Perianesthesia Care of the Oncologic Patient Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

PurposeThis study was to understand the perianesthesia care for patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC). MethodThis is a retrospective study. DesignThe perioperative electronic medical records of 189 CRS + HIPEC surgical cases at a hospital of Western Pennsylvania from 2012 to 2018 were analyzed to study the characteristics of perianesthesia care for CRS + HIPEC surgery. FindingsThe patients' median age was 57 (range 21-83) years, and 60% were men. The mean anesthesia time was 10.47 ± 2.54 hours. Most tumors were appendix or colorectal in origin, and the mean peritoneal cancer index score was 16.19 ± 8.76. The mean estimated blood loss was 623 ± 582 mL. The mean total intravenous crystalloid administered was 8,377 ± 4,100 mL. Fifty-two patients received packed red blood cells during surgery. Postoperatively, 100% of the patients were transferred to the intensive care unit. A majority (52%) of patients were extubated in the operating room. Median lengths of hospital and intensive care unit stays were 13 and 2 days, respectively. A majority (73%) of patients had 1 or more postoperative complications and 29% of patients experienced major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher) during the hospital stay. Prolonged hospitalization was owing to gastrointestinal dysfunctions and respiratory failure related to atelectasis and pleural effusion. ConclusionsCRS + HIPEC is a major surgery with numerous challenges to the perianesthesia care team regarding hemodynamic adjustment, pain control, and postoperative complications, which demand training and future studies from the perianesthesia care team.