Use of herbal medication in the perioperative period: Potential adverse drug interactions.

Use of herbal medications and supplements has experienced immense growth over the last two decades, with retail sales in the USA exceeding $13 billion in 2021. Since the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 reduced FDA oversight, these products have become less regulated. Data from 2012 shows 18% of U.S. adults used non-vitamin, non-mineral natural products. Prevalence varies regionally, with higher use in Western states. Among preoperative patients, the most commonly used herbal medications included garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John's wort, and echinacea. However, 50-70% of surgical patients fail to disclose their use of herbal medications to their physicians, and most fail to discontinue them preoperatively. Since herbal medications can interact with anesthetic medications administered during surgery, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) recommend stopping herbal medications 1-2 weeks before elective surgical procedures. Potential adverse drug effects related to preoperative use of herbal medications involve the coagulation system (e.g., increasing the risk of perioperative bleeding), the cardiovascular system (e.g., arrhythmias, hypotension, hypertension), the central nervous system (e.g., sedation, confusion, seizures), pulmonary (e.g., coughing, bronchospasm), renal (e.g., diuresis) and endocrine-metabolic (e.g., hepatic dysfunction, altered metabolism of anesthetic drugs). During the preoperative evaluation, anesthesiologists should inquire about the use of herbal medications to anticipate potential adverse drug interactions during the perioperative period.

Postoperative electrocardiography changes: To worry or not to worry.

Abnormal postoperative electrocardiograms are not uncommon, oftentimes leading to further cardiac workup especially when the findings are new and not easily explainable. A forty-year-old woman, with a history of left breast cancer status post bilateral mastectomies and reconstructions, presented for robot-assisted low-anterior resection secondary to rectal cancer. Postoperative electrocardiogram showed poor R wave progression, biphasic T waves in V2-4, and possible anterior wall ischemia. Her electrocardiogram from 6 years ago was normal. No recent electrocardiogram was available for comparison. Initially, the abnormal postoperative electrocardiogram appeared worrisome. However, the patient was completely asymptomatic, and all vital signs were normal. Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound showed normal parasternal long and short axis views. The biphasic T waves in V2-4 were suggestive of Wellens syndrome, but the accompanying poor R wave progression was not consistent with the diagnostic criteria. The anesthesiologist then remembered the patient's history of the presence of a left breast implant and suspected it might have caused the changes on the electrocardiogram. A literature search did find one publication that shows approximately 45% of patients with breast implants present with electrocardiogram changes, including poor R wave progression and negative T waves. Therefore, no further cardiac workup was ordered for our patient. She was discharged home 3 days later. Breast implants and electrocardiogram changes are a lesser-known topic. Obtaining a pre-operative electrocardiogram should be considered in patients with previous breast implants, to serve as a baseline for comparison if the patient were to need another electrocardiogram in the future.

Electrographic lead I and V5 monitoring could have detected a missed left-side pneumothorax intraoperatively.

We present an EKG monitoring strategy to detect pneumothorax during high-risk surgery. In the literature, EKG changes and pneumothorax are well-described. However, anesthesiologists only monitor lead II on a three-lead EKG system in the operating room. In our case, there was only a subtle change in lead II for a left-sided pneumothorax, which could have been easily missed. On the contrary, there was a marked QRS amplitude reduction and T wave flattening/inversion in lead I and V5 . We recommend lead V5 be added to the continuous monitoring and lead I be periodically checked for surgeries known to potentially cause pneumothorax.

Adverse Effects Associated with Patient-Controlled Analgesia with Ketamine Combined with Opioids and Ketamine Infusion with PCA Bolus in Postoperative Spine Patients: A Retrospective Review.

Objective: There has been increasing use of ketamine at subanesthetic doses as an adjunct to opioids in perioperative pain management. There are several known adverse drug effects (ADEs) associated with ketamine. However, the incidence of ADEs with ketamine infusions with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) boluses compared with combined opioid and ketamine PCAs is not well described. The objectives of this study were to compare the incidence and type of ADEs in postoperative spine surgery patients on ketamine infusions with as-needed PCA boluses to patients on combined opioid and ketamine PCAs. Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent spine surgery between March 2016 and March 2020 who were postoperatively treated with a ketamine infusion and as-needed PCA boluses and parenteral opioids or treated with a combined opioid and ketamine PCA were reviewed. Perioperative information including patient characteristics and preoperative morphine equivalent daily dose (MEDD) were collected. Patient charts were reviewed for ADEs including psychological and neurological side effects, nausea, and new-onset tachycardia. Results: A total of 315 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Of these patients, 121 experienced at least one ADE (38%). Sixteen of the 68 ketamine infusion with PCA bolus patients (24%), 77 of the 203 hydromorphone and ketamine patients (38%), and 28 of the 44 morphine and ketamine patients (64%) experienced an ADE [p<0.01]. In patients with preoperative MEDD ≤ 90, nausea was the only ADE that differed significantly among the three groups. Conclusion: This retrospective analysis suggests that postoperative spine patients treated with a ketamine infusion with as-needed PCA boluses and parenteral opioids were associated with fewer ADEs when compared to an intravenous combined opioid and ketamine PCA. In patients with preoperative MEDD ≤ 90, nausea with and without emesis was the only ADE that showed statistically significant difference amongst the three groups.

Impact of chronic medications in the perioperative period -anesthetic implications (Part II).

Background: This review article discusses the pharmacodynamic effects of the most commonly used chronic medications by patients undergoing elective surgical procedures, namely cardiovascular drugs (e.g., beta blockers, alpha-2 agonist, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, etc.), lipid-lowering drugs, gastrointestinal medications (H2-blockers, proton pump inhibitors), pulmonary medications (inhaled ß-agonists, anticholinergics,), antibiotics (tetracyclines, clindamycin and macrolide, linezolid.), opioids and non-opioids analgesics (NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, acetaminophen), gabapentanoids, erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs, psychotropic drugs (tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs], monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOI], selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs], and cannabinol-containing drugs).  In addition, the potential adverse drug-interactions between these chronic medications and commonly used anesthetic drugs during the perioperative period will be reviewed. Finally, recommendations regarding the management of chronic medications during the preoperative period will be provided.Materials and Methods: An online search was conducted from January 2000 through February 2021 with the Medline database through PubMed and Google Scholar using the following search terms/keywords: "chronic medications in the perioperative period", and "chronic medications and anesthetic implications." In addition, we searched for anesthetic side effects associated with the major drug groups.Results and Conclusions: An understanding of the pharmacodynamic effects of most used chronic medications is important to avoid untoward outcomes in the perioperative period. These drug interactions may result in altered efficacy and toxicity of the anesthetic medications administered during surgery. These drug-drug interactions can also affect the morbidity, mortality, recovery time of surgical patients and acute relapse of chronic illnesses which could lead to last minute cancellation of surgical procedures. Part II of this two-part review article focuses on the reported interactions between most commonly taken chronic medications by surgical patients and anesthetic and analgesic drugs, as well as recommendations regarding the handling these chronic medications during the perioperative period.

Impact of chronic medications in the perioperative period: mechanisms of action and adverse drug effects (Part I).

Background: This review article discusses the pharmacology of the most commonly used chronic medications in patients undergoing elective surgical procedures. The mechanism of action and adverse side effects of cardiovascular medications (e.g., beta blockers, alpha-2 agonist, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, diuretics), lipid-lowering drugs, gastrointestinal medications (H2-blockers, proton pump inhibitors), pulmonary medications (inhaled ß-agonists, anticholinergics,), antibiotics (tetracyclines, clindamycin and macrolide, linezolid), opioids and non-opioids analgesics (NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, acetaminophen), gabapentanoids, erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs, and psychotropic drugs (tricyclic antidepressants [TCAs], monoamine oxidase inhibitors [MAOI], selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs], serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs], and cannabinol-containing drugs) will be reviewed.Materials and Methods: An online search was conducted from January 2000 through February 2021 with the Medline database through PubMed and Google Scholar using the following search terms/keywords: "chronic medications in the perioperative period", and "chronic medications and anesthetic implications." In addition, we searched for anesthetic side effects associated with the major drug groups.Results and Conclusions: An understanding of the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of most used chronic medications is important to avoid untoward outcomes in the perioperative period. These drug interactions may result in altered efficacy and toxicity of the anesthetic medications administered during surgery. These drug-drug interactions can also effect the morbidity, mortality, and recovery time of surgical patients. Part I of this two-part review article focuses on the mechanisms of action and adverse side effects of the chronic medications most commonly taken by surgical patients in the preoperative period.

Management strategies for the treatment and prevention of postoperative/postdischarge nausea and vomiting: an updated review.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PDNV) remain common and distressing complications following surgery. The routine use of opioid analgesics for perioperative pain management is a major contributing factor to both PONV and PDNV after surgery. PONV and PDNV can delay discharge from the hospital or surgicenter, delay the return to normal activities of daily living after discharge home, and increase medical costs. The high incidence of PONV and PDNV has persisted despite the introduction of many new antiemetic drugs (and more aggressive use of antiemetic prophylaxis) over the last two decades as a result of growth in minimally invasive ambulatory surgery and the increased emphasis on earlier mobilization and discharge after both minor and major surgical procedures (e.g. enhanced recovery protocols). Pharmacologic management of PONV should be tailored to the patient's risk level using the validated PONV and PDNV risk-scoring systems to encourage cost-effective practices and minimize the potential for adverse side effects due to drug interactions in the perioperative period. A combination of prophylactic antiemetic drugs with different mechanisms of action should be administered to patients with moderate to high risk of developing PONV. In addition to utilizing prophylactic antiemetic drugs, the management of perioperative pain using opioid-sparing multimodal analgesic techniques is critically important for achieving an enhanced recovery after surgery. In conclusion, the utilization of strategies to reduce the baseline risk of PONV (e.g. adequate hydration and the use of nonpharmacologic antiemetic and opioid-sparing analgesic techniques) and implementing multimodal antiemetic and analgesic regimens will reduce the likelihood of patients developing PONV and PDNV after surgery.

Intraoperative Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosed by Rescue Transesophageal Echocardiography in a Morbidly Obese Patient Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery following Motor Vehicle Crash.

A case of intraoperative pulmonary embolism diagnosed by rescue transesophageal echocardiography in a morbidly obese patient undergoing orthopedic surgery following motor vehicle crash, who developed acute and persistent tachycardia, hypotension, and reduction of end-tidal CO2 during general and regional anesthesia, is described.

Age exacerbates surgery-induced cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation in Sprague-Dawley rats: the role of IL-4.

Age is the most prominent risk factor for the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. This study investigated the potential role of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-4 in age-related differences of surgery-induced cognitive deficits and neuroinflammatory responses. Both adult and aged Sprague-Dawley male rats were subjected to partial hepatectomy or partial hepatectomy with a cisterna magna infusion of IL-4. On postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, the rats were subjected to a reversed Morris water maze test. Hippocampal IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-4 receptor (IL-4R) were measured at each time point. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synaptophysin, Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), microglial M2 phenotype marker Arg1, and CD200 were also examined in the hippocampus. Age induced an exacerbated cognitive impairment and an amplified neuroinflammatory response triggered by surgical stress on postoperative days 1 and 3. A corresponding decline in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and BDNF were also found in the aged rats at the same time point. Treatment with IL-4 downregulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1ß and IL-6), increased the levels of BDNF and synaptophysin in the brain and improved the behavioral performance. An increased Arg1 expression and a high level of CD200 were also observed after a cisterna magna infusion of IL-4. An age-related decrease in IL-4 expression exacerbated surgery-induced cognitive deficits and exaggerated the neuroinflammatory responses. Treatment with IL-4 potentially attenuated these effects by enhancing BDNF and synaptophysin expression, inhibiting microglia activation and decreasing the associated production of proinflammatory cytokines.

Arterial CO2 as a Potent Coronary Vasodilator: A Preclinical PET/MR Validation Study with Implications for Cardiac Stress Testing.

Myocardial blood flow (MBF) is the critical determinant of cardiac function. However, its response to increases in partial pressure of arterial CO2 (PaCO2), particularly with respect to adenosine, is not well characterized because of challenges in blood gas control and limited availability of validated approaches to ascertain MBF in vivo. Methods: By prospectively and independently controlling PaCO2 and combining it with 13N-ammonia PET measurements, we investigated whether a physiologically tolerable hypercapnic stimulus (∼25 mm Hg increase in PaCO2) can increase MBF to that observed with adenosine in 3 groups of canines: without coronary stenosis, subjected to non-flow-limiting coronary stenosis, and after preadministration of caffeine. The extent of effect on MBF due to hypercapnia was compared with adenosine. Results: In the absence of stenosis, mean MBF under hypercapnia was 2.1 ± 0.9 mL/min/g and adenosine was 2.2 ± 1.1 mL/min/g; these were significantly higher than at rest (0.9 ± 0.5 mL/min/g, P < 0.05) and were not different from each other (P = 0.30). Under left-anterior descending coronary stenosis, MBF increased in response to hypercapnia and adenosine (P < 0.05, all territories), but the effect was significantly lower than in the left-anterior descending coronary territory (with hypercapnia and adenosine; both P < 0.05). Mean perfusion defect volumes measured with adenosine and hypercapnia were significantly correlated (R = 0.85) and were not different (P = 0.12). After preadministration of caffeine, a known inhibitor of adenosine, resting MBF decreased; and hypercapnia increased MBF but not adenosine (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Arterial blood CO2 tension when increased by 25 mm Hg can induce MBF to the same level as a standard dose of adenosine. Prospectively targeted arterial CO2 has the capability to evolve as an alternative to current pharmacologic vasodilators used for cardiac stress testing.

The Combination of IV and Perineural Dexamethasone Prolongs the Analgesic Duration of Intercostal Nerve Blocks Compared with IV Dexamethasone Alone.

Objective: The use of multiple-level, single-injection intercostal nerve blocks for pain control following video-assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS) is limited by the analgesic duration of local anesthetics. This study examines whether the combination of perineural and intravenous (IV) dexamethasone will prolong the duration of intraoperatively placed intercostal nerve blocks following VATS compared with IV dexamethasone and a perineural saline placebo. Design: Prospective, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Single level-1 academic trauma center. Subjects: Forty patients undergoing a unilateral VATS under the care of a single surgeon. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to two groups and received an intercostal nerve block containing 1) 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine and 1 ml of 0.9% saline or 2) 0.5% bupivacaine with epinephrine and 1 ml of a 4 mg/ml dexamethasone solution. All patients received 8 mg of IV dexamethasone. Results: Group 2 had lower NRS-11 scores at post-operative hours 8 (5.05, SD = 2.13 vs 3.50, SD = 2.50; p = 0.04), 20 (4.30, SD = 2.96 vs 2.26, SD = 2.31; p = 0.02), and 24 (4.53, SD = 1.95 vs 2.26, SD = 2.31; p = 0.02). Equianalgesic opioid requirement was decreased in group 2 at 32 hours (5.78 mg, SD = 5.77 vs 1.67 mg, SD = 3.49; p = 0.02). Group 2 also had greater FEV1 measured at 8, 12, 24, and 44 hours; greater FVC at 24 hours; greater PEF at 28 through 48 hours; and greater FEV1/FVC at 8 and 36 hours. Conclusions: The combination of IV and perineural dexamethasone prolonged the duration of a single-injection bupivacaine intercostal nerve block as measured by NRS-11 compared with IV dexamethasone alone at 24 hours. Reduced NRS-11 at other times, reduced opioid requirements, and increased PFTs were observed in group 2.

An update on pain management for elderly patients undergoing ambulatory surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the drugs and techniques used for multimodal postoperative pain management in the older population undergoing surgery in the ambulatory setting. RECENT FINDINGS: Interest has grown in the possibility of adding adjuncts to a single shot nerve block in order to prolong the local anesthetic effect. The rapid and short-acting local anesthetics for spinal anesthesia are potentially beneficial for day-case surgery in the older population because of shorter duration of the motor block, faster recovery, and less transient neurologic symptoms. Another recent advance is the introduction of intravenous acetaminophen, which can rapidly achieve rapid peak plasma concentration (<15 min) following infusion and analgesic effect in ∼5 min with a duration of action up to 4 h. SUMMARY: The nonopioid analgesic therapies will likely assume an increasingly important role in facilitating the recovery process and improving the satisfaction for elderly ambulatory surgery patients. Strategies to avoid the use of opioids and minimize opioid-related side-effects is an important advance as we expand on the use of ambulatory surgery for the aging population.

Propofol versus midazolam for premedication: a placebo­controlled, randomized double­blinded study.

BACKGROUND: It has been previously reported that subhypnotic doses of propofol could offer an advantage over midazolam for premedication. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that a 20 mg IV dose of propofol would be more effective than a standard 2 mg IV dose of midazolam for reducing acute anxiety prior to induction of anesthesia. METHODS: One hundred twenty outpatients scheduled to undergo orthopedic surgery were randomly assigned to one of three study groups: control (saline); propofol (20 mg); or midazolam (2 mg). Immediately before administering the study medication, each patient evaluated their level of acute anxiety and sedation on 11­point verbal rating scales (VRSs) 0=none- 10=highest, and they were also shown a picture. Upon arrival in the OR ~5 min after administering the study medication, anxiety and sedation levels were reassessed and a second picture was shown. At discharge from the recovery area, anxiety and sedation levels and their ability to recall the two pictures were reassessed. RESULTS: Compared to the saline group, both propofol and midazolam produced significant increases in the patient's level of sedation upon entering the OR (+2.5±2.4 vs. +4.6±2.5 and +5.2±2.3, respectively [p<0.001]). Propofol was effective as midazolam compared to saline in reducing the patient's level of preinduction anxiety (from 3.2±2.2 to1.8±1.8 vs. 3.1±2.2 to 2.3±2.1 and 2.7±1.8 to 2.8±2.1, respectively). Propofol produced more pain on injection and midazolam significantly reduced recall of the second picture. CONCLUSIONS: When administered ~5 min prior to entering the OR, propofol, 20mg IV, was as effective as midazolam 2mg IV in reducing anxiety.

Comparison of the C-MAC video laryngoscope to a flexible fiberoptic scope for intubation with cervical spine immobilization.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the C-MAC video laryngoscope to the standard flexible fiberoptic scope (FFS) with an eye piece (but without a camera or a video screen) for intubation of patients undergoing cervical spine surgery with manual inline stabilization. The primary end point was the time to achieve successful tracheal intubation. Secondary end points included glottic view at intubation and number of intubation attempts. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. SETTING: Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA. PATIENTS: One hundred forty patients (American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status I-III), aged 18 to 80years undergoing elective cervical spine surgery. INTERVENTION: Patients were prospectively randomized to undergo tracheal intubation using either an FFS (n=70) or the C-MAC video laryngoscope (n=70). MEASUREMENTS: After performing a preoperative airway evaluation, patients underwent a standardized induction sequence. The glottic view was assessed at the time of tracheal tube placement using the Cormack-Lehane and percentage of glottic opening scoring systems. In addition, the time required for successful insertion of the tracheal tube, number of intubation attempts to secure the airway, the need for adjuvant airway devices, hemodynamic changes, adverse events, and any airway-related trauma were recorded. MAIN RESULTS: The glottic view at the time of intubation did not differ significantly with the 2 devices; however, the C-MAC facilitated more rapid tracheal intubation compared with the FFS (P=.001). The peak heart rate response following insertion of the tracheal tube was also reduced (P=.004) in the C-MAC (vs FFS) group. CONCLUSION: The C-MAC may offer an advantage over the FFS with respect to the time required to obtain glottic view and successful placement of the tracheal tube in patients requiring cervical spine immobilization.

Comparison of three video laryngoscopy devices to direct laryngoscopy for intubating obese patients: a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare three different video laryngoscope devices (VL) to standard direct laryngoscopy (DL) for tracheal intubation of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. HYPOTHESIS: VL (vs DL) would reduce the time required to achieve successful tracheal intubation and improve the glottic view. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized and controlled. SETTING: Preoperative/operating rooms and postanesthesia care unit. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-one obese patients (ASA physical status I-III), aged 18 to 80 years, body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m(2) undergoing elective bariatric surgery. INTERVENTION: Patients were prospectively randomized assigned to one of 4 different airway devices for tracheal intubation: standard Macintosh (Mac) blade (DL); Video-Mac VL; Glide Scope VL; or McGrath VL. MEASUREMENTS: After performing a preoperative airway evaluation, patients underwent a standardized induction sequence. The glottic view was graded using the Cormack Lehane and percentage of glottic opening (POGO) scoring systems at the time of tracheal intubation. Times from the blade entering the patient's mouth to obtaining a glottic view, placement of the tracheal tube, and confirmation of an end-tidal CO2 waveform were recorded. In addition, intubation attempts, adjuvant airway devices, hemodynamic changes, adverse events, and any airway-related trauma were recorded. MAIN RESULTS: All three VL devices provided improved glottic views compared to standard DL (p < 0.05). Video-Mac VL and McGrath also significantly reduced the time required to obtain the glottic view. Video-Mac VL significantly reduced the time required for successful placement of the tracheal tube (vs DL and the others VL device groups). The Video-Mac and GlideScope required fewer intubation attempts (P< .05) and less frequent use of ancillary intubating devices compared to DL and the McGrath VL. CONCLUSION: Video-Mac and GlideScope required fewer intubation attempts than standard DL and the McGrath device. The Video-Mac also significantly reduced the time needed to secure the airway and improved the glottic view compared to standard DL.

Perioperative factors associated with HCAHPS responses of 2,758 surgical patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine perioperative treatments and events associated with Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey responses. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Single tertiary care, academic, urban, level-1 trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: Final cohort represents 2,758 consecutive surgical inpatients meeting criteria for evaluation by HCAHPS. EXPOSURES: Responses to four HCAHPS questions were compared against 19 perioperative treatments and events. MEASURES: Positive and negative responses to HCAHPS questions. RESULTS: Patients responding affirmatively with a "9" or "10" to "what number would you use to rate this hospital" were associated with decreased lengths of hospitalization, greater lengths of surgery, decreased intraoperative opioid equianalgesic doses, greater preoperative midazolam doses, shorter post anesthesia care unit (PACU) lengths of stay and decreased last PACU numerical rating scale (NRS) pain scores. Patients responding affirmatively with "yes, definitely" to "would you recommend this hospital to your family" were associated with decreased last PACU NRS pain scores. Patients responding affirmatively with "yes, always" to "How often did the hospital staff do everything to help with your pain" were associated with decreased hospital lengths of stay, decreased chronic benzodiazepine use, greater chronic NSAID use, and decreased PACU lengths of stay. Patients responding affirmatively with "yes, always" to "how often was your pain well controlled" were associated with decreased chronic opioid use, decreased chronic benzodiazepine use, greater chronic NSAID use, increased length of surgery, decreased last PACU NRS pain score, and decreased first PACU NRS pain scores. Subgroup analysis of patients undergoing different types of surgery further characterized factors associated with HCAHPS responses among different surgical populations. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that demographic factors, preadmission medications, and PACU pain scores but not analgesic medications are associated with patient satisfaction with regards to both pain management and overall satisfaction.

Perioperative substance use disorder, opioid diversion, and opioid misuse by a medical professional undergoing orthopedic surgery.

Patients with substance use disorders can present challenges for effective perioperative pain management. Healthcare professionals with substance abuse disorders requiring medical treatment and pain management represent a unique subpopulation. The authors present a case of a nurse undergoing an orthopedic surgical procedure who was found with two large, organized tackle boxes of opioid medication in her hospital room. Although the incidence of substance use disorders in healthcare professionals is thought to be equivalent to the general population, the presentation, substances of choice, and inciting factors are unique. Further, treatment options available to such individuals have been established and proven successful.

Assessment of myocardial reactivity to controlled hypercapnia with free-breathing T2-prepared cardiac blood oxygen level-dependent MR imaging.

PURPOSE: To examine whether controlled and tolerable levels of hypercapnia may be an alternative to adenosine, a routinely used coronary vasodilator, in healthy human subjects and animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human studies were approved by the institutional review board and were HIPAA compliant. Eighteen subjects had end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PetCO2) increased by 10 mm Hg, and myocardial perfusion was monitored with myocardial blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Animal studies were approved by the institutional animal care and use committee. Anesthetized canines with (n = 7) and without (n = 7) induced stenosis of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) underwent vasodilator challenges with hypercapnia and adenosine. LAD coronary blood flow velocity and free-breathing myocardial BOLD MR responses were measured at each intervention. Appropriate statistical tests were performed to evaluate measured quantitative changes in all parameters of interest in response to changes in partial pressure of carbon dioxide. RESULTS: Changes in myocardial BOLD MR signal were equivalent to reported changes with adenosine (11.2% ± 10.6 [hypercapnia, 10 mm Hg] vs 12% ± 12.3 [adenosine]; P = .75). In intact canines, there was a sigmoidal relationship between BOLD MR response and PetCO2 with most of the response occurring over a 10 mm Hg span. BOLD MR (17% ± 14 [hypercapnia] vs 14% ± 24 [adenosine]; P = .80) and coronary blood flow velocity (21% ± 16 [hypercapnia] vs 26% ± 27 [adenosine]; P > .99) responses were similar to that of adenosine infusion. BOLD MR signal changes in canines with LAD stenosis during hypercapnia and adenosine infusion were not different (1% ± 4 [hypercapnia] vs 6% ± 4 [adenosine]; P = .12). CONCLUSION: Free-breathing T2-prepared myocardial BOLD MR imaging showed that hypercapnia of 10 mm Hg may provide a cardiac hyperemic stimulus similar to adenosine.

Use of a disposable acupressure device as part of a multimodal antiemetic strategy for reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting.

BACKGROUND: There is still controversy regarding the optimal strategy for managing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in high-risk surgical populations. Although acustimulation at the P6 acupoint has been demonstrated to be effective in preventing PONV, the effect of this nonpharmacologic therapy on the patient's recovery with respect to resumption of normal activities of daily living has not been previously assessed when it is used as part of a multimodal antiemetic regimen. Therefore, we designed this randomized, sham-controlled, and double-blind study to assess the efficacy of a disposable acupressure device (Pressure Right®; Pressure Point Inc., Grand Rapids, MI) on the incidence of emetic episodes and quality of recovery when used in combination with ondansetron and dexamethasone for antiemetic prophylaxis. METHODS: One hundred ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing major laparoscopic procedures were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 50) receiving a "sham" acustimulation device or an acupressure group (n = 50) receiving a disposable Pressure Right device placed bilaterally at the P6 point 30 to 60 minutes before induction of anesthesia. All patients received a standardized general anesthetic. A combination of ondansetron, 4 mg IV, and dexamethasone, 4 mg IV, was administered during surgery for antiemetic prophylaxis in both study groups. The incidence of nausea and vomiting and the need for "rescue" antiemetic therapy were assessed at specific time intervals for up to 72 hours after surgery. The recovery profiles and quality of recovery questionnaires were evaluated at 48 hours and 72 hours after surgery. Patient satisfaction with the management of their PONV was assessed at the end of the 72-hour study period. RESULTS: The 2 study groups did not differ in their demographic characteristics or risk factors for PONV. The incidence of vomiting at 24 hours was significantly decreased in the acupressure group (10% vs 26%, P = 0.04, 95% confidence interval for absolute risk reduction 1%-31%). The overall incidence of vomiting from 0 to 72 hours after surgery was also significantly decreased from 30% to 12% in the acupressure group (P = 0.03, 95% confidence interval 2%-33%). Furthermore, adjunctive use of the acupressure device seemed to enhance patient satisfaction with their PONV management and quality of recovery at 48 hours after surgery. However, the recovery times to hospital discharge, resumption of normal physical activities, and return to work did not differ significantly between the 2 study groups. CONCLUSION: Use of the Pressure Right acupressure device in combination with antiemetic drugs provided a reduction in the incidence of vomiting from 0 to 72 hours after surgery with an associated improvement in patient satisfaction with their PONV management. However, recovery and outcome variables failed to demonstrate any improvement with the addition of the acupressure device.