ASA Physical Status Classification Research Articles

Sexual function recovery after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Outcomes from an Italian referral centre and predicting nomogram.

Aims of this study were to assess sexual recovery after robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to build a nomogram predicting 1-year sexual function. From May 2015 to July 2016, all patients eligible for RARP at our institution were invited to enter the study. The Expanded Prostate cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaire was administered pre-operatively, then at 45days, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12months post-operatively. According to sexual function scores, patients were divided into four classes. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate the influence of patient- and disease-related features on sexual recovery. A total of 643 patients were included. Age was associated with baseline potency (p<.0001). Bioptic Gleason score (GS; p=.0002), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (=.002ASA Physical Status Classification System ) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI; p=.02) were negatively associated with potency. Baseline sexual function was associated with potency recovery. A nomogram resulted from fitting a proportional odds logistic model for ordinal outcomes, with 1-year sexual function as a dependent variable and baseline sexual potency, age, body mass index (BMI), clinical stage, biopsy GS, initial prostate-specific antigen (iPSA), ASA score, and CCI as predictors. After further validation, this nomogram could be a useful tool for the pre-operative counselling.

Feasibility of laparoscopic gastrectomy for patients with poor physical status: a retrospective cohort study based on a nationwide registry database in Japan

Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) is an established minimally invasive procedure for gastric cancer. However, it is controversial whether LG is useful for patients with poor physical status classified into higher classes of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS) classification. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of LG in patients with ASA-PS class ≥ 3. We extracted data for a total of 28,160 patients with an ASA-PS class ≥ 3 who underwent distal or total gastrectomy for gastric cancer between January 2013 and December 2017 from the National Clinical Database Japan society for gastroenterological surgery registry. We developed a propensity score model from baseline demographics and comorbidities and matched patients undergoing LG to those undergoing open gastrectomy (OG) using a 1:1 ratio. Mortality and morbidities (within 30days and in-hospital) were compared between the 6998 matched patient pairs. In-hospital mortality was significantly lower in patients undergoing LG than in those undergoing OG (2.3% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.01), while the 30-day mortality was similar (1.6% vs. 1.5%). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LG group (median, 14days vs. 17days, p < 0.001). The LG group had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative complications in patients with any grade complication (20.3% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.002) as well as those with ≥ grade 3 complications (8.7% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.03). LG was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality and a lower incidence of several postoperative complications when compared to OG among patients with poor physical condition.

Outpatient Joint Arthroplasty—Patient Selection: Update on the Outpatient Arthroplasty Risk Assessment Score

BackgroundThe Outpatient Arthroplasty Risk Assessment (OARA) score was designed to identify patients medically appropriate for same- and next-day discharge after surgery. The purpose of this study was to update and confirm the greater predictive utility of the OARA score in relation to American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA-PS) classification for same-day discharge and to identify the optimal preoperative OARA score for safe patient selection for outpatient surgery. MethodsThe perioperative medical records of 2051 primary total joint arthroplasties performed by a single surgeon at an academic tertiary care hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Six statistical measures were calculated to examine OARA score performance in binary classification of successful same-day discharge and preoperative OARA scores equal to 0 to 59 points (yes vs no) vs 0 to 79 points (yes vs no). ResultsMean OARA scores increased more sharply in magnitude with increasing length of stay, providing superior discrimination than the ASA-PS classification with respect to same-day discharge. Preoperative OARA scores up to 79 points approached the desired 100% for positive predictive value (98.8%) and specificity (99.3%) and 0% for false positive rates (0.7%). ConclusionThe OARA score was designed to err in the direction of medical safety, and OARA scores between 0 and 79 are conservatively highly effective for identifying patients who can safely elect to undergo outpatient total joint arthroplasty. The ASA-PS classification does not provide sufficient discrimination for safely selecting patients for outpatient arthroplasty.

Safety and Efficacy of Nonanesthesiologist-Administrated Propofol during Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection of Gastric Epithelial Tumors.

Objective There is no consensus regarding administration of propofol for performing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients with comorbidities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of propofol-induced sedation administered by nonanesthesiologists during ESD of gastric cancer in patients with comorbidities classified according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status. Methods Five hundred and twenty-two patients who underwent ESD for gastric epithelial tumors under sedation by nonanesthesiologist-administrated propofol between April 2011 and October 2017 at Dokkyo Medical University Hospital were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the ASA physical status classification. Hypotension, desaturation, and bradycardia were evaluated as the adverse events associated with propofol. The safety of sedation by nonanesthesiologist-administrated propofol was measured as the primary outcome. Results The patients were classified according to the ASA physical status classification: 182 with no comorbidity (ASA 1), 273 with mild comorbidity (ASA 2), and 67 with severe comorbidity (ASA 3). The median age of the patients with ASA physical status of 2/3 was higher than the median age of those with ASA physical status of 1. There was no significant difference in tumor characteristics, total amount of propofol used, or ESD procedure time, among the 3 groups. Adverse events related to propofol in the 522 patients were as follows: hypotension (systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg) in 113 patients (21.6%), respiratory depression (SpO2 < 90%) in 265 patients (50.8%), and bradycardia (pulse rate < 50 bpm) in 39 patients (7.47%). There was no significant difference in the incidences of adverse events among the 3 groups during induction, maintenance, or recovery. No severe adverse event was reported. ASA 3 patients had a significantly longer mean length of hospital stay (8 days for ASA 1, 9 days for ASA 2, and 9 days for ASA 3, P = 0.003). However, the difference did not appear to be clinically significant. Conclusions Sedation by nonanesthesiologist-administrated propofol during ESD is safe and effective, even for at-risk patients according to the ASA physical status classification.

Validation of Tokyo guideline 2018 treatment proposal for acute cholecystitis from a single-center retrospective analysis

Introduction: Based on the revised Tokyo guideline 2018 (TG18), early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is recommended in patients who satisfy the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) criteria and the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification (ASA-PS). Our study aims to determine the efficacy of TG18 treatment strategy. Method: We enrolled 324 patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) diagnosed by TG18 who underwent cholecystectomy between 2010 and 2018. Perioperative variables and surgical outcomes were analyzed according to the TG18 treatment strategy and severity grading. Result: ASA-PS and CCI were significantly higher in patients with Grade II (GII) and GIII AC. Higher severity grading resulted in failed LC, requiring blood transfusion and bailout surgery. The TG18 within group showed a higher proportion of GI and GII AC and their ASA-PS scores were also significantly lower. TG18 within group demonstrated significant differences in the achievement LC, bailout surgery, postoperative hospital stays, and 90-day mortality rates. Intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion were significantly higher in the TG18 outside group than in the TG18 within group. Conclusion: Our study shows that the TG18 treatment strategy is well-designed and efficacious. Early cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis within 7 days from symptom onset can contribute to low mortality rates.

Predicting Surgical Complications in Adult Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Using Machine Learning.

ObjectiveMachine learning algorithms excel at leveraging big data to identify complex patterns that can be used to aid in clinical decision-making. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the performance of machine learning models in predicting postoperative complications following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).MethodsArtificial neural network (ANN), logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and random forest decision tree (RF) models were trained on a multicenter data set of patients undergoing ACDF to predict surgical complications based on readily available patient data. Following training, these models were compared to the predictive capability of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification. ResultsA total of 20,879 patients were identified as having undergone ACDF. Following exclusion criteria, patients were divided into 14,615 patients for training and 6,264 for testing data sets. ANN and LR consistently outperformed ASA physical status classification in predicting every complication (p < 0.05). The ANN outperformed LR in predicting venous thromboembolism, wound complication, and mortality (p < 0.05). The SVM and RF models were no better than random chance at predicting any of the postoperative complications (p < 0.05). ConclusionANN and LR algorithms outperform ASA physical status classification for predicting individual postoperative complications. Additionally, neural networks have greater sensitivity than LR when predicting mortality and wound complications. With the growing size of medical data, the training of machine learning on these large datasets promises to improve risk prognostication, with the ability of continuously learning making them excellent tools in complex clinical scenarios.

Effect of anesthesia on cardiopulmonary complications in elderly patients with hip fracture

Objective: To compare the effects of different types of anesthesia on postoperative cardiopulmonary complications in patients aged 80 years and above who received unilateral hip fracture surgery. Methods: The perioperative data of patients aged 80 and above who underwent unilateral hip fracture surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from July 2009 to June 2014 were collected and grouped based on the types of anesthesia including general anesthesia, neuraxial anesthesia, and peripheral nerve block. Variables were analyzed including preoperative general conditions (age, sex, type of fracture, ASA physical status classification, preoperative cardiopulmonary complications), intraoperative conditions (type of surgical procedure, operative time, blood loss, total intraoperative fluid infusion), and postoperative conditions (length of hospital stay, postoperative hospital stay, ICU stay, postoperative newly developed cardiopulmonary complications, postoperative in-hospital death, hospitalization costs). The incidences of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications of each group were analyzed and compared. Results: A total of 219 cases were finally analyzed including general anesthesia (n=46), neuraxial anesthesia (n=90) and nerve block group (n=83). Fewer cases with preoperative pulmonary complications were noticed in general anesthesia group (15 cases, 32.6%) than in neuraxial anesthesia group (45 cases, 50%) and nerve block group (47 cases, 56.6%) (χ(2)=6.912, P=0.032). No statistical differences were found between groups regarding preoperative cardiovascular complications and other variables. There were no significant differences in postoperative cardiopulmonary complications. However, the cost of hospitalization was lower in neuraxial anesthesia group (45.6±21.4) thousand RMB and nerve block group (48.2±25.8) thousand RMB compared with general anesthesia group (56.3±21.6) thousand RMB, the difference was statistically significant(F=9.951, P=0.007). Conclusions: For elderly patients undergoing unilateral hip surgery, the type of anesthesia does not affect the incidence of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications. However, neuraxial anesthesia and nerve block may reduce the cost of hospitalization.

The ASA Physical Status Classification: What Is the Evidence for Recommending Its Use in Veterinary Anesthesia?-A Systematic Review.

Background: The effectiveness of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status (PS) classification to identify the animals at a greater risk of anesthesia-related death and complications is controversial. In this systematic review, we aimed to analyze studies associating the ASA PS scores with the outcome of anesthesia and to verify whether there was any evidence for recommending the use of the ASA PS in veterinary patients.Methods: Research articles found through a systematic literature search were assessed for eligibility, and data were extracted and analyzed using random-effects analysis.Results: A total of 15 observational prospective and retrospective studies including 258,298 dogs, cats, rabbits, and pigs were included. The analysis found consistency between the studies showing that dogs, cats and rabbits with an ASA-PS ≥III had 3.26 times (95% CI = 3.04–3.49), 4.83 times (95% CI = 3.10–7.53), and 11.31 times (95% CI = 2.70–47.39), respectively, the risk of anesthesia-related death within 24 h (dogs) and 72 h (cats and rabbits) after anesthesia compared with those with an ASA PS <III. In addition, the analysis showed that dogs and cats with ASA PS ≥III had 2.34 times the risk of developing severe hypothermia during anesthesia (95% CI = 1.82–3.01).Conclusions: The simple and practical ASA PS was shown to be a valuable prognostic tool and can be recommended to identify an increased risk of anesthetic mortality until 24–72 h after anesthesia, and a greater risk of development severe intraoperative hypothermia.

Development and internal validation of a novel risk adjustment model for adult patients undergoing emergency laparotomy surgery: the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit risk model

BackgroundAmong patients undergoing emergency laparotomy, 30-day postoperative mortality is around 10–15%. The risk of death among these patients, however, varies greatly because of their clinical characteristics. We developed a risk prediction model for 30-day postoperative mortality to enable better comparison of outcomes between hospitals. MethodsWe analysed data from the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) on patients having an emergency laparotomy between December 2013 and November 2015. A prediction model was developed using multivariable logistic regression, with potential risk factors identified from existing prediction models, national guidelines, and clinical experts. Continuous risk factors were transformed if necessary to reflect their non-linear relationship with 30-day mortality. The performance of the model was assessed in terms of its calibration and discrimination. Interval validation was conducted using bootstrap resampling. ResultsThere were 4458 (11.5%) deaths within 30-days among the 38 830 patients undergoing emergency laparotomy. Variables associated with death included (among others): age, blood pressure, heart rate, physiological variables, malignancy, and ASA physical status classification. The predicted risk of death among patients ranged from 1% to 50%. The model demonstrated excellent calibration and discrimination, with a C-statistic of 0.863 (95% confidence interval, 0.858–0.867). The model retained its high discrimination during internal validation, with a bootstrap derived C-statistic of 0.861. ConclusionsThe NELA risk prediction model for emergency laparotomies discriminates well between low- and high-risk patients and is suitable for producing risk-adjusted provider mortality statistics.

Preoperative Testing and Planning for Safer Surgery

Consensus statements and regulatory guidelines endorse the process of identifying patients at increased risk for surgical morbidity and mortality. This is termed prognostic testing, and it identifies patients who are deemed to be too sick to benefit from the anticipated gain of surgery. However, much more valuable than prognostic testing is predictive, or directive, testing. A predictive test pinpoints the patient’s problem that will benefit from a specific available intervention. This review covers what is risk?, changing paradigms of surgical success, building a case for moderation, so, does anyone disagree?, timing, frailty and age (and the eyeball test), is the heart the only organ that counts?, changing paradigms, the enhanced importance of functional capacity, resting electrocardiogram, exercise stress testing, ventricular function testing, stair climbing: putting it all together, pulmonary function tests, obstructive airway disease, perioperative nutrition, how can we make surgery safer?, enhanced recovery after surgery, putting it all together, extended enhanced recovery after surgery, tight glucose control, smoking cessation, and timing of collaboration with anesthesia. Figures show routine preoperative tests for elective surgery (adapted from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence clinical guideline 3, preoperative assessment strategies and recommended risk-reducing therapy relative to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification performed by the surgeon and age, ASA Class I and II patients may be safely be evaluated by an anesthesiologist on the day of their scheduled surgery for a full preoperative history and physical examination, flow volume loop. Tables list ASA physical status classification, effect of abnormal screening results on physician behavior, and minimum preoperative test requirements at the Mayo Clinic (in 1997). This review contains 4 highly rendered figures, 3 tables, and 111 references

Investigation of intraoperativedosing patterns of neuromuscular blocking agents.

There is a growing body of literature documenting the use of deep neuromuscular block (NMB) during surgery. Traditional definitions of depth of NMB rely on train-of-four assessment, which can be less reliable in retrospective studies. The goal of our study wasto investigate the real-world practice pattern of dosing of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA), utilizing the amount of NMBA used during the course of a case, adjusted for patient weight and case duration, as a surrogate measure of depth of NMB. We also aimed to identify case factors associated with larger NMBA doses. In this retrospective observational analysis of our anesthesia information management system, we analyzed all general endotracheal anesthesia cases from 2012 to 2015 in which an intermediate-acting NMBA was used. Cases using a long-acting NMBA or only succinylcholine were excluded. The expected duration of the case was calculated based on the cumulative dose of NMB used, normalized to the patient's ideal body weight and the ED95 of the drug. If the expected duration of the case was greater than the actual case duration documented in the case record, it was classified as higher dosing (HD). If the expected duration was equal to or less than the actual duration, it was considered predicted dosing (PD). Categorical comparisons between HD and PD groups were made for various patient, procedural, and provider factors. 72,684 cases were included in the final analysis, of which 46,358, or 64% of cases, used HD. Cases with patients who were morbidly obese, younger than 65years, and who werelower ASA Physical Status classification (I or II) used more HD as opposed to PD. Cases that were non-open, used total intravenous anesthesia, emergent cases, or usednon-rapid sequence anesthesiainduction had higher rates of HD than their matched counterparts. All results were statistically significant. HD was more common in cases that documented train-of-four and used the reversal agent neostigmine. Approximately two-thirds of general endotracheal anesthesia cases using an intermediate-acting NMBA used HD. Cases with higher rates of HD may be those that are traditionally technically complexor emergent, would benefit from greater paralysis, or do not use adjunctive medications for muscle relaxation. Age greater than 65years was shown to have lower rates of HD, likely due to provider awareness of age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Intraoperative monitoring and NMB antagonism with neostigmine were used more frequently with HD.

Effects of Low Pressure of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy on Arterial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide and Mean Blood Pressure

Background: The effect of low pressure pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy on partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood (PaCO2) is an important subject which has not been completely defined.Methods: In a double-blind clinical trial, we randomly studied 202 ASA (The ASA physical status classification system) class 1, 2 patients aged between 20 and 85 years who were candidates for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. They were randomly divided into two groups of low pressure pneumoperitoneum (6-8 mm Hg) and standard pressure pneumoperitoneum (12-14 mm Hg). By the same general anesthesia protocol in the two groups, PaCO2 was assessed before CO2 insufflation and desufflation. Mean Arterial blood Pressure (MAP) was measured in the two groups.Results: PaCO2 was not significantly different between the 2 groups before CO2 insufflation. But, PaCO2 was statistically lower in low pressure pneumoperitoneum group before CO2 desufflation (P= 0.001). Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) in standard pressure pneumoperitoneum group was lower than the low pressure pneumoperitoneum group at 5 and 10 minutes after CO2 insufflation and before the time of CO2 desufflation (P=0.001, P=0.006 and P=0.001, respectively). While, MAP was not statistically different between the two groups before CO2 insufflation (P=0.55).Conclusion: Low pressure pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be an effective protocol to prevent the rise of PaCO2 by preserving the hemodynamic status in such cases.

Screening colonoscopy and risk of adverse events among individuals undergoing fecal immunochemical testing in a population-based program: A nested case-control study.

Screening by means of biennial fecal occult blood test has provided a reduction in overall colorectal cancer mortality. Notwithstanding, we should not underestimate the harms that it can produce. The aim of this article is to identify the independent risk factors of complications after a screening colonoscopy. A six-year, nested case-control study was conducted. Mortality/complications within 30 days after colonoscopy were registered and its predictors identified through logistic regression. After 39,254 colonoscopies, the complication rate was 1.0%. Independent predictors were sex (OR 1.68 for men; CI 95% 1.18-2.39), ASA physical status classification system (OR 1.73 for ASA II-III; CI 95% 1.53-3.69), history of abdominal surgery (OR 2.37; CI 95% 1.72-4.08), diverticulosis (OR 2.89; CI 95% 1.94-4.30), inadequate cleansing (OR 29.35; CI 95% 6.52-132.17), detection of advanced neoplasia (AN) (OR 4.92; CI 95% 3.29-7.36), detection of stage I adenocarcinoma (OR 9.44; CI 95% 4.46-20.0), polyps in right colon OR 2.27 CI 95% 1.38-3.74) and complex polypectomy (OR 2.00; CI 95% 1.25-3.20). The logistic model explained 82% of the complications (CI 95% 0.798-0.854, p < 0.001). Colonoscopy, with or without removal of a lesion, is an invasive procedure with a non-deniable risk of major complications. Factors like inadequate cleansing or detection of AN are determinants. Therefore, it is vital to know which aspects predict their appearance to implement countermeasures.

Risk Assessment in Surgical Patients: American Society of Anesthesiologist’s (ASA) Classification vs Intraoperative Therapeutic and Diagnostic Interventions (I-ITS)

Background: In this prospective study of 859 surgical patients in a tertiary research hospital, we examined the association between ASA physical status classification and Intraoperative Therapeutic Intervention Score (I-TIS). Methodology: All patients were assigned by ASA classification before the operation and received a value of 1-4 points for I-TIS score during surgical procedures. Surgical complexity was also classified and correlation with I-TIS was examined. Results: The correlation coefficient of the ASA with I-TIS was r=0.55 (p25 and surgical complexity of major plus were admitted to the intensive care unit. Two of them were followed up six hours and the other three stayed more than 24 hours in the intensive care unit. Conclusions: It’s concluded that I-TIS score may be validated for our surgical patients but this assessment may show variability among institutions. The ASA classification is the most valued and widely used scoring system for evaluation of perioperative risk in surgical patients. It is simple, easy and also a useful tool to assist descriptions of workload and ‘anesthetic risk’ for analysis and research purposes.

Complications following single-level interbody fusion procedures: an ACS-NSQIP study.

Controversy exists over the ability of various lumbar interbody fusion techniques to realign global and regional balance and their effect on patient outcomes. This is a retrospective cohort study to compare thirty-day postoperative outcomes between anterior and posterior interbody fusion techniques within a large national database. A retrospective cohort study utilizing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database included 2,372 (29.9%) single-level anterior/direct lateral interbody fusions (ALIF/DLIF) and 5,563 (70.1%) single-level posterior/transforaminal lateral interbody fusions (PLIF/TLIF) between 2013 and 2014. Emergent cases, fracture cases, and preoperative compromised wounds were not analyzed. Primary thirty-day outcomes included mortality, return to operating room, readmission, length of stay, and other major complications. Minor outcomes included urinary tract infection, superficial incisional site infection, and perioperative blood transfusion within 72 hours. ALIF/DLIF was performed more for degenerative lumbar disc disease (31.0% vs. 13.9%, P<0.001), whereas PLIF/TLIF was utilized more for spondylolisthesis (19.1% vs. 24.4%, P<0.001). Thirty-day mortality was significantly higher with ALIF/DLIF (0.3% vs. 0.1%, P=0.021) in the univariate analysis and persisted in the multivariate analysis (OR =12.8; 95% CI, 1.37-119.6; P=0.025). Significantly more PLIF/TLIF patients required blood transfusions within 72 hours of surgery (9.6% vs. 7.6%, P=0.005). This difference did not persist in the multivariate analysis after controlling for covariates. Elevated ASA physical status classification, age >60, prior bleeding disorder, and preoperative anemia were significantly associated with blood transfusion requirement. More deep venous thrombosis occurred (DVT) with ALIF/DLIF compared to PLIF/TLIF (1.0% vs. 0.6%, P=0.025), which persisted in the multivariate analysis (OR =2.03; 95% CI, 1.13-3.65; P=0.017). Although numerous techniques can be utilized in the treatment approach to various lumbar pathologies, anterior approaches have an increased risk of developing a perioperative DVT and early mortality. Transfusion risk is more strongly associated with elevated American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, increased age, preoperative anemia, and patients with bleeding disorders.

Interrater variability in ASA physical status assignment: an analysis in the pediatric cancer setting.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status is a universal classification system that helps clinicians to categorize their patients preoperatively. However, there is a lack of both inter-rater and intra-rater reliability among clinicians for the ASA physical status classification. Our study focuses on testing these reliabilities within pediatric anesthesia providers in the cancer setting. In our retrospective observational study, a total of 1177 anesthesia records were reviewed. The cohort included all pediatric patients (≤18years old) diagnosed with either retinoblastoma or neuroblastoma who had two or more anesthesia procedure within a 14-day time period. Overall, the ASA physical status score among two different anesthesia providers for the same patient treated at different times had very little inter-rater reliability, κ=-0.042 (95% CI -0.17; 0.09). Of the 1177-patient anesthesia records, only 25% had two or more ASA physical status score assigned by the same anesthesiologist within a 14-day time period. There was moderate intra-rater reliability κ=0.48 (95% CI 0.29; 0.68) for patients who were assigned an ASA physical status score by the identical anesthesia provider at different times points within a 14day period. In contrast to observations in earlier studies, findings indicate poor agreement in inter-rater reliability. Although there was moderate agreement in intra-rater reliability, one would expect to find stronger, even perfect, intra-rater reliability. These findings suggest the need to develop a specific physical status classification system directed toward patients with a systemic illness such as cancer in both young and adult patients.

Practice Guidelines for Intravenous Conscious Sedation in Dentistry (Second Edition, 2017).

Practice Guidelines for Intravenous Conscious Sedation in Dentistry (Second Edition, 2017).

Efficacy of a new dual channel laryngeal mask airway, the LMA®Gastro™ Airway, for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a prospective observational study

BackgroundSignificant cardiorespiratory events are frequent in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. Central to the occurrence of respiratory events is an unsecured airway. This study sought to determine the efficacy of a new laryngeal mask airway, the LMA®GastroTM Airway (Teleflex Medical, Athlone, Ireland), in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. New design features include a dedicated channel for oesophageal intubation and separate channel with terminal cuff for lung ventilation. MethodsIn a prospective, open label, observational study, 292 ASA physical status classification 1 and 2 patients at low risk of pulmonary aspiration undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy received i.v. propofol anaesthesia and standardized insertion of the LMA®GastroTM Airway. Endoscopy outcomes included insertion success, first attempt success, and ease of endoscope insertion. LMA®GastroTM Airway outcomes included insertion success, first attempt success, ease of insertion, lowest oxygen saturation, airway compromise, laryngospasm, bloodstained device, and sore throat. ResultsPer protocol analysis (n=290), the endoscopy success rate amongst the cohort with successful LMA®GastroTM Airway insertion was 99% [95% confidence interval (CI): 98, 100]. LMA®GastroTM Airway insertion success rate (n=292) was 99% (95% CI: 98, 100). For endoscopy and LMA®GastroTM Airway insertion success, the lower limit of the 95% CIs was at least 98%, indicating LMA®GastroTM Airway efficacy. Median (inter-quartile range) lowest intraoperative oxygen saturation was 98% (98, 99). Only one serious adverse event occurred (re-admission for sore throat and inability to tolerate fluids) and was reported to the Tasmanian Health and Medical Human Research Ethics Committee. ConclusionsThe LMA®GastroTM Airway appears effective for clinical use in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Clinical trial registrationACTRN12616001464459.

The Assignment of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification for Adult Polytrauma Patients: Results From a Survey and Future Considerations.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status (PS) classification system assesses the preoperative health of patients. Previous studies demonstrated poor interrater reliability and variable ASA PS scores, especially in trauma scenarios. There are few studies that evaluated the assignment of ASA PS scores in trauma patients and no studies that evaluated ASA PS assignment in severely injured adult polytrauma patients. Our objective was to assess interrater reliability and identify sources of discrepancy among anesthesiologists and trauma surgeons in designating ASA PS scores to adult polytrauma patients. A link to an online survey containing questions assessing attitudes regarding ASA PS classification, demographic information, and 8 fictional trauma cases was e-mailed to anesthesiologists and trauma surgeons. The participants were asked to assign an ASA PS score to each scenario and explain their choice. Rater-versus-reference and interrater reliability, beyond that expected by chance, among respondents was analyzed using the Fleiss kappa analysis. A total of 349 participants completed the survey. All 8 cases had inconsistent ASA PS scores; several cases had scores ranging from I to VI and variable emergency (E) designations. Using weighted kappa (Kw) analysis for a subset of 201 respondents (101 trauma surgeons [S] and 100 anesthesiologists [A]), we found moderate (Kw = 0.63; SE = 0.024; 95% confidence interval, 0.594-0.666; P < .001) interrater-versus-reference reliability. The interrater reliability was fair (Kw = 0.43; SE = 0.037; 95% confidence interval, 0.360-0.491; P < .001). This study demonstrates fair interrater reliability beyond that expected by chance of the ASA PS scores among anesthesiologists and trauma surgeons when assessing adult polytrauma patients. Although the ASA PS is used in some trauma risk stratification models, discrepancies of ASA PS scores assigned to trauma cases exist. Future modifications of the ASA PS guidelines should aim to improve the interrater reliability of ASA PS scores in trauma patients. Further studies are warranted to determine the value of the ASA PS score as a trauma prognostic metric.

Completeness of handwritten preanaesthetic records at two veterinary referral institutions

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyse handwritten preanaesthetic records for completeness at two veterinary referral institutions: a university veterinary teaching hospital and a private veterinary referral hospital. To evaluate if emergency records were less complete compared with non-emergency records. Animal or Animal Population Two hundred and fifty preanaesthetic records at each referral institution. Materials and MethodsHandwritten preanaesthetic records were analysed for completeness. Data was described as complete or incomplete. In order to be classified as complete information had to be present, legible and correct. Sections of the preanaesthetic record analysed included the date, anaesthetist, clinician, presenting problem, procedure, time food withheld, temperature, pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (fR), American Society of Anesthesiologists-Physical Status Classification (ASA-PSC), premedication drug name, premedication drug dose, premedication route of administration, premedication time, effect of premedication, induction drug name, induction drug dose, induction time, induction quality, maintenance anaesthetic agent, endotracheal tube (ET) diameter, anaesthetic breathing system and monitoring equipment. ResultsAt both referral institutions 250 records were analysed. Completeness of data was generally poor, however, several differences did exist. Completion rates were generally higher at the university veterinary teaching hospital. A mix of structured and unstructured (requiring free text) data fields were poorly complete. Emergency records were significantly less complete with respect to: Time food withheld (p = 0.006) and Temperature (p = 0.0275). ConclusionsDifferences observed may be due to anaesthetic record design, anaesthetic caseload, case discussion, education or quality assurance programmes. Clinical relevance Increased emphasis on education and implementation of quality assurance programmes should be considered in order to improve completeness of preanaesthetic records.