A systematic review on the current attitudes and clinical practices on the use of cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes in pediatric anesthesia

Background@#For several decades now, the use of uncuffed endotracheal tube (ETT) is the gold standard in providing airway and ventilatory support to children under anesthesia. However, there has been a change in focus from the application of uncuffed ETT to cuffed ETT among children, and this matter has been debated for years. In fact, several studies have shown that even across and within countries, the attitudes and practices of anesthesiologists on the use of types of endotracheal tubes differed.@*Objective@#To describe the current attitudes and practices of anesthesiologists regarding the use of uncuffed or cuffed ETT for children.@*Methods@#A systematic review of observational studies on the current attitudes and practices of pediatric anesthesiologists regarding the use of cuffed and uncuffed ETT was conducted from May to November 2020. Cochrane reviews, Medline, Pubmed, and EMBASE were searched and yielded five relevant studies.@*Results@#The use of cuffed ETT ranged between 11%-61% in the included studies and all reported that there were no consensus or standard on whether cuffed or uncuffed ETT was better. Reported factors for cuffed ETT use included: 1) Personal choice, 2) Department protocol, 3) Availability of resources, and 4) Specific conditions such as obesity, planned or emergency procedure, and reduced lung compliance. In terms of ETT size, reported criteria were: 1) Use of a formula, 2) Use of abacus/calculator, and 3) In relation to the fifth finger's width.@*Conclusions@#The current systematic review demonstrated that there is wide variation in current attitudes and practices of anesthesiologists regarding the use of uncuffed or cuffed endotracheal tubes in children. Likewise, factors affecting choice of ETT and criteria for selection varied in the published literature. The results of this systematic review highlight the need for a standard guideline to help clinicians choose if cuffed or uncuffed ETT is better in certain scenarios and to help them decide in selecting the most appropriate ETT size.

National Surgical and Anesthesia Human Health Resource Study of 2020

Rationale@#The provision of surgical services in the Philippines is an essential component of our healthcare system. Despite an increasing number of accredited training programs, geographic maldistribution remains a key factor in access to surgical care in the country. This study aimed to describe the geographic distribution of surgeons and anesthesiologists in the Philippines and factors that affect their practice to provide insights into the country's surgical capabilities. Additionally, demographic factors such as workforce density, professional mobility, and economic indicators were explored. The ultimate goal was to establish an updated database for continuous monitoring of surgical manpower, facilitated through the collaboration of the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) and the Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists (PSA).@*Methods@#This cross-sectional study, sponsored by the World Surgical Foundation (WSF) and the Philippine College of Surgeons Foundation (PCSF), received exemption from review by the Single Joint Research Ethics Board (SJREB) of the Department of Health. An online survey was distributed to surgeons and anesthesiologists across the Philippines from July 1 to December 31, 2020. Active practitioners in relevant specialties were eligible, excluding retirees. Procedures adhered to ICH-GCP principles, National Ethical Guidelines, and the Data Privacy Act. Additional data, sourced from various outlets, was consolidated, verified and subsequently entered into an electronic data sheet (Google Sheets, Google LLC, Palo Alto CA) to extract descriptive statistics of the surgical and anesthesia workforce at the national and regional levels.@*Results@#Analysis of the data indicates male dominance with a noticeable trend of increasing female participation in surgical training programs, while anesthesiologist gender distribution showed a female preponderance. Maldistribution in manpower persists, influenced by factors such as training programs, medical education, and the availability of secondary and tertiary hospitals, and other socio-economic conditions in the country. The study reveals regional variations in the distribution of surgeons and anesthesiologists in the Philippines, with a notable concentration in urban centers, the highest being in Luzon, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR).@*Conclusion@#The study highlights gender disparities and regional variations in the distribution of surgeons and anesthesiologists in the Philippines, with a significant concentration in Luzon, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR). Disparities in subspecialty distribution are exacerbated by healthcare education discrepancies and inadequate healthcare infrastructure especially in rural areas. Addressing these challenges requires focused efforts on expanding training programs, recruiting specialists, and ensuring equitable access to surgical care nationwide. Establishing a comprehensive surgical workforce database is essential for informed policymaking, monitoring workforce distribution, and assess service quality to enhance access to surgical services.

Patient satisfaction in ambulatory anesthesia assessed by the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Service quality in anesthesiology has been frequently measured by morbidity and mortality. This measure increasingly considers patient satisfaction, which is the result of care from the client's perspective. Therefore, anesthesiologists must be able to build relationships with patients, provide understandable information and involve them in decisions about their anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the peri-anesthetic care provided by the anesthesia service in an ambulatory surgery unit using the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire to evaluate 1211 patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. We selected questions that showed a greater degree of dissatisfaction and correlated them with patient characterization data (age, sex, education, and ASA physical status), anesthesia data (type, time, and prior experience), and surgical specialty. Results: Questions in which patients tended to show dissatisfaction involved fear of anesthesia and surgery, feeling cold, the urgent need to urinate, pain at the surgical site, and the team's level of concern and speed of response in relieving the patient's pain. Conclusion: The Heidelberg Peri-anaesthetic Questionnaire proved to be a useful tool in identifying points of dissatisfaction, mainly fear of anesthesia and surgery, feeling cold, the urgent need to urinate, pain at the surgical site, and the team's level of concern and speed of response in relieving the patient's pain in the population studied. These were correlated with patient, anesthesia, and surgical variables. This allows the establishment of priorities at the different points of care, with the ultimate goal of improving patient satisfaction regarding anesthesia care.

Preferencia de especialidades médicas en estudiantes de medicina de una universidad chilena / Preference of medical specialties among medical students in a Chilean university

En este trabajo se describen las preferencias de elección de especialidad médica que manifiestan los estudiantes de la carrera de medicina de una universidad regional del norte de Chile. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo basado en información primaria con una muestra de 266 respuestas válidas, con una tasa de respuesta de 58,7%. La información se recogió a través de un cuestionario disponible en Google Forms, previo consentimiento voluntario de participación, durante los meses de mayo a julio de 2022. Se encontró que las especialidades médicas preferidas por los estudiantes de la Universidad Católica del Norte fueron las especialidades clínicas como medicina interna y las médico-quirúrgicas como medicina de urgencias y ginecología-obstetricia. Además, existen especialidades con un claro predominio femenino como psiquiatría infanto-adolescente, ginecología-obstetricia, cirugía pediátrica, pediatría y medicina familiar, mientras que el predominio masculino destaca en radiología y anestesiología, ambas asociadas a un trato indirecto con el paciente. Se observó que las especialidades quirúrgicas, tradicionalmente preferidas por hombres, podrían estar en proceso de cambio generacional, aumentando la presencia femenina en ellas, sobre todo en cirugía general.

This study describes medical specialty preferences expressed by medical students at a regional university in northern Chile. This descriptive study is based on primary information with a sample of 266 valid responses and a response rate of 58.7%. The information was collected through a Google Forms questionnaire before voluntary consent of participation from May to July 2022. We found that the medical specialties preferred by the Universidad Católica del Norte students were clinical specialties, including internal medicine, and medical-surgical specialties, including emergency medicine and gynecology-obstetrics. Women markedly predominated in child and adolescent psychiatry, gynecology-obstetrics, pediatric surgery, pediatrics, and family medicine, while men predominated in radiology and anesthesiology, both associated with indirect patient interaction. We also found that surgical specialties, traditionally preferred by men, could be in the process of generational change, as there is an increase in the presence of women, especially in general surgery.

Effects of dexmedetomidine in non-operating room anesthesia in adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract Background: Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist used for its sedative, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects. Non-Operating Room Anesthesia (NORA) is a modality of anesthesia that can be done under general anesthesia or procedural sedation or/and analgesia. In this particular setting, a level-2 sedation, such as the one provided by DEX, is beneficial. We aimed to study the effects and safety of DEX in the different NORA settings in the adult population. Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted. Interventions using DEX only or DEX associated with other sedative agents, in adults (18 years old or more), were included. Procedures outside the NORA setting and/or without a control group without DEX were excluded. MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Scopus, LILACS, and SciELO were searched. The primary outcome was time until full recovery. Secondary outcomes included hemodynamic and respiratory complications and other adverse events, among others. Results: A total of 97 studies were included with a total of 6,706 participants. The meta-analysis demonstrated that DEX had a higher time until full recovery (95% CI = [0.34, 3.13] minutes, a higher incidence of hypotension (OR = 1.95 [1.25, 3.05], p = 0.003, I2 = 39%) and bradycardia (OR = 3.60 [2.29, 5.67], p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%), and a lower incidence of desaturation (OR = 0.40 [0.25, 0.66], p = 0.0003, I2 = 60%). Conclusion: DEX in NORA procedures in adults was associated with a lower incidence of amnesia and respiratory effects but had a long time to recovery and more hemodynamic complications..

Identifying patient safety competences among anesthesiology residents: systematic review

Abstract Introduction and objective Patient safety is a concept of great importance to managers, health professionals, and patients and their families, given patient safety promotes more effective care and reduces costs. Moreover, while analyzing the area of anesthesiology, one can realize the epidemiological changes, increased complexity and number of procedures, and the adoption of a new matrix of essential skills mandatory for residents of anesthesiology in Brazil. Thus, it is relevant to identify current patient safety competences among anesthesiology residents. Methods A systematic review was elaborated using PubMed, SciELO, BVS, Cochrane Library, LILACS and CAPES databases with the descriptors "anesthesiology", "patient safety", "residency" and "competence". Results and conclusions Thirteen articles published in the past 10 years were analyzed. The articles depicted competences grouped into three categories: knowledge (identification, prevention and management of adverse events; use of correct and up-to-date information; understanding of human factors; and continuous learning), skills (efficient communication; teamwork; leadership; decision-making; and self-confidence), and attitude (management of stress and fatigue; and infection control). All these skills can be developed and assessed through simulation and active learning methods, profiting from a multidisciplinary approach. Studies also reveal that residents perform poorly in certain patient safety domains due to lack of effective in-depth understanding, appreciation of the topic and ineffective teaching. As a result, greater investment in the topic is needed by teaching and health institutions and researchers.

Informed consent in anesthesiology: An exploratory study / El consentimiento informado en anestesiología: un estudio exploratorio / Consentimento informado em anestesiologia: um estudo exploratório

Abstract: In the literature Informed consent (IC) assumptions is well established. However, the different stages and the conditions under which the IC for anesthetic practices is obtained, is scarce. The aim of the present study is to explore the phases and conditions of IC in anesthesiology. Anonymized clinical records of 325 patients submitted to anesthetic procedures at the Institute of Oncology of Porto were analyzed. A total agreement between the anesthetic techniques established in the IC and those performed, was reach with 270 patients. The importance of IC in clinical practice is discussed and an ideal process for IC is argued.

Resumen: El consentimiento informado (CI) está bien establecido en la literatura. Sin embargo, la información sobre las diferentes fases y condiciones en las que se obtiene el CI para las prácticas anestésicas es escasa. El objetivo del presente estudio es explorar las fases y condiciones de obtención de la CI en anestesiología. Se analizaron las historias clínicas anónimas de 325 pacientes sometidos a procedimientos anestésicos en el Instituto de Oncología de Oporto. Se alcanzó una concordancia total entre las técnicas de anestesia establecidas en el CI y las realizadas con 270 pacientes. Se defiende la importancia del CI en la práctica clínica y se discute un proceso ideal para obtenerlo.

Resumo: Na literatura o Consentimento Informado (CI) é bem estabelecido. Contudo, a informação sobre as diferentes fases e as condições em que o CI para práticas anestésicas é obtido, é escassa. O objetivo do presente estudo é explorar as fases e condições da obtenção do CI em anestesiologia. Foram analisados os registos clínicos anónimos de 325 pacientes submetidos a procedimentos anestésicos no Instituto de Oncologia do Porto. Foi alcançado um acordo total entre as técnicas anestésicas estabelecidas no CI e as realizadas, com 270 pacientes. A importância do CI na prática clínica é defendida e discute-se um processo ideal para a obtenção do CI.

Guía de práctica clínica informada en la evidencia para la el manejo del dolor en el trabajo de parto y parto usando técnica neuroaxial. versión extensa / Evidence-informed clinical practice guideline for pain management in labor and delivery using the neuraxial technique. extended version

Como parte del proceso de priorización de temas en salud materna en el Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal (INMP), se determinó que el manejo del dolor durante el trabajo de parto es un aspecto fundamental de la actividad del equipo de salud encargado del apoyo y asistencia profesional en la gestante. El Departamento de Anestesiología del INMP asumió el desarrollo de dicha Guía de Práctica Clínica Informada en Evidencia (GPC-IE). En este sentido, se conformó el grupo elaborador de guías de analgesia del INMP, conformado por expertos clínicos en el manejo del tópico de la guía y experiencia en investigación, como parte del grupo metodólogo de la guía participaron tres expertas metodólogas de la UNAGESP/INS, quienes participaron en todas las etapas del desarrollo de la presente GPC ­ IE, además de un panel de expertos clínicos de los diferentes institutos y hospitales de referencia en salud materna del país. El panel de expertos estuvo conformado por un equipo multidisciplinario de médicos anestesiólogos, médicos ginecólogos, Obstetras y enfermeras

Como aprender la anestesiología: Aprendizaje y enseñanza / How to learn anesthesiology: Teaching and learning

What is the main goal of education in what is commonly described as the era of information? One of my teachers, Gregorio Arañes, once taught me that "Anesthesiology, is the medical specialty which focuses on the attenuation of pain and reanimation, it also involves four main branches: Analgesia, Anaesthesia, Inhalation Therapy, Reanimation". I learned from him that Anaesthesiology is a clinical specialty which requires the anaesthesiologist to look at the patient from a very specific point of view. At first glance, if possible, a physiopathological diagnosis is ought to be made. Based on that diagnosis, we should then make a prognosis in order to adopt the adequate tools to treat the patient, evaluating the possible risks and benefits of the chosen criteria. Going into further detail about the education phenomena, it is necessary to conceptualize the magnitude of what education and learning really mean. The concept of education goes beyond the simple definition of just teaching and learning, it rather has a fundamental sense of morality and spirituality, with the purpose of training the individual in many aspects of their lives. The education system must be supported by institutions of a certain academic level and study programmers up to date, open to new developments and restructuring. Moreover, the impact of postgraduate courses should guarantee that the graduate can keep increasing and updating their knowledge on certain topics regarding his or her professional career. The end goal of the whole system is not only to make students capable of doing the same practices repeatedly but also train individuals so that they can adapt themselves to new conditions.

¿Cuál será el objetivo de la enseñanza en la que podríamos describir como la era de la información? Mi maestro el Profesor Gregoria Aranes nos enseñó que "La anestesiología, es la especialidad médica que se encarga de la atenuación del dolor y de la reanimación y comprende cuatro ramas, Analgesia, Anestesia, Inhaloterapía y Resurrección. Aprendí con él que la Anestesiología era una especialidad clínica, que obligaba al anestesiólogo a enfocar al paciente desde una óptica muy particular. Debíamos hacer primero diagnóstico en lo posible fisiopatológico. En base a ese diagnóstico deberíamos efectuar un pronóstico, para luego pasar a adoptar los medios más adecuados para tratar a ese enfermo, evaluando los riesgos y beneficios de la táctica y técnica elegida. Para adentrarnos en el fenómeno educativo, es necesario partir de la conceptualización de la magnitud de lo que es la educación, la enseñanza y el aprendizaje. El concepto de educación es más amplio que el de enseñanza y aprendizaje, y tiene fundamentalmente un sentido espiritual y moral, siendo su objeto la formación integral del individuo. El sistema debe funcionar apoyado por instituciones con determinado nivel académico y con planes de estudios integrales, actuales y abiertos al cambio. El impacto de las carreras de postgrado deberá permitir en el egresado la necesidad y capacidad de ampliar y actualizar sus conocimientos como hechos cotidianos de su vida profesional. Lo ideal es tender a formar personas capaces de cambiar, de adaptarse a situaciones nuevas, y no solo formar individuos que únicamente son capaces de hacer, de repetir siempre lo mismo.

Inducción e intubación en secuencia rápida en pacientes portadores de COVID-19 / Rapid sequence induction and intubation in Covid 19 carrier patients

Introducción: La inducción e intubación en secuencia rápida es un procedimiento en anestesiología de emergencia para controlar la vía aérea en pacientes graves e insertar un tubo en la tráquea en el menor tiempo posible. Originalmente, este proceder se indicaba en los casos de regurgitación y/o reflujo para atenuar y prevenir la aspiración del contenido gástrico. La técnica descrita y usada por primera vez en los años 1970 retomó su uso en el contexto de la pandemia Covid-19. Sin embargo, una técnica convencional de intubación de secuencia rápida no sería adecuada pues no evitaría la dispersión del virus desde la vía aérea del paciente hacia el entorno, con la posibilidad de contaminación del personal que la realice. Objetivo: Describir una técnica modificada de intubación de secuencia rápida en tiempos de Covid-19. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de las primeras publicaciones con protocolos de esta técnica modificada. La búsqueda se realizó en base de datos como PubMed, Google Académico y Elsevier. Desarrollo: El aspecto más importante para el profesional que realice la técnica es lograr con éxito la maniobra y conservar la vida del paciente. En este sentido, debe ser el más experimentado y preparado para controlar el tiempo de cada una de las etapas en las que se divide. Conclusiones: En la enfermedad Covid-19 las situaciones clínicas son muy variantes por lo que los protocolos en la atención perioperatoria de los enfermos puede modificarse según exista nueva evidencia(AU)

Introduction: Rapid-sequence induction and intubation is an emergency anesthesiology procedure for airway control in critically ill patients and for inserting a tube into the trachea in the shortest possible time. Originally, this procedure was indicated in cases of regurgitation and/or reflux in order to attenuate and prevent aspiration of gastric contents. The technique, described and used for the first time in the 1970s, resumed its use in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a conventional rapid-sequence intubation technique would not be adequate as it would not prevent the virus spread from the patient's airway to the environment, with the possibility of contamination of the personnel performing it. Objective: To describe a modified rapid-sequence intubation technique in times of COVID-19. Methods: A review of the first publications with protocols of this modified technique was carried out. The search was carried out in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Elsevier. Development: The most important aspect for the professional performing the technique is to achieve the maneuver successfully and preserve the life of the patient. In this respect, the physician must be the most experienced and prepared to control the time of each of the stages into which it is divided. Conclusions: In COVID-19, clinical situations are highly variable, a reason why protocols in the perioperative care of patients can be modified according to new evidence(AU)

Infusiones controladas por objetivo y sistemas de circuito cerrado. Límites en expansión / Target-controlled infusions and closed-loop systems: expansion limits

Introducción: La administración manual en bolo ha evolucionado desde la infusión volumétrica basada en regímenes farmacológicos estandarizados, hasta los sistemas de infusión controlada por objetivo y los más sofisticados sistemas de circuito cerrado. Objetivo: Describir los principios tecnológicos y aplicaciones clínicas extendidas de la infusión controlada por objetivo y los sistemas de circuito cerrado. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión no sistemática de la literatura, en bases de datos científicas como Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Science Direct, OVID y el buscador académico Google Scholar, en el mes de septiembre del año 2020. Desarrollo: La disponibilidad y portabilidad de dispositivos electrónicos con capacidad de procesamiento avanzado a precios relativamente accesibles, el perfeccionamiento del aprendizaje automático e inteligencia artificial aplicado a las decisiones médicas, y las iteraciones tecnológicas complejas incorporadas en los sistemas de circuito abierto y cerrado, desarrollados originalmente en el campo de la Anestesiología, han posibilitado su expansión a otras especialidades y entornos clínicos tan disímiles como el tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus, administración de fármacos antineoplásicos, ventilación mecánica, control de las variables hemodinámicas y la terapia antimicrobiana en pacientes críticos. Conclusiones: La infusión controlada por objetivo y los sistemas de circuito cerrado se han convertido en tecnologías maduras, seguras y viables, aplicadas clínicamente en múltiples naciones y escenarios, con un desempeño superior a los sistemas manuales tradicionales(AU)

Introduction: Manual bolus administration has evolved from volumetric infusion based on standardized pharmacological regimens to target-controlled infusion systems and the most sophisticated closed-loop systems. Objective: To describe the technological principles and extended clinical applications of target-controlled infusion and closed-loop systems. Methods: A nonsystematic review of the literature was carried out, during September 2020, in scientific databases such as Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Science Direct, OVID and the academic search engine Google Scholar. Development: The availability and portability of electronic devices with advanced processing capacity at relatively affordable prices, the refinement of machine learning and artificial intelligence applied to medical decisions, as well as the complex technological iterations incorporated into open and closed-loop systems, originally developed in the field of anesthesiology, have enabled their expansion to other specialties and clinical settings so diverse as treatment of diabetes mellitus, administration of antineoplastic drugs, mechanical ventilation, control of hemodynamic variables and antimicrobial therapy in critical patients. Conclusions: Target-controlled infusion and closed-loop systems have become mature, safe and viable technologies, applied clinically in multiple nations and settings, with superior performance compared to traditional manual systems(AU)