidence interval, 0.7%-2.2%) in the open approach, and 0.3% (n=3; 95% confidence interval, 0.1%-0.9%) in the minimally invasive approach. The incidence rates of venous thromboembolism among the 1165 patients with benign disease were 0.3% (n=3; 95% confidence interval, 0.1%-0.7%) overall, 0.3% (n=1; 95% confidence interval, 0.0%-1.7%) in the open approach, and 0.2% (n=2; 95% confidence interval, 0.0%-0.9%) in the minimally invasive approach. CONCLUSION: The rate of venous thromboembolism among patients undergoing laparotomy and minimally invasive surgery on an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery pathway was ≤1%. This study established a benchmark for the rate of venous thromboembolism after gynecologic surgery on an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery pathway performed at a cancer center.

Association between enrollment in an enhanced recovery program for colorectal cancer surgery and long-term recurrence and survival.

INTRODUCTION: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs have been shown to minimize the surgical inflammatory response in colorectal cancer. Our objective was to determine the association between an ERAS program for colorectal cancer surgery and oncologic recurrence and survival. METHODS: A before-after intervention study was designed, including patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery between November 2010 and March 2016. Cox hazard regression analysis was performed per cumulative year of follow-up to evaluate the association between ERAS program exposure and overall survival. Subgroup analysis was performed by cancer stage (low [I/II] vs. advanced [III/IV]). RESULTS: In total, 646 patients were included, of which 339 were pre-ERAS and 307 were ERAS. Our overall median compliance rate with ERAS interventions was 90% (interquartile range: 85%-95%). Overall survival rates were higher in the ERAS group within the first 2 years after surgery (89.2% vs.  83.2%; p = 0.04). Multivariable analysis revealed that the ERAS enrollment was associated with a significantly lower risk in 5-year oncologic recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33-0.94; p = 0.03) and higher 3-year survival (aHR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33-0.93; p = 0.03) among patients with advanced cancer stage compared to pre-ERAS counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced colorectal cancer were less likely to suffer oncologic recurrence when managed during the ERAS period.

Effectiveness of Perioperative Opioid Educational Initiatives: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Opioids are the most commonly prescribed analgesics in the United States. Current guidelines have proposed education initiatives to reduce the risk of chronic opioid consumption, yet there is lack of efficacy data on such interventions. Our study evaluates the impact of perioperative opioid education on postoperative opioid consumption patterns including opioid cessation, number of pills consumed, and opioid prescription refills. METHODS: The MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of perioperative educational interventions (using either paper- or video-based instruments regarding pain management and drug-induced side effects) on postoperative opioid patterns compared to standard preoperative care among patients undergoing elective surgery. Our end points were opioid consumption (number of pills used), appropriate disposal of unused opioids, opioid cessation (defined as no use of opioids), and opioid refills within 15 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months. RESULTS: In total, 11 RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria, totaling 1604 patients (804 received opioid education, while 800 received standard care). Six trials followed patients for 15 days after surgery, and 5 trials followed patients up to 3 months. After 15 days, the opioid education group consumed a lower number of opioid pills than those in the control group (weighted mean difference [WMD], -3.39 pills; 95% confidence interval [CI], -6.40 to -0.37; P =.03; I2 = 69%) with no significant difference in overall opioid cessation (odds ratio [OR], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.04-1.56; P = .14; I2 = 83%). Likewise, perioperative opioid education did not have significant effects on opioid cessation at 6 weeks (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.45-1.05; P = .10; I2 = 0%) and 3 months (OR, 0.59; 95% CI,0.17-2.01; P = .10; I2 = 0%) after surgery, neither reduced the need for opioid refills at 15 days (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.28-1.15; P = .12; I2 = 20%) and 6 weeks (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.59-1.98; P = .80; I2 = 37%). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of appropriate disposal of unused opioids between both groups (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 0.66-6.00; P = .22; I2 = 71%). Subgroup analysis by type of educational intervention showed a statistical reduction of opioid consumption at 15 days when implementing multimedia/audiovisual strategies (4 trials: WMD, -4.05 pills; 95% CI, -6.59 to -1.50; P = .002; I2 = 45%), but there was no apparent decrease when using only paper-based strategies (2 trials: WMD, -2.31 pills; 95% CI, -12.21 to 7.59; P = .65; I2 = 80%). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative educational interventions reduced the number of opioid pills consumed at 15 days but did not demonstrate a significant effect on opioid cessation or opioid refills at 15 days, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Further randomized trials should focus on evidence-based educational interventions with strict homogeneity of material to draw a more definitive recommendation.

Early Return to Intended Oncologic Therapy after implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery pathway for gastric cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: Time to initiation and completion of adjuvant therapy are critical to improve postoperative oncologic outcomes. This study aims to determine whether an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway for gastric cancer surgery promotes early Return to Intended Oncologic Therapy (RIOT). METHODS: This is a before-after intervention study including patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who underwent surgery from January 2016 to January 2021. Two periods were denoted based upon the implementation date of our institutional ERAS pathway (June 2018). Our primary outcome was time to RIOT after surgery. Hodges-Lehmann analysis was used to estimate median differences of non-parametric outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were included (35 in pre-ERAS period and 35 in post-ERAS period). Fourteen of the pre-ERAS and twenty-two patients of the post-ERAS period received adjuvant therapy. Time to RIOT was reduced in the post-ERAS period (median 39 days, IQR 31-49) by 12 days (95% CI 3-14 days, p = 0.01) compared to the pre-ERAS period (median 51 days, IQR 42-62). Length of hospital stay (LOS) was lower in the ERAS group (6 days, IQR 5-11 vs 10 days, IQR 8-13, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our institutional ERAS pathway for gastric cancer surgery was associated with earlier RIOT and shorter LOS.

Opioid-sparing anesthesia and patient-reported outcomes after open gynecologic surgery: a historical cohort study.

PURPOSE: Dexmedetomidine and ketamine may be administered intraoperatively as continuous infusions to provide opioid-sparing anesthesia. Recent evidence has yielded controversial results regarding the impact of opioid-free anesthesia on postoperative complications, and there is a gap in knowledge regarding patient-reported outcomes (PROs). This study aimed to determine the impact of opioid-sparing anesthesia and opioid-based anesthesia on PROs among gynecologic patients within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program. METHODS: We formed a single-center historical cohort from patients enrolled in another study who underwent open gynecologic surgery on an ERAS program from November 2014 to December 2020 (n = 2,095). We identified two cohorts based on the type of balanced anesthesia administered: 1) opioid-sparing anesthesia defined as the continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine and ketamine (adjuvants) during surgery or 2) opioid-based anesthesia (no adjuvants). We measured the quality of postoperative recovery using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI), a 29-item validated tool that was administered preoperatively, daily while admitted, and weekly after discharge until week 6. The primary outcome was interference with walking. We matched both cohorts and used a multilevel linear mixed-effect model to evaluate the effect of opioid-sparing anesthesia on the primary outcome. RESULTS: In total, 498 patients were eligible (159 in the opioid-sparing anesthesia cohort and 339 in the opioid-based anesthesia cohort), of whom 149 matched pairs were included in the final analysis. Longitudinal assessment showed no significant or clinically important difference in interference with walking (P = 0.99), general activity (P = 0.99), or other PROs between cohorts. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] intraoperative opioid administration (expressed as morphine milligram equivalents [MME]) among matched patients in the opioid-sparing anesthesia cohort was 30 [25-55] mg vs 58 [8-70] mg in the opioid-based anesthesia cohort (P < 0.01). Patients in the opioid-sparing anesthesia cohort had a lower opioid consumption in the postanesthesia care unit than those in the opioid-based anesthesia cohort (MME, 3 [0-10] mg vs 5 [0-15] mg; P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between cohorts in total postoperative opioid consumption (MME, 23 [0-94] mg vs 35 [13-95] mg P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: In this single-center historical cohort study, opioid-sparing anesthesia had no significant or clinically important effects on interference with walking or other PROs in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery compared with opioid-based anesthesia. Opioid-sparing anesthesia was associated with less short-term opioid consumption than opioid-based anesthesia.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La dexmédétomidine et la kétamine peuvent être administrées en peropératoire sous forme de perfusions continues pour fournir une anesthésie avec épargne opioïde. Des données probantes récentes ont présenté des résultats controversés concernant l'impact d'une anesthésie sans opioïdes sur les complications postopératoires, et il existe une lacune dans les connaissances concernant les issues rapportées par les patients (IRP). Cette étude visait à déterminer l'impact d'une anesthésie avec épargne opioïde et d'une anesthésie à base d'opioïdes sur les IRP chez les patientes de chirurgie gynécologique dans le cadre d'un programme de Récupération rapide après la chirurgie (ERAS ­ Enhanced Recovery After Surgery). MéTHODE: Nous avons formé une cohorte historique monocentrique composée de patientes inscrites à une autre étude qui ont bénéficié d'une chirurgie gynécologique avec laparotomie dans le cadre d'un programme d'ERAS entre novembre 2014 et décembre 2020 (n = 2095). Nous avons identifié deux cohortes en fonction du type d'anesthésie équilibrée administrée : 1) anesthésie avec épargne opioïde, définie comme une perfusion continue de dexmédétomidine et de kétamine (adjuvants) pendant la chirurgie, ou 2) anesthésie à base d'opioïdes (sans adjuvants). Nous avons mesuré la qualité de la récupération postopératoire à l'aide de l'inventaire des symptômes MDASI, un outil validé comportant 29 éléments qui a été administré avant l'opération, quotidiennement pendant l'admission et chaque semaine après le congé jusqu'à la semaine 6. Le critère d'évaluation principal était l'interférence avec la marche. Nous avons apparié les deux cohortes et utilisé un modèle linéaire à effets mixtes à plusieurs niveaux pour évaluer l'effet de l'anesthésie avec épargne opioïde sur le critère d'évaluation principal. RéSULTATS: Au total, 498 patientes étaient éligibles (159 dans la cohorte d'anesthésie avec épargne opioïde et 339 dans la cohorte d'anesthésie à base d'opioïdes), dont 149 paires appariées ont été incluses dans l'analyse finale. L'évaluation longitudinale n'a révélé aucune différence significative ou cliniquement importante dans l'interférence avec la marche (P = 0,99), l'activité générale (P = 0,99), ou d'autres IRP entre les deux cohortes. L'administration médiane d'opioïdes peropératoires [écart interquartile (ÉIQ)] (exprimée en équivalents de morphine en milligrammes [EMM]) chez les patientes appariées de la cohorte d'anesthésie avec épargne opioïde était de 30 [25-55] mg vs 58 [8­70] mg dans la cohorte d'anesthésie à base d'opioïdes (P < 0,01). Les patientes de la cohorte d'anesthésie avec épargne opioïde avaient une consommation d'opioïdes plus faible en salle de réveil que celles de la cohorte d'anesthésie à base d'opioïdes (EMM, 3 [0-10] mg vs 5 [0­15] mg; P < 0,01), mais il n'y avait pas de différence significative entre les cohortes dans la consommation totale d'opioïdes postopératoires (EMM, 23 [0-94] mg vs 35 [13­95] mg; P = 0,053). CONCLUSION: Dans cette étude de cohorte historique monocentrique, l'anesthésie avec épargne opioïde n'a eu aucun effet significatif ou cliniquement important sur l'interférence avec la marche ou d'autres IRP chez les patientes bénéficiant d'une chirurgie gynécologique par rapport à l'anesthésie à base d'opioïdes. L'anesthésie avec épargne opioïde était associée à une consommation d'opioïdes moindre à court terme que l'anesthésie à base d'opioïdes.

Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine Infusions in an Enhanced Recovery After Thoracic Surgery Program: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of intraoperative dexmedetomidine and ketamine on postoperative pain and opioid consumption within an ERAS program in thoracic pulmonary oncologic surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective, propensity-score matched analysis SETTING: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing thoracic pulmonary oncologic surgery between March 2016 and April 2020. INTERVENTIONS: Continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine and ketamine. MEASUREMENTS & MAIN RESULTS: The authors initially analyzed data of 1,630 patients undergoing thoracic pulmonary oncologic surgery within their ERAS program. In total, 117 matched pairs were included in this analysis. Patients in the intraoperative dexmedetomidine + ketamine group were more likely to be opioid-free (76.6% vs 60.9%, P<0.01). Raw analysis showed lower pain scores at PACU admission (2.8±2.0 vs 3.4±2.0, P=0.03) and less opioid consumption at PACU admission (5 MED [0-10] vs 7.5 MED [0-15], P=0.03) in the dexmedetomidine + ketamine group; however, these differences were not present after adjusting for multiplicity. There were no significant differences in the length of PACU stay (1.9 hours [1.5-2.8] vs 2.0 hours [1.4-2.9], P=0.48) or hospital stay (three days [two-five] vs three days [two-five], P=0.08). Both groups had similar rates of pulmonary complications (5.9% vs 9.4%, P=0.326), ileus (0.9% vs 0.9%, P=1.00), and 30-day readmission (2.6% vs 4.3%, P=0.722). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption throughout their hospital stay between patients receiving concomitant dexmedetomidine and ketamine infusions versus patients who did not receive these infusions during thoracic surgery.

Incidence of acute kidney injury after open gynecologic surgery in an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of postoperative AKI after open gynecologic surgery within ERAS, compare AKI in pre-ERAS and ERAS cohorts, and identify factors associated with AKI. METHODS: We compared postoperative AKI in patients who underwent open gynecologic surgery at one institution before and after ERAS implementation. AKI was defined as acute risk, injury, or failure by RIFLE criteria. Pre-ERAS and ERAS cohorts were matched using propensity score analysis in a 1:1 fashion using the nearest neighbor technique. Chi-squared, Fisher's Exact, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used. RESULTS: Among 1334 ERAS and 191 pre-ERAS patients, postoperative AKI incidence was higher in the ERAS cohort (13.1% vs 5.8%, p = .004). In 166 matched pairs, ERAS patients had higher incidence (16.9% vs 5.4%, p < .001) and odds (OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.61-7.76) of AKI. Within ERAS, AKI was associated with older age (median age 65 vs 57, p < .001), Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≥ 3 (71.4% vs 57.9%, p < .001), and higher intraoperative estimated blood loss (400 vs 225 mL, p < .001), fluid administration (net fluid balance +1535 vs 1261 mL, p < .001), and hypotension lasting >5 min (41.7% vs 30.7%, p < .001). ERAS patients with AKI had longer hospital stays (median 4 vs 3 days, p < .001) and more readmissions (19% vs. 10%, p < .001) and grade 3+ complications (26% vs. 7%, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and odds of postoperative AKI was higher after gynecologic surgery within ERAS, and patients with AKI were more likely to have complications. Potential strategies to prevent postoperative AKI include perioperative fluid and blood pressure optimization.

Effect of preoperative intravenous vs oral acetaminophen on postoperative opioid consumption in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program in patients undergoing open gynecologic oncology surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Both intravenous (IV) and oral acetaminophen provide effective opioid-sparing analgesia after surgery when used as part of a multimodal preemptive pain management strategy. The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing open gynecologic oncology surgery who received preoperative IV vs oral acetaminophen within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected on consecutive patients undergoing open gynecologic oncology surgery from May 1, 2016 to February 28, 2018 in patients receiving either 1 g IV or oral acetaminophen preoperatively. Patients were given a preoperative multimodal analgesia regimen including acetaminophen, celecoxib, pregabalin and tramadol. The primary outcomes were morphine equivalent daily doses (MEDD) on postoperative days (POD) 0 and 1. Secondary outcomes included highest patient-reported pain score in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and intraoperative MEDD. Regression models adjusted by matched pairs were fit to estimate the average treatment effect of IV vs oral acetaminophen on MEDD. RESULTS: Of 353 patients, 178 (50.4%) received IV acetaminophen and 175 (49.6%) received oral acetaminophen. When balancing across the matched samples, there was no difference in postoperative MEDD for POD 0 between the IV and oral acetaminophen groups (Beta = -1.11; 95% CI: -4.83 to 2.60; p = 0.56). On POD 1, there was no difference between the IV and oral groups (Beta = 2.24; 95% CI: -2.76 to 7.25; p = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in postoperative opioid consumption between patients receiving preoperative IV or oral acetaminophen within an ERAS program for patients undergoing open gynecologic oncology surgery.

Impact of anesthesia technique on post-operative opioid use in open gynecologic surgery in an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of anesthesia technique in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway on post-operative opioid use. METHODS: Patients undergoing open gynecologic surgery under an ERAS pathway from November 2014 through December 2018 were included retrospectively. All patients received pre-operative analgesia consisting of oral acetaminophen, pregabalin, celecoxib, and tramadol extended release, unless contraindicated. Patients received local wound infiltration with bupivacaine; the post-operative analgesic regimen was standardized. Patients were categorized by anesthesia technique: (1) inhalational, (2) total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), and (3) combined technique. The primary outcome was post-operative opioid consumption measured as morphine equivalent dose, recorded as the total opioid dose received post-operatively, including doses received through post-operative day 3. RESULTS: A total of 1184 patients underwent general anesthesia using either inhalational (386, 33%), TIVA (349, 29%), or combined (449, 38%) techniques. Patients who received combined anesthesia had longer surgery times (p=0.005) and surgical complexity was higher among patients who underwent TIVA (moderate/higher in 76 patients, 38%) compared with those who received inhaled anesthesia (intermediate/higher in 41 patients, 23%) or combined anesthesia (intermediate/higher in 72 patients, 30%). Patients who underwent TIVA anesthesia consumed less post-operative opioids than those managed with inhalational technique (0 (0-46.3) vs 10 (0-72.5), p=0.009) or combined anesthesia (0 (0-46.3) vs 10 (0-87.5), p=0.029). Similarly, patients who underwent the combined technique had similar opioid consumption post-operatively compared with those who received inhalational anesthesia (10 (0-87.5) vs 10 (0-72.5), p=0.34). CONCLUSIONS: TIVA technique is associated with a decrease in post-operative consumption of opioids after open gynecologic surgery in patients on an ERAS pathway.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury in an enhanced recovery pathway for colorectal surgery.

PURPOSES: Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) have been disseminated worldwide to improve the perioperative patient outcomes while lowering direct healthcare costs. Recent evidence has revealed a potential association between ERPs for colorectal surgery and acute kidney injury (AKI). We, therefore, sought to identify the risk factors associated with postoperative AKI among patients in an ERP for colorectal surgery. METHODS: We analyzed the data resulting from a large multicenter, prospective cohort study of patients in an ERP for colorectal surgery. A multivariable analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with postoperative AKI. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and contour representations were plotted for the diagnostic prediction analysis. RESULTS: Among those patients included in the analysis (n = 1652), the overall incidence of postoperative AKI was 7.7% (95% CI 6.5-9.1%). After adjustment, the independent risk factors for AKI included age > 60 (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05), male gender (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.36-4.02), ASA III-IV (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.39-4.26), CKD (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.42-4.23), open surgical approach (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.63-4.21) and serum albumin < 3.5 g/dL (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.02-2.79). An ROC analysis revealed that the composite of albumin, creatinine and age was a strong predictor of postoperative AKI [area under the curve (AUC) 0.756; 95% CI 0.705-0.808]. CONCLUSION: Postoperative AKI is common in the setting of ERPs for colorectal surgery and it is associated with a poor clinical outcome. Of those characteristics associated with postoperative AKI, one modifiable factor is a low preoperative albumin level. Screening for malnourished patients or optimizing the nutritional status may be a useful preoperative intervention to prevent postoperative AKI and associated complications.

Myasthenia Gravis and Thymoma Surgery: A Clinical Update for the Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare neuromuscular disorder characterized by skeletal muscle weakness. Patients with MG who have thymoma and thymic hyperplasia have indications for thymectomy. The perioperative care of patients with MG scheduled for thymus resection should be focused on optimizing their neuromuscular function, identifying factors related to postoperative mechanical ventilation, and avoiding of triggers associated with myasthenic or cholinergic crisis. Minimally invasive surgical techniques, use of regional analgesia, and avoidance or judicious administration of neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBs) is recommended during the perioperative period. If NMBs are used, sugammadex appears to be the drug of choice to restore adequately the neuromuscular transmission. In patients with postoperative myasthenic crisis, plasma exchange or intravenous immune globulin and mechanical support is recommended.

Effects of Intraoperative Opioid Use on Recurrence-Free and Overall Survival in Patients With Esophageal Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative opioid use is associated with poor survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The most common histological type of esophageal cancer in western countries is adenocarcinoma. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between intraoperative opioid consumption and survival in patients with adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. METHODS: Records of patients who had undergone esophageal cancer surgery between January 2000 and January 2017 were reviewed. Comparisons were made between patients who received high versus low intraoperative doses of opioids. Groups were divided using the recursive partitioning method. Multicovariate Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to evaluate the impact of intraoperative opioid use on recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: For patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the univariable analysis indicated that lower opioid dosages (<710 µg fentanyl equivalents) were significantly associated with worse RFS (P = .009) and OS (P = .002). With the adjustment of age, stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy, multivariable analysis confirmed significant associations between higher dosages of intraoperative fentanyl equivalents and better RFS (P = .002; hazard ratio [HR], 0.376; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.201~0.704). Likewise, higher intraoperative fentanyl equivalents administered was associated with improved OS (P = .002; HR, 0.346; 95% CI, 0.177~0.676). In the adenocarcinoma population, the association between intraoperative opioid dosage and RFS (P = .15) or OS (P = .36) was not significant from univariable analysis. With the adjustment of age, body mass index, tumor staging, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and adjuvant chemotherapy, multivariable analysis demonstrated marginal significant association between intraoperative fentanyl equivalents and RFS (P = .0866; HR, 0.806; 95% CI, 0.629~1.032). The association between intraoperative fentanyl equivalents and OS was not significant (P = .51). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the amounts of intraoperative opioids used are associated with recurrence and OS in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The association between the dose of intraoperative opioids used and RFS was marginally significant in patients with adenocarcinoma. Until confirmation on our findings by future studies, opioids should continue to be a key component of balanced anesthesia in patients with esophageal cancer.

A call for new standard of care in perioperative gynecologic oncology practice: Impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs aim to hasten functional recovery and improve postoperative outcomes. However, there is a paucity of data on ERAS programs in gynecologic surgery. We reviewed the published literature on ERAS programs in colorectal surgery, general gynecologic surgery, and gynecologic oncology surgery to evaluate the impact of such programs on outcomes, and to identify key elements in establishing a successful ERAS program. ERAS programs are associated with shorter length of hospital stay, a reduction in overall health care costs, and improvements in patient satisfaction. We suggest an ERAS program for gynecologic oncology practice involving preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative strategies including; preadmission counseling, avoidance of preoperative bowel preparation, use of opioid-sparing multimodal perioperative analgesia (including loco-regional analgesia), intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDT), and use of minimally invasive surgical techniques with avoidance of routine use of nasogastric tube, drains and/or catheters. Postoperatively, it is important to encourage early feeding, early mobilization, timely removal of tubes and drains, if present, and function oriented multimodal analgesia regimens. Successful implementation of an ERAS program requires a multidisciplinary team effort and active participation of the patient in their goal-oriented functional recovery program. However, future outcome studies should evaluate the efficacy of an intervention within the pathway, include objective measures of symptom burden and control, study measures of functional recovery, and quantify outcomes of the program in relation to the rates of adherence to the key elements of care in gynecologic oncology such as oncologic outcomes and return to intended oncologic therapy (RIOT).

Enhanced recovery after surgery improves postdischarge recovery after pulmonary lobectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols are known to accelerate immediate postoperative recovery and to facilitate healing. Our purpose was to further characterize benefits after discharge from the hospital. METHODS: An institutional database was queried to identify patients with clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer who were classified as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 and received a lobectomy between January 1, 2000, and August 31, 2020. The presence or absence of symptoms (ie, pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, among others) and performance status were recorded by clinic staff at the time of follow-up. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify factors associated with postdischarge recovery, which was defined as a return to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 in the follow-up clinic. RESULTS: A total of 935 patients were identified (pre-enhanced recovery after surgery, 523; transition period, 222; enhanced recovery after surgery, 190). Outpatient performance status data were recorded in 774 of 935 patients (83%). The number of patients reporting symptoms at the 1-month follow-up appointment decreased from the pre-enhanced recovery after surgery to transition to the enhanced recovery after surgery period (60%, 50%, and 33%, respectively, P < .001), predominately due to less pain reported (43%, 35%, and 23%, respectively, P = .001). At 6-month follow-up, these differences were no longer statistically significant. Surgery during the enhanced recovery after surgery period was independently associated with significant improvements in postdischarge recovery (hazard ratio, 1.60, 95% confidence interval, 1.29-2.00), and the presence of coronary artery disease (hazard ratio, 0.69, P = .006) and receipt of thoracotomy (hazard ratio, 0.84, P = .036) were independently associated with delayed postdischarge recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced recovery is associated with significant improvements in postdischarge recovery of performance status.

Impact of smoking on perioperative pulmonary and upper respiratory complications after laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of smoking on the rate of pulmonary and upper respiratory complications following laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively identified all patients who underwent laparoscopic gynecologic surgery at one institution between January 2000 and January 2009. Pulmonary and upper respiratory complications were defined as atelectasis, pneumonia, upper respiratory infection, acute respiratory failure, hypoxemia, pneumothorax, or pneumomediastinum occurring within 30 days after surgery RESULTS: Nine hundred three patients underwent attempt at laparoscopic surgery. Fifty-four were excluded because of conversion to laparotomy and 31 because of insufficient data. Of the 818 patients included, 356 (43%) had cancer. A total of 576 (70%) patients were never smokers, 156 (19%) were past smokers, and 86 (10%) were current smokers (smoked within 6 weeks before surgery). These three groups were similar with regard to median body mass index, operative time, and length of hospital stay. Compared to never and past smokers, current smokers were more likely to undergo high-complexity laparoscopic procedures (10.4%, 15.4%, and 19.8%, respectively; p=0.015) and had younger median age 49 years, 51 years, and 46 years, respectively; p=0.035. Nineteen (2.3%) patients experienced pulmonary complications - symptomatic atelectasis (n=9), pneumonia (n=5), acute respiratory failure (n=2), hypoxemia (n=1), pneumomediastinum (n=1), and pneumothorax (n=2). The rate of pulmonary complications was 2.1% (12 of 564 patients) in never smokers, 4.5% (7 of 156 patients) in past smokers, and zero in current smokers. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, smoking history did not appear to impact postoperative pulmonary and upper respiratory complications. In smokers scheduled for operative procedures, laparoscopy should be considered when feasible.

Updates in Enhanced Recovery Pathways for Gynecologic Surgery.

Gynecologic surgery encompasses over a quarter of inpatient surgical procedures for US women, and current projections estimate an increase of the US female population by nearly 50% in 2050. Over the last decade, US hospitals have embraced enhanced recovery pathways in many specialties. They have increasingly been used in multiple institutions worldwide, becoming the standard of care for patient optimization. According to the last updated enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guideline published in 2019, there are several new considerations behind each practice in ERAS protocols. This article discusses the most updated evidence regarding ERAS programs for gynecologic surgery.

Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy Does Not Have an Impact on Renal Outcomes in an Enhanced Recovery Program.

BACKGROUND: Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been proposed as a cornerstone for enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs, particularly among high-risk patients undergoing high-risk surgery. However, because of the increased advocacy of euvolemia before surgery, the utility of GDFT in the context of ERAS is being questioned. Our primary objective was to determine whether GDFT has any impact on daily postoperative renal outcomes of high-risk patients undergoing thoracic surgery in an ERAS program. METHODS: All patients included in this study were at high risk with a baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) below 90 mL/min per 1.73 m2 and assigned to American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or class IV. Patients were categorized into 2 groups according to the intraoperative use of GDFT. The groups were matched in a 1:1 fashion using propensity scores. Our renal outcomes included changes in daily GFRs from the postanesthesia care unit through postoperative day 5. RESULTS: In total, 451 matched pairs were included in this analysis. Both groups had similar demographic and clinical characteristics. Patients treated with GDFT received more ephedrine (5 [0-15] mg vs 0 [0-15] mg; P = .03) and less volume of fluids (1163 ± 484 mL vs 1246 ± 626 mL; P = .03) compared with those in the standard group. The incidence of acute kidney injury was similar in both groups (5.1% in the GDFT group vs 7.1% in the non-GDFT group; P = .57). Mixed effect analysis showed no significant differences in the trajectory of postoperative GFRs between groups (P = .59). CONCLUSIONS: GDFT does not have an impact on postoperative renal function compared with standard of care among high-risk patients in an ERAS program for thoracic pulmonary surgery.

Patient Characteristics Influencing Adherence to Enhanced Recovery Protocols for Colorectal Surgery: a Multicentric Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: High compliance within enhanced recovery protocols is associated with lower complication rates. Understanding which clinical characteristics make patients more prone to fail adequate adherence to enhanced recovery after surgery guidelines are essential to improve quality care. Our aim was to identify patient characteristics that influence adherence to enhanced recovery protocols in colorectal surgery. METHODS: A total of 1041 patients underwent colorectal surgery under ERPs from September 2017 through December 2017 across 21 institutions in Spain. Demographic, medical, and surgical characteristics of the patients included were extracted to determine their influence on the adherence to enhanced recovery protocols. High adherence was defined as ≥ 73% (median). A univariate analysis was performed initially, followed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Over 85% of the patients underwent colorectal surgery for cancer resection, of which 12% had metastatic disease. In multivariable model, the presence of coronary artery disease (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.12-2.96, p = 0.045) was significantly associated with high adherence to enhanced recovery protocols, while preoperative hypoalbuminemia (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.37-0.82, p = 0.003), indication for ostomy (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.4-0.75, p < 0.001), and preoperative transfusion (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26-0.91, p = 0.02) were associated with lower adherence. CONCLUSION: In this study, patients that had preoperative transfusions, preoperative hypoalbuminemia, and indication for ostomy were more likely to receive care with less adherence to enhanced recovery protocols elements, while patients with coronary artery disease were more likely to receive more enhanced recovery protocols elements during their hospitalization.

Sustained reduction of discharge opioid prescriptions in an enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery program: A multilevel generalized linear model.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programs have been shown to effectively reduce opioid prescriptions at discharge after their implementation in several institutions, but little is known regarding the sustainability of this effect. Understanding opioid prescribing patterns after long-term implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery initiatives may help guide further opioid prescription reduction and improvements. Our group aimed to determine whether reductions in opioid prescriptions at discharge are sustained in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program for thoracic surgery. METHODS: This retrospective cohort included 2,081 patients undergoing thoracic surgery within a 4-year Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program from March 2016 through April 2020. Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol included a standardized multimodal analgesic regimen (ie, preoperative gabapentin, tramadol, intercostal nerve block with liposomal bupivacaine, and intraoperative acetaminophen, and ketorolac) and the rest of the interventions recommended by the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery society guidelines. Our primary outcomes were the presence of opioid prescriptions at discharge (hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and oxycodone) and the total opioid amount prescribed (morphine equivalent daily dose). Multilevel generalized linear models were used to account for surgeon variabilities and types of thoracic resection. RESULTS: Over the study period, the rate of opioid prescriptions at discharge reduced from 35% (Mar 2016) to 25% (Apr 2020), and the amount of opioid prescribed declined from 184 ± 321 morphine equivalent daily dose to 94 ± 251 morphine equivalent daily dose. In multilevel generalized linear models, there was a sustained downward trend in opioid prescriptions over the study period (ß -11.8 morphine equivalent daily dose per year, P = .048), which was also directly correlated with the use of minimally invasive surgery (ß -84.9 morphine equivalent daily dose for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, P < .001; ß -139.2 morphine equivalent daily dose for robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, P < .001), intraoperative opioid administration (ß -1.4 morphine equivalent daily dose per 1 morphine equivalent dose, P = .026), and the amount of postoperative acetaminophen (ß -18.2 morphine equivalent daily dose per 1 g, P = .026). The sustained reduction of opioid prescriptions at discharge did not impact hospital readmission rates within 30 days (odds ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.86-1.59, P = .306). Subgroup analysis showed a significant, sustained decrease in hydromorphone (ß -10.9 morphine equivalent daily dose per year, P = .004), but not for hydrocodone prescriptions (ß -5.7 morphine equivalent daily dose per year, P = .168) or oxycodone (ß +4.78 morphine equivalent daily dose per year, P = .183). CONCLUSION: Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program for thoracic surgery contributed to a sustained reduction of opioid prescriptions at discharge, which positively correlated with the duration of its implementation and the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques but was negatively impacted by the amount of intraoperative opioid administration.