Postoperative Management Of Patients Research Articles

Best practices guidelines in the postoperative management of patients who underwent cervical and lumbar fusions.

There is a lack of standardization in spine surgery in particular, as relates to postoperative care for the most common spine procedures such as cervical and lumbar fusions. The goal of this study was to develop a standardized postoperative treatment protocol for common spine procedures such as cervical and lumbar fusion to reduce unnecessary visits, imaging studies, and create a standard for all spine surgeons to adhere while maintaining quality. We developed a best practices protocol (BPP) for postoperative spine care for anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) and posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). We compared outcome to retrospective controls (pre-BPP) and a national database [Quality Outcomes Database (QOD)/American Spine Registry (ASR)]. Pre-BPP retrospective controls (n=1,010) were compared to patients enrolled in BPP (n=750). BPP reduced postoperative visits (POV) from 2,201 to 1,061 (52%). Total additional imaging studies computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) beyond standard X-ray were reduced from 192 studies to 57 (70%); 53% for lumbar fusion and 67% for cervical fusion. Comparing pre-BPP to BPP groups for complications, the number of adverse events was reduced by 52% overall; 45% for lumbar fusion, and 62% for cervical fusion. A subset of BPP patients (n=450) with available data were compared to a national registry QOD and ASR where lumbar and cervical fusion patients showed comparable less lengths of stay, lower 3-month complication rates and lower readmission rates. This is one of the first studies to standardize postoperative spine care as a first step towards creating uniformly accepted models for value-based care (VBC) in spine surgery.

Perioperative and Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing the Method of Fast-Track Total Knee Arthroplasty

Perioperative and Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing the Method of Fast-Track Total Knee Arthroplasty

Association Between English Proficiency and Postoperative Pain Management for Adult Patients Undergoing Gynecologic Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

PurposeTo determine if language-based disparities in postoperative pain management exist in women undergoing gynecologic surgery. DesignA retrospective cohort study was performed. MethodsThe electronic medical records were reviewed of individuals, aged 18 to 80, who underwent an abdominal hysterectomy between 2016 and 2021 at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center. A random sample of 100 patients, 50 categorized as English proficient and 50 categorized as having limited English proficiency (LEP), were compared. The primary outcomes were the number of quantitative pain assessments and the total dose of opioid given in oral morphine milligram equivalents. The secondary outcomes were the average pain scores, the number of qualitative pain assessments, postanesthesia care unit length of stay, regional block use, patient-controlled analgesia, or opioid use after the first 24 hours. Linear and generalized linear modeling was used to assess the relationship between English proficiency and the outcomes of interest. FindingsAll patients received at least 1 pain assessment while in the postanesthesia care unit (range 2 to 25). There was no significant difference in the number of objective pain assessments or the total dose of opioid given between the groups. There were no significant differences in any of the secondary outcomes between the groups. On subgroup analysis, the presence of a documented bedside interpreter did not result in a significant difference in endpoints. Fewer LEP patients received patient-controlled analgesia (34% LEP vs 58% English proficient), though the difference did not reach statistical significance. ConclusionsLanguage barriers may complicate care and impact postoperative recovery. In our population of women in a high-volume, urban, level I, trauma center, there were no observed differences in postoperative pain management practices in patients with LEP compared with English-proficient patients. Standardized nursing protocols may contribute to more equitable care. Ongoing investigations in the identification and prevention of language-related disparities in perioperative care are warranted.

Comparison Of Ketorolac Versus Ibuprofen For Postoperative Pain Management In Total Abdominal Hystrectomy Surgeries

Background - Postoperative pain management is crucial for ensuring patient comfort and promoting faster recovery. Pharmacological interventions, such as NSAIDs, play an essential role in reducing pain intensity while minimizing opioid-related side effects. Ketorolac, a potent NSAID, and ibuprofen are both commonly used for pain relief. This study focuses on comparing the efficacy of these two drugs for pain management in total abdominal hysterectomy surgeries. Aim -To assess and compare the effects of intravenous ketorolac and intravenous ibuprofen on postoperative pain management in total abdominal hysterectomy patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized single-blind study was conducted on 30 patients, divided into two groups (Group K: ketorolac, Group I: ibuprofen). Various parameters, including VAS pain scores, sedation, time for rescue analgesia, and the number of rescue analgesics, were compared. Participants: 30 patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy, randomized into two groups (Group K: ketorolac, Group I: ibuprofen). Inclusion Criteria: Patients between 18 and 65 years of age undergoing elective surgery, ASA grade I or II. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with NSAID hypersensitivity, coagulation disorders, bronchial asthma, hepatic or renal failure, and peptic ulcers. Methodology: Patients received lumbar subarachnoid block, followed by either 30 mg of ketorolac or 800 mg of ibuprofen postoperatively. Rescue analgesics were provided if needed. Results: The postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the ibuprofen group. Time for first rescue analgesia and the total number of rescue analgesics required were also lower in the ibuprofen group

Prediction models for postoperative pulmonary complications in intensive care unit patients after noncardiac thoracic surgery

BackgroundPostoperative pulmonary complication (PPC) is a leading cause of mortality and poor outcomes in postoperative patients. No studies have enrolled intensive care unit (ICU) patients after noncardiac thoracic surgery, and effective prediction models for PPC have not been developed. This study aimed to explore the incidence and risk factors and construct prediction models for PPC in these patients.MethodsThis study retrospectively recruited patients admitted to the ICU after noncardiac thoracic surgery at West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from July 2019 to December 2022. The patients were randomly divided into a development cohort and a validation cohort at a 70% versus 30% ratio. The preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables during the ICU stay were compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify candidate predictors, establish prediction models, and compare the accuracy of the models with that of reported risk models.ResultsA total of 475 ICU patients were enrolled after noncardiac thoracic surgery (median age, 58; 72% male). At least one PPC occurred in 171 patients (36.0%), and the most common PPC was pneumonia (153/475, 32.21%). PPC significantly increased the duration of mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001), length of ICU stay (p < 0.001), length of hospital stay (LOS) (p < 0.001), and rate of reintubation (p = 0.047) in ICU patients. Seven risk factors were identified, and then the prediction nomograms for PPC were constructed. At ICU admission, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.766, with a sensitivity of 0.71 and specificity of 0.60; after extubation, the AUC was 0.841, with a sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.83. The models showed robust discrimination in both the development cohort and the validation cohort, and they were well calibrated and more accurate than reported risk models.ConclusionsICU patients who underwent noncardiac thoracic surgery were at high risk of developing PPCs. Prediction nomograms were constructed and they were more accurate than reported risk models, with excellent sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, these findings could help assess individual PPC risk and enhance postoperative management of patients.

Effectiveness of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Hemodynamic and Pulmonary Response in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

In the realm of cardiovascular care, the quest for innovative and holistic approaches to enhance patient outcomes persists. This study analyzes osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and its potential impact on pain intensity, length of hospitalization, respiratory function, and hemodynamic response in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). OMT, with its emphasis on physical manipulation of the body's muscles and tissues, presents a potential treatment beyond the realms of conventional post-operative care. Google Scholar was used to identify four relevant articles for further review. RevMan 5.4 was utilized for meta-analytic evaluation in order to produce forest plots with associated standardized mean difference (SMD), confidence interval (CI), and heterogeneity (I²). Output from collection and analysis revealed statistically significant decreases in negatively viewed outcomes, including length of stay (SMD 0.39; 95% CI -0.02,-0.76; I² ≤ 0%) and pain control (SMD 1.67; 95% CI -1.34,-0.67; I² ≤ 94%). Parameters for respiratory function and hemodynamic response, including vital capacity (SMD 0.91; 95% CI 0.57,1.24; I² ≤ 96%) and maximal aerobic capacity (SMD 0.50; 95% CI 0.19, 0.82; I² ≤ 0%), showed a statistically significant increase. These findings suggest the incorporation of OMT as a viable adjunct for postoperative management in CABG patients, yielding favorable reductions in adverse outcomes such as length of hospitalization and pain. Moreover, it has demonstrated enhancement in maximal aerobic and vital capacity. This study suggests that the addition of osteopathic management to post-bypass standards can ultimately prevent certain morbidities associated with this specific patient population.

Central pathology review and its prognostic value in upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients: a nationwide multi-institutional study

The prognostic value of central pathology review in upper urinary tract cancer (UTUC) remains inadequately addressed in existing literature. In this study, we conducted an extensive central pathology review and presented its influence on multi-center UTUC studies. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy or segmental resection for UTUC to determine eligibility for central pathology review. In the Taiwan UTUC Collaboration cohort, 377 cases met the criteria for pathology review. We assessed agreement between pathologists using both the total percentage of agreement and simple kappa statistics. The prognostic implications of original and review pathology for various parameters were examined using the Cox regression model. This study included 209 female and 168 male participants. Pathology review revealed substantial interobserver variability in pT staging, with a particularly high rate of pT2 cases being upgraded to pT3 upon central review (17/70 pT2 stage made by local pathologists were finally confirmed as pT3 disease by the review pathologist). The local pathologist cohort identified fewer significant histological predictors in survival models compared to the review pathology cohort. Advanced pT stage, perineural invasion (PNI), and positive surgical margin were independent predictors of poorer overall survival and cancer-specific survival. PNI, lymphatic vascular invasion, and positive surgical margin were independent predictors of disease recurrence. Substantial interobserver variability in histological assessment underscores the importance of centralized pathology review for both multi-center studies and accurate post-operative management of UTUC patients. Advanced stage, perineural invasion, and margin status were significant histological predictors of oncological outcomes.

Improving Interdisciplinary Communication and Pathology Reporting for Head and Neck Cancer Resections: 3D Visualizations and Margin Reconciliation.

Surgical pathology reports play an integral role in postoperative management of head and neck cancer patients. Pathology reports of complex head and neck resections must convey critical information to all involved clinicians. Previously, we demonstrated the utility of 3D specimen and defect scanning for communicating margin status and documenting the location of supplemental margins. We introduce a newly designed permanent pathology report which improves documentation of intraoperative margin mapping and extent of corresponding supplemental margins harvested. We test the hypothesis that gaps in understanding exist for head and neck resection pathology reports across providers. A cross-sectional exploratory study using human-centered design was implemented to evaluate the existing permanent pathology report with respect to understanding margin status. Pathologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists from United States-based medical institutions were surveyed. The results supported a redesign of our surgical pathology template, incorporating 3D specimen / defect scans and annotated radiographic images indicating the location of inadequate margins requiring supplemental margins, or indicating frankly positive margins discovered on permanent section. Forty-seven physicians completed our survey. Analyzing surgical pathology reports, 28/47 (60%) respondents reported confusion whether re-excised supplemental margins reflected clear margins, 20/47 (43%) reported uncertainty regarding final margin status, and 20/47 (43%) reported the need for clarity regarding the extent of supplemental margins harvested intraoperatively. From this feedback, we designed a new pathology report template; 61 permanent pathology reports were compiled with this new template over a 12-month period. Feedback from survey respondents led to a redesigned permanent pathology report that offers detailed visual anatomic information regarding intraoperative margin findings and exact location/size of harvested supplemental margins. This newly designed report reconciles frozen and permanent section results and includes annotated radiographic images such that clinicians can discern precise actions taken by surgeons to address inadequate margins, as well as to understand the location of areas of concern that may influence adjuvant radiation planning.

Anaesthesia considerations in heart transplantation: A comprehensive review

In over 56 years since the first heart transplant, the science of heart transplantation has evolved from an experimental procedure to an established standard of care for end-stage heart failure. The process involves appropriate patient selection, the listing of recipients, pre-operative optimization, intraoperative management, post-operative care, and follow-up. A robust transplant team, strong government backing, and positive support from the population are essential criteria for the success of any transplant program. Management of heart transplant recipients from the Anaesthesia perspective is challenging due to a myriad of patient risk factors; and the urgent nature of surgery due to the unpredictable nature of donor heart availability. The intraoperative aim is safe induction of anaesthesia, strict asepsis, immunosuppressive therapy, anticipation of major vascular injury, managing pulmonary vascular resistance, ventricular support, optimal ventilatory strategy, and good haemostasis. The postoperative goal is preventing infection, haemodynamic management, gradual weaning of supports, adequate analgesia, monitoring for complications, physiotherapy, and early discharge of the patient from the intensive care unit. There is an increased complexity of heart transplant recipients, due to the increasing use of pre-transplantation mechanical circulatory support devices. The cardiac anaesthesiologist needs to have knowledge of the modern changes in the field of Heart Transplant. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of the heart transplant origins in India, donor pre-operative workup, intra-operative anaesthesia care, and early post-operative management of heart transplant patients.

Acute Limb Ischemia Management and Complications: From Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis to Long-Term Follow-up.

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a vascular emergency that needs to be diagnosed and treated quickly to prevent permanent tissue damage and amputation. Catheter-directed thrombolysis is a possible treatment option for mild to moderate ALI, with improved results from endovascular procedures and thrombolytic drugs. However, patients receiving thrombolysis may experience higher rates of distal embolization, serious bleeding events, and stroke than those undergoing surgery. The review article emphasizes the need for postoperative and extended management of ALI patients, including monitoring for compartment syndrome, managing reperfusion damage, and reducing changeable cardiovascular risk factors such as lipid-lowering therapy, diabetes management, and smoking cessation. Complications that can arise from thrombolytic therapy are also discussed, including hemorrhagic complications, minor bleeding, and reperfusion damage, with recommendations to monitor patients closely during treatment and discontinue therapy immediately if any abnormalities are detected. Follow-up evaluations for patients, including Doppler ultrasound, ankle brachial index, pulse volume recordings, and laboratory tests, are recommended to ensure the best possible outcome for patients with ALI.

Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, and cardiopulmonary function in lung surgery patients: a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is considered beneficial for patients undergoing lung surgery, yet its specific impacts on exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQL), and cardiopulmonary function require further elucidation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PR on these outcomes in patients undergoing lung surgery using a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis. We retrospectively analyzed 420 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent lung surgery from January 2022 to May 2024. Among these, 84 patients received PR while 336 did not (control group). Propensity score matching (PSM) at a 1:1 ratio yielded 46 patients in each group. Baseline characteristics, spirometry, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, respiratory muscle strength, HRQL, and muscle measurements were assessed pre-and post-surgery. Before PSM, significant differences existed between groups, with the PR group being older and having different pulmonary function baselines. After PSM, groups were well-balanced. Postoperatively, the PR group showed significant improvements in FEV1/FVC (64.17% vs. 50.87%, p < 0.001), FEV1 (2.31 L/min vs. 1.75 L/min, p < 0.001), and predicted FVC percentage (88.75% vs. 68.30%, p < 0.001). Cardiovascular responses showed a lower CI during exercise in the PR group post-PSM (6.24 L/min/m2 vs. 7.87 L/min/m2, p < 0.001). In terms of exercise capacity, the PR group had higher maximal WR percentage (104.76% vs. 90.00%, p = 0.017) and peak VO2 (1150.70 mL/min vs. 1004.74 mL/min, p = 0.009). PR also resulted in less leg soreness and lower total CAT scores postoperatively. Muscle measurements indicated significantly smaller reductions in ΔHUESMCSA and percentage change in the PR group. Pulmonary rehabilitation significantly enhances exercise capacity, HRQL, and cardiopulmonary function in patients undergoing lung surgery. It also mitigates postoperative muscle loss, underscoring its importance in the postoperative management of lung surgery patients.

Genetic and Modifiable Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications of Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Genome-Wide Association and Mendelian Randomization Study.

Background: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is an orthopedic procedure commonly used to treat damaged joints. Despite the efficacy of TJA, postoperative complications, including aseptic prosthesis loosening and infections, are common. Moreover, the effects of individual genetic susceptibility and modifiable risk factors on these complications are unclear. This study analyzed these effects to enhance patient prognosis and postoperative management. Methods: We conducted an extensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) and Mendelian randomization (MR) study using UK Biobank data. The cohort included 2964 patients with mechanical complications post-TJA, 957 with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), and a control group of 398,708 individuals. Genetic loci associated with postoperative complications were identified by a GWAS analysis, and the causal relationships of 11 modifiable risk factors with complications were assessed using MR. Results: The GWAS analysis identified nine loci associated with post-TJA complications. Two loci near the PPP1R3B and RBM26 genes were significantly linked to mechanical complications and PJI, respectively. The MR analysis demonstrated that body mass index was positively associated with the risk of mechanical complications (odds ratio [OR]: 1.42; p < 0.001). Higher educational attainment was associated with a decreased risk of mechanical complications (OR: 0.55; p < 0.001) and PJI (OR: 0.43; p = 0.001). Type 2 diabetes was suggestively associated with mechanical complications (OR, 1.18, p = 0.02), and hypertension was suggestively associated with PJI (OR, 1.41, p = 0.008). Other lifestyle factors, including smoking and alcohol consumption, were not causally related to postoperative complications. Conclusions: The genetic loci near PPP1R3B and RBM26 influenced the risk of post-TJA mechanical complications and infections, respectively. The effects of genetic and modifiable risk factors, including body mass index and educational attainment, underscore the need to perform personalized preoperative assessments and the postoperative management of surgical patients. These results indicate that integrating genetic screening and lifestyle interventions into patient care can improve the outcomes of TJA and patient quality of life.

Use of Bioimpedance Spectroscopy for Postoperative Fluid Management in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

ObjectiveTo assess whether bioimpedance spectroscopy analysis (BIA) can be used as a potential tool to guide postoperative fluid management in patients who undergo cardiac surgery. DesignAn observational study. SettingA single, tertiary hospital. ParticipantsPatients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass between June to November 2023 who were able to undergo BIA measurements. InterventionsNone. Measurements and Main ResultsCorrelations between BIA measurements of extracellular fluid (ECF) and total body water (TBW) volumes and daily changes in weight and 24-hour net intake and output (I/O) of fluids were assessed. Correlations between pre-discharge ECF volume as a percentage of TBW volume (ECF%TBW) and pre-discharge Pro-BNP (Pro-BNP) levels and readmissions were analyzed. Changes in daily ECF volume significantly correlated with daily weight changes (p<0.01) and 24-hr I/O (p<0.01). TBW volume significantly correlated with daily weight changes (p<0.01) and with 24-hr I/O (p=0.04). Daily weight changes did not correlate with 24-hr I/O (p=0.06). The patients with pre-discharge ECF%TBW(%) greater than or equal to 51 had significantly higher pre-discharge Pro-BNP than those with ECF%TBW(%) less than 51 (p<0.01). Patients who had heart failure revisits or admissions after discharge had a higher pre-discharge ECF%TBW(%) on index admission compared to patients that did not have heart failure readmissions (p=0.01). ConclusionsUtilization of BIA measurements in postoperative cardiac surgery patients may be a valuable tool to quantitatively determine fluid status to help guide fluid management in this patient population. Further studies validating the use of BIA for postoperative care in this population are warranted.

Postoperative pain management in elderly patients: an integrative review

Postoperative pain management in elderly patients: an integrative review

A comparative study of levobupivacaine 0.25% with dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone as adjuvant in caudal block for pediatric patients undergoing infraumbilical surgeries

Background: The caudal epidural block is one of the most commonly used regional techniques for post-operative pain management in pediatric age group patients undergoing infraumbilical surgeries. Adjuvants use increase the duration of analgesia and decrease local anesthetic dose requirement, thereby decreasing the risk of toxicity. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to compare the prolongation of the duration of analgesia, hemodynamic parameters, and side effects if any, provided by the addition of dexmedetomidine (DEX) or dexamethasone as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine in the caudal block. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I/II scheduled for elective infraumbilical surgeries were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each. Group 1 received levobupivacaine 0.25% 1 mL/kg+DEX 1 mcg/kg and Group 2 received levobupivacaine 0.25% 1 mL/kg+dexamethasone 0.1 mg/kg for caudal block. The duration of analgesia, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse events during the post-operative period were noted. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in hemodynamic parameters between Group 1 and Group 2. Post-operative face, leg, activity, cry, consolability, (FLACC) pain scores were significantly lower in Group 1 when compared with Group 2. The mean duration of analgesia was prolonged in Group 1 at 824.23±53.53 min than in Group 2 with a mean duration of analgesia 480.50±31.66 min which was statistically significant (P&lt;0.005). Adverse events were comparable between the two groups and were statistically not significant (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: The addition of DEX to levobupivacaine in caudal block significantly prolongs the duration of analgesia in post-operative period in comparison to the addition of dexamethasone with levobupivacaine. It also provides more hemodynamic stability during the intraoperative and post-operative period, lower FLACC pain scores, and is associated with minimal side effects.

Consensus Recommendations for Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome from the INTOS Workgroup.

There is significant variation in methods used for diagnosis and treatment of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS). The lack of definitions and criteria for diagnosis as well as controversy in treatment options hampers standardized reporting of outcomes. In the orthopedic and plastic hand surgery literature, there are not standardized guidelines to direct evidence-based practice for hand surgeons relating to NTOS. Hence, expert consensus may provide guidance for clinical practice. An international workgroup of 21 expert hand surgeons with cumulative experience of 5519 NTOS procedures was assembled. The Delphi method was used to arrive at consensus recommendations to guide diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and postoperative management of patients with NTOS. The workgroup achieved majority (greater than 75%) consensus with 17 statements. A modified version of the Society for Vascular Surgery clinical diagnostic criteria is recommended for diagnosis of NTOS. The elevated arm stress test and Tinel sign are recommended as provocative maneuvers. A cervical spine or chest radiograph should be routinely obtained preoperatively. Conservative management should be first line for NTOS, except in patients with significant muscle atrophy or weakness. An anterior supraclavicular approach is recommended for exposure of the supraclavicular brachial plexus, with the necessity for an additional infraclavicular approach or adjunctive surgeries indicated for specific patients. Standardized consensus guidelines help guide management of NTOS by specialized hand surgeons, with an aim toward standardizing criteria for diagnosis and treatment of patients as well as measures and tools used for research and reporting of outcomes.

North American Expert Consensus on the Post-procedural Care of Patients After Per-oral Endoscopic Myotomy Using a Delphi Process

There is significant variability in the immediate post-operative and long-term management of patients undergoing per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), largely stemming from the lack of high-quality evidence. We aimed to establish a consensus on several important questions on the after care of post-POEM patients through a modified Delphi process. A steering committee developed an initial questionnaire consisting of 5 domains (33 statements): post-POEM admission/discharge, indication for immediate post-POEM esophagram, peri-procedural medications and diet resumption, clinic follow-up recommendations, and post-POEM reflux surveillance and management. A total of 34 experts participated in the 2 rounds of the Delphi process, with quantitative and qualitative data analyzed for each round to achieve consensus. A total of 23 statements achieved a high degree of consensus. Overall, the expert panel agreed on the following: (1) same-day discharge after POEM can be considered in select patients; (2) a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics may be as effective as a short course; (3) a modified diet can be advanced as tolerated; and (4) all patients should be followed in clinic and undergo objective testing for surveillance and management of reflux. Consensus could not be achieved on the indication of post-POEM esophagram to evaluate for leak. The results of this Delphi process established expert agreement on several important issues and provides practical guidance on key aspects in the care of patients following POEM.

Global Strategies for Postoperative Care and Bowel Management in Patients With Anorectal Malformations: Varied Practices and Barriers

BackgroundAnorectal malformations (ARMs) commonly result in constipation and fecal incontinence following primary surgical reconstruction. This study investigates global variations in postoperative care and resources. MethodsA survey was distributed via the International Pediatric Endosurgery Group (IPEG) and snowball sampling. Geographically, respondents were categorized into high-income countries (HICs) and low—or middle-income countries (LMICs). Results233 surveys were received, 64% from LMICs and 36% from HICs. Of these, 51% reported monitoring ARM patients for over a year, while 23% utilized digital technologies. Access to anesthesia for anorectal exams was available to 70% of respondents. Only 29% had established a one-week Bowel Management Program (BMP). Collaboration with urologists and gynecologists was more prevalent in HICs (59%) compared to LMICs (37%, p < 0.01). In HICs, nurses and advanced practice providers were significantly more involved in BMP (71% vs. 39% in LMICs; p < 0.01), and abdominal radiographs for regimen adjustments were used more frequently (80% vs. 69% in LMICs; p = 0.03). Treatment regimens were more varied in HICs, and quality of life tracking was more consistent (19% vs. 9% in LMICs; p = 0.02). LMICs reported significant shortages of medications and equipment (75% vs. 58% in HICs; p = 0.01), inadequate sanitation (48% vs. 24%; p < 0.01), and insufficient insurance coverage (58% vs. 44%; p = 0.04). ConclusionsThere are notable global disparities in the postoperative care of ARM patients, particularly in BMP protocols and treatment regimens, with LMICs facing severe socioeconomic challenges. This emphasizes the urgent need for targeted strategies and resources to enhance outcomes for ARM patients across different regions. Level of EvidenceLevel III.

Application of Integrated Medical Care “Cloud-Based Virtual Ward” Management Model on Postoperative Analgesia: Based on Zigbee Technology

PurposeThis study aimed to compare acute care postoperative patients monitored by standard care to those monitored through virtual ward technology by pain team to evaluate status in real-time. DesignRetrospective cohort study. MethodsWe included 72,240 and 68,424 postoperative patients who underwent the acute pain service model between January 2021 and April 2022 and the “cloud-based virtual ward” management model between May 2022 and September 2023, respectively. Patients were administered patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after surgery, and we collected perioperative data regarding the general condition, operation type, postoperative moderate-to-severe pain, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, hoarseness, and drowsiness of the patients. ResultsThe incidences of moderate-to-severe postoperative pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, hoarseness, resting pain, and activity pain were significantly reduced in the “cloud-based virtual ward” management model when compared with the acute pain service model. ConclusionsCompared to the acute pain service model, the “cloud-based virtual ward” management model can enhance pain management satisfaction and lower the frequency of moderate-to-severe postoperative pain and adverse effects. Clinical ImplicationsThe “cloud-based virtual ward” management model proposed in this study may improve the care of patients with acute postoperative pain. By reviewing the two pain management models for postoperative patients, we were able to compare the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions and use the standard process of the integrated medical care “cloud-based virtual ward” management model to optimize the management of postoperative patients and promote their health outcomes.

Quality of Postoperative Pain Management in Orthopedic Patients and Its Impact on Sleep Quality and Patient Satisfaction: An Integrative Review.

Pain is one of the most common manifestations in the postoperative stage and it has a detrimental effect on both sleep and patient satisfaction. Consequently, this integrative review seeks to identify the outcomes of pain management specifically concerning sleep quality and patient satisfaction among the patients receiving orthopedic surgeries. In a stepwise manner, peer-reviewed articles manually searched in four databases including Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and CINAML (Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) published between 2019 and 2023 were selected. The current review finally encompassed 22 studies. The review elaborates and reaffirms the notion that pain after surgery is still a critical issue that impacts the quality of patients' sleep as well as their overall satisfaction. Chronic sleep disturbance is generally linked with pain while other factors such as light exposure and hospital environment were found to influence sleep quality.It is thus crucial to develop clear multifaceted pain management guidelines that include patient-tailored pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions aimed at helping patients recover better, sleep better, and be satisfied with the procedures and results.