Role of oxygen reserve index monitoring in patients undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is a common surgical procedure for the treatment of prostate cancer. Although beneficial, it can lead to intraoperative hypoxia due to high-pressure pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position. This study explored the use of oxygen reserve index (ORi) to monitor and predict hypoxia during RARP. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 329 patients who underwent RARP at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between July 2021 and March 2023. Various pre- and intraoperative variables were collected, including ORi values. The relationship between ORi values and hypoxia occurrence was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Intraoperative hypoxia occurred in 18.8% of the patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed a satisfactory area under the curve of 0.762, with the ideal ORi cut-off value for predicting hypoxia set at 0.16. Sensitivity and specificity were 64.5% and 75.7%, respectively. An ORi value of < 0.16 and a higher body mass index were identified as independent risk factors of hypoxia during RARP. CONCLUSIONS: ORi monitoring provides a non-invasive approach to predict intraoperative hypoxia during RARP, enabling early management. Additionally, the significant relationship between a higher body mass index and hypoxia underscores the importance of individualized patient assessment.

Comparison of Volatile Anesthetics Versus Propofol on Postoperative Cognitive Function After Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of volatile anesthetics and propofol on neurocognitive function after cardiac surgery. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. SETTING: A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 10 randomized controlled trials comparing volatile anesthetics and propofol in cardiac surgery were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: The standardized mean difference and risk ratio were calculated to estimate pooled effect sizes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was the postoperative neurocognitive function score, and the secondary outcome was the incidence of delirium after cardiac surgery. The analysis did not show significant differences in postoperative neurocognitive function scores (standardized mean difference -0.06, 95% CI -0.81-0.69; p = 0.879). The incidences of delirium (risk ratio 1.10, 95% CI 0.81-1.50) between the volatile anesthetics and propofol groups were not significant (p = 0.533). CONCLUSIONS: Unlike noncardiac surgery, there are no differences between volatile anesthetics and propofol regarding postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery.

The Effect of Remimazolam on Seizure Profile, Hemodynamics, and Recovery in Patients With Electroconvulsive Therapy Comparison With Propofol and Etomidate: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare seizure-related, hemodynamic, and recovery outcomes when using remimazolam for ECT with those of other anesthetics, specifically propofol and etomidate. METHODS: A total of 49 patients who underwent 405 ECT treatment sessions under general anesthesia were retrospectively analyzed. Remimazolam, propofol, and etomidate were used for 93, 138, and 174 ECT sessions, respectively. The primary outcome was durations of motor and electroencephalogram (EEG) seizure activity, whereas secondary outcomes included hemodynamics (ie, mean arterial pressure [MAP] and heart rate [HR] at various time points from induction to postanesthesia care unit [PACU] discharge), antihypertensive drugs administration after electrical stimulus, and recovery profiles (ie, length of PACU stay and incidence of postictal confusion). RESULTS: Durations of motor and EEG seizures were shorter for remimazolam than etomidate (motor, P < 0.001; EEG, P = 0.003) but similar compared with propofol (motor, P = 0.191; EEG, P = 0.850). During seizure, remimazolam showed a comparable MAP and HR to etomidate (MAP: P = 0.806; HR: P = 0.116). The antihypertensive drug use was lowest for remimazolam (6.8%), followed by propofol (35.6%) and etomidate (65.6%), and the mean length of PACU stay was comparable for remimazolam (19.7 min), propofol (22.8 min), and etomidate (24.5 min). The occurrence of postictal confusion did not differ among the 3 agents (P > 0.050). CONCLUSIONS: Remimazolam is a promising anesthetic option for ECT because of its comparable seizure profiles, stable hemodynamics, and comparable PACU stay when compared with propofol and etomidate without additional adverse events.

Artificial intelligence model predicting postoperative pain using facial expressions: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess whether an artificial intelligence model based on facial expressions can accurately predict significant postoperative pain. METHODS: A total of 155 facial expressions from patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery were analyzed to extract facial action units (AUs), gaze, landmarks, and positions. These features were used to construct various machine learning (ML) models, designed to predict significant postoperative pain intensity (NRS ≥ 7) from less significant pain (NRS < 7). Significant AUs predictive of NRS ≥ 7 were determined and compared to AUs known to be associated with pain in awake patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) of the ML models was calculated and compared using DeLong's test. RESULTS: AU17 (chin raising) and AU20 (lip stretching) were found to be associated with NRS ≥ 7 (both P ≤ 0.004). AUs known to be associated with pain in awake patients did not show an association with pain in postoperative patients. An ML model based on AU17 and AU20 demonstrated an AUROC of 0.62 for NRS ≥ 7, which was inferior to a model based on all AUs (AUROC = 0.81, P = 0.006). Among facial features, head position and facial landmarks proved to be better predictors of NRS ≥ 7 (AUROC, 0.85-0.96) than AUs. A merged ML model that utilized gaze and eye landmarks, as well as head position and facial landmarks, exhibited the best performance (AUROC, 0.90) in predicting significant postoperative pain. CONCLUSION: ML models using facial expressions can accurately predict the presence of significant postoperative pain and have the potential to screen patients in need of rescue analgesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05477303; date: June 17, 2022).

Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerves Block Through Perichondral Approach: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the postoperative analgesic efficacy and safety of the modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through the perichondral approach (M-TAPA) in abdominal surgeries. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched electronic databases to identify relevant studies comparing M-TAPA with conventional analgesic techniques. The primary outcome was the requirement for rescue analgesia at 12 and 24 hours postsurgery. Secondary outcomes included the 11-point numerical rating scale pain scores at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours following surgery, global quality of recovery scores, and postoperative adverse events. FINDINGS: Five randomized controlled trials involving 308 patients were analyzed. M-TAPA showed no significant difference in the requirement for rescue analgesia at 12 hours (relative risk [RR]: 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62, 1.22; P = .424; I2 = 40.7%; Ph = .185) and 24 hours (RR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.22, 1.99; P = .252; I2 = 90.3%; Ph < .001) postsurgery compared to non-M-TAPA. No significant differences in numerical rating scale pain scores or global quality of recovery scores were found between the two groups (all P < .05). However, M-TAPA was associated with a lower occurrence of nausea (RR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.68; P < .001; I2 = 0%; Ph = .834), vomiting (RR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.62; P < .001; I2 = 0%; Ph = .884), and itching (RR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.70; P = .002; I2 = 0%; Ph = .826). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in analgesic efficacy and safety between M-TAPA and non-M-TAPA techniques.

The Involvement of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in the Development of Hyperalgesia during the Early Postoperative Period.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperalgesia frequently occurs after surgery and is associated with adverse effects on surgical outcomes. Thus, we aimed to examine whether the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function after surgery is involved in the development of postoperative hyperalgesia. METHODS: Surgery- and pain-related variables were measured 24 and 48 h after the first and second total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) in postmenopausal patients undergoing 1-week-interval staged bilateral TKA. Two sets of saliva samples were consecutively collected from patients before (pre-T1) and 1 week after (post-T1) the first TKA (n = 69). HPA axis function was analyzed in a subgroup of 20 patients with a typical cortisol awakening response (CAR) in both the sets of saliva samples. RESULTS: Surgery-related variables were comparable between the first and second TKAs. However, pain-related variables (pain ratings and the amount of opioid analgesics consumed) were greater after the second than the first TKA. Cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) secretion during the post-awakening period (CARauc and Daucawk, respectively) was higher at post-T1 than at pre-T1, but the molar CARauc/Daucawk ratio was comparable between the time points examined. No relationship was observed between the pre-T1 CARauc and pain ratings after the first TKA. However, post-T1 CARauc showed a positive correlation with pain ratings after the second TKA. Postoperative pain ratings were negatively correlated with Daucawk and positively correlated with the molar CARauc/Daucawk ratio at all examined time points. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The results suggest that adrenocortical steroidogenic activity favoring the production of cortisol over DHEA after surgery may contribute to the development of hyperalgesia during the early postoperative period.

Comparison between ketorolac- and fentanyl-based patient-controlled analgesia for acute kidney injury after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: It is unclear whether ketorolac-based patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) leads to acute kidney injury (AKI) after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients susceptible to AKI. We compared the postoperative AKI incidence with ketorolac- and fentanyl-based PCA after RARP. METHODS: After medical record review, eligible patients were divided in ketorolac and fentanyl groups. We conducted propensity score matching of 3239 patients and assigned 641 matched patients to each group, and compared the AKI incidence. We investigated potential risk factors for postoperative AKI, defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. We collected preoperative data (age, height, weight, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, medical history, creatinine level, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and hemoglobin level) and intraoperative data (maintenance anesthetics, surgery duration, anesthesia duration, crystalloid amount, colloid use, total amount of fluid administered, estimated blood loss, norepinephrine use, phenylephrine use, and PCA type). RESULTS: The postoperative AKI incidence was significantly higher in the ketorolac than in the fentanyl group, both before (31.1% vs. 20.4%; p < 0.001) and after (31.5% vs. 22.6%; p < 0.001) matching. In the univariate analysis, ketorolac was significantly associated with postoperative AKI, both before (odds ratio [OR], 1.762; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.475-2.105; p < 0.001) and after (OR, 1.574; 95% CI, 1.227-2.019; p < 0.001) matching. In the multivariate analysis, ketorolac-based PCA was independently associated with development of postoperative AKI in the matched groups (OR, 1.659; 95% CI, 1.283-2.147; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ketorolac-based PCA may increase postoperative AKI incidence after RARP; thus, renal function should be monitored in these patients.

Effect of the Paravertebral Block on Chronic Postsurgical Pain After Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the benefits of thoracic paravertebral block (PVB) by focusing on its role in reducing chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) after thoracic surgery. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). SETTING: Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science, were searched to identify studies. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing thoracic surgeries. INTERVENTION: Paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 1,028 adult patients from 10 RCTs were included in the final analysis. The incidence of CPSP at 3 months after surgery was not reduced in the PVB group compared with the no-block (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.34-1.04; p = 0.07; I2 = 6.96%) and other-block (OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.30-6.42; p = 0.67; I2 = 77.75%) groups. The PVB did not significantly reduce the incidence of CPSP after 6 months from surgery when compared with no block (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.08-2.53; p = 0.36; I2 = 87.53%) and other blocks (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.71-1.95; p = 0.93; I2 = 45.75%). The PVB significantly decreased postoperative pain at 24 and 48 hours at rest compared with the no- block group. The pain score was higher in the PVB group than in the other block groups 48 hours after surgery at rest. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic PVB does not prevent CPSP after thoracic surgery. Further large RCTs are required to confirm and validate the authors' results.

Efficacy of Erector Spinae Plane Block for Analgesia in Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether erector spinae plane block (ESPB) can provide an effective analgesia for managing pain after thoracic surgery and compare the efficacy of ESPB with that of other regional analgesic techniques. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. SETTING: PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing thoracic surgeries. INTERVENTION: Erector spinae plane block with local anesthetics for postoperative analgesia. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Seventeen studies, including 1,092 patients, were included in the final analysis. Erector spinae plane block reduced 24-hour postoperative opioid consumption (mean difference [MD] -17.49, 95% CI -26.87 to -8.12), pain score at rest (MD -0.82, 95% CI -1.31 to -0.33), and pain score at movement (MD -0.77, 95% CI -1.20 to -0.3) compared to no block. Compared with other regional blocks, various results have been observed. Although statistical results showed that ESPB is inferior to thoracic paravertebral block and intercostal nerve block and superior to serratus anterior plan block in postoperative analgesia, clinical differences remain unclear. The incidence of hematoma was lower in the ESPB group than in the other groups (odds ratio 0.19, 95% CI 0.05-0.73). CONCLUSION: Erector spinae plane block may provide effective analgesia after thoracic surgery. Compared with other techniques, it is a safer method, without clinically important differences, for postoperative pain control. Therefore, ESPB may be considered as a valuable option for postoperative pain management after thoracic surgery.

Blood transfusion had no influence on the 5-year biochemical recurrence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Although red blood cells (RBC) transfusion is known to be significantly associated with biochemical recurrence in patients undergoing open prostatectomy, its influence on biochemical recurrence after robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to validate the effect of RBC transfusion on the 5-year biochemical recurrence in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy at single tertiary academic hospital between October 2007 and December 2014. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to identify any potential variables associated with 5-year biochemical recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 1311 patients were included in the final analysis. Of these, 30 patients (2.3%) were transfused with RBC either during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy or during their hospital stay, which corresponded to 5-year biochemical recurrence of 15.7%. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that RBC transfusion had no influence on the 5-year biochemical recurrence. Variables including pathologic T stage (Hazard ratio [HR] 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4-5.1 p < 0.001), N stage (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.5-3.7, p < 0.001), Gleason score (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.8-3.2, p < 0.001), and surgical margin (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.8, p < 0.001) were independently associated with the 5-year biochemical recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: RBC transfusion had no significant influence on the 5-year biochemical recurrence in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Factors associated with a 30-day unplanned readmission after elective spine surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify factors that are independently associated with the 30-day unplanned readmission rate of patients who underwent elective spine surgery. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a single tertiary academic hospital. The study analyzed the electronic health records of adult patients aged 18 years or older who underwent inpatient elective spine surgery under general anesthesia between January 2010 and March 2018. The primary endpoint was an unplanned readmission within 30 days. The study used uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULT: A total of 7,025 patients were included in the analysis. Among the patients included in the analysis, 215 patients (3.1%) had unplanned readmission within 30 days after being discharged following elective spine surgery. In the complete-case analysis in the multivariable model, the factors associated with a 30-day unplanned readmission were found to be preoperative ASA physical status of ≥ 3 (vs 1) (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.84; P = 0.005), cancer (OR: 4.60, 95% CI: 2.72, 7.77; P < 0.001), and pRBC transfusion (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.71; P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that preoperative ASA physical status of ≥ 3, diagnosis of cancer, and transfusion of pRBC were associated with an increased 30-day unplanned readmission rate after elective spine surgery.

Effects of magnesium on the dose of rocuronium for deep neuromuscular blockade: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium is known to enhance the effect of rocuronium, but the extent is not quantified. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to quantify the effect of magnesium on the dose of rocuronium for deep neuromuscular blockade. DESIGN: A randomised controlled study. SETTING: A single tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy males scheduled to undergo robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, aged between 20 and 80 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification 1 or 2, were enrolled. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomised to either the magnesium group or control group. The magnesium group were infused with 50 mg kg-1 of magnesium, followed by a continuous intra-operative infusion at 15 mg kg-1 h-1 while the control group were infused with the same volumes of 0.9% saline. Deep neuromuscular blockade was maintained with a continuous infusion of rocuronium and was reversed using sugammadex. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the dose of rocuronium administered to maintain deep neuromuscular blockade. The secondary outcomes were recovery time, defined as the time from the administration of sugammadex to train-of-four ratio 0.9, and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: The dose of rocuronium administered to maintain deep neuromuscular blockade was significantly lower in the magnesium group (7.5 vs. 9.4 µg kg-1 min-1, P = 0.01). There was no difference in recovery time or the incidence of nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION: Magnesium reduced the dose of rocuronium required for deep neuromuscular blockade by approximately 20% without affecting the recovery time after administration of sugammadex. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04013243.

The Effect of Perioperative Intravenous Iron on Hemoglobin in Surgical Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patient blood management aims to maintain hemoglobin level, minimize blood loss, and avoid unnecessary blood transfusion. Ferric carboxymaltose, an intravenous iron agent, was included as a part of surgical patient blood management strategy. However, it is still controversial that ferric carboxymaltose can reduce transfusion requirements. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the benefits of perioperative ferric carboxymaltose on the postoperative hematological parameters and transfusion requirements. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of ferric carboxymaltose were searched through databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and KoreaMed. Meta-analysis was performed using random effect models. RESULTS: A total of 8 studies (n = 471) were included in the final analysis. Postoperative hemoglobin was higher in the ferric carboxymaltose group than in the control group (mean difference [MD], 0.58 g/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36 to 0.80; P < 0.00001). Postoperative serum ferritin and transferrin saturation were also higher in the ferric carboxymaltose group (MD, 373.85 µg/L; 95% CI, 298.13 to 449.56; P < 0.00001; MD, 10.35%; 95% CI, 4.59 to 16.10; P < 0.00001, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the number of transfused patients, length of hospital stay, and adverse events between groups. Subgroup analysis revealed that adverse events were lower in the ferric carboxymaltose group than the oral iron group. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports that ferric carboxymaltose may increase the postoperative hemoglobin level in surgical patients. However, transfusion requirements could not be reduced by ferric carboxymaltose. Optimal dose and time should be further analyzed.

Association of neuromuscular reversal by sugammadex and neostigmine with 90-day mortality after non-cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Reversing a neuromuscular blockade agent with sugammadex is known to lessen postoperative complications by reducing postoperative residual curarization. However, its effects on 90-day mortality are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of sugammadex and neostigmine in terms of 90-day mortality after non-cardiac surgery. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the medical records of adult patients aged 18 years or older who underwent non-cardiac surgery at a single tertiary care hospital between 2011 and 2016. Propensity score matching and Cox regression analysis were used to investigate the effectiveness of sugammadex and neostigmine in lowering 90-day mortality after non-cardiac surgery. RESULTS: A total of 65,702 patients were included in the analysis (mean age: 52.3 years, standard deviation: 15.7), and 23,532 of these patients (35.8%) received general surgery. After propensity score matching, 14,179 patients (3906 patients from the sugammadex group and 10,273 patients from the neostigmine group) were included in the final analysis. Cox regression analysis in the propensity score-matched cohort showed that the risk of 90-day mortality was 40% lower in the sugammadex group than in the neostigmine group (hazard ratio: 0.60, 95% confidence interval: 0.37, 0.98; P = 0.042). These results were similar in the multivariable Cox regression analysis of the entire cohort (hazard ratio: 0.62, 95% confidence interval: 0.39, 0.96; P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective cohort study suggested that reversing rocuronium with sugammadex might be associated with lower 90-day mortality after non-cardiac surgery compared to neostigmine. However, since this study did not evaluate quantitative neuromuscular function in the postoperative period due to its retrospective design, the results should be interpreted carefully. Future prospective studies with quantitative neuromuscular monitoring in the postoperative period should be performed to confirm these results.

Retrospective analysis of 30-day unplanned readmission after major abdominal surgery with reversal by sugammadex or neostigmine.

BACKGROUND: Sugammadex is associated with fewer postoperative complications, but its impact on 30-day unplanned readmission is unclear. METHODS: This was a single-centre retrospective observational study of patients after major abdominal surgery between 2010 and 2017, where rocuronium was the only neuromuscular blocker used. The primary endpoint was the difference in incidence of 30-day unplanned readmission between reversal with sugammadex or neostigmine. The secondary endpoints were the length of hospital stay after surgery and related hospital charges (total charges excluding those related to surgery and anaesthesia). Analysis included propensity score matching and generalised mixed-effects modelling. RESULTS: Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis of 1479 patients (sugammadex: 355; neostigmine: 1124) showed that the incidence of 30-day unplanned readmission was 34% lower (odds ratio [OR]: 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46-0.96, P=0.031), the length of hospital stay was 20% shorter (exponential regression coefficient: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.77-0.83, P<0.001), and related hospital charges were 24% lower (exponential regression coefficient: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.87, P<0.001) in the sugammadex group than in the neostigmine group. For patients living ≥50 km from the hospital, the incidence of 30-day unplanned readmission was 68% lower in the sugammadex group than in the neostigmine group (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13-0.79, P=0.014), while it was not significant for patients living <50 km from the hospital (P=0.319). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with neostigmine, reversal of rocuronium with sugammadex after major abdominal surgery was associated with a lower incidence of 30-day unplanned readmission, a shorter hospital stay, and lower related hospital charges.

The effect of an immersive virtual reality tour of the operating theater on emergence delirium in children undergoing general anesthesia: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: An immersive virtual reality tour of the operating theater could reduce preoperative anxiety. This study was designed to determine whether a preoperative immersive virtual reality tour demonstrates a reduction in emergence delirium through reducing the preoperative anxiety in children undergoing general anesthesia. METHODS: Eighty-six children were randomly allocated into either the control or virtual reality group. The control group received conventional education regarding the perioperative process. The virtual reality group watched a 4-minute virtual reality video showing the operating theater and explaining the perioperative process. Incidence and severity of emergence delirium were the main outcomes. Secondary outcomes included preoperative anxiety using modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale and postoperative behavioral disturbance. RESULTS: Eighty children completed the final analysis (control group = 39, virtual reality group = 41). The incidence (risk ratio [95% CI]: 1.1 [0.5-2.8], P = 0.773) and severity of emergence delirium (mean difference [95% CI]: -0.2 [-2.7 to 2.2], P = 0.791) were similar in the two groups. After the intervention, children in the virtual reality group had a significantly lower modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety score than those in the control group (mean difference [95% CI]: 9.2 [0.3-18.2], P = 0.022). No difference was observed regarding postoperative behavioral disturbance between the two groups at postoperative 1 day (mean difference [95% CI]: -0.1 [-0.3 to 0.1], P = 0.671) and 14 day (mean difference [95% CI]: -0.0 [-0.1 to 0.0], P = 0.329). CONCLUSION: Preoperative immersive virtual reality tour of the operating theater did not reduce the incidence and severity of emergence delirium, although it was effective in alleviating preoperative anxiety in children.

Abilities of Pre- and Postoperative High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels to Predict 90-Day Mortality After Surgery for Abdominal and Thoracic Cancers.

BACKGROUND: Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels are known to be associated with a poor prognosis for cancer patients, but inadequate data exist regarding whether pre- or postoperative hsCRP levels have better predictive value after oncologic surgery. This study evaluated the associations between pre- and postoperative hsCRP levels and 90-day postoperative mortality among patients who underwent surgery for abdominal or thoracic cancers. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 7933 patients who underwent elective surgery between January 2010 and December 2016. Cox regression analysis and receiver operative characteristic curve analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic values of preoperative hsCRP (< 1 month before surgery) and postoperative hsCRP (< 3 days after surgery). RESULTS: For predicting 90-day mortality, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was significantly larger for preoperative hsCRP than for postoperative hsCRP [0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71-0.81 vs 0.65 95% CI 0.57-0.72; P < 0.001]. The optimal cutoff values were 0.5 mg/dL for preoperative hsCRP and 9.7 mg/dL for postoperative hsCRP. Based on these cutoff values, increased risks of 90-day mortality were significantly associated with preoperative hsCRP levels higher than 0.5 mg/dL [hazard ratio (HR) 7.60; 95% CI 4.43-13.03; P < 0.001] and postoperative hsCRP levels higher than > 9.7 mg/dL (HR 1.83; 95% CI 1.12-2.98; P = 0.016). CONCLUSION: Both elevated pre- and postoperative hsCRP levels were associated with increased risks of 90-day mortality after surgery for thoracic and abdominal cancer. However, preoperative hsCRP had better prognostic value than postoperative hsCRP.

The Effect of Head Position on the Cross-Sectional Area of the Subclavian Vein.

In 41 healthy volunteers, we investigated the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the subclavian vein (SCV) in the following head positions: neutral and 30° head rotation toward the contralateral or ipsilateral sides. Significant differences were observed in the CSA of the SCV at 3 different head positions: contralateral 30° versus neutral, -0.05 cm (95% confidence interval, -0.08 to -0.03); contralateral 30° versus ipsilateral 30°, -0.15 cm (-0.19 to -0.12); neutral versus ipsilateral 30°, -0.10 cm (-0.13 to -0.07); all Pcorrected< .001). For SCV catheterization, 30° head rotation to the ipsilateral side provided significant improvements in the CSA compared with the other head positions.

Ultrasound-Assisted Versus Fluoroscopic-Guided Lumbar Sympathetic Ganglion Block: A Prospective and Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Fluoroscopy (FL)-guided lumbar sympathetic ganglion block (LSGB) is widely performed to diagnose and manage various diseases associated with sympathetically maintained pain. Recently, numerous ultrasound (US)-assisted procedures in pain medicine have been attempted, showing an advantage of low radiation exposure. This randomized, prospective trial compared the procedural outcomes and complications between FL-guided and US-assisted LSGBs. METHODS: Fifty LSGBs were randomly divided into 2 groups: FL-guided (FL group) or US-assisted (US group) LSGB group. Both groups received FL-guided or US-assisted LSGB with 10 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine. The primary end point was the total procedure time. Secondary outcomes were success rate, imaging time, onset time (based on temperature rise), dosage of radiation exposure, other procedure-related outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: Total procedure time and success rate were not statistically different between the 2 groups, whereas imaging time of the US group was longer than that of the FL group (P = .012). The onset time was faster in the US group (P = .019), and bone touching during the procedure was less frequent in the US group (P = .001). Moreover, radiation exposure was significantly lower in the US group than in the FL group (P < .001). No serious complications were reported in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: US-assisted LSGB appears to be a feasible method with the added benefit of lower radiation exposure. In our study, we did not find an advantage of US-assisted LSGB over FL-guided LSGB in terms of performance time.

The attenuation of neurological injury from the use of simvastatin after spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord ischemic injury remains a serious complication of open surgical and endovascular aortic procedures. Simvastatin has been reported to be associated with neuroprotective effect after spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of starting simvastatin after spinal cord IR injury in a rat model. METHODS: In adult Sprague-Dawley rats, spinal cord ischemia was induced using a balloon-tipped catheter placed in the descending thoracic aorta. The animals were then randomly divided into 4 groups: group A (control); group B (0.5 mg/kg simvastatin); group C (1 mg/kg simvastatin); and group D (10 mg/kg simvastatin). Simvastatin was administered orally upon reperfusion for 5 days. Neurological function of the hind limbs was evaluated for 7 days after reperfusion and recorded using a motor deficit score (MDS) (0: normal, 5: complete paraplegia). The number of normal motor neurons within the anterior horns of the spinal cord was counted after final MDS evaluation. Then, the spinal cord was harvested for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Group D showed a significantly lower MDS than the other groups at post-reperfusion day 1 and this trend was sustained throughout the study period. Additionally, a greater number of normal motor neurons was observed in group D than in other groups (group D 21.2 [3.2] vs. group A: 15.8 [4.2]; group B 15.4 [3.4]; and group C 15.5 [3.7]; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that 10 mg/kg can significantly improve neurologic outcome by attenuating neurologic injury and restoring normal motor neurons after spinal cord IR injury.