New set of indicators with consensus definition for anaesthesia-related severe morbidity: A scoping review followed by a Delphi study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Monitoring anaesthesia-related severe morbidity constitutes a good opportunity for assessing quality and safety of care in anaesthesia. Several recent studies attempted to describe and define indicators for anaesthesia-related severe morbidity with limitations: no formal experts' consensus process, overlap with surgical complications, no consensual definitions, inapplicability in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to provide a set of indicators for anaesthesia-related severe morbidity based on outcomes and using clinically useful consensual definitions. DESIGN: 1/ scoping review of studies published in 2010-2021 on outcomes of anaesthesia-related severe morbidity with different definitions; 2/ International experts' consensus on indicators for anaesthesia-related severe morbidity with specific definitions using a Delphi process. MAIN RESULTS: After including 142 studies, 68 outcomes for anaesthesia-related severe morbidity were identified and organized in 34 indicators divided into 8 categories (cardiovascular, respiratory, sepsis, renal, neurological, medication error, digestive and others). The indicators were then submitted to the experts. After 2 Delphi rounds, the 26 indicators retained by the experts with their corresponding consensual definition were: acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary embolism and thrombosis, bronchospasm or laryngospasm, pneumonia, inhalation pneumonitis, pneumothorax, difficult or impossible intubation, atelectasis, self-extubation or accidental extubation, sepsis or septic shock, transient ischemic attack, postoperative confusion or delirium, post-puncture headache, medication error, liver failure, unplanned intensive care unit admission, multiple-organ failure. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a new consensual set of indicators for anaesthesia-related severe morbidity with specific definitions, that could be easily applied in clinical practice as in research.

Effect of a comfort scale compared with a pain numerical rate scale on opioids consumption in postanaesthesia care unit: the COMFORT study.

BACKGROUND: The way that pain is assessed in the PACU could impact on postoperative pain and analgesic consumption. However, there is currently no evidence to support this speculation. The authors hypothesised that using a comfort scale reduces postoperative opioid consumption when compared with a standard numerical rating scale (NRS) to evaluate pain in the PACU. METHODS: In this cluster-randomised trial, patients were assessed using either a comfort scale (comfort group) or a pain NRS (NRS group). The primary outcome was the opioid consumption in the PACU. The main secondary outcomes were postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, length of stay in the PACU, and satisfaction. RESULTS: Of 885 randomised patients, 860 were included in the analysis. Opioid consumption in the PACU was comparable in the comfort and NRS groups (median [interquartile range [IQR] 0 (0-5) vs 0 (0-6); P=0.2436), irrespective of the type of surgical procedure. The majority of patients did not need any postoperative opioid (59% in the comfort group and 56% in the NRS group, P=0.2260). There was no difference in postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, time to reach an Aldrete score ≥9 after extubation, and global satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Using a comfort scale to assess pain in the PACU did not spare any opioid compared with use of a standard NRS. Further studies focusing on patients at risk of increased postoperative opioid consumption are necessary. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05234216.

How green is my reusable bronchoscope?

INTRODUCTION: Single-use bronchoscopes have replaced reusable ones in many institutions. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental and financial impacts of both strategies: reusable and single-use bronchoscopes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a pragmatic study in a 21-bed polyvalent ICU, in Saint-Brieuc, Bretagne, France. The eco-audit consisted of estimating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, considering the life cycle of each strategy. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to construction, packaging, transport and waste elimination were compared between 2 devices: the reusable bronchoscope, a Pentax® FI-16RBS that was disinfected twice daily; and the single-use bronchoscope, the bronchoflex agile® from TSC. RESULTS: For the reusable bronchoscope, GHG emissions were marginally impacted by the number of bronchoscopies performed (from 185 kg eq.CO2 per year to 192 kg eq.CO2 for 10 or 110 bronchoscopies per year). For the reusable device, GHG emissions directly depended on the number of bronchoscopies performed with 3.82 kg eq.CO2 emitted per bronchoscopy. The breakeven point for the reusable bronchoscope was estimated at 50 bronchoscopies in terms of GHG emissions and 96 bronchoscopies for financial considerations. CONCLUSION: Considering current practice in our ICU, reusable bronchoscopes have lower GHG emissions when used more than 50 times a year and a lower cost when used more than 96 times a year as compared with single-use bronchoscopes.

Sensitivity and specificity of strategies to identify patients with hemostasis abnormalities leading to an increased risk of bleeding before scheduled intervention: the Hemorisk study.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative identification of patients with hemostasis abnormalities leading to an increased bleeding risk is based on routine hemostasis tests: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and platelet count. Because of their low predictive performance, guidelines recommend replacing them with structured bleeding risk questionnaires, but none is validated in this population. OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of 3 strategies, performed at the preanesthesia visit before scheduled interventions, and to identify patients with hemostasis abnormalities leading to an increased bleeding risk METHODS: A multicenter study was performed in 7 French academic hospitals, involving patients scheduled for surgical intervention, without antiplatelet/anticoagulant treatment. The 3 strategies consisted of 1-a structured screening questionnaire; 2-PT, APTT, and platelet count ordered in selected patients; and 3-systematic PT, APTT, and platelet count. The reference standard comprised von Willebrand factor activity/antigen, factor (F)VIII, FIX, FXI, platelet function analyzer, and, when required, FII, FV, FX, and FVII and hemostasis consultation. RESULTS: Eighteen (1.2%) of 1484 patients had a hemostasis abnormality leading to an increased bleeding risk according to reference standard. In the overall cohort, sensitivity of the questionnaire-based strategy was 50% (95% CI, 26%-74%; specificity, 87% [95% CI, 85%-88%]); sensitivity was 0% (95% CI, 0%-41%) in men vs 82% (95% CI, 48%-98%) in women. For selective routine tests, sensitivity was 33% (95% CI, 13%-59%) and specificity 97% (95% CI, 96%-98%). Corresponding values for systematic routine tests were 44% (95% CI, 22%-69%) and 93% (95% CI, 91%-94%). CONCLUSION: Sensitivity was low for all 3 strategies investigated. The structured screening questionnaire had clinically acceptable diagnostic accuracy only in women.

Variations of the Relative Parasympathetic Tone Assessed by ANI During Oocyte Retrieval Under Local Anaesthesia with Virtual Reality : A Randomized, Controlled, Monocentric, Open Study.

Transvaginal oocyte retrieval is an outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthesia. Hypno-analgesia could be effective in managing comfort during this procedure. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a virtual reality headset as an adjunct to local anaesthesia in managing nociception during oocyte retrieval. This was a prospective, randomized single-centre study including patients undergoing oocyte retrieval under local anaesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group (virtual reality headset + local anaesthesia) or the control group (local anaesthesia). The primary outcome was the efficacy on the ANI®, which reflects the relative parasympathetic tone. Secondary outcomes included pain, anxiety, conversion to general anaesthesia rate, procedural duration, patient's and gynaecologist's satisfaction and virtual reality headset tolerance. ANI was significantly lower in the virtual reality group during the whole procedure (mean ANI: 79 95 CI [77; 81] vs 74 95 CI [72; 76]; p < 0.001; effect size Cohen's d -0.53 [-0.83, -0.23]), and during the two most painful moments: infiltration (mean ANI: 81 +/- 11 vs 74 +/- 13; p < 0.001; effect size Cohen's d -0.54[-0.85, -0.24]) and oocytes retrieval (mean ANI: 78 +/- 11 vs 74.40 +/- 11; p = 0.020; effect size Cohen's d -0.37 [-0.67, -0.07]).There was no significant difference in pain measured by VAS. No serious adverse events related were reported. The integration of virtual reality as an hypnotic tool during oocyte retrieval under local anaesthesia in assisted reproductive techniques could improve patient's comfort and experience.

Pain management after open colorectal surgery: An update of the systematic review and procedure-specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Open colectomy is still performed around the world and associated with significant postoperative pain. OBJECTIVES: Unpublished recommendations based on a systematic review were proposed by the PROcedure SPECific postoperative pain managemenT (PROSPECT) group in 2016. We aimed to update these recommendations by evaluating the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after open colectomy according to the PROSPECT methodology. DESIGN AND DATA SOURCES: A systematic review using the PROSPECT methodology was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews published in the English language from 2016 to 2022 assessing postoperative pain after open colectomy using analgesic, anaesthetic or surgical interventions were identified. The primary outcome included postoperative pain scores. RESULTS: The previous 2016 review included data from 93 studies. Out of 842 additional eligible studies identified, 13 new studies were finally retrieved for analysis. Intra-operative and postoperative interventions that improved postoperative pain were paracetamol, epidural analgesia. When epidural is not feasible, intravenous lidocaine or bilateral TAP block or postoperative continuous pre-peritoneal infusion are recommended. Intra-operative and postoperative Cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 specific-inhibitors or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are recommended for colonic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The analgesic regimen for open colectomy should include intra-operative paracetamol and COX-2 specific inhibitors or NSAIDs (restricted to colonic surgery), epidural and continued postoperatively with opioids used as rescue analgesics. If epidural is not feasible, bilateral TAP block or IV lidocaine are recommended. Safety issues should be highlighted: local anaesthetics should not be administered by two different routes at the same time. Because of the risk of toxicity, careful dosing and monitoring are necessary.

Organizing and Sharing Medical Knowledge Among Anesthesiology and Intensive care Residents: Evaluating Existing Practices and the Feasibility of Implementing a Dedicated Multiplatform Application.

Treating patients with up-to-date medical knowledge is an ongoing goal for healthcare workers and implies efficient knowledge management at the point of care. Widely available mobile wireless technologies influence practices but a significant gap remains between technological possibilities and actual usage. The purpose of this study was to analyze residents' baseline practices in managing medical knowledge and to evaluate the use and impact of an innovative multiplatform application dedicated to anesthesiology and intensive care residents. This study took place in Rennes Teaching Hospital and comprised two distinct surveys. First, in April 2018, all residents received a ten-items online survey focusing on managing medical knowledge. Then, through a second online survey constituted of ten items, we sought to assess the use of a new multiplatform cloud-based application named "DansMaBlouse", dedicated to sharing and indexing medical knowledge, in anesthesiology and intensive care residents. Among 148 residents that answered the evaluation survey, the most sought out pieces of information in clinical setting were a phone or fax number (74%), drugs' characteristics (68%) and expert guidelines (57%). The main sources were senior staff (68%), medical databases (60%) and an Internet search engine (59%). Computers and smartphones were more frequently used than bound paper notebooks. After implementation of the multiplatform application DansMaBlouse, fifty-nine (82%) of the 72 residents that answered the evaluation survey reported using the application and 39% used it more than ten times. Among application users, 90% found it easy to use and 92% agreed that it improved point-of-care access to knowledge. Accessing appropriate medical knowledge at the point of care remains an issue for residents and can be improved by a multiplatform application combining personal and shared up-to-date resources.

Transversus abdominis plane block for anterior lumbar interbody fusion: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) is a lumbar arthrodesis technique via an anterior approach that is less invasive than the posterior approaches. However, it is associated with specific pain in the abdominal wall. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine whether performing a bilateral ultrasound-guided Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block allows a reduction in morphine consumption in the first 24 hours after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a prospective single-center, randomized, double-blind study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients undergoing ALIF surgery were included and randomized into two groups. Both groups received a TAP block performed at the end of surgery with either ropivacaine or placebo. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was morphine consumption in the first 24 hours. The main secondary outcomes were immediate postoperative pain and opioid-related side effects. METHODS: Intra- and postoperative anesthesia and analgesia protocols where standardized. A bilateral ultrasound-guided TAP block was performed with 75 mg (in 15 mL) of ropivacaine per side or isotonic saline serum depending on their assignment group. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included in the study (21 per group). Morphine consumption at 24 hours (28 mg [18-35] in the ropivacaine group versus 25 mg [19-37] in the placebo group [p=.503]) were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: TAP block with ropivacaine or placebo provided a similar postoperative analgesia when associated with a multimodal analgesia protocol for ALIF.

Virtual Reality as a Hypnotic Tool in the Management of Anxiety During the Performance of the Axillary Block.

Regional anaesthesia is a gold standard in upper limb orthopaedic surgery. Carried out on an awake patient, it can be a source of anxiety. In recent years, hypnotic techniques have been proposed in the management of perioperative anxiety. Among them, virtual reality is increasingly used as a distraction tool during anxious or painful actions despite the scarcity of proof of its benefit in the literature. Before implementing the systematic use of virtual reality when performing regional anaesthesia in our institution, we designed a study hypothesizing that the use of a virtual reality headset when performing an axillary block would reduce patient's anxiety. The study is an investigator-initiated, prospective monocentric and observational trial comparing anxiety scores of patients who underwent upper limb surgery under an axillary block with or without virtual reality headset. The perioperative anxiety was assessed by a numerical range scale before and after the peripheral nerve block performance. Between June 2021 and June 2022, 99 patients were included: 53 wearing the virtual reality headset and 46 not. The difference in numerical range scale for anxiety before and after the axillary block performance did not differ in the virtual reality group compared to the group without headset (mean = -1.9 ± 2.5 vs -1.5 ± 2.0, (p = 0.2520)). Technical difficulties reported by the operators were similar in both groups. Despite the large number of patients included, the virtual reality headset did not reduce patient's anxiety during a peripheral nerve block. Perioperative anxiety was low in all patients.

Bupivacaine inhibits the TLR4- and TLR2-Myd88/NF-κB pathways in human leukocytes.

Local anesthetics have anti-inflammatory effects. Because most previous experiments were performed with supra-therapeutic concentrations, we measured the effects of clinically relevant concentrations of bupivacaine on the Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4)- and TLR2-myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell (NF-κB) pathways. We measured tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP-kinase) phosphorylation and translocation of NF-κB in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) and human monocytes challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or tripalmitoylated lipopeptide Pam3CysSerLys4 (Pam3CSK4) in the presence or absence of bupivacaine. Similarly, we measured the effect of bupivacaine on HEK293 cells expressing the hTLR4 and the hTLR2 genes and challenged with LPS or Pam3CSK4. Finally, molecular docking simulations of R(+)- and S(-)-bupivacaine binding to the TLR4-myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD-2) complex and to the TLR2/TLR1 heterodimer were performed. In PBMCs, bupivacaine from 0.1 to 100 µM inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α and PGE2 secretion, phosphorylation of p38 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB in monocytes. Bupivacaine similarly inhibited the effects of Pam3CSK4 on TNF-α secretion. Bupivacaine inhibited the effect of LPS on HEK293 cells expressing the human TLR4 receptor and the effect of Pam3CSK4 on HEK293 cells expressing the human TLR2 receptor. Molecular docking showed that bupivacaine binds to the MD-2 co-receptor of TLR4 and to the TLR2 receptor. Contrary to numerous experiments performed with supratherapeutic doses, our results were obtained with concentrations of bupivacaine as low as 0.1 µM. We conclude that bupivacaine modulates the inflammatory reactions such as those observed after surgery or trauma, at least partly by inhibiting the TLR4- and TLR2-NF-κB pathways.

Opioid-Sparing Techniques in Orthopedic Anesthesia-One Step to Opioid-Free Anesthesia?

Opioid-free anesthesia is a multimodal anesthesia aimed at avoiding the negative impact of intraoperative opioid on patient's postoperative outcomes. It is based on the physiology of pathways involved in intraoperative nociception. It has been shown to be feasible but the literature is still scarce on the clinically meaningful benefits as well as on the side effects and/or complications that might be associated with it. Moreover, most studies involved abdominal and/or bariatric surgery. Procedure-specific studies are lacking, especially in orthopedics.

Guidelines for clothing in the operating theatre, 2021.

OBJECTIVE: To provide guidelines for the choice of items of clothing (except sterile surgical gown) for staff working in the operating theatre. DESIGN: A committee of nine experts from SFAR and the SF2H learned societies was convened. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the beginning of the process and enforced throughout. Likewise, it did not benefit from any funding from a company marketing a health product (drug or medical device). The authors were required to follow the rules of the GRADE® method (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to assess the quality of the evidence on which the recommendations were based. METHODS: We aimed to formulate recommendations according to the GRADE® methodology for four different fields: operating theatre suits, operating theatre hats, masks, and shoes/over-shoes. Each question was formulated according to the PICO format (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome). The literature review and recommendations were formulated according to the GRADE® methodology. RESULTS: The experts' synthesis work and their application of the GRADE® method resulted in 13 recommendations. As the GRADE® method could not be integrally applied to all questions, some recommendations were formulated as expert opinions. CONCLUSION: Based on strong agreement between experts, we produced 13 recommendations to guide the choice of operating theatre attire.

General Anesthesia versus Sedation, Both with Hemodynamic Control, during Intraarterial Treatment for Stroke: The GASS Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: It is speculated that the anesthetic strategy during endovascular therapy for stroke may have an impact on the outcome of the patients. The authors hypothesized that conscious sedation is associated with a better functional outcome 3 months after endovascular therapy for the treatment of stroke compared with general anesthesia. METHODS: In this single-blind, randomized trial, patients received either a standardized general anesthesia or a standardized conscious sedation. Blood pressure control was also standardized in both groups. The primary outcome measure was a modified Rankin score less than or equal to 2 (0 = no symptoms; 5 = severe disability) assessed 3 months after treatment. The main secondary outcomes were complications, mortality, reperfusion results, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scores at days 1 and 7. RESULTS: Of 351 randomized patients, 345 were included in the analysis. The primary outcome occurred in 129 of 341 (38%) of the patients: 63 (36%) in the conscious sedation group and 66 (40%) in the general anesthesia group (relative risk, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.69 to 1.19]; P = 0.474). Patients in the general anesthesia group experienced more intraoperative hypo- or hypertensive episodes, while the cumulative duration was not different (mean ± SD, 36 ± 31 vs. 39 ± 25 min; P = 0.079). The time from onset and from arrival to puncture were longer in the general anesthesia group (mean difference, 19 min [i.e., -00:19] [95% CI, -0:38 to 0] and mean difference, 9 min [95% CI, -0:18 to -0:01], respectively), while the time from onset to recanalization was similar in both groups. Recanalization was more often successful in the general anesthesia group (144 of 169 [85%] vs. 131 of 174 [75%]; P = 0.021). The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The functional outcomes 3 months after endovascular treatment for stroke were similar with general anesthesia and sedation. Our results, therefore, suggest that clinicians can use either approach.

Pain management after complex spine surgery: A systematic review and procedure-specific postoperative pain management recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Complex spinal procedures are associated with intense pain in the postoperative period. Adequate peri-operative pain management has been shown to correlate with improved outcomes including early ambulation and early discharge. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after complex spine surgery. DESIGN AND DATA SOURCES: A systematic review using the PROcedure SPECific postoperative pain managemenT methodology was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews published in the English language from January 2008 to April 2020 assessing postoperative pain after complex spine surgery using analgesic, anaesthetic or surgical interventions were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Databases. RESULTS: Out of 111 eligible studies identified, 31 randomised controlled trials and four systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria. Pre-operative and intra-operative interventions that improved postoperative pain were paracetamol, cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 specific-inhibitors or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intravenous ketamine infusion and regional analgesia techniques including epidural analgesia using local anaesthetics with or without opioids. Limited evidence was found for local wound infiltration, intrathecal and epidural opioids, erector spinae plane block, thoracolumbar interfascial plane block, intravenous lidocaine, dexmedetomidine and gabapentin. CONCLUSIONS: The analgesic regimen for complex spine surgery should include pre-operative or intra-operative paracetamol and COX-2 specific inhibitors or NSAIDs, continued postoperatively with opioids used as rescue analgesics. Other recommendations are intra-operative ketamine and epidural analgesia using local anaesthetics with or without opioids. Although there is procedure-specific evidence in favour of intra-operative methadone, it is not recommended as it was compared with shorter-acting opioids and due to its limited safety profile. Furthermore, the methadone studies did not use non-opioid analgesics, which should be the primary analgesics to ultimately reduce overall opioid requirements, including methadone. Further qualitative randomised controlled trials are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of these recommended analgesics on postoperative pain relief.

Chronic Pregabalin Treatment and Oxycodone Requirement after Spinal Surgery Versus Short Course Perioperative Administration: A Prospective, Nonrandomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Although being controversial, pregabalin (PGB) is proposed during a short perioperative period  to improve pain relief.Comparisons between chronic and short-term users during lumbar spine surgery are lacking. OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to compare opioid requirements and postoperative pain among PGB chronic users and naive patients receiving a 48-hour perioperative administration. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective nonrandomized study. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Chronic users (group PGB, n = 39) continued their treatment, naive patients (group C, n = 43) received a dose of 150 mg preoperatively and 75 mg/12 hours for 48 hours. Anesthesia and analgesia were standardized. The primary outcome was the cumulative oxycodone consumption at 24 hours, other outcomes included pain scores, DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions) scores, and side effects. RESULTS: Group PGB consumed less oxycodone at 24 hours (median [interquartile range] 10 mg [10-17.5] vs. 20 mg [10-20], P = 0.013], at 48 hours (15 mg [10-20] vs. 20 mg [12.5-30], P = 0.018), and required less intraoperative remifentanil (P = 0.004). Both groups showed similar pain scores during the 48-hour follow-up and at 3 months.Based on multivariate analysis, chronic users of PGB before surgery exhibited lower oxycodone requirements at 24 hours (odds ratio, 3.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-7.74; P = 0.008]. No differences were noted regarding side effects and DN4 scores. LIMITATIONS: Nonrandomized study. CONCLUSIONS: Patients chronically treated with PGB required less opioid when compared with a short perioperative administration before spinal surgery. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these results in spinal surgeries.

PROSPECT guidelines update for evidence-based pain management after prostatectomy for cancer.

The aim of this review was to update the recommendations for optimal pain management after open and laparoscopic or robotic prostatectomy. Optimal pain management is known to influence postoperative recovery, but patients undergoing open radical prostatectomy typically experience moderate dynamic pain in the immediate postoperative day. Robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery may be associated with decreased pain levels as opposed to open surgery. We performed a systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) with PROcedure SPECific Postoperative Pain ManagemenT (PROSPECT) methodology. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English language, from January 2015 until March 2020, assessing postoperative pain, using analgesic, anaesthetic and surgical interventions, were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Databases. Of the 1797 studies identified, 35 RCTs and 3 meta-analyses met our inclusion criteria. NSAIDs and COX-2 selective inhibitors proved to lower postoperative pain scores. Continuous intravenous lidocaine reduced postoperative pain scores during open surgery. Local wound infiltration showed positive results in open surgery. Bilateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block was performed at the end of surgery and lowered pain scores in robot-assisted procedures, but results were conflicting for open procedures. Basic analgesia for prostatic surgery should include paracetamol and NSAIDs or COX-2 selective inhibitors. TAP block should be recommended as the first-choice regional analgesic technique for laparoscopic/robotic radical prostatectomy. Intravenous lidocaine should be considered for open surgeries.

Moving towards green anaesthesia: Are patient safety and environmentally friendly practices compatible? A focus on single-use devices.

OBJECTIVE: Discuss if the use of disposable or reusable medical devices leads to a difference in terms of hospital-acquired infection or bacterial contamination. Determine which solution is less expensive and has less environmental impact in terms of carbon footprint, energy and water consumption and amount of waste. METHODS: We carried out a narrative review. Articles published in English and French from January 2000 to April 2020 were identified from PubMed. RESULTS: We retrieved 81 articles, including 12 randomised controlled trial, 21 literature reviews, 13 descriptive studies, 6 experimental studies, 9 life-cycle studies, 6 cohort studies, 2 meta-analysis, 4 case reports and 8 other studies. It appears that pathogen transmission in the anaesthesia work area is mainly due to the lack of hand hygiene among the anaesthesia team. The benefit of single-use devices on infectious risk is based on weak scientific arguments, while reusable devices have benefits in terms of costs, water consumption, energy consumption, waste, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. CONCLUSION: Disposable medical devices and attire in the operating theatre do not mitigate the infectious risk to the patients but have a greater environmental, financial and social impact than the reusable ones. This study is the first step towards recommendations for more environmental-friendly practices in the operating theatre.