Need For Postoperative Ventilation Research Articles

Impact of sugammadex and neostigmine on outcome after major orthopaedic surgery: A population-based analysis.

Residual neuromuscular blockade after surgery remains a major concern given its association with pulmonary complications. However, current clinical practices with and the comparative impact on perioperative risk of various reversal agents remain understudied. We investigated the use of sugammadex and neostigmine in the USA, and their impact on postoperative complications by examining national data. This population-based retrospective study used national Premier Healthcare claims data. Patients undergoing total hip/knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA), or lumbar spine fusion surgery between 2016 and 2019 in the United States who received neuromuscular blocking agents. The effects of sugammadex and neostigmine for pharmacologically enhanced reversal were compared with each other and with controls who received no reversal agent. included pulmonary complications, cardiac complications, and a need for postoperative ventilation. Mixed-effects regression models compared the outcomes between neostigmine, sugammadex, and controls. We report odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Bonferroni-adjusted P values of 0.008 were used to indicate significance. Among 361 553 patients, 74.5% received either sugammadex (20.7%) or neostigmine (53.8%). Sugammadex use increased from 4.4% in 2016 to 35.4% in 2019, whereas neostigmine use decreased from 64.5% in 2016 to 43.4% in 2019. Sugammadex versus neostigmine or controls was associated with significantly reduced odds for cardiac complications (OR 0.86, 95% CI, 0.80 to 0.92 and OR 0.83, 95% CI, 0.78 to 0.89, respectively). Both sugammadex and neostigmine versus controls were associated with reduced odds for pulmonary complications (OR 0.85, 95% CI, 0.77 to 0.94 and OR 0.91, CI 0.85 to 0.98, respectively). A similar pattern of sugammadex and neostigmine was observed for a reduction in severe pulmonary complications, including the requirement of invasive ventilation (OR 0.54, 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.64 and OR 0.53, 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.6, respectively). Population-based data indicate that sugammadex and neostigmine both appear highly effective in reducing the odds of severe life-threatening pulmonary complications. Sugammadex, especially, was associated with reduced odds of cardiac complications.

Factors influencing the need for post operative ventilation in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Introduction: Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) frequently require monitoring, however planned ventilatory support may not be necessary in the post-operative period. In resource constraints scenarios, reserving an intensive care unit (ICU) bed and ventilator may lead to problems like delay in surgery and definite care. With this study, we aim to identify the factors that influence the need for post-operative ventilation in patients with aSAH. Methodology: A retrospective study over a period of six years of patients who underwent surgical clipping of aneurysm and were not intubated pre-operatively was conducted. Aneurysm was confirmed by Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) or Computerized Tomographic Angiography (CTA). Demographic data and clinico-radiological factors like Hunt and Hess grade, Modified Fischers Grade and aneurysm location were collected. Results: Of the 62 patients identified in the study period, 17 patients were excluded as they were intubated in the preoperative period. Of the 45 patients included, there were 15 male patients. Of these only 23 (51.11%) patients failed to be successfully extubated. Clinical factors such as Hunt and Hess score ≥ 3 (p value<0.001), WFNS grade ≥3 (p value<0.001) and intraoperative blood loss ≥ 425 ml (p value=0.001) were associated with higher chances of failure to extubate. Presenting GCS score of ≥14 (p value<0.001) had higher chances of extubation postoperatively. However, radiological factors like Modified Fischers Grade and aneurysm location had no significant association. Conclusion: The demand for post-operative ICU and ventilatory support in aneurysmal SAH is over estimated. Simple clinical factors can better predict the need for post-operative ventilation and reduce the burden of reserving ICU bed.

Perioperative anaesthetic management in cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): a retrospective analysis in a single tertiary care cancer centre.

ObjectivesCytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We retrospectively analysed the perioperative anesthetic management in patients undergoing HIPEC surgery.MethodsAfter ethics approval, we reviewed the records of patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC from 2015 until 2020. We noted the peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI), blood loss, anastomoses done, total amount of fluid given, delta temperature and duration of surgery. These were correlated with the need for postoperative ventilation, length of ICU stay, Clavien–Dindo score and 30 day mortality.ResultsOf the 180 patients reviewed, the majority were women (85%) with a mean age of 48 years who had ovarian tumors (n=114). The total amount of fluid given was associated with an increased length of ICU stay (p=0.008). Prolonged surgery resulted in increased length of ICU stay (p<0.001), need for postoperative ventilation (p=0.006) and a poor Clavien–Dindo score (p=0.039). A high PCI score correlated with increased ICU stay, 30 day mortality (p<0.001), and the need for postoperative ventilation (0.005).ConclusionsPCI, duration of surgery and blood loss were major predictors of postoperative morbidity. Additionally, the amount of fluid given and delta temperature affected patient outcome and should be individualized to the patient’s needs.

Anesthesia management of patients posted for resection of rhino-orbital mucormycosis developed as a postCovid sequale: Sharing our experiences

Background: Although Mucormycosis is a rare life-threatening fungal infection mainly seen in immunocompromised patients, there has been increasing number of mucormycosis cases presenting as a post COVID sequale mainly from India. Uncontrolled diabetes and overzealous use of steroid seems to be two main aggravating factors. Aggressive medical and surgical management of mucormycosis decreases mortality rate from 88% to 21%.&#x0D; Aim: This study is aimed to evaluate anaesthetic challenges in the post COVID patients coming for surgical clearance of mucormycosis.&#x0D; Demographic characteristics, associated comorbidities, procedural data, surgical details, hospital stay and mortality rates were reviewed in 32 patients. The mean age of our patients was 52.66 yrs. and 96.9% had associated comorbidities. Two (6.3%) patients had mallampati classification (MPC) IV and 12 had III (40.6%). Average anaesthesia duration was 282.5 min with mean blood loss 792 ml. Twenty-one (65.6%) patients were shifted to ICU (intensive care unit) out of which 15 (46.87%) were electively ventilated. Mortality was seen in 2 patients with mortality rate of 6.25%.&#x0D; Conclusion: Surgical resection of mucormycosis in post covid patients presents unique challenges – associated comorbidities, difficult airway, prolonged surgical duration, intraoperative hemodynamic instability massive blood loss, Amphotericin B related side effects mainly nephrotoxicity and hypokalemia, need for postoperative ventilation and prolonged hospital stay. Preoperative optimization, careful intraoperative monitoring and postoperative management are necessary for better outcome.

Perioperative Course of COVID-19 in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Emergency Surgeries.

Adults with COVID-19 infection undergoing surgery have an increased risk of complications and mortality. However, literature mentioning the perioperative course and outcome of children with COVID-19 infection undergoing emergency surgery is still lacking. Therefore, we planned this study to observe the need for postoperative ventilation, oxygen requirements, and postoperative mortality in pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection scheduled for emergency surgery. After ethical committee approval, all the COVID-19-infected pediatric patients who underwent an emergency surgery from April 2020 to May 2021 were included. Data collected included details of COVID-19 disease, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grading, comorbidities, perioperative details such as tachycardia or bradycardia, any oxygen desaturation (SpO2<90), need for postoperative oxygen therapy, postoperative ventilation, and recovery/death. A total of 22 COVID-19-infected pediatric patients underwent emergency surgery in the study period. Fourteen (63.6%) were asymptomatic at the time of admission. Nineteen patients (86.4%) belonged to ASA grade IE and three (13.6%) patients belonged to ASA grade III E. Three patients (13.6%) had comorbidities. Only one patient had hypotension and tachycardia intraoperatively. The same patient needed postoperative ventilation and succumbed. Our study shows that pediatric surgical patients with COVID-19 infection do not exhibit an increased need for oxygen or postoperative ventilation, postoperative pulmonary complications, or high mortality unless there is associated comorbidity.

Definitive Surgery Is Safe in Borderline Patients Who Respond to Resuscitation.

We hypothesize that in adequately resuscitated borderline polytrauma patients with long bone fractures (femur and tibia) or pelvic fractures, early (within 4 days) definitive stabilization (EDS) can be performed without an increase in postoperative ventilation and postoperative complications. Retrospective cohort study. Level 1 trauma center. In total, 103 patients were included in this study; of whom, 18 (17.5%) were female and 85 (82.5%) were male. These patients were borderline trauma patients who had the following parameters before definitive surgery, normal coagulation profile, lactate of <2.5 mmol/L, pH of ≥7.25, and base excess of ≥5.5. These patients were treated according to Early Total Care, definitive surgery on day of admission, or Damage Control Orthopaedics principles, temporizing external fixation followed by definitive surgery at a later date. Timing of definitive surgical fixation was recorded as EDS or late definitive surgical fixation (>4 days). Primary outcome measured was the duration of ventilation more than 3 days post definitive surgery and presence of postoperative complications. Thirty-five patients (34.0%) received Early Total Care, whereas 68 (66.0%) patients were treated with Damage Control Orthopaedics. In total, 51 (49.5%) of all patients had late definitive surgery, whereas 52 patients (50.5%) had EDS. On logistic regression, the following factors were found to be predictive of higher rates of postoperative ventilation ≥ 3 days, units of blood transfused, and time to definitive surgery > 4 days. Increased age, head abbreviated injury score of 3 or more and time to definitive surgery were found to be associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Borderline polytrauma patients with no severe soft tissue injuries, such as chest or head injuries, may be treated with EDS if adequately resuscitated with no increase in need for postoperative ventilation and complications. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Incidence and Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Elective Hepatic Resection for Malignant Tumors: A 3-year Prospective Observational Study.

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients undergoing major surgeries, and leads to the need for renal replacement therapy and increased morbidity, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS), cost, and mortality. We evaluated the incidence and predictors of postoperative AKI in patients undergoing hepatic resections and their short-term outcomes.Materials and methodsThis prospective observational study was conducted over a 3-year period in 180 patients undergoing elective hepatic resections for a variety of indications. We used the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria to determine the incidence of AKI at 72 hours. Perioperative variables contributing to the development of AKI and the short-term postoperative outcomes of patients were evaluated.ResultsPostoperative AKI occurred in 29.4% of patients. Persistent renal dysfunction was seen in five patients. Development of AKI was associated with hepatic failure (18.5 vs 5.5%, p < 0.005), prolonged ICU (2 vs 1 days, p < 0.001) and hospital LOS (11 vs 8 days, p < 0.004), and increased ICU and hospital mortality (9.6 vs 1.4%, p < 0.02). Age [OR (odds ratio) 1.033, 95% CI (confidence interval) 1.003–1.065, p = 0.03], BMI (body mass index) (OR 1.131, 95% CI 1.043–1.227, p = 0.003), and need for postoperative ventilation (OR 3.456, 95% CI 1.593–7.495, p = 0.002) were independent predictors of AKI.ConclusionAKI after elective hepatic resection occurred in nearly one-third of our patients. Persistent renal dysfunction was seen in five patients. Age, BMI, and need for postoperative ventilation were independent predictors of postoperative AKI. (CTRI reg. No.: CTRI/2016/06/007044).How to cite this articleJoshi M, Milmile R, Dhakane P, Bhosale SJ, Kulkarni AP. Incidence and Predictors of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Elective Hepatic Resection for Malignant Tumors: A 3-year Prospective Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(4):398–404.

Myasthenia is a poor prognostic factor for perioperative outcomes after robotic thymectomy for thymoma.

The goal of this study was to compare the early and intermediate surgical outcomes, including the survival of those with and without myasthenic thymoma, following robotic thymectomy. This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained data of 111 patients who underwent robotic thymectomy for thymoma over 7 years in a thoracic surgery centre in India. We performed a comparative analysis of demographics, intraoperative variables and postoperative outcomes including survival of those with and without myasthenic thymoma. Of 111 patients, 68 patients were myasthenic and 43 were non-myasthenic. The need to resect surrounding structures and conversions was greater in the myasthenic group (P = 0.02, P = 0.04). Postoperative complications were significantly higher in the myasthenic group (P = 0.02). No differences were observed in intensive care unit stay, the need for postoperative ventilation and the hospital stay. On correlation, a higher Masaoka stage [odds ratio 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-3.15] and an aggressive World Health Organization histological diagnosis (odds ratio 1.58, 95% CI 1.10-2.26) were more likely in patients with myasthenia gravis. A total of 7 deaths (6.3%) occurred during the median follow-up of 4.2 years, 5 among those with myasthenic thymoma and 2 among patients with non-myasthenic thymoma. Due to the small number of deaths, there is insufficient evidence to draw any conclusion about the effect of myasthenia gravis on survival after surgery (hazard ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.09-2.71; P = 0.43). The presence of myasthenia with thymoma is associated with more adjacent structure resection, higher postoperative complications and more conversions. The use of robotic surgery for thymoma resection in patients with myasthenia could not overcome the early postoperative problems related to myasthenia gravis.

Surgical site infection after stoma closure in children: outcomes and predictors

BackgroundSurgical site infection (SSI) is a burdensome complication following intestinal stoma closure, with reported rates ranging from 0% to 40%. We aimed to identify risk factors for SSI in children undergoing stoma closure. Materials and methodsUsing 2012-2014 NSQIP Pediatric data, we identified patients aged 0-18 years undergoing stoma closure. Demographic, clinical, and 30-day outcome characteristics between children with and without SSI were compared. A multivariable logistic model was used to identify predictors of SSI. ResultsAmong 2110 children who underwent stoma closure, 7.6% developed SSI. Patients who developed SSI had significantly longer time in the operating room, longer anesthesia times, longer total operation times, and longer lengths of stay (all P ≤ 0.01). Patients who developed SSI postoperatively had significantly higher rates of postoperative complications, including need for postoperative ventilation, sepsis, need for nutritional support on discharge, unplanned reoperation, unplanned readmission, postoperative lengths of stay >30 days, and transfusion within 72 hours after the start of surgery (all P ≤ 0.018). There was a significant relationship between operation time and SSI probability. Specifically, operation time greater than 105 minutes was associated with a higher SSI risk. On adjusted multivariable analyses, age, cardiac risk factors, Hirschsprung disease, and operation time greater than 105 minutes were independently predictive of SSI. ConclusionsLonger operation time, age, Hirschsprung disease, and cardiac risk factors are associated with an increased risk for SSI after stoma closure. Studies of perioperative adjuncts to reduce SSI in high-risk children based on expected procedure length and other preoperative characteristics are warranted.

Determinants of gap length in esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula and the impact of gap length on outcome.

Aim:This study was aimed at identifying factors which may affect the gap length in cases of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA-TEF) and whether gap length plays any role in determining the outcome.Materials and Methods:All consecutive cases of EA-TEF were included and different patient parameters were recorded. Plain radiographs with a nasogastric tube in the upper esophagus were taken. Patients were grouped into T1-T2; T2-T3; T3-T4; and T4 depending on the thoracic vertebral level of the arrest of the tube. During surgery, the gap length between the pouches was measured using a Vernier caliper and the patients were grouped into A, B, and C (gap length >2.1 cm; >1-≤2 cm and ≤1 cm). The operative gap groups were compared with the radiography groups and the other recorded parameters.Results:Total numbers of cases were 69. Birth weight was found to be significantly lower in Group A (mean = 2.14 kg) as compared to Group B (mean = 2.38 kg) and Group C patients (mean = 2.49 kg) (P = 0.016). The radiographic groups compared favorably with the intraoperative gap length groups (P < 0.001). The need for postoperative ventilation (70.83% in Group A vs. 36.84% in Group C, P = 0.032) and mortality (62.5%, 26.9% and 15.8% in Group A, B, and C, respectively, P = 0.003) co-related significantly with the gap length.Conclusion:Birth weight had a direct reciprocal relationship with the gap length. Radiographic assessment correlated with intraoperative gap length. Higher gap length was associated with increased need for postoperative ventilation and poor outcome.

Surgical management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding:still a major challenge.

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) that cannot be managed with conservative interventional techniques is a life-threatening condition. This study assesses patient outcome and the role of different risk factors. We retrospectively analyzed data from 91 patients (58 men, 33 women) admitted between 2000 and 2009 and who underwent surgery for UGIB requiring transfusion. Mean patient age was 67.4 years. Overall mortality was 34.1%. Causes of bleeding were duodenal ulcer in 57 patients (62.6%) and gastric ulcer in 25 (27.5%). A median number of 21 blood units (range 6-120) were transfused. Surgical treatment consisted of non-resective surgery (52.7%), Billroth II (31.9%), Billroth I (4.4%) or gastric wedge resection (4.4%). The use of anticoagulants (p=0.040), a need for postoperative ventilation (p=0.007) and an intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay >7 days (p=0.004) were identified as significant risk factors for mortality. Transfusions of more than 10 units of blood (p=0.013), the need for further surgery (p=0.021), a prolonged ICU length of stay (p=0.000) and recurrent bleeding (p=0.029) we identified as significant risk factors for postoperative complications (such as pneumonia, sepsis, re-bleeding and anastomotic leakage). Over the past decade, mortality has not decreased in patients requiring surgery for acute UGIB despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, explained by the fact that these cases represent a negative selection of patients after unsuccessful conservative treatment as well as by the rising age of the population and associated increases in comorbidity. Resective surgery, a need for postoperative ventilation and a prolonged ICU length of stay should be added to the list of significant risk factors for mortality.

Pro con debate: the use of regional vs systemic analgesia for neonatal surgery

In recent years the inclusion of regional techniques to pediatric anesthesia has transformed practice. Simple procedures such as caudal anesthesia with local anaesthetics can reduce the amounts of general anesthesia required and provide complete analgesia in the postoperative period while avoiding large amounts of opioid analgesia with potential side effects that can impair recovery. However, the application of central blocks (epidural and spinal local anesthesia) via catheters in the younger infant, neonate and even preterm neonate remains more controversial. The potential for such invasive maneuvers themselves to augment risk, can be argued to outweigh the benefits, others would argue that epidural analgesia can reduce the need for postoperative ventilation and that this not only facilitates surgery when intensive care facilities are limited, but also reduces cost in terms of PICU stay and recovery profile. Currently, opinions are divided and strongly held with some major units adopting this approach widely and others maintaining a more conservative stance to anesthesia for major neonatal surgery. In this pro-con debate the evidence base is examined, supplemented with expert opinion to try to provide a balanced overall view.

Preoperative predictors of postoperative pulmonary complications in neuromuscular scoliosis

BackgroundNeuromuscular scoliosis (NMS) is associated with progressive restrictive lung disease and an increased risk of prolonged ventilation following surgery. This study reports the experiences of a single institution and evaluates whether preoperative pulmonary function tests (PFT) can predict the development of postoperative pulmonary complications. MethodsCorrelations between preoperative PFT (forced expired volume in 1 s, FEV1; forced vital capacity, FVC) findings and postoperative pulmonary complications were searched for among 74 NMS patients who underwent surgical correction at our medical center from 2002 to 2008. ResultsThirty-seven patients (50%) developed a pulmonary complication. The independent factors found to contribute to the development of a pulmonary complication were: FEV1 <40% of the predicted value (P = 0.007), FVC <39.5% of the predicted value (P = 0.005), a larger Cobb angle (>69°) (P = 0.002), and older age (>16.5 years) (P = 0.027). Of these 37 patients, 6 needed postoperative ventilation. PFT findings found to be independently associated with the need for postoperative ventilation were: FEV1 <40% of the predicted value (P = 0.017) and FVC <39.5% of the predicted value (P = 0.015). ConclusionsNMS patients with a preoperative FVC of <39.5% of the predicted value, an FEV1 <40% of the predicted value, a Cobb angle of >69°, or age >16.5 years were found to be more likely to develop a postoperative pulmonary complication.

Anesthesia and airway management for removing pulmonary self-expanding metallic stents

The use of bronchoscopically placed self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) and silastic stents in patients suffering from tracheobronchial stenosis or similar problems has proven to be an important clinical option. When complications occur, it may be necessary to remove the device. Removal of a SEMS is usually performed during general anesthesia with muscle relaxation and positive pressure ventilation, often using total intravenous anesthesia. Airway management depends on stent type and location. Intubating patients' tracheas with a tracheal stent requires special caution, as it risks damaging tissue and dislodging the stent distally. Potential complications with removal include tracheal disruption, retained stent pieces, mucosal tears, re-obstruction requiring new stent placement, the need for postoperative ventilation, pneumothorax, damage to the pulmonary artery, and death.

A Technique that may Improve the Reliability of Endobronchial Blocker Positioning during Adult One-lung Anaesthesia

We describe a novel technique, previously applied to small children, for adult one-lung anaesthesia in which a single-lumen endotracheal tube is used with an endobronchial balloon blocker The main aims of the technique are to reduce the likelihood of cephalad displacement of the balloon into the trachea and to facilitate directional placement of the endobronchial balloon. We present five illustrative cases of one-lung anaesthesia in patients of adult size, in which the endotracheal tube-endobronchial balloon technique was considered preferable to the use of a double-lumen tube technique. The situations included difficult intubation, need for postoperative ventilation, a tortuous trachea and an unexpected need to perform one-lung anaesthesia. The technique involved deliberate placement of the endotracheal tube tip near the carina to block cephalad dislodgement of the blocker The chance of the balloon blocking the endotracheal tube tip could be further reduced by having the intraluminal endobronchial balloon blocker emerge through the Murphy eye.

Comparative Clinical Outcomes of Thymectomy for Myasthenia Gravis Performed by Extended Transsternal and Minimally Invasive Approaches

Both transsternal and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) approaches are used for thymectomy in myasthenia gravis. We compared outcomes of simultaneous experiences in two institutions: one utilizing the transsternal approach exclusively, the other using VATS procedures for all patients. The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America guidelines were used to standardize reporting. Between March 1992 and September 2006, 95 thymectomies were performed for myasthenia gravis; 48 by VATS and 47 by transsternal approach. Preoperative classification and postoperative disease status were compared between the groups. Mean age was 39.8 +/- 14.9 (VATS) versus 34.4 +/- 13.2 years (transsternal) (p = 0.07); the proportion of females was 52% versus 67% (p = 0.15); and preoperative duration of myasthenia gravis was 27 +/- 44 versus 20 +/- 45 months (p = 0.43), respectively. Clinical follow up was 89.5% complete at a mean of 6.0 +/- 4.0 years and 4.3 +/- 2.9 years (p = 0.03). The operative time was 128 +/- 34 minutes (VATS) versus 119 +/- 27 minutes (transsternal) (p = 0.22). The need for postoperative ventilation was 4.2% versus 16.2% (p = 0.07) and mean length of stay was 1.9 +/- 2.6 versus 4.6 +/- 4.2 days (p < 0.001). Thymomas were found in 8.3% of VATS versus 13.3% of transsternal patients (p = 0.44). No myasthenia gravis related deaths occurred and 95.8% of the VATS and 97.9% of the transsternal patients were in either complete stable remission, pharmacologic remission, or minimal manifestations status. In the VATS group, 13 of 17 (76.5%) patients stopped prednisone usage after surgery versus 5 of 14 (35.7%) in the transsternal group (p = 0.022). Thymectomy is an effective treatment in patients with myasthenia gravis with equivalent clinical outcomes obtained by either approach.

A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Traditional and Fast‐Track Patient Care in Elective Open Infrarenal Aneurysm Repair

Fast-track recovery programs have led to reduced patient morbidity and mortality after major surgery. In terms of elective open infrarenal aneurysm repair, no evidence is available about such programs. To address this issue, we have conducted a randomized prospective pilot study. The study involved prospective randomization of 101 patients with the indication for elective open aneurysm repair in a traditional and a fast-track treatment arm. The basic fast-track elements were no bowel preparation, reduced preoperative fasting, patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA), enhanced postoperative feeding, and postoperative mobilization. Morbidity and mortality, need for postoperative mechanical ventilation, length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) and total length of postoperative hospital stay were analyzed in terms of an intention to treat. Demographic data for the two groups were similar. In the fast-track group the need for postoperative ventilation was significantly lower (6.1% versus 32%; p = 0.002), the median LOS on ICU did not significantly differ (20 h versus 32 h; p = 0.183), full enteral feeding was achieved significantly earlier (5 versus 7 days; p < 0.0001), and the rate of postoperative medical complications-gastrointestinal, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and infective-was significantly lower (16% versus 36%; p = 0.039). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the fast-track group (10 days versus 11 days; p = 0.016); the mortality rate in both groups was 0%. An optimized patient care program in open infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair shows favorable results concerning need for postoperative assisted mechanical ventilation, time to full enteral feeding, and incidence of medical complications. Further ranomized multicentric trials are necessary to justify broad implementation (clinical trials. gov identifier NCT 00615888).

Anesthetic management of gastrochisis – a review of our practice over the past 5 years

Surgical closure of gastrochisis has traditionally been performed under general anesthesia followed by admission to intensive care and postoperative ventilation. We reviewed the management of these neonates in our hospital over the past 5 years to identify changes in practice and possible factors which affect the perioperative course. We retrospectively identified cases of gastrochisis undergoing repair from June 2002 to May 2007. Details of the demographic data, preoperative factors, intraoperative anesthetic and surgical management and postoperative care were collected from the anesthetic chart, operative record and patient notes. Forty-eight self-ventilating neonates underwent operative repair in theatre. A neuraxial local anesthetic block was performed as part of the anesthetic technique in 22 patients. There was a significant difference in the need for postoperative ventilation in this group (23%) when compared with a traditional opioid-based method of providing analgesia (88%, P < 0.05). This difference was seen in both term and preterm babies. Conclusions are difficult when analyzing retrospective data in patients with a variety of factors. The results suggest that anesthesia which includes a regional technique is a valid method in these cases. Traditional opioid analgesia when compared to regional techniques may be associated with increased need for postoperative ventilation.

Anaesthetic management of gastrochisis a review of our practice over the past 5years

Surgical closure of gastrochisis has traditionally been performed under general anesthesia followed by admission to intensive care and postoperative ventilation. We reviewed the management of these neonates in our hospital over the past 5 years to identify the changes in practice and possible factors which affect the peri-operative course. We retrospectively identified cases of gastrochisis undergoing repair from June 2002 to May 2007. Details of the demographic data, preoperative factors, intra-operative anesthetic and surgical management, and postoperative care were collected from the anesthetic chart, operative record, and patient notes. Forty-eight self-ventilating neonates underwent operative repair in theatre. A neuraxial local anesthetic block was performed as part of the anesthetic technique in 22 patients. There was a significant difference in the need for postoperative ventilation in this group (23%) when compared with a traditional opioid-based method of providing analgesia (88%, P < 0.05). This difference was seen in both term and preterm babies. Conclusions are difficult to make when analyzing retrospective data in patients with a heterogeneous variety of factors. The results suggest that anesthesia which includes a regional technique is a valid method in these cases. Traditional opioid analgesia when compared with regional techniques may be associated with increased need for postoperative ventilation.

Chest wall tumors in childhood and adolescence

Chest wall tumors in childhood and adolescence can be very heterogeneous and may appear at any age from infancy to late adolescence. They can be benign or malignant and secondary or primary. A careful history and physical examination should be followed by adequate imaging studies to delineate the primary tumor and identify possible sites of dissemination. Diagnosis usually requires either a needle or open biopsy which minimizes dissection so that a complete resection can be done later. Most neoplastic lesions require a complete resection, whereas secondary and infectious processes are treated with chemotherapy or antibiotics. Rigid chest wall re-construction has the advantage of eliminating paradoxical respiration and obviating the need for postoperative ventilation. Another advantage is maintenance of chest wall contour.