Development and patient acceptance of Preanestes@s, a web-based application and electronic questionnaire for preoperative assessment. A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We describe the development of Preanestes@s, a web-based application for preoperative assessment, which incorporates PreQuest, a smart computer-based self-assessment questionnaire for the automated management of information. Preanestes@s potentially enables remote non-telephonic preoperative assessment. The main objective of this work was the identification of factors that independently predict adequate completion of PreQuest. As a secondary objective, we assessed patient experience using the application. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To assess the influence of patient conditions on PreQuest completion, our sample included 880 adult patients scheduled to undergo surgery at our institution between February 2020 and February 2021. We evaluated patient satisfaction and acceptability with the use of the application and PreQuest. RESULTS: A total of 573 participants (65.1%) successfully completed the PreQuest. Age below 65 years and higher educational attainment were identified as independent predictors for PreQuest completion (p = 0.04 and p = 0.001, respectively). Most (89.4%) participants agreed that Preanestes@s was intuitive and easy to use, with over 85% showing high levels of acceptance of PreQuest prototype's communication improvement and ease of use. The final version of Preanestes@s and PreQuest was evaluated by 218 participants, many of whom (>74%) affirmed its ease of use. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Preanestes@s for preoperative assessment is supported by high levels of satisfaction with the prototype and by an eQuest completion rate greater than 65% in a non-selective population. In our sample, younger age and higher education attainment predicted higher rates PreQuest completion. Trial registration number NCT04259268.

Utility of preoperative polymerase chain reaction testing during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: The challenge of evolving incidence.

INTRODUCTION: Due to its high transmissibility, measures aimed at reducing the spread of SARS CoV2 have become mandatory. Different organizations have recommended performing polymerase chain reaction tests (PCR) as part of the preoperative screening of surgical patients. We aimed to determine the performance of PCR testing to detect asymptomatic carriers. METHODS: Observational study carried out at a tertiary care center. We compared the results of preoperative real-time reverse-transcription-PCR test (RT-PCR) performed on a cohort of patients pending surgery with the results we would have expected assuming the epidemiological data released by government offices. RESULTS: We registered no positives in the 2,722 preoperative RT-PCR tests performed in our health care area between epidemiological Weeks 18 to 21, meaning a cumulative incidence trending to zero. Assuming public epidemiological data, the probabilistic projection of potential asymptomatic individuals ranged from 0.27 × 10e-4 (according to official data of new cases diagnosed by PCR) to 4.69 × 10e-4 if we assumed cases confirmed by IgG test in our province. Assuming a RT-PCR sensitivity of 95%, to obtain a positive result we should perform 38,461 and 2,028 tests respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In scenarios of very low prevalence and despite high sensitivity scores, indiscriminate preoperative RT-PCR screening is of a questionable effectiveness for detecting asymptomatic carriers. Our findings evidence the difficulty of establishing reliable predictive models for the episodic and rapidly evolving incidence of infections such as has characterized the SARS CoV2 pandemic.

Utility of preoperative polymerase chain reaction testing during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: The challenge of evolving incidence. / Utilidad de la prueba de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa preoperatoria durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2: el desafío de la incidencia cambiante.

INTRODUCTION: Due to its high transmissibility, measures aimed at reducing the spread of SARS CoV2 have become mandatory. Different organizations have recommended performing polymerase chain reaction tests (PCR) as part of the preoperative screening of surgical patients. We aimed to determine the performance of PCR testing to detect asymptomatic carriers. METHODS: Observational study carried out at a tertiary care center. We compared the results of preoperative real-time reverse-transcription-PCR test (RT-PCR) performed on a cohort of patients pending surgery with the results we would have expected assuming the epidemiological data released by government offices. RESULTS: We registered no positives in the 2,722 preoperative RT-PCR tests performed in our health care area between epidemiological Weeks 18 to 21, meaning a cumulative incidence trending to zero. Assuming public epidemiological data, the probabilistic projection of potential asymptomatic individuals ranged from 0.27*10e -4 (according to official data of new cases diagnosed by PCR) to 4.69*10e -4 if we assumed cases confirmed by IgG test in our province. Assuming a RT-PCR sensitivity of 95%, to obtain a positive result we should perform 38,461 and 2,028 tests respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In scenarios of very low prevalence and despite high sensitivity scores, indiscriminate preoperative RT-PCR screening is of a questionable effectiveness for detecting asymptomatic carriers. Our findings evidence the difficulty of establishing reliable predictive models for the episodic and rapidly evolving incidence of infections such as has characterized the SARS CoV2 pandemic.

Anaesthetic management of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy. A case report. / Manejo anestésico de la tiroidectomía endoscópica transoral. Reporte de un caso.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a novel and minimally invasive procedure, free of visible scars and showing encouraging results in terms of rapid recovery and less postoperative pain. It consists of performing the thyroidectomy through its natural orifice, using three ports in the oral vestibular area and carrying out a careful dissection to the sternal notch and the edges of both sternocleidomastoid muscles. The objective of this article is to describe the different anesthetic implications that this surgical technique entails, given that the evidence published to date in the literature is very limited. It is considered essential to control the recurrent laryngeal nerve using an endotracheal tube with electromyography to ensure its identification and integrity, as well as the use of other monitors such as the TOF watch or the bispectral index to ensure adequate anesthetic depth and an optimal level of muscle relaxation.

The erector spinae plane block in 4 cases of video-assisted thoracic surgery. / Bloqueo del plano del músculo erector de la columna en 4 casos de cirugía torácica videoasistida.

Multimodal anaesthesia, combining epidural catheter and general anaesthesia, is a common technique in thoracic surgery, however, epidural catheter placement is not always possible. Recently, erector spinae plane block has been described, which provides analgesia like that of the epidural block, although unilateral, and which has been used in various procedures at thoracic level. At present, there are no studies comparing the efficacy or safety of this block with those commonly used in thoracic surgery. However, its safety profile and contraindications seem different from those of the epidural catheter, since its placement is done under ultrasound view, the needle introduction is done in plane and the ultrasound target, the transverse process, is easily identifiable and is relatively remote from major neural or vascular structures and the pleura. Unlike other blockages made by anatomical references, erector spinae plane block can be done with the patient in different positions. We describe our experience with erector spinae plane block as part of a multimodal anaesthetic approach in thoracic surgery.

Transoesophageal echocardiography during orthotopic liver transplantation. / Ecocardiografía transesofágica durante el trasplante ortotópico hepático.

Despite the importance of haemodynamic management in patients undergoing liver transplantation, there is currently no consensus on the most appropriate type of monitoring to use. In this context, transoesophageal echocardiography can provide useful information to professionals, although their use constraints prevent further spread today.

Anaesthetic management in thoracoscopic distal tracheal resection. / Manejo anestésico en la resección traqueal distal toracoscópica.

Surgical resection of tracheal tumours, especially distal tracheal tumours, is a challenge for the anaesthesiologists involved, mainly due to difficulties in ensuring adequate control of the airway and ventilation. We report the case of a patient undergoing tracheal resection and anastomosis by VATS, emphasizing the anaesthetic management.

Effects of inhalational anaesthesia with low tidal volume ventilation on end-tidal sevoflurane and carbon dioxide concentrations: prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated how ventilation with low tidal volumes affects the pharmacokinetics of sevoflurane uptake during the first minutes of inhaled anaesthesia. METHODS: Forty-eight patients scheduled for lung resection were randomly assigned to three groups. Patients in group 1, 2 and 3 received 3% sevoflurane for 3 min via face mask and controlled ventilation with a tidal volume of 2.2, 8 and 12 ml kg(-1), respectively (Phase 1). After tracheal intubation (Phase 2), 3% sevoflurane was supplied for 2 min using a tidal volume of 8 ml kg(-1) (Phase 3). RESULTS: End-tidal sevoflurane concentrations were significantly higher in group 1 at the end of phase 1 and lower at the end of phase 2 than in the other groups as follows: median of 2.5%, 2.2% and 2.3% in phase 1 for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P<0.001); and 1.7%, 2.1% and 2.0% in phase 2, respectively (P<0.001). End-tidal carbon dioxide values in group 1 were significantly lower at the end of phase 1 and higher at the end of phase 2 than in the other groups as follows: median of 16.5, 31 and 29.5 mm Hg in phase 1 for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (P<0.001); and 46.2, 36 and 33.5 mm Hg in phase 2, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: When sevoflurane is administered with tidal volume approximating the airway dead space volume, end-tidal sevoflurane and end-tidal carbon dioxide may not correctly reflect the concentration of these gases in the alveoli, leading to misinterpretation of expired gas data.

[Spanish Society of Anaesthesia (SEDAR) guidelines for pre-anaesthesia checking procedures]. / Directrices de procedimientos de comprobación y validación («chequeo¼) previos a la anestesia de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología.

We present this document as a guide to preparing a specific institutional pre-anaesthesia checklist, as recommended in the Helsinki declaration on patient safety in anaesthesiology. Also, the recently recommended WHO "safe surgery check-list" includes a check-list for anaesthesia. A working group was established in accordance with the charter of the Spanish Society of Anaesthesiology and Resuscitation (Sociedad Española de Anestesiología y Reanimación [SEDAR]). The new patient safety culture introduced into medicine, and the recommendations of European anaesthesia societies has led us to design and update protocols in order to improve results in this important part of our speciality. We have prepared these recommendations or guidelines using, as examples, updates of pre-anaesthesia check-lists by other American (ASA), British, or Canadian societies of anaesthesia. With that aim, we enlisted the help of anaesthesia ventilator experts and the participation and advice of experienced anaesthesiologists from all parts of Spain. After various corrections and modifications, the document was available at www.sedar.es, so that any anaesthesiologist could propose any correction, or give their opinion. Finally, these guidelines have been approved by the SEDAR Board of Directors, before it was sent for publication in this journal. The aims of this document are to provide: a guideline applicable to all anaesthesia machines, a descriptive pre-anaesthesia check-list that include everything necessary for the anaesthesia procedure, and a resumed check-list to be available in all the anaesthesia machines or other equivalent, but prepared for each institution, which should include anaesthetic equipment and drugs. So, in order to ensure the aims and requirements of the European Board of Anaesthesiology, the European Society of Anaesthesiology, and the WHO are met, each institution should have a protocol for checking equipment and drugs. These guidelines are applicable to any anaesthesia equipment, enabling every institution to develop their own checking protocols, adapted to their anaesthesia machines and their procedures. With the consent of the SEDAR, this group will collaborate with anaesthesia machines providers in order to develop specific checklists for each of their models that will be available at www.sedar.es.

[Evaluation of a new computerized recording system for preoperative assessment data]. / Evaluación de la puesta en marcha de un sistema de registro electrónico en la valoración preoperatoria de los pacientes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Little information is available on the use of computerized systems in preanesthetic assessment. Our aim was to evaluate staff acceptance of a computerized system for the structured recording of preoperative assessment data in our hospital. The time taken to complete the assessment was compared to the time usually taken to record the information on paper. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive cross-sectional survey of user satisfaction 3 months after the system had been launched. We later carried out a prospective observational study of 796 preanesthetic assessment visits, comparing the mean time the users took to record information on paper to the time required to enter the data into the computer, analyzing differences between anesthesiologists and according to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification and patient age. RESULTS: A total of 401 paper records and 395 electronic files were included. The users believed that the computerized system improved quality and accessibility of recorded data and clinical decision-making. The time required to enter data into the computer was believed to be the main drawback; the users took a mean (SD) 15.21 (5.41) minutes to enter the electronic data and 13.37 (5.08) minutes to record the information on paper (P < .001). There were also significant differences in the time taken to record data according to ASA classification and between anesthesiologists (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In spite of drawbacks such as extra time taken to record electronic data, the users perceived benefits, such as improved quality and accessibility of records. For this reason, the computerized system was well accepted.

Changes of lactate levels during cardiopulmonary bypass in patients undergoing cardiac transplantation: possible early marker of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES: High levels of lactate are associated with tissue hypoperfusion during cardiac surgery resulting in postoperative morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP). Our goal was to evaluate the change in lactate levels during CBP for their possible predictive value for complications after heart transplant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January to December 2010 we studied lactate levels in 16 heart transplant patients. Arterial blood samples were collected before, during, and after cardiopulmonary bypass on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Lactate levels were measured using the cobas B221 (Roche Diagnostic). The neurological, lung, and kidney complications were associated with mortality within 30 days. RESULTS: One patient displayed lactate levels > 2 mmol/L before bypass while 4 (25%) showed levels > 4 mmol/L during CPB. Lactate values higher than or equal to 4 mmol/L on ICU admission occurred in nine patients (56%). Postoperative mortality was higher among the group with levels above below 4 mmol/L on ICU admission (18.7% vs 6.2%). Neurological complications were observed in 22% of patients with elevated levels as opposed to none of the patients with levels below 4 mmol/L. Pulmonary complications were noted in 22% of patients with high lactate values versus 0% among the other group. CONCLUSION: Hyperlactemia above certain levels occurring during CPB serve as a biomarker to identify early postoperative morbidity and mortality.

[Utility of preoperative chest radiography in smokers undergoing transurethral resection of urinary bladder tumors]. / Utilidad de la radiografía de tórax preoperatoria en pacientes fumadores sometidos a resección transuretral de cáncer vesical.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the utility of preoperative chest radiographic findings for predicting cardiopulmonary complications in smokers undergoing transurethral resection of urinary bladder tumors under spinal anesthesia. To analyze perioperative changes in attitude in this setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of 309 smokers with > or = 20 pack-years of cumulative smoking who were candidates for transurethral resection of urinary bladder tumors. The patients were classified in 2 groups according to radiographic findings. Between groups we compared the incidence of cardiopulmonary complications, perioperative changes in attitude to anesthesia and surgery, delays in completing the preanesthesia workup, and differences in the duration of surgery and hospital stay. RESULTS: Patients older than 65 years were 1.92 times more likely to have significant findings on the chest radiograph. Radiographic findings were associated with a higher incidence of perioperative complications (P=.02), need for further preoperative consultations (P<.01), longer delay in completing the preanesthesia study (P<.01), longer mean (SD) hospital stay (3.43 [3.17] days vs 2.50 [1.77] days, P<.001), and longer duration of surgery (P<.001). Attitudes did not change in relation to radiographic findings during or after surgery. Chest radiography correctly classified 3.54% of the patients with complications (predictive value). CONCLUSIONS: The predictive value of chest radiography for cardiopulmonary complications is low and findings do not influence intra- or postoperative attitudes. We therefore find no justification for performing chest x-rays in the population studied.