Predicting obstetrical anal sphincter injuries in patients who undergo vaginal birth after cesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND: Women with a history of previous cesarean delivery must weigh the numerous potential risks and benefits of elective repeat cesarean delivery or trial of labor after cesarean delivery. Notably, 1 important risk of vaginal delivery is obstetrical anal sphincter injuries. Furthermore, the rate of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries is high among women undergoing vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. However, the risk of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries is not routinely included in the trial of labor after cesarean delivery counseling, and there is no tool available to risk stratify obstetrical anal sphincter injuries among women undergoing vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model to estimate the risk of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries in the setting of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery population to improve antenatal counseling of patients regarding risks of trial of labor after cesarean delivery. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a secondary subgroup analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Trial of Labor After Cesarean Delivery prospective cohort (1999-2002). We identified women within the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network cohort with 1 previous cesarean delivery followed by a term vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. This Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Delivery cohort was stratified into 2 groups based on the presence of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries, and baseline characteristics were compared with bivariate analysis. Significant covariates in bivariate testing were included in a backward stepwise logistic regression model to identify independent risk factors for obstetrical anal sphincter injuries and generate a predictive model for obstetrical anal sphincter injuries in the setting of vaginal birth after cesarean delivery. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapped bias-corrected estimates of model concordance indices, Brier scores, Hosmer-Lemeshow chi-squared values, and calibration plots. External validation was performed using data from a single-site retrospective cohort of women with a singleton vaginal birth after cesarean delivery from January 2011 to December 2016. RESULTS: In this study, 10,697 women in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Trial of Labor After Cesarean Delivery cohort met the inclusion criteria, and 669 women (6.3%) experienced obstetrical anal sphincter injuries. In the model, factors independently associated with obstetrical anal sphincter injuries included use of forceps (adjusted odds ratio, 5.08; 95% confidence interval, 4.10-6.31) and vacuum assistance (adjusted odds ratio, 2.64; 95% confidence interval, 2.02-3.44), along with increasing maternal age (adjusted odds ratio, 1.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.07 per year), body mass index (adjusted odds ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.97-1.00 per unit kg/m2), previous vaginal delivery (adjusted odds ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.15-0.23), and tobacco use during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.82). Internal validation demonstrated appropriate discrimination (concordance index, 0.790; 95% confidence interval, 0.771-0.808) and calibration (Brier score, 0.047). External validation used data from 1266 women who delivered at a tertiary healthcare system, with appropriate model discrimination (concordance index, 0.791; 95% confidence interval, 0.735-0.846) and calibration (Brier score, 0.046). The model can be accessed at oasisriskscore.xyz. CONCLUSION: Our model provided a robust, validated estimate of the probability of obstetrical anal sphincter injuries during vaginal birth after cesarean delivery using known antenatal risk factors and 1 modifiable intrapartum risk factor and can be used to counsel patients regarding risks of trial of labor after cesarean delivery compared with risks of elective repeat cesarean delivery.

Anesthesia concerns in prostate brachytherapy: An institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is a common cancer found in men worldwide. Brachytherapy is an established modality used for the treatment of these patients. Although anesthetic management of such patients is challenging but the ideal anesthetic technique has not yet been established. Our study aims to identify the most efficacious anesthetic technique for perioperative management of prostate cancer patients undergoing brachytherapy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of ten patients who underwent 16 brachytherapy sessions under combined spinal epidural (CSE) anesthesia between April 2016 and December 2016 was done. The data were collected, tabulated using MS Excel, and statistically analyzed with EPI Info 6 and SPSS-16 statistical software (SPSS Inc. Chicago, USA) to draw relative conclusions. RESULTS: The median peak sensory dermatome level achieved was T6 and the median maximum motor block achieved was grade 2. The mean (± standard deviation (SD)) time to sensory regression to T10 (range T5-T8) dermatome was found to be 118.00 ± 47.110 (range = 0-238) minutes. Despite the presence of co-morbidities, minor intraoperative complications were observed only in two patients. The postoperative numerical rating scale (NRS) was less than 4 in all patients during the first 24 hours. None of our patients complained of nausea, vomiting, pruritus and respiratory depression. The mean (± SD) patient satisfaction score was 44.40 ± 0.871 (range : 1-5) at the end of 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: CSE anesthesia is a safe and effective technique for anesthetic management of patients undergoing prostate brachytherapy.

Maternal arterial blood gas values during delivery: Effect of mode of delivery, maternal characteristics, obstetric interventions and correlation to fetal umbilical cord blood.

INTRODUCTION: Obstetricians routinely use biochemical parameters from non-pregnant women to assess the condition of the laboring mother. However, it is well known that pregnancy leads to significant physiological changes in most organ systems. The aim of this study was to determine normal values for maternal arterial blood gases during vaginal deliveries as compared with control values from planned cesarean sections. We also wanted to elucidate the effect of various maternal characteristics, mode of delivery and obstetric interventions on blood gas values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a randomly selected, prospective-observational cohort study of 250 women undergoing vaginal delivery and 58 women undergoing planned cesarean section at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden. RESULTS: We found significant differences for gestational age, parity, umbilical venous blood pH, pCO2 and lactate values between the two study groups (P < .005). Significantly lower pH, pCO2 , pO2 and sO2 were found in mothers delivering vaginally. Higher base deficit, hemoglobin, bilirubin, potassium, glucose and lactate were found in vaginal deliveries than in planned cesarean sections (P < .02). Maternal body mass index (BMI), smoking and hypertension were not significantly correlated to acid base parameters in women with vaginal deliveries. On the other hand, multiple regression showed significant associations for the use of epidural anesthesia on maternal pH (P < .05) and pO2 (P < .01); and synthetic oxytocin on pCO2 (P = .08), glucose (P < .00) and lactate (P < .02) levels in maternal arterial blood. Maternal arterial pH, pCO2 and lactate values correlated significantly to values in venous umbilical cord blood (P < .000). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal arterial blood gas parameters varied significantly according to mode of delivery, the use of epidural anesthesia and synthetic oxytocin.

Effects of different anesthesia techniques on intraoperative blood loss in acetabular fractures undergoing the Modified Stoppa approach.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the effects of the anesthesia technique on the intraoperative blood loss in acetabular fracture patients undergoing the Modified Stoppa approach. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 63 patients who underwent a Modified Stoppa approach for acetabular fracture from January 2014 to July 2018. A total of 20 patients were excluded from this study for the following reasons: bilateral acetabular fractures (n=6), undergoing antiaggregant treatment (n=3), incomplete anesthesia records (n=3), emergency pelvic surgery due to hemodynamic instability (n=5), splenic rupture (n=2), and liver laceration (n=1). The patients were divided into two groups as follows: patients undergoing general anesthesia (GA) (n=22) and patients undergoing combined epidural-general anesthesia (CEGA) (n=21). The main outcome measurements studied were the intraoperative blood loss and the need for intraoperative and/or postoperative blood transfusions. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups concerning the age, gender, type of fracture, mechanism of injury, time from injury to surgery, Injury Severity Score, associated injuries, and comorbidities (p>0.05). The mean intraoperative blood losses were 717.27 ml (300-1.600 ml) in the GA group and 473.81 ml (150-1.020 ml) in the CEGA group (p<0.001). In the cases with only an isolated acetabular fracture, the intraoperative blood transfusion means were 2.43 units (1-5 units) in 14 patients in the GA group and 1.27 units (1-4 units) in 15 patients in the CEGA group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Less intraoperative bleeding was seen in those patients undergoing CEGA when compared to those undergoing GA. This is a significant advantage for acetabular surgery, which has a long learning curve and a high risk of bleeding.

Epidural Anesthesia is Associated With Increased Complications in Cystectomy Patients: A NSQIP Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in short-term outcomes and readmission rates in cystectomy patients managed with general anesthesia compared to those undergoing general anesthesia and adjuvant epidural anesthesia. METHODS: Utilizing the National Surgical Quality Inpatient Program database, patients who underwent a cystectomy with ileal conduit between 2014 and 2017 were included. Patients were further subdivided based on additional anesthesia modality; general anesthesia vs general anesthesia plus epidural anesthesia. Propensity score-matching was used to adjust for baseline differences between cohorts using 1:1 caliper width of 0.15 for the propensity score through the nearest neighbor. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression was used to identify preoperative and intraoperative predictors associated with 30-day procedure related readmission, complications, and length of stay. RESULTS: About 2956 patients met our inclusion and exclusion criteria and eligible for propensity score matching. Compared to general anesthesia, adjuvant epidural anesthesia showed an increased odds of procedure related complications (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 1.264, 95% CI: 1.019-1.567, P = .033). There was an increased trend for development of pulmonary emboli (13 [1.8%] vs 4 [0.5%], P = .051) in the adjuvant epidural cohort. Combined general with epidural anesthesia demonstrated no difference in length of stay, readmission, or reoperation rate in comparison to general anesthesia alone. CONCLUSION: Cystectomy patients who underwent general anesthesia plus epidural anesthesia demonstrated a higher percentage of any procedural related complication without change in postoperative stay, reoperation rate, or readmission rate compared to patients undergoing general anesthesia alone.

The impact of epidural catheter insertion level on pain control after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although the effectiveness of epidural anesthesia on pain control after esophagectomy has been reported, the appropriate insertion level of the epidural catheter remains unclear for adequate postoperative pain control. We investigated the relationship between the epidural catheter insertion level and postoperative pain control after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively 63 patients who underwent McKeown esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between October 2014 and November 2018. The epidural catheter was inserted at the T4-T10 level before general anesthesia induction, and epidural anesthesia was started during the operation. In the analysis, the epidural catheter insertion level was divided into three groups (over T6/T7, T7/T8, and under T8/T9) and determined. Postoperative pain was evaluated a numeric rating scale (NRS) for at least 7 postoperative days, and the first NRS after extubation was used to evaluate the impact of the epidural catheter insertion level on pain control. RESULTS: Ten patients (15.9%) failed pain control. The χ2 test and a forward stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that only the epidural catheter insertion level affected pain control (P < 0.05). The T7/T8 insertion level significantly decreased postoperative pain after esophagectomy. In the subgroup analysis, epidural catheter insertion under T8/T9 significantly increased postoperative pain after esophagectomy when thoracoscopy/laparoscopy was assisted. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of postoperative complications among the epidural catheter insertion levels. CONCLUSIONS: The T7/T8 epidural catheter insertion level contributed to postoperative pain relief and could lead to enhanced recovery after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Cognitive function after surgery with regional or general anesthesia: A population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to examine whether surgery with regional anesthesia (RA) is associated with accelerated long-term cognitive decline comparable with that previously reported after general anesthesia (GA). METHODS: Longitudinal cognitive function was analyzed in a cohort of 1819 older adults. Models assessed the rate of change in global and domain-specific cognition over time in participants exposed to RA or GA. RESULTS: When compared with those unexposed to anesthesia, the postoperative rate of change of the cognitive global z-score was greater in those exposed to both RA (difference in annual decline of -0.041, P = .011) and GA (-0.061, P < .001); these rates did not differ. In analysis of the domain-specific scores, an accelerated decline in memory was observed after GA (-0.065, P < .001) but not RA (-0.011, P = .565). CONCLUSIONS: Older adults undergoing surgery with RA experience decline of global cognition similar to those receiving GA; however, memory was not affected.

Exploring Obstetrical Interventions and Stratified Cesarean Section Rates Using the Robson Classification in Tertiary Care Hospitals in the United Arab Emirates.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to explore obstetric management in relation to clinical, maternal and child health outcomes by using the Robson classification system. METHODS: Data was collected from obstetrics registries in tertiary care hospitals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). RESULTS: The analysis of > 5,400 deliveries (60% of all the deliveries in 2016) in major maternity hospitals in Dubai showed that groups 5, 8 and 9 of Robson's classification were the largest contributors to the overall cesarean section (CS) rate and accounted for 30% of the total CS rate. The results indicate that labor was spontaneous in 2,221 (45%) of the women and was augmented or induced in almost 1,634 cases (33%). The birth indication rate was of 64% for normal vaginal delivery, of 24% for emergency CS, and of 9% for elective CS. The rate of vaginal birth after cesarean was 261 (6%), the rate of external cephalic version was 28 (0.7%), and the rate of induction was 1,168 (21.4%). The prevalence of the overall Cesarean section was 33%; with majority (53.5%) of it being repeated Cesarean section. CONCLUSION: The CS rate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is higher than the global average rate and than the average rate in Asia, which highlights the need for more education of pregnant women and of their physicians in order to promote vaginal birth. A proper planning is needed to reduce the number of CSs in nulliparous women in order to prevent repeated CSs in the future. Monitoring both CS rates and outcomes is essential to ensure that policies, practices, and actions for the optimization of the utilization of CS lead to improved maternal and infant outcomes.

Exploring obstetrical interventions and stratified cesarean section rates using the Robson classification in tertiary Care hospitals in the united arab emirates

Abstract Objective The objective of the present study was to explore obstetric management in relation to clinical, maternal and child health outcomes by using the Robson classification system. Methods Data was collected from obstetrics registries in tertiary care hospitals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Results The analysis of > 5,400 deliveries (60% of all the deliveries in 2016) in major maternity hospitals in Dubai showed that groups 5, 8 and 9 of Robson's classification were the largest contributors to the overall cesarean section (CS) rate and accounted for 30% of the total CS rate. The results indicate that labor was spontaneous in 2,221 (45%) of the women and was augmented or induced in almost 1,634 cases (33%). The birth indication rate was of 64% for normal vaginal delivery, of 24% for emergency CS, and of 9% for elective CS.The rate of vaginal birth after cesarean was 261(6%), the rate of external cephalic version was 28 (0.7%), and the rate of induction was 1,168 (21.4%). The prevalence of the overall Cesarean section was 33%; with majority (53.5%) of it being repeated Cesarean section. Conclusion The CS rate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is higher than the global average rate and than the average rate in Asia, which highlights the need for more education of pregnant women and of their physicians in order to promote vaginal birth. A proper planning is needed to reduce the number of CSs in nulliparous women in order to prevent repeated CSs in the future. Monitoring both CS rates and outcomes is essential to ensure that policies, practices, and actions for the optimization of the utilization of CS lead to improved maternal and infant outcomes.

The ERAS Protocol is at the forefront of the peri-operative pathway in colorectal surgery: monocentric clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: Colon cancer is one of the most common neoplastic diseases, with onset in old age; the benefits of the ERAS protocol were evaluated in the peri-operative treatment of patients affected by this neoplasm. METHODS: We studied 90 cases of colorectal neoplasia observed at the General Surgery UOC of the San Camillo de Lellis Hospital between September 2014 and April 2016, undergoing laparoscopic surgery and to which the ERAS protocol was applied; key points were the preoperative oral feeding, the epidural anesthesia, the reduced or failed hydro-electrolytic overload, the early mobilization and recovery of the feeding, the non-use of drainage. The most important parameers considered were the reduced duration of the operating hospital stay, the lower occurrence of early and distant complications. RESULTS: 85 surgical procedures were performed with laparoscopic technique (94.4%) and 5 with traditional open technique (5.6%). The conversion rate was 5.8% (5/85). 29 surgical procedures of right hemicolectomy (32.2%) and 26 of anterior resection of the rectum (28.9%) were performed; in another 29 patients (32.2%) an intervention with an open traditional technique was performed. A balanced anesthesia was performed in 41 patients (45.6%); epidural anesthesia in 32 cases (35.6%); the Tap Block in 17 subjects (18.9%). The average volume of liquid infusion was 1664cc ± 714; the average post-operative hospital stay of 4.3 ± 0.9 days. CONCLUSIONS: The ERAS protocol reduces the duration of the post-operative hospitalization, involves a lower incidence of precocious and remote complications, in particular if associated with a minimally invasive surgical method; it is easily applicable and reproducible in a hospital environment, with a marked reduction in healthcare management costs.

Effect of the menstrual cycle on circulation during combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: From adolescence to menopause, hormone levels during the menstrual cycle affect various body systems, from the cardiovascular system to the water and electrolyte balance. This study investigated the effect of different phases of the menstrual cycle on circulatory function relative to changes in body position and combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia (CSEA). METHODS: Forty-six women were selected who underwent scheduled gynaecological surgery, were classified as American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) I-II, and met the test criteria. The sample was divided into the follicular and corpus luteal groups. Preoperative heart rate and blood pressure measurements were taken from the supine and standing positions. Heart rate measurements as well as systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure measurements were taken upon entering the operating room, at the beginning of the spinal-epidural anaesthesia, and 10, 20, and 30 min after anaesthesia was administered. RESULTS: The heart rates of patients in the corpus luteal group were higher than those of patients in the follicular group both before and after anaesthesia (P <  0.05). Significantly more ephedrine was used during the first 30 min of CSEA in the corpus luteal group than in the follicular group (P <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although the effect was slight, women in the follicular phase were better able to compensate and tolerate circulatory fluctuations than those in the luteal phase.

Cumplimiento de analgesia peridural solicitada versus administrada en partos vaginales, durante el periodo 2014-2016 en el Hospital Hernán Henriquez Aravena / Compliance with epidural analgesia requested versus administered in vaginal deliveries, during the period 2014-2016 at the Hospital Hernán Henriquez Aravena

INTRODUCCIÓN: El dolor que se asocia al trabajo de parto (TDP) afecta a todas las mujeres y puede producir alteraciones tanto maternas como fetales, e incluso interferir con el desarrollo normal del proceso. OBJETIVO: Conocer el grado de cumplimiento de solicitud de analgesia peridural en partos vaginales en el servicio de preparto del Hospital Hernán Henríquez Aravena (HHHA) versus la analgesia administrada. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, realizado en base a datos del sistema perinatal del servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia del HHHA, periodo 2014-2016. RESULTADOS: Del total de partos Vaginales entre los años 2014-2016 solo se solicitó Analgesia Peridural en 56.5% de ellos. De las analgesias solicitadas en éste período se administraron un 98%. CONCLUSIÓN: Basado en los registros clínicos, el grado de cumplimiento es cercano al 100% en las analgesias solicitadas. Se observó un incremento anual entre 2014 y 2016 de solicitud de anestesia en procedimientos de parto, y a pesar de esto la eficiencia del hospital no se ha visto afectada. No obstante, se espera que el porcentaje de solicitudes siga en aumento manteniendo el alto nivel de eficiencia. Es pertinente plantear la realización de estudios para extrapolar este resultado a nivel regional y nacional.

INTRODUCTION: Pain associated with labor affects all women and can cause both maternal and fetal alterations and even interfere with the normal development of the process. Objective: to know the degree of compliance with the request for epidural analgesia in vaginal deliveries versus the analgesia administered at the Hernán Henríquez Aravena Hospital (HHHA). Method: Retrospective descriptive study, based on data from the perinatal system of the HHHA Gynecology and Obstetrics Service, period 2014-2016. Results: Of the total number of Vaginal births between 2014-2016 only 56.5% of them were requested for epidural analgesia. Of the analgesia requested in this period, 98% were administered. Conclusion: Based on the clinical records, the degree of compliance is close to 100% in the requested analgesia. There was an annual increase between 2014 and 2016 in the application of anesthesia in childbirth procedures, and despite this, hospital efficiency has not been affected. However, the percentage of applications is expected to continue to increase while maintaining the high level of efficiency. It is pertinent to propose studies to extrapolate this result at regional and national levels.

Intraoperative modifiable risk factors of colorectal anastomotic leakage: Why surgeons and anesthesiologists should act together.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL) is a major surgical complication in intestinal surgery. Despite many optimizations in patient care, the incidence of CAL is stable (3-19%) [1]. Previous research mainly focused on determining patient and surgery related risk factors. Intraoperative non-surgery related risk factors for anastomotic healing also contribute to surgical outcome. This review offers an overview of potential modifiable risk factors that may play a role during the operation. METHODS: Two independent literature searches were performed using EMBASE, Pubmed and Cochrane databases. Both clinical and experimental studies published in English from 1985 to August 2015 were included. The main outcome measure was the risk of anastomotic leakage and other postoperative complications during colorectal surgery. Determined risk factors of CAL were stated as strong evidence (level I and II high quality studies), and potential risk factors as either moderate evidence (experimental studies level III), or weak evidence (level IV or V studies). RESULTS: The final analysis included 117 articles. Independent factors of CAL are diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia and a high HbA1c, anemia, blood loss, blood transfusions, prolonged operating time, intraoperative events and contamination and a lack of antibiotics. Unequivocal are data on blood pressure, the use of inotropes/vasopressors, oxygen suppletion, type of analgesia and goal directed fluid therapy. No studies could be found identifying the impact of body core temperature or mean arterial pressure on CAL. Subjective factors such as the surgeons' own assessment of local perfusion and visibility of the operating field have not been the subject of relevant studies for occurrence in patients with CAL. CONCLUSION: Both surgery related and non-surgery related risk factors that can be modified must be identified to improve colorectal care. Surgeons and anesthesiologists should cooperate on these items in their continuous effort to reduce the number of CAL. A registration study determining individual intraoperative risk factors of CAL is currently performed as a multicenter cohort study in the Netherlands.

Impact of Combination Epidural and General Anesthesia on the Long-Term Survival of Gastric Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND Whether regional anesthesia is associated with tumor-free and long-term survival is controversial. Here, we focused on whether epidural anesthesia affects the long-term survival of gastric cancer patients after surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS We obtained the records of 273 patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery between August 2006 and December 2010. All patients received elective surgery, and the end-point was death. The general anesthesia group comprised 116 patients and the epidural-supplemented group comprised 157 patients. The results were analyzed using a multivariable model to determine the relationship between epidural use and long-term survival. RESULTS No obvious association was detected between epidural use and long-term survival according to the Cox model (P=0.522); the adjusted estimated hazard ratio was 0.919 (95% CI 0.71-1.19). However, according to Kaplan-Meier analysis, epidural anesthesia was associated with long-term survival among younger patients (age up to 64) (p=0.042, log-rank) (but not among older patients (p=0.203, log-rank). A lower American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class and less chemoradiotherapy exposure were also associated with a longer survival. However, advanced tumor stage still has a significant negative impact on survival. CONCLUSIONS No obvious difference was detected between the 2 anesthesia groups, but younger patients may benefit from epidural anesthesia.

Effects of combined general anesthesia and thoracic epidural analgesia on cytokine response in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Severe postoperative pain is not often experienced in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Anesthesia, surgery, and pain are stressful and cause different reactions in neuro-immuno-endocrine systems. Many factors such as the pharmacological effect of the drugs used, as well as the type and depth of anesthesia, can affect these reactions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the combination of general anesthesia and thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) on cytokine reaction in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical comparative study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty adult patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were divided into four groups. Group saline (Group S), group fentanyl (Group F), group bupivacaine (Group B), and group levobupivacaine (Group L) were infused with saline, saline and fentanyl, bupivacaine and fentanyl, and levobupivacaine and fentanyl, respectively, via epidural catheter before surgical incision. RESULTS: There were no differences among groups in the demographic features, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and peripheral oxygen saturation values. Group L had lower visual analogue scale value compared to the other postoperative groups (P < 0.01). In all groups, interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-10 levels started to increase at 2 h and returned to the basal level at 24 h. IL levels increased in most of the epidural saline-administered group compared to other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined general anesthesia and TEA provided pain control and hemodynamic stability more efficiently during the first 24 h of the intraoperative and postoperative period by suppressing cytokine levels. However, we determined that this effect was more obvious with the local anesthetic and opioid combination.

Neuraxial vs general anaesthesia for total hip and total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review of comparative-effectiveness research.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review evaluated the evidence comparing patient-important outcomes in spinal or epidural vs general anaesthesia for total hip and total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, EBSCO CINAHL, Thomson Reuters Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception until March 2015 were searched. Eligible randomized controlled trials or prospective comparative studies investigating mortality, major morbidity, and patient-experience outcomes directly comparing neuraxial (spinal or epidural) with general anaesthesia for total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, or both were included. Independent reviewers working in duplicate extracted study characteristics, validity, and outcomes data. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model. RESULTS: We included 29 studies involving 10 488 patients. Compared with general anaesthesia, neuraxial anaesthesia significantly reduced length of stay (weighted mean difference -0.40 days; 95% confidence interval -0.76 to -0.03; P=0.03; I2 73%; 12 studies). No statistically significant differences were found between neuraxial and general anaesthesia for mortality, surgical duration, surgical site or chest infections, nerve palsies, postoperative nausea and vomiting, or thromboembolic disease when antithrombotic prophylaxis was used. Subgroup analyses failed to find statistically significant interactions (P>0.05) based on risk of bias, type of surgery, or type of neuraxial anaesthesia. CONCLUSION: Neuraxial anaesthesia for total hip or total knee arthroplasty, or both appears equally effective without increased morbidity when compared with general anaesthesia. There is limited quantitative evidence to suggest that neuraxial anaesthesia is associated with improved perioperative outcomes. Future investigations should compare intermediate and long-term outcome differences to better inform anaesthesiologists, surgeons, and patients on importance of anaesthetic selection.

Voiding dysfunction in women following cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of postpartum voiding difficulty (PVD) in women after cesarean delivery that required urethral catheterization, and to illustrate its relationship with various relevant obstetric factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this observational study, 489 pregnant women who had cesarean delivery at ≥ 36 gestational weeks were recruited in a tertiary hospital. Urethral catheterization was implemented in women who could not void spontaneously after cesarean delivery. Patient characteristics, obstetric parameters, and incidences of obstructive voiding symptoms at 3 months postpartum were compared between women who had PVD and no PVD. RESULTS: Fifty-six cesarean deliveries (11.5%) resulted in PVD. Maternal age > 35 years, emergency cesarean delivery, operation time > 60 minutes, and postoperative analgesia were significantly different between women with and without PVD. Logistic regression demonstrated that emergency cesarean delivery (odds ratio = 5.031, p < 0.001), operation time > 60 minutes (odds ratio = 2.918, p = 0.002), and postoperative analgesia (odds ratio = 7.610, p = 0.007) were independent risk factors of PVD. Nonetheless, all women had resolution of PVD by the time of hospital dismissal. At 3-month postoperative follow-up, three women (5.4%) had symptoms of straining and/or incomplete emptying. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that emergency cesarean delivery, prolonged operation time and postoperative analgesia are the main contributing factors of PVD after cesarean delivery. If urinary retention can be detected in time, transient PVD is not detrimental to urinary function and does not subsequently lead to voiding problems.

Epidural analgesia in the intensive care unit: An observational series of 121 patients.

BACKGROUND: Epidural analgesia (EA) has been more investigated during the perioperative period than in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. Recent studies support beneficial effects for EA beyond analgesia itself. However, data on feasibility and safety are still lacking in the ICU. Our goal was to assess the feasibility and practice of EA in ICU patients. METHODS: Multicentre observational study in 3 ICUs over a 10-month period. Goals were to report the incidence of EA-related complications and EA duration. All ICU patients receiving EA were included, whether EA was initiated in the ICU or elsewhere, e.g. in the operating room. Demographics, clinical and biological data were prospectively recorded. Epidural catheter tips were sent to the microbiology laboratory for culture. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one patients were included (mean age 60 years), with mean SOFA and median SAPS II scores of 3.2 and 32, respectively. Reasons for EA initiation included trauma (14%), postoperative pain management after major surgery (42%), and pancreatitis (31%). No EA-related neurologic complication was recorded, and one case of epidural abscess is discussed. No other EA-related infectious complications were observed. Median duration of EA was 11 days. Reasons for EA discontinuation included efficient analgesia without EA (60%) and accidental catheter removal (17%). 22% of epidural catheter cultures were positive for skin flora bacteria. CONCLUSION: EA seems feasible in the ICU. Its apparent safety should be further validated in larger cohorts, but these preliminary results may stimulate more interest in the assessment of potential benefits associated with EA in the ICU setting.

A French Nationwide Survey on Anesthesiologist-Perceived Barriers to the Use of Epidural and Paravertebral Block in Thoracic Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the barriers to the use of epidural block (EDB) or paravertebral block (PVB) for thoracotomy or thoracoscopy. DESIGN: Cross-sectional ancillary study. SETTING: French nationwide practice survey. PARTICIPANTS: Lead anesthesiologists at centers practicing thoracic surgery completed an online questionnaire. INTERVENTIONS: A 9-item electronic questionnaire regarding perceived barriers to the use of EDB and PVB was developed, including technical factors, nursing factors (training and supervision), and reluctance of non-anesthesiologist colleagues (eg, surgeons, nurses and hospital managers). Descriptive and factorial analyses were conducted, including the current use of the techniques in the model. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The questionnaire was answered by 84 of 103 (82%) centers. For both techniques, the most frequently cited barriers were the 4 technical ones and lack of nursing supervision. There was a high rate of do not know/no opinion responses regarding barriers to paravertebral block. The type of center did not influence the responses, but paravertebral block was used more often in university hospitals. Colleague reluctance and time consumption (for both techniques), nursing barriers (for epidural block), and perception of risk and complexity (for paravertebral block), were correlated inversely with actual use. Perception of cost had no influence on practice. CONCLUSIONS: This survey suggested that the use of epidural or paravertebral block to provide analgesia for thoracic surgery might be increased by multimodal actions focused on improved communication with surgical and managerial teams. Paravertebral block, as an emerging technique, still is insufficiently recognized in France.

Nonintubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under epidural anesthesia compared with conventional anesthetic option: a randomized control study.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and advantages of nonintubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) under epidural anesthesia, by comparing with the performance of conventional approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 354 patients (245 men and 109 women) were recruited in this study. The surgical procedures included bullae resection, pulmonary wedge resection, and lobectomy. The anesthetic technique (epidural vs general) was selected randomly. Patients who underwent nonintubated VATS under epidural anesthesia comprised the intervention group, and patients who received VATS under general anesthesia with double lumen tube comprised the control group. RESULTS: In total, 167 patients were included in the intervention group, and 180 patients were included in the control group. The 2 treatment groups of bullae resection showed significant differences in postoperative fasting time, duration of postoperative antibiotic use depending on the time when the white blood cells decreased to normal levels, and duration of postoperative hospital stay (P < .05). Nonintubated VATS is associated with a decreased level of inflammatory cytokines (P < .05). CONCLUSION: VATS under anesthesia with nontracheal intubation is safe and feasible, and has demonstrated advantages, including shorter postoperative fasting time, shorter duration of antibiotic use, and shorter hospital stay, compared with VATS under general anesthesia with double lumen tube.