Neuraxial Anesthesia and Analgesia During Cardiothoracic Surgery: A Narrative Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to synthesize and examine the literature on the use of neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia during cardiothoracic surgery. As cardiothoracic procedures often require systemic anticoagulation, neuraxial techniques are quite often underutilized due to the theoretical risk of epidural hematoma. In this review, we seek to examine the literature to review the indications and contraindications and to explore if neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia has a role in cardiothoracic surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Neuraxial techniques have multiple advantages during cardiothoracic surgery including coronary vasodilation, decreased sympathetic surge, and a decreased cortisol level leading to overall reduction in stress response. Multiple studies have shown an improvement in pain scores, reduction in pulmonary complications, faster extubation times, with minimal complications when neuraxial techniques are utilized in cardiothoracic surgeries. Given the numerous advantages and minimal complications of neuraxial techniques in cardiothoracic surgeries, we hope its utilization continues to increase. Moving forward, we hope additional studies continue to reaffirm the benefits of neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia for cardiothoracic surgeries to improve its utilization.

Neuraxial Anesthesia in Patients With Aortic Stenosis: A Systematic Review.

Neuraxial anesthesia (NA) has been contraindicated in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) due to concerns of sympathetic blockade and hemodynamic instability. These considerations are based on precautionary expert recommendations, supported by expected physiologic effects, but in the absence of any published scientific evidence. In light of the increasing elderly population and the prevalence of AS, this systematic review compiles available literature on NA in patients with AS to address the understanding of the anesthetic practice and safety in this population. Using a systematic approach, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies of patients with AS who exclusively received NA. Primary outcomes included intraoperative and postoperative complications. Of 1,433 citations, 61 met full-text inclusion criteria, including 3,228 patients undergoing noncardiac (n = 3,146, 97.5%), obstetric (n = 69, 2.1%), and cardiac (n = 13, 0.4%) procedures. Significant data heterogeneity (local anesthetic dosing, intraoperative interventions, and measured outcomes) prevented formal metanalysis, but descriptive data are presented. Spinal block (n = 2,856, 88.5%) and epidural anesthesia (n = 397, 12.3%) were administered most frequently. Hypotension requiring vasopressors was the most common intraoperative complication-noncardiac (n = 16, 9.9%), obstetric (n = 6, 13.0%), and cardiac (n = 1, 7.7%)-with resolution in all patients and no reported intraoperative cardiovascular collapse or mortality. The relative risk of different AS severities remains unclear, and optimal medication dosing remains elusive. The authors' data suggested that NA may not be contraindicated in carefully selected patients with AS. The authors' results should inform the design of future prospective studies comparing NA and general anesthesia in patients with AS.

Perinatal outcomes comparison between neuraxial and general anesthesia in pregnant women with placenta accreta spectrum: a multicenter retrospective study.

PURPOSE: We investigated the impact of anesthesia mode on perinatal outcomes in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) undergoing cesarean delivery and identified factors associated with adverse perinatal events. METHODS: The multicenter retrospective analysis was conducted in patients with PAS who delivered at three medical centers. Patients were classified according to whether they received general anesthesia (GA) or neuraxial anesthesia (NA). We compared the basic clinical characteristics of patients in the pre-propensity score matching (PSM) and post-PSM cohorts and identified factors associated with a high risk of adverse maternal outcomes. RESULTS: This study included a total of 425 patients, with 307 (72.2%) in the GA group and 118 (27.8%) in the NA group. After PSM, 162 patients were identified for analysis. In the post-matched cohort, the NA group exhibited shorter total operation time (P = 0.030) and postoperative length of hospital stay (P = 0.037). Additionally, the NA group experienced lower intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001) and received fewer units of transfused packed red blood cells (PRBC) (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that GA (P < 0.001), emergency cesarean delivery (P = 0.010), vascular lacunae within the placenta (P < 0.001), hypervascularity of uterine-placental margin (P = 0.002), hypervascularity of the cervix (P = 0.014), and balloon placement in the abdominal aorta (P < 0.001) were associated with a high risk of adverse maternal events. CONCLUSION: In comparison to GA, cesarean delivery with NA in PAS patients appears to be associated with reduced intraoperative blood loss, PRBC transfusion, operating duration, and postoperative hospital stay.

Relationship between epidural catheter migration beneath the skin and subcutaneous fat thickness assessed using postoperative CT imaging: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The causes of epidural catheter migration beneath the skin have not been previously investigated. We hypothesized that greater subcutaneous fat thickness might be associated with increased catheter migration beneath the skin. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of patients who had undergone combined general and epidural anesthesia, selecting individuals who received thoracic and abdominal CT scans within the first 5 postoperative days. Needle depth was defined as the distance from the needle tip to the skin surface when the anesthesiologist determined that the needle tip had reached the epidural space. We measured the length of the epidural catheter from the skin surface to the epidural space (catheter length), and subcutaneous fat thickness (fat thickness) using CT imaging. Migration distance was calculated by subtracting needle depth from catheter length. RESULTS: We analyzed 127 patients (72 males), all undergoing epidural catheter insertion in the left lateral decubitus position via a paramedian approach. The median age of the patients was 71 years. Epidural catheters were postoperatively found to substantially curve beneath the skin. Regression analysis revealed no significant influence of fat thickness on catheter length (regression coefficient 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: - 0.17, 0.38). However, it indicated a positive correlation between fat thickness and needle depth (regression coefficient 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.70), and a negative correlation between fat thickness and migration distance (regression coefficient - 0.40, 95% CI: - 0.65, - 0.14). CONCLUSION: We found a negative correlation between epidural catheter migration beneath the skin and subcutaneous fat thickness. Anesthesiologists should be aware of the possibility of substantial subcutaneous curving of the catheter, especially in patients with scant subcutaneous fat.

Comparison of neuraxial acoustic target window of the spine among rider sitting, cross leg, hamstring stretch, and classical sitting position: An observational study.

Background and Aims: To compare ultra-sonographic dimensions of acoustic target window of the spine in the participants at four different sitting positions namely cross leg sitting (CLP), hamstring stretch (HSP), classical sitting (CSP) and riders sitting position (RSP). The primary objective of this study was to measure the neuraxial acoustic target window (defined as interlaminar distance between L3-L4 lamina). The secondary objective was to compare ultra-sonographic measurements of the depth of ligamentum flavum from the skin, and to compare the diameter of intrathecal space and comfort score in the four different sitting positions. Material and Methods: This study is a prospective observational study. Eighty participants were included and positioned in four different sitting positions to perform an ultra-sonographic scan and measure various parameters of the acoustic neuraxial window. The interlaminar distance, the distance of skin from the ligamentum flavum, and the diameter of the spinal canal or intrathecal space was measured in the L3-L4 intervertebral space in different positions. Results: The mean value of interlaminar distance among four sitting positions was ranging from 1.40 cm to 1.44 cm (P value 0.725.) The distance of ligamentum flavum from skin and diameter of intrathecal space was also comparable in all the groups. The comfort score in CSP was significantly better when compared to other groups with a median score of 4 (P value < 0.001). Conclusions: There is no statistically significant difference in interlaminar distance in various sitting positions. All four positions are equally effective and can be used as an alternative to spinal/epidural intervention, but the CSP came out to be the most comfortable and more emphasis should be given to the comfort as it increases the chance of success rate of the procedure.

Spontaneous skull base cerebrospinal fluid leak during pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension can lead to dural defects and spontaneous leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the skull base. Skull base CSF leaks are rarely reported in pregnancy but pose unique challenges for obstetricians and anesthesiologists. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31-year-old G4P1021 at 14 weeks developed debilitating headaches and CSF rhinorrhea. Brain imaging revealed a bony defect of the sphenoid sinus with a meningoencephalocele and a partially empty sella, consistent with CSF leakage from a skull base defect. The patient was neurologically stable without signs of meningitis; thus, management was focused on symptomatic alleviation. A planned cesarean section was performed at 38 weeks under spinal anesthesia. The patient had spontaneous marked improvement of her symptoms postpartum. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy may exacerbate skull base CSF leaks, requiring careful management with a multidisciplinary team. Neuraxial anesthesia can safely be performed in pregnant individuals with spontaneous skull base CSF leakage, but further studies are needed to determine the safest mode of delivery in these patients.

Neuraxial versus general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery and the incidence of postoperative delirium: a systematic review and stratified meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based effect of anesthetic regimens on postoperative delirium (POD) incidence after hip fracture surgery is still debated. Randomized trials have reported inconsistent contradictory results largely attributed to small sample size, use of outdated drugs and techniques, and inconsistent definitions of adverse outcomes. The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to investigate the impact of different anesthesia regimens on POD, cognitive impairment, and associated complications including mortality, duration of hospital stay, and rehabilitation capacity. METHODS: We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2000 to December 2021, in English and non-English language, comparing the effect of neuraxial anesthesia (NA) versus general anesthesia (GA) in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery, from PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library database. They were included if POD incidence, cognitive impairment, mortality, duration of hospital stay, or rehabilitation capacity were reported as at least one of the outcomes. Study protocols, case reports, audits, editorials, commentaries, conference reports, and abstracts were excluded. Two investigators (KYC and TXY) independently screened studies for inclusion and performed data extraction. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool. The quality of the evidence for each outcome according to the GRADE working group criteria. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the pooled data. RESULTS: A total of 10 RCTs with 3968 patients were included in the present analysis. No significant differences were found in the incidence of POD comparing NA vs GA [OR 1.10, 95% CI (0.89 to 1.37)], with or without including patients with a pre-existing condition of dementia or delirium, POD incidence from postoperative day 2-7 [OR 0.31, 95% CI (0.06 to -1.63)], in mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score [OR 0.07, 95% CI (-0.22 to 0.36)], or other neuropsychological test results. NA appeared to have a shorter duration of hospital stay, especially in patients without pre-existing dementia or delirium, however the observed effect did not reach statistical significance [OR -0.23, 95% CI (-0.46 to 0.01)]. There was no difference in other outcomes, including postoperative pain control, discharge to same preadmission residence [OR 1.05, 95% CI (0.85 to 1.31)], in-hospital mortality [OR 1.98, 95% CI (0.20 to 19.25)], 30-day [OR 1.03, 95% CI (0.47 to 2.25)] or 90-day mortality [OR 1.08, 95% CI (0.53-2.24)]. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were detected in incidence of POD, nor in other delirium-related outcomes between NA and GA groups and in subgroup analyses. NA appeared to be associated with a shorter hospital stay, especially in patients without pre-existing dementia, but the observed effect did not reach statistical significance. Further larger prospective randomized trials investigating POD incidence and its duration and addressing long-term clinical outcomes are indicated to rule out important differences between different methods of anesthesia for hip surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 10.17605/OSF.IO/3DJ6C.

Contraindications to use of neuraxial anesthesia for lower limb revascularization surgery in adults: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Nonrandomized and some randomized data suggest neuraxial anesthesia may improve outcomes after lower limb revascularization surgery. Nevertheless, the prevalence of contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia in vascular surgery patients is unknown. We aimed to identify the prevalence of patients with contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia, and to derive and validate a case ascertainment algorithm identifying individuals likely to have contraindications. METHODS: We conducted a historical cross-sectional study of open lower limb revascularization surgeries performed between 2019 and 2021 at The Ottawa Hospital. Medical records were reviewed for demographic data, admission, procedural characteristics, and presence of contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia. Case ascertainment algorithms to predict the presence of absolute contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia were derived and internally validated. RESULTS: We identified 340 cases. General anesthesia was used in 219 (64.4%) cases, isolated neuraxial (spinal and/or epidural) in 106 (31.2%) cases, and general plus neuraxial in 15 (4.4%) cases. Seventy-eight (22.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 18.8 to 27.7) patients had absolute contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia, primarily because of anticoagulation or antiplatelet medication (89.4%); 21 (6.2%; 95% CI, 4.1 to 9.3) had relative contraindications, primarily long anticipated duration of surgery (16/21, 76.2%). We derived and validated three nested case-ascertainment algorithms. Using admission and procedure variables, discrimination was moderate with moderately explained variance, and calibration was inadequate for reliable use. Patient comorbidity and laboratory data did not improve algorithm performance. CONCLUSION: Most patients undergoing lower limb revascularization surgery did not have absolute contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia. When present, contraindications typically related to anticoagulation. Admission, procedure, comorbidity, and laboratory data did not provide adequate accuracy to ascertain contraindication status.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Les données non randomisées et certaines données randomisées suggèrent que l'anesthésie neuraxiale pourrait améliorer les devenirs après une chirurgie de revascularisation des membres inférieurs. Néanmoins, la prévalence de contre-indications à l'anesthésie neuraxiale chez la patientèle de chirurgie vasculaire est inconnue. Notre objectif était d'identifier la prévalence de la patientèle présentant des contre-indications à l'anesthésie neuraxiale, et de dériver et valider un algorithme de détermination des cas identifiant les personnes susceptibles de présenter des contre-indications. MéTHODE: Nous avons mené une étude transversale historique sur les chirurgies ouvertes de revascularisation des membres inférieurs réalisées entre 2019 et 2021 à l'Hôpital d'Ottawa. Les dossiers médicaux ont été passés en revue pour en tirer les données démographiques, les détails d'admission, les caractéristiques procédurales et la présence de contre-indications à l'anesthésie neuraxiale. Des algorithmes de détermination des cas pour prédire la présence de contre-indications absolues à l'anesthésie neuraxiale ont été dérivés et validés en interne. RéSULTATS: Nous avons identifié 340 cas. L'anesthésie générale a été utilisée dans 219 cas (64,4 %), une anesthésie neuraxiale isolée (rachidienne et/ou péridurale) dans 106 cas (31,2 %) et une anesthésie générale plus neuraxiale dans 15 cas (4,4 %). Soixante-dix-huit (22,9 %; intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 %, 18,8 à 27,7) patient·es présentaient des contre-indications absolues à l'anesthésie neuraxiale, principalement en raison d'une anticoagulation ou de médicaments antiplaquettaires (89,4 %); 21 (6,2 %; IC 95 %, 4,1 à 9,3) présentaient des contre-indications relatives, principalement une longue durée anticipée de chirurgie (16/21, 76,2 %). Nous avons dérivé et validé trois algorithmes imbriqués de détermination des cas. En utilisant les variables d'admission et de procédure, la discrimination était modérée, avec une variance modérément expliquée, et l'étalonnage était inadéquat pour une utilisation fiable. Les données portant sur les comorbidités des patient·es et de laboratoire n'ont pas amélioré les performances de l'algorithme. CONCLUSION: La plupart des patient·es bénéficiant d'une chirurgie de revascularisation des membres inférieurs n'avaient pas de contre-indications absolues à l'anesthésie neuraxiale. Les contre-indications, lorsque présentes, étaient généralement liées à l'anticoagulation. Les données d'admission, d'intervention, de comorbidité et de laboratoire n'ont pas fourni de précisions suffisantes pour confirmer un statut de contre-indication.

Changing a clinical pathway to increase spinal anesthesia use for elective hip arthroplasty: a single-centre historical cohort study.

PURPOSE: International consensus recommendations support neuraxial anesthesia as the preferred anesthetic technique for total hip arthroplasty. We hypothesized that an institutional initiative to promote spinal anesthesia within a clinical pathway would result in increased use of this technique. METHODS: We reviewed primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty data between June 2017 and June 2019-one year before vs one year after implementation. The primary outcome was rate of spinal anesthesia use. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores and opioid use, rates of postoperative complications, and unplanned resource use. We built a run chart-tracking rates of spinal anesthesia; compared postoperative outcomes based on anesthetic technique; and developed a mixed model, multivariable logistic regression with margins analysis evaluating the use of spinal anesthesia. RESULTS: The final sample included 172 patients (87 before and 85 after implementation) with no significant differences in baseline characteristics. For the primary outcome, 42/87 (48%) patients received spinal anesthesia before implementation compared with 48/85 (56%) postimplementation (unadjusted difference, 8%; 95% confidence interval, -7 to 23; P = 0.28). There were no differences in secondary outcomes. Factors associated with receipt of spinal anesthesia included American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status II (vs III), lower body mass index, and shorter case duration. Using a reduced mixed model, the average marginal effect was 10.7%, with an upper 95% confidence limit of 25.7%. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a clinical pathway change to promote spinal anesthesia for total hip arthroplasty may not have been associated with increased use of spinal anesthesia, but utilization rates can vary widely. Baseline spinal anesthesia usage at our institution was higher than the USA national average, and many factors may influence choice of anesthesia technique. Patients who receive spinal anesthesia have decreased opioid requirements and pain scores postoperatively.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Les recommandations consensuelles internationales soutiennent l'anesthésie neuraxiale comme technique anesthésique à privilégier lors d'une arthroplastie totale de la hanche. Nous avons émis l'hypothèse qu'une initiative institutionnelle visant à promouvoir la rachianesthésie dans le cadre d'une trajectoire clinique entraînerait une utilisation accrue de cette technique. MéTHODE: Nous avons examiné les données sur l'arthroplastie totale unilatérale primaire de la hanche entre juin 2017 et juin 2019, soit un an avant vs un an après la mise en œuvre. Le critère d'évaluation principal était le taux d'utilisation de la rachianesthésie. Les critères d'évaluation secondaires comprenaient les scores de douleur postopératoire et la consommation d'opioïdes, les taux de complications postopératoires et l'utilisation imprévue des ressources. Nous avons construit un graphique de séquence faisant le suivi des taux de rachianesthésie, comparé les résultats postopératoires basés sur la technique anesthésique, et développé un modèle mixte et une régression logistique multivariée avec analyse des marges évaluant l'utilisation de la rachianesthésie. RéSULTATS: L'échantillon final comprenait 172 patients (87 avant et 85 après la mise en œuvre) sans différences significatives dans leurs caractéristiques initiales. Pour le critère d'évaluation principal, 42/87 (48 %) patients ont reçu une rachianesthésie avant la mise en œuvre, contre 48/85 (56 %) après la mise en œuvre de l'initiative (différence non ajustée, 8 %; intervalle de confiance à 95 %, -7 à 23; P = 0,28). Aucune différence significative n'a été observée dans les critères d'évaluation secondaires. Les facteurs associés à l'administrion d'une rachianesthésie comprenaient : l'état physique selon l'American Society of Anesthesiologists (II vs III), un indice de masse corporelle inférieur et une durée de cas plus courte. En utilisant un modèle mixte réduit, l'effet marginal moyen était de 10,7 %, avec une limite supérieure de confiance de 95 % de 25,7 %. CONCLUSION: La mise en œuvre d'un changement de trajectoire clinique pour promouvoir la rachianesthésie pour l'arthroplastie totale de la hanche n'a peut-être pas été associée à une utilisation accrue de la rachianesthésie, mais les taux d'utilisation peuvent varier considérablement. L'utilisation initiale de la rachianesthésie dans notre établissement était supérieure à la moyenne nationale des États-Unis, et de nombreux facteurs peuvent influencer le choix de la technique d'anesthésie. Les patients qui reçoivent une rachianesthésie ont diminué leurs besoins en opioïdes et leurs scores de douleur postopératoires.

Regional Anesthesia for Lobectomy and Risk of Pulmonary Complications: A National Safety Quality Improvement Program Propensity-Matching Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether general anesthesia (GA) in conjunction with regional anesthetic (RA) techniques are associated with favorable pulmonary outcomes versus GA alone among patients undergoing lobectomy by either video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or open thoracotomy. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort (2014-2017). SETTING: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients undergoing lobectomy by either VATS or open thoracotomy. INTERVENTIONS: Two groups of patients were identified based on the use of GA alone or GA in conjunction with RA (RA+GA) techniques (either neuraxial or peripheral nerve blocks). Both groups were propensity-matched based on pulmonary risk factors. The authors' primary outcome was composite postoperative pulmonary complication (PPC), including pneumonia, reintubation, and failure to wean from the ventilator. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 4,134 VATS (2,067 in GA and 2,067 in RA+GA) and 3,112 thoracotomies (1,556 in GA and 1,556 in RA+GA) were included in the final analysis. Regional anesthetic, as an adjuvant to GA, did not affect the incidence of PPC among patients undergoing lobectomy by VATS (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95% CI 0.81-1.43, p = 0.622), as well as in those undergoing lobectomy via thoracotomy (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.93-1.51, p = 0.174). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of readmission rates, length of stay, and mortality at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: The RA techniques were not associated with a lower incidence of pulmonary complications in lobectomy surgery.

Systemic Heparinization After Neuraxial Anesthesia in Vascular Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine's guidelines recommend a 1-hour interval after neuraxial anesthesia (NA) before systemic heparinization to mitigate the risk of spinal hematoma (SH). The study authors aimed to characterize the time interval between NA and systemic heparinization in vascular surgery patients (primary outcome). The secondary outcomes included the historic incidence of SH, and risk estimation of the SH formation based on available data. Heparin dose, length of surgery, difficulty and/or the number of NA attempts, and patient demographics were recorded. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis between April 2012 and April 2022. SETTING: A single (academic) center. PARTICIPANTS: Vascular surgery patients. INTERVENTIONS: Intravenous heparin administration. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All (N = 311) vascular patients were reviewed, of whom 127 (5 femoral-femoral bypass, 67 femoral-popliteal bypass, and 55 endovascular aneurysm repairs [EVAR]) received NA and were included in the final analysis. Patients receiving general anesthesia alone (N = 184) were excluded. Neuraxial anesthesia included spinal (N = 119), epidural (N = 4), or combined spinal-epidural (N = 4) blocks. The average time between NA and heparin administration was 42.8 ± 22.1 minutes, with 83.7% of patients receiving heparin within 1 hour of NA. The time between NA and heparin administration was 40.4 ± 22.3, 50.1 ± 23.4, and 31.3 ± 12.5 minutes for femoral-femoral bypass, femoral-popliteal bypass, and EVAR, respectively. Heparin was administered after 1 hour of NA in 20% of femoral-femoral bypass, 27% of femoral-popliteal bypass, and 3.9% of EVAR patients. No SHs were reported during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of vascular surgery patients at the authors' center received heparin within 1 hour of NA. Further studies are required to assess if their findings are consistent in other vascular surgery settings and/or centers.

Anesthetic management for lower extremity vascular bypass procedures: The impact of general or regional anesthesia on clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: Postoperative complications after major surgery, especially vascular procedures, are associated with a significant increase in costs and mortality. Previous studies evaluating general anesthesia versus regional or neuraxial anesthesia for infrainguinal bypass have produced conflicting results. The main aim of the present study is to review current evidence on the application of regional or general anesthesia in patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass surgery and its potential favorable effects on postoperative outcomes. CONTENTS: Patients undergoing vascular surgery often have multiple comorbidities, and it is important to outline both benefits and risks of regional anesthesia techniques. Neuraxial anesthesia in vascular surgery allows overall avoidance of general anesthesia and does provide short-term benefits beyond analgesia. Previous observational studies suggest that neuraxial anesthesia for lower limb revascularization may reduce morbidity and length of stay. However, evidence of long-term benefits is lacking in most procedures and further work is still warranted. CONCLUSIONS: Neuraxial anesthesia is usually an effective anesthesia technique for infrainguinal bypass surgery. Elderly patients and those with underlying respiratory problems may display some benefit from neuraxial anesthesia. Further evaluation within institutions should be performed to identify which patients would most benefit from regional techniques. Notably, systemic antithrombotic and anticoagulation therapy is common among this population and may affect anesthetic choices.

Spinal Versus General Anesthesia in Contemporary Revision Total Knee Arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND: Interest in spinal anesthesia utilization in revision total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) is rising. This study investigated the pain control, length of stay (LOS), and complications associated with spinal versus general anesthesia in a single institution series of revision TKAs. METHODS: We identified 3,711 revision TKAs (3,495 patients) from 2001 to 2016 using our institutional total joint registry. There were 66% who had general anesthesia and 34% who had spinal anesthesia. Mean age, sex, and BMI were similar between groups at 67 years, 53% women, and 32, respectively. Data were analyzed using inverse probability of treatment weighted models based on propensity scores that accounted for patient and operative factors. Mean follow-up was 6 years (range, 2 to 17). RESULTS: Patients treated with spinal anesthesia required fewer postoperative oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) (P < .0001) and had lower numeric pain rating scale scores (P < .001). Spinal anesthesia was associated with shorter LOS (4.0 versus 4.6 days; P < .0001), less cases of altered mental status (AMS; Odds Ratio (OR) 2.0, P = .004), less intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (OR 1.6, P = .02), fewer re-revisions (OR 1.7, P < .001), and less reoperations (OR 1.4, P < .001). There was no difference in the incidence of VTE (P = .82), 30-day readmissions (P = .06), or 90-day readmissions (P = .18) between anesthetic techniques. CONCLUSION: We found that spinal anesthesia for revision TKAs was associated with significantly lower pain scores, reduced OME requirements, and decreased LOS. Furthermore, spinal anesthesia was associated with fewer cases of AMS, ICU admissions, and re-revisions even after accounting for numerous patient and operative factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Spinal Versus General Anesthesia in Contemporary Revision Total Hip Arthroplasties.

BACKGROUND: Spinal anesthesia is increasingly used in complex patient populations including revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs). This study aimed to investigate the pain control, length of stay (LOS), and complications associated with spinal versus general anesthesia in a large institutional series of revision THAs. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 4,767 revision THAs (4,533 patients) from 2001 to 2016 using our institutional total joint registry. Of these cases, 86% had general and 14% had spinal anesthesia. Demographics between groups were similar with mean age of 66 years, 52% women, and mean body mass index of 29. Complications including all-cause rerevisions and reoperations were studied. Data were analyzed using an inverse probability of treatment weighted model based on propensity score that accounted for patient and surgical factors. The mean follow-up was 7 years. RESULTS: Patients treated with spinal anesthesia required fewer postoperative oral morphine equivalents (P < .001) and had lower numeric pain rating scale scores (P < .001). Spinal anesthesia had a decreased LOS (4.2 versus 4.8 days; P = .007), fewer cases of altered mental status (odds ratio (OR) 3.1, P = .001), fewer blood transfusions (OR 2.3, P < .001), fewer intensive care unit admissions (OR 2.3, P < .001), fewer rerevisions (OR 1.6, P = .04), and fewer reoperations (OR 1.5, P = .02). CONCLUSION: Spinal anesthesia was associated with lower oral morphine equivalent use and reduced LOS in this large cohort of revision THAs. Furthermore, spinal anesthesia was associated with fewer cases of altered mental status, transfusion, intensive care unit admission, rerevision, and reoperation after accounting for numerous patient and operative factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Neuraxial Anesthesia Significantly Reduces 30-Day Venous Thromboembolism Rate and Length of Hospital Stay in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Stratified Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Analysis.

BACKGROUND: General anesthesia (GA) has been the commonly used protocol for total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, neuraxial anesthesia (NA) has been increasingly performed. Our purpose was to compare NA and GA for 30-day postoperative outcomes in United States veterans undergoing primary THA. METHODS: A large veteran's database was utilized to identify patients undergoing primary THA between 1999 and 2019. A total of 6,244 patients had undergone THA and were included in our study. Of these, 44,780 (79.6%) had received GA, and 10,788 (19.2%) had received NA. Patients receiving NA or GA were compared for 30-day mortalities, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal complications, and wound infections and hospital lengths of stay (LOS). Propensity score matching, multivariate regression analyses, and subgroup analyses by American Society of Anesthesiology classification were performed to control for selection bias and patient baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Upon propensity-adjusted multivariate analyses, NA was associated with decreased risks for deep venous thrombosis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.4-0.9; P = .02), any respiratory complication (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.5-0.9; P = .003), unplanned reintubation (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.3-0.9; P = .009), and prolonged LOS (OR = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.72-0.84; P < .001). Subgroup analyses by American Society of Anesthesiology classes showed NA decreased 30-day venous thromboembolism rate in low-risk (class I/II) patients and decreased respiratory complications in high-risk (class III/IV) patients. CONCLUSION: Using a patient cohort obtained from a large national database, NA was associated with reduced risk of 30-day adverse events compared to GA in patients undergoing THA. Postoperative adverse events were decreased with NA administration with similar decreases observed across all patient preoperative risk levels. NA was also associated with a significant decrease in hospital LOS.

Impact of interval between induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery on umbilical arterial cord ph of neonates delivered by elective cesarean section.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the impact of interval between induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery of the fetus by elective cesarean section on umbilical arterial pH and neonatal outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and twenty pregnant women who were planned for elective cesarean section at term under spinal anesthesia were recruited. Minimum systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures (SBP, DBP, MAP) and largest pressure decrease (SBP, DBP, MPA) were also recorded. Induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery interval was measured. Following delivery, umbilical arterial cord analysis for pH and base deficit were done. Apgar scores at 1 min and at 5 min, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, need for mechanical ventilation and incidence of hypoxemic-ischemic encephalopathy were recorded. RESULTS: Induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery interval was 25.7 ± 5.6 min. Lowest SBP and MAP reached during cesarean delivery were 88.9 ± 7.3 mmHg and 60.4 ± 5.6 mmHg, respectively. MAP < 65 mmHg was reached in 136 (62%) patients with a decrease of MAP of > 20% in 149 (68%) patients. Duration of the longest hypotension episode was 3.3 ± 2.2 min. All patients required ephedrine administration for hypotensive episodes with an average dosage of 11.4 ± 3.2 mg. Umbilical pH of 7.3 ± 0.1 and base deficit of 8.3 ± 4.4 mmol/l were recorded. Apgar scores at 5 min were 8.5 ± 1.2. Eight (3.6%) neonates were admitted in the NICU. One neonate needed mechanical ventilation. There were no cases of hypoxemic-ischemic encephalopathy. There were inverse correlations between induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery interval, body mass index (BMI) and duration of longest hypotension episode in relation to umbilical pH (r = -0.817, -0.395 and -0.268, respectively). Cut off value for induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery interval greater than 27 min predicted an umbilical pH of < 7.2. Cut off value for the duration of the longest hypotension episode greater than 5 min predicted an umbilical pH of < 7.2. Cut off value for BMI greater than 35 kg/m2 predicted an umbilical pH of < 7.2. CONCLUSION: Prolonged interval between induction of spinal anesthesia to delivery could be associated with neonatal acidosis. This could be aggravated by maternal obesity and prolonged duration of hypotension episodes during cesarean delivery.

Hemodynamic changes associated with neuraxial anesthesia in pregnant women with covid 19 disease: a retrospective case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Neuraxial blocks is the recommended mode of analgesia and anesthesia in parturients with Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19). There is limited data on the hemodynamic responses to neuraxial blocks in COVID-19 patients. We aim to compare the hemodynamic responses to neuraxial blocks in COVID-19 positive and propensity-matched COVID-19 negative parturients. METHODS: We conducted retrospective, cross-sectional case-control study of hemodynamic changes associated with neuraxial blocks in COVID-19 positive parturients in a Tertiary care academic medical center. Fifty-one COVID-19 positive women confirmed by nasopharyngeal reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), were compared with propensity-matched COVID negative controls (n = 51). Hemodynamic changes after neuraxial block were recorded by electronic medical recording system and analyzed using paired and unpaired T- test and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney Rank Sum tests. The primary outcome was ≥ 20% change in MAP and HR after neuraxial block placement. RESULTS: In the epidural group, 7% COVID-19 positive parturients had > 20% decrease in mean arterial pressure (MAP) from baseline compared to 15% COVID-19 negative parturients (P = 0.66). In the spinal group, 83% of COVID-19 positive parturients had a decrease in MAP more than 20% from baseline compared to 71% in control (P = 0.49). MAP drop of more than 40% occurred in 29% COVID positive parturients in the spinal group versus 17% in COVID-19 negative parturients (P = 0.5465). In COVID-19 positive spinal group, 54% required vasopressors whereas 38% in COVID-19 negative spinal group required vasopressors (P = 0.387). We found a significant correlation between body mass index (BMI) > 30 and hypotension in COVID ( +) parturient with odds ratio (8.63; 95% CI-1.93 - 37.21) (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Incidence and severity of hypotension after neuraxial blocks were similar between COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative parturients. BMI > 30 was a significant risk factor for hypotension as described in preexisting literature, this correlation was seen in COVID-19 positive parturients. The likely reason for parturients with BMI > 30 in COVID negative patients not showing similar correlation, is that the sample size was small.

A retrospective analysis of maternal complications and newborn outcomes of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery in a single tertiary hospital in China.

BACKGROUND: Either neuraxial anesthesia or general anesthesia can be performed for cesarean delivery. Generally, neuraxial anesthesia is the first choice with the risk and benefit balance for both the mother and fetus. However, general anesthesia is also applicable most commonly in the emergent setting. This study analyzed maternal complications associated with general anesthesia for cesarean delivery and suggested lowering pregnancy-related maternal and newborn adverse outcomes. METHODS: With the approval of the Institutional Ethics Review Board (No: 2017016), data on cesarean delivery and related anesthesia were collected from the Electronic Health Record System from 1/1/2013 to 12/31/2016. Statistical software STATA version 15.1 was used for data analyses. All statistical tests were two-sided, and a level significance of 0.05 was assumed. RESULTS: The rate of general anesthesia for cesarean delivery increased steadily during 2013-2016, 3.71% in 2013 to 10.23% in 2016 (p < 0.001). Repeat cesarean delivery among general anesthesia group increased significantly from 16.22% in 2013 to 54.14% in 2016 (p < 0.001). Morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) was the first reason among pregnancy-related complications, which accounted for 33% in total in general anesthesia group (38% in 2013 to 44% in 2016). The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was used in airway management, and the proportion of LMA increased from 28.38% in 2013 to 92.99% in 2016 (p < 0.001). There were significant differences in newborn outcomes between general anesthesia and neuraxial anesthesia groups, including newborn weight, newborn Apgar score at 1 min and 5 min and newborn admission to the NICU (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The growing incidence of general anesthesia was consistent with the trend of rising repeat cesarean delivery and MAP. low newborn Apgar score and high newborn admission to the NICU in general anesthesia group compared with neuraxial anesthesia group. The LMA was performed safely for airway management with enough fasting and careful gastric volume evaluation.

General Versus Neuraxial Anesthesia in Revision Surgery for Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare neuraxial and general anesthesia in revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). METHODS: Patients undergoing revision arthroplasty for PJI were identified in the 2005-2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases. Thirty-day outcomes were compared between general and neuraxial anesthesia. Propensity-score matching and multivariate analysis were used to control patient and procedural variables. RESULTS: Neuraxial anesthesia was used in 1511 (16.8%) cases and general anesthesia in 7468 (83.2%) cases. Neuraxial anesthesia had a lower risk of any adverse event (odds ratio [OR] 0.70, P < .001), serious adverse events (OR 0.77, P < .001), and minor adverse events (OR 0.66, P < .001). Among 875 reoperations and 1351 readmissions, two had a diagnosis of intraspinal abscess, both occurring after general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Neuraxial anesthesia was associated with a lower risk of adverse events when compared to general anesthesia in revision surgery for PJI.

Intercristal line determined by palpation in parturients in the sitting and the lateral decubitus positions: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate intersected vertebral level changes in the palpated intercristal line (PI-line) when shifting from a sitting to a lateral decubitus position in parturients. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled parturients with a gestational age of ≥36 weeks. The attending anesthesiologists palpated the superior aspects of the posterior iliac crests bilaterally in a sitting position and then in a lateral decubitus position. The blinded investigators performed the ultrasound and recorded the intersected segment level of the PI-line. The distance between any two consecutive vertebral interspaces was divided into 3 segments, and comparisons were made with 15 segments of five vertebral interspaces above the sacrum. The primary outcome was the concordance rate of intersected segment level of the PI-line between the two positions. We also examined the intersected segment level of the PI-line of the two positions and the magnitude of these changes. RESULTS: Thirty-nine parturients were analyzed. The concordance rate of intersected segment levels of the PI-line between the two positions was 21% (8/39). In 56% (22/39) of the parturients, the intersected segment level of the PI-line in the sitting position was more cephalad and 23% (9/39) were more caudal. Fifteen percent (6/39) of parturients had three or more segment differences between the two positions. CONCLUSIONS: The intersected segment level of the PI-line, measured with trisected segments in each vertebral interspace, was different between the sitting and the lateral decubitus positions in approximately 80% of the parturients. Notably, 15% (6/39) of the parturients had at least one vertebral interspace deviation.