Outpatient Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Adductor Canal Block Compared to Femoral Nerve Block on Readiness for Discharge in Patients Undergoing Outpatient Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Multi-Center Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study evaluated the effect of adductor canal block (ACB) versus femoral nerve block (FNB) on readiness for discharge in patients undergoing outpatient anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We hypothesized that ACB would provide sufficient pain relief while maintaining motor strength and safety, thus allowing for earlier discharge. This was a randomized, multi-center, superiority trial. From March 2014 to July 2017, patients undergoing ACL reconstruction were enrolled. The primary outcome was the difference in readiness for discharge, defined as Post-Anesthetic Discharge Scoring System score ≥ 9. Twenty-six patients were allocated to FNB and twenty-seven to ACB. No difference in readiness for discharge was found (FNB median 1.8 (95% CI 1.0 to 3.5) vs. ACB 2.9 (1.5 to 4.7) hours, p = 0.3). Motor blocks and (near) falls were more frequently reported in patients with FNB vs. ACB (20 (76.9%) vs. 1 (3.7%), p < 0.001, and 7 (29.2%) vs. 1 (4.0%), p = 0.023. However, less opioids were consumed in the post-anesthesia care unit for FNB (median 3 [0, 21] vs. 15 [12, 42.5] oral morphine milligram equivalents, p = 0.004) for ACB. Between patients with FNB or ACB, no difference concerning readiness for discharge was found. Despite a slight reduction in opioid consumption immediately after surgery, FNB demonstrates a less favorable safety profile compared to ACB, with more motor blocks and (near) falls.

Risk factors for hospital admission in patients undergoing outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A national database study

IntroductionAnterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions (ACLR) are routinely performed in an outpatient setting with low 90-day readmission rates (2.3%); however, admissions rates in the immediate perioperative period have been previously reported as high as 13.1%. Despite the surprisingly high number of patients requiring immediate perioperative admission, there has been a lack of recent literature specifically examining the associated risk factors for admission. MethodsUsing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, a query for patients who underwent ACLR from 2011 through 2018 was performed using Current Procedural Terminology codes. The following concomitant procedures were included: meniscectomy, meniscal repair, diagnostic arthroscopy, loose body removal, synovectomy, chondroplasty, abrasion chondroplasty, drilling for osteochondritis dissecans. Demographics including age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities were collected. Perioperative factors collected were anesthesia type and operative times. Patient demographic and perioperative data were compared using Fisher's exact test and Pearson's chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of independent risk factors for postoperative admission. Holm-Bonferroni method yielded adjusted p-value thresholds for significance. ResultsOf the 20,819 patients undergoing ACLR with and without concomitant procedures, 3.8% of patients were admitted to the hospital in the immediate postoperative period. Following multivariate regression analysis, increased odds of admission were demonstrated with the use of regional anesthesia alone (OR = 2.77, 95%CI: 2.22–3.44; p < 0.001), increasing concurrent procedures (Table 1), and obesity classes II (OR = 1.62, 95%CI: 1.26–2.10; p < 0.001) and III (OR = 1.81, 95%CI: 1.33–2.47; p < 0.001). Subsequent subgroup analysis of the isolated ACLR procedures (N = 9,423) demonstrated a 3.3% postoperative admission rate. Multivariate regressions demonstrated increased odds of admission with regional anesthesia use only (OR = 2.62, 95%CI: 1.90–3.60; p < 0.001), obesity class II (OR = 2.22, 95%CI: 1.51–3.26; p < 0.001), and increasing minutes of operative time (OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.01–1.01; p < 0.001). Table 2 demonstrates increasing rates and odds of admission with increasing operative time in hours. ConclusionAnterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstructions are routinely performed in an outpatient setting; nevertheless, a subset of ACLR patients is admitted postoperatively. We found an increased risk of admission with the use of regional anesthesia alone, increasing concurrent procedures and obesity classes II and III. A further understanding of patient risk factors for those undergoing ACLR allows orthopedic surgeons to better develop a preoperative plan and discuss patient expectations, which will lead to more efficient resource allocation and improved patient satisfaction.

Inpatient admission following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is associated with higher postoperative complications.

To compare the occurrence of short-term postoperative complications between inpatient and outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was utilized to identify patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) from 2007 to 2017. A total of 18,052 patients were available for analysis following application of exclusion criteria. Patients were categorized based on location of surgery. Inpatients and outpatient ACLR groups were matched by demographics and preoperative laboratory values and differences in 30-day complication rates following surgery were assessed. Significance was set with alpha < 0.05. From 2007 to 2017, there was an increasing frequency for outpatient ACLR (p < 0.001), while the incidence of inpatient ACLR remained largely constant (n.s). Groups were matched to include 1818 patients in each cohort. Within the first 30days of surgery, patients in the inpatient ACLR group experienced significantly greater rates of superficial incisional SSI (0.6% vs 0.1%, p = 0.026) and composite surgical complications (0.6% vs 0.2%, p = 0.019), as well as a greater rate of reoperation (0.7% vs 0.2%, p = 0.029). Inpatient procedures also demonstrated a greater rate of deep surgical incisional SSI (0.2% vs 0.0%, n.s) and readmission to hospital (0.8% vs 0.7%, n.s).Outpatient ACLR procedures were also associated with a significantly greater relative value unit (RVU)/h compared with inpatient ACLRs (0.17 vs 0.14, p < 0.001). Inpatient ACLR may have an increased risk of postoperative complications compared to outpatient ACLR during the short-term postoperative period. Although some patients may require admission post-operatively for medical and/or pain management, doing so is not necessarily without a degree of risk. III.

Evidence Basis for Regional Anesthesia in Ambulatory Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Part III: Local Instillation Analgesia-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Local infiltration analgesia offers effective postoperative analgesia after knee arthroplasty, but the role of its counterpart, local instillation analgesia (LIA), in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the analgesic benefits of LIA for outpatient ACLR. We sought randomized controlled trials investigating the analgesic effects of LIA versus control in adults having outpatient ACLR and receiving multimodal analgesia (excluding nerve blocks, which are examined in parts I and II of this project). Cumulative postoperative analgesic consumption at 24 hours was designated as a primary outcome. Analgesic consumption during postanesthesia care unit stay, proportion of patients requiring analgesic supplementation, time-to-first analgesic request, rest pain scores during the first 48 hours, hospital length of stay, and incidence of opioid-related side effects were analyzed as secondary outcomes and pooled using random effects modeling. Eleven randomized controlled trials (515 patients) were included. Analgesic consumption was selected as the primary outcome in 4 trials (36%). Compared to control, LIA reduced the 24-hour morphine consumption by a weighted mean difference (95% confidence interval) of -18.0 mg (-33.4 to -2.6) (P = .02). LIA reduced postanesthesia care unit morphine consumption by -55.9 mg (-88.4 to -23.4) (P < .05) and decreased the odds (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) of analgesic supplementation during the first 24 hours by 0.4 (0.2-0.8) (P = .004). LIA also improved pain scores during the 0-24-hour interval, most notably at 4 hours (-1.6 [-2.2 to -1.0) (P < .00001). Administering LIA for outpatient ACLR improves postoperative analgesia by decreasing opioid consumption and improving pain control up to 24 hours, with minimal complications. These findings encourage integrating LIA into the care standard for ACLR. Questions regarding the ideal LIA components, location, and role in the setting of hamstring grafts require further research.

Day surgery for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children: a prospective study on feasibility and satisfaction.

PurposeTo evaluate the feasibility of day surgery anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in children. Our hypothesis was that proper patient selection, adequate information and a streamlined clinical pathway would allow for a safe and satisfactory procedure.MethodsA total of 20 patients, seven girls and 13 boys, who underwent outpatient ACLR at mean age of 14 years (8 to 16) were included in this single institution prospective case series. Surgery took place under simple general anesthesia while analgesia protocol combined local anesthesia, oral analgesics for the postoperative period and compressive cryotherapy. The main failure criterion was the inability to return home the day of surgery or the need for rehospitalization during the first week after discharge. Secondary evaluation parameters were the rate of postoperative complications, postoperative pain, quality of life (QOL) and patients’ satisfaction outcome questionnaire (PSOQ) at postoperative day 1, 7 and 31.ResultsOf the 20 patients included, only one failed the ambulatory mode. The mean PSOQ score was, respectively for children and parents, 91.4% and 90.7% at day 7 and 94.6% and 95.7% at one month. Postoperative QOL at day 7 was very satisfying for all patients. Two minor early complications were reported. Both of the late complications, which included one partial wound dehiscence and one persistent knee swelling, resolved spontaneously.ConclusionThis study indicates that, in a targeted and well-informed population, day surgery for children ACLR yields high level of patient and family satisfaction in a safely manner.Level of evidenceIV, prospective case series.

Patient- and Procedure-Specific Variables Driving Total Direct Costs of Outpatient Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Background:Few studies have investigated the influence of patient-specific variables or procedure-specific factors on the overall cost of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in an ambulatory surgery setting.Purpose:To determine patient- and procedure-specific factors influencing the overall direct cost of outpatient arthroscopic ACLR utilizing a unique value-driven outcomes (VDO) tool.Study Design:Cohort study (economic and decision analysis); Level of evidence, 3.Methods:All ACLRs performed by 4 surgeons over 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. Cost data were derived from the VDO tool. Patient-specific variables included age, body mass index, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, smoking status, preoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function Computerized Adaptive Testing (PF-CAT) score, and preoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score. Procedure-specific variables included graft type, revision status, associated injuries and procedures, time from injury to ACLR, surgeon, and operating room (OR) time. Multivariate analysis determined patient- and procedure-related predictors of total direct costs.Results:There were 293 autograft reconstructions, 110 allograft reconstructions, and 31 hybrid reconstructions analyzed. Patient-specific factors did not significantly influence the ACLR cost. The mean OR time was shorter for allograft reconstruction (P < .001). Predictors of an increased direct cost included the use of an allograft or hybrid graft (44.5% and 33.1% increase, respectively; P < .001), increased OR time (0.3% increase per minute; P < .001), surgeon 3 or 4 (9.1% or 5.9% increase, respectively; P < .001 or P = .001, respectively), and concomitant meniscus repair (24.4% increase; P < .001). Within the meniscus repair cohort, all-inside, root, and combined repairs correlated with a 15.5%, 31.4%, and 53.2% increased mean direct cost, respectively, compared with inside-out repairs (P < .001).Conclusion:This study failed to identify modifiable patient-specific factors influencing direct costs of ACLR. Allografts and hybrid grafts were associated with an increased total direct cost. Meniscus repair independently predicted an increased direct cost, with all-inside, root, and combined repairs being costlier than inside-out repairs. The time-saving potential of all-inside meniscus repair was not realized in this study, making implant use a significant factor in the overall cost of ACLR with meniscus repair.

Cost of Outpatient Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Among Commercially Insured Patients in the United States, 2005-2013.

Background:Despite the significance of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, these conditions have been under-researched from a population-level perspective. It is important to determine the economic effect of these injuries in order to document the public health burden in the United States.Purpose:To describe the cost of outpatient arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and health care utilization among commercially insured beneficiaries in the United States.Study Design:Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:The study used the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database, an administrative claims database that contains a large sample (approximately 148 million) of privately insured individuals aged <65 years and enrolled in employer-sponsored plans. All claims with Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 29888 (arthroscopically aided ACL reconstruction or augmentation) from 2005 to 2013 were included. “Immediate procedure” cost was computed assuming a 3-day window of care centered on date of surgery. “Total health care utilization” cost was computed using a 9-month window of care (3 months preoperative and 6 months postoperative).Results:There were 229,446 outpatient arthroscopic ACL reconstructions performed over the 9-year study period. Median immediate procedure cost was $9399.49. Median total health care utilization cost was $13,403.38. Patients who underwent concomitant collateral ligament (medial [MCL], lateral [LCL]) repair or reconstruction had the highest costs for both immediate procedure ($12,473.24) and health care utilization ($17,006.34). For patients who had more than 1 reconstruction captured in the database, total health care utilization costs were higher for the second procedure than the first procedure ($16,238.43 vs $15,000.36), despite the fact that immediate procedure costs were lower for second procedures ($8685.73 vs $9445.26).Conclusion:These results provide a foundation for understanding the public health burden of ACL injuries in the United States. Our findings suggest that further research on the prevention and treatment of ACL injuries is necessary to reduce this burden.

Anesthesia and analgesia methods for outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

IntroductionMore and more anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions are being performed as outpatient surgery in France, because of economic considerations. Postoperative pain is the most common reason for delayed discharge that could require hospitalization, and the main reason for unanticipated hospital admission. The purpose of this study was to define the best anesthesia and analgesia methods for ACL reconstruction. Materials and methodsThis was a prospective, multicenter, comparative study performed between January 2014 and April 2015. Inclusion criteria were ACL reconstruction in patients above 15 years of age performed as an outpatient surgical procedure. The anesthesia techniques analyzed were general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia and quadruple nerve blockade. The analgesic methods studied were single-shot nerve blocks, continuous nerve blocks, peri-articular and intra-articular local infiltration analgesia (LIA), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and intravenous corticosteroids. The main outcome criterion was pain on a visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary outcome criteria were delayed discharge of a patient who had undergone outpatient surgery, consumption of opioids and complications for the various anesthesia techniques and analgesia methods. ResultsIn all, 680 patients were included in this study, which was 63% of the ACL reconstruction procedures performed during this period. The study population was 69% male and 31% female, with an average age of 30 years. Twenty-three patients (3.4%) could not be discharged on the day of surgery. No correlation was found with the anesthesia technique used. NSAID treatment was protective relative to delayed discharge (P=0.009), while opioid consumption was a risk factor (P<0.01). There were no differences in the pain levels related to the type of anesthesia. Peri-articular LIA of the hamstring tendon harvest site was effective. Intra-articular LIA did not provide better analgesia. Continuous nerve block had complication rates above 13%. DiscussionAll types of anesthesia were compatible with outpatient ACL reconstruction. No gold standard analgesia method can be defined based on this study's findings. However, we recommend multimodal analgesia associating peri-articular LIA or one-shot sensory saphenous nerve block, NSAIDs and corticosteroid treatment, and cryotherapy. Level of evidenceII, prospective comparative non-randomized study.

Do outcomes of outpatient ACL reconstruction vary with graft type?

BackgroundStudies establishing the feasibility of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction as an outpatient procedure in France were usually conducted with hamstring tendon grafts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of outpatient ACL reconstruction according to whether the graft was harvested from the hamstring tendons or patellar tendon. HypothesisOutpatient ACL reconstruction can be performed using any type of graft. MethodsA single-centre retrospective study was conducted in consecutive patients older than 16years who had primary ACL reconstruction using patellar tendon or hamstring tendons, with or without lateral tenodesis. Patients who underwent other procedures on bones or peripheral ligaments and those with a previous history of ACL reconstruction were excluded. The primary evaluation criterion was the occurrence of complications within 45days after surgery. Secondary evaluation criteria were the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain during the first 3 postoperative days, patient satisfaction on day 3, and the IKDC and Lysholm clinical scores on day 45. ResultsThe analysis included 104 knees (one knee per patient). Hamstring tendons were used in 77 (74%) knees and patellar tendon in 27 (26%) knees. In the hamstring group, 2 (2.6%) patients spent the first postoperative night in the hospital and 2 others were re-admitted. No hospitalisations were recorded in the patellar-tendon group. None of the patients required revision surgery within 45days of the reconstruction procedure. None of the postoperative criteria studied showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. DiscussionACL reconstruction can be performed on an outpatient basis using any type of graft. The main determinants of successful outpatient ACL reconstruction are a standardised clinical management strategy and an appropriate anaesthesia protocol. Level of evidenceLevel IV, retrospective study.

Perioperative Pain and Swelling Control in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) remains one of the most common sports medicine procedures performed in the young, athletic patient population. Over the past 2 decades, advances in surgical technique as well as improvements in perioperative pain control modalities have enabled the vast majority of patients undergoing ACLR to have the procedure performed in the outpatient setting. Multimodal pain control is paramount to the success of outpatient ACLR and incorporates various combinations of general-epidural-regional anesthetics, perioperative peri-incisional local anesthetics, oral analgesics, electrostimulation, compressive cryotherapy, and early physical therapy. This article provides a concise summary of evidence-based guidelines for perioperative pain and swelling management following ACLR, with an emphasis on oral agents and postoperative modalities.

Economic Analyses in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: As the health care system in the United States (US) transitions toward value-based care, there is an increased emphasis on understanding the cost drivers and high-value procedures within orthopaedics. To date, there has been no systematic review of the economic literature on anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Purpose: To evaluate the overall evidence base for economic studies published on ACLR in the orthopaedic literature. Data available on the economics of ACLR are summarized and cost drivers associated with the procedure are identified. Study Design: Systematic review. Methods: All economic studies (including US-based and non–US-based) published between inception of the MEDLINE database and October 3, 2014, were identified. Given the heterogeneity of the existing evidence base, a qualitative, descriptive approach was used to assess the collective results from the economic studies on ACLR. When applicable, comparisons were made for the following cost-related variables associated with the procedure for economic implications: outpatient versus inpatient surgery (or outpatient vs overnight hospital stay vs >1-night stay); bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) graft versus hamstring (HS) graft source; autograft versus allograft source; staged unilateral ACLR versus bilateral ACLR in a single setting; single- versus double-bundle technique; ACLR versus nonoperative treatment; and other unique comparisons reported in single studies, including computer-assisted navigation surgery (CANS) versus traditional surgery, early versus delayed ACLR, single- versus double-incision technique, and finally the costs of ACLR without comparison of variables. Results: A total of 24 studies were identified and included; of these, 17 included studies were cost identification studies. The remaining 7 studies were cost utility analyses that used economic models to investigate the effect of variables such as the cost of allograft tissue, fixation devices, and physical therapy, the percentage and timing of revision surgery, and the cost of revision surgery. Of the 24 studies, there were 3 studies with level 1 evidence, 8 with level 2 evidence, 6 with level 3 evidence, and 7 with level 4 evidence. The following economic comparisons were demonstrated: (1) ACLR is more cost-effective than nonoperative treatment with rehabilitation only (per 3 cost utility analyses); (2) autograft use had lower total costs than allograft use, with operating room supply costs and allograft costs most significant (per 5 cost identification studies and 1 cost utility analysis); (3) results on hamstring versus BPTB graft source are conflicting (per 2 cost identification studies); (4) there is significant cost reduction with an outpatient versus inpatient setting (per 5 studies using cost identification analyses); (5) bilateral ACLR is more cost efficient than 2 unilateral ACLRs in separate settings (per 2 cost identification studies); (6) there are lower costs with similarly successful outcomes between single- and double-bundle technique (per 3 cost identification studies and 2 cost utility analyses). Conclusion: Results from this review suggest that early single-bundle, single (endoscopic)-incision outpatient ACLR using either BPTB or HS autograft provides the most value. In the setting of bilateral ACL rupture, single-setting bilateral ACLR is more cost-effective than staged unilateral ACLR. Procedures using CANS technology do not yet yield results that are superior to the results of a standard surgical procedure, and CANS has substantially greater costs.

Postoperative discomfort after outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective comparative study

IntroductionThe principal objective of the present study was to compare rates of postoperative discomfort after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction between inpatient (In) and outpatient (Out) management. Patients and methodA single-surgeon non-randomized prospective comparative study included patients undergoing primary surgery for isolated ACL tear by short hamstring graft in 2012–13. The Out group comprised patients eligible for and consenting to outpatient surgery and the In group, those not eligible or not consenting. The principal assessment criterion was onset of at least 1 symptom of postoperative discomfort (SPD): anxiety, nausea and vomiting, malaise, vertigo or stomach pain, between postoperative days 0 and 3. Secondary assessment criteria were difficulty in getting to sleep, getting up during the night, regular walking or going out, number of episodes of knee pain and waking because of pain. All criteria were assessed on-line by the patient. ResultsOne hundred and thirty-three patients filled out the questionnaire, 70 in the Out group and 63 in the In group; 42 females, 91 males; mean age, 30±9 years. Between D0 and D3, the proportion of patients with ≥l SPD was comparable between groups (Out 37% vs In 41%, P=0.62). Out-group patients had significantly less difficulty sleeping the first postoperative night (P=0.01), got up significantly more often during the first night after surgery (P<0.0001), more often walked regularly on day 1 (P=0.03), and were significantly less often woken by pain during the first night (P=0.003). Risk factors for SPD were female gender (OR=4.8±1.9) and postoperative complications (OR=3.8±2.5). ConclusionPatients undergoing ACL reconstruction on an outpatient basis did not show more symptoms of postoperative discomfort than those managed as conventional inpatients. Level of evidenceIV; prospective comparative study.

Pain experience and functional outcome of inpatient versus outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, an equivalence randomized controlled trial with 12months follow-up

Arthroscopic reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has traditionally been performed in an inpatient setting. Outpatient treatment may offer the advantages of cost reduction and higher patient satisfaction. We investigated whether ACL reconstruction in an outpatient setting is equally safe as in an inpatient setting and whether comparable functional outcomes can be achieved. We hypothesized that the outcomes of outpatient ACL reconstruction result in similar outcomes as inpatient ACL reconstruction. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at one centre. Forty-six patients were randomized to outpatient treatment or a 2-day admission after ACL reconstruction. The functional outcome was evaluated with the Lysholm, Tegner and International Knee Documentation Committee scores. Safety of the procedures was judged according to pain experience and readmission rate. The duration of follow-up was 1 year after ACL reconstruction. The patients were provided with a simple postoperative analgesic protocol. The linear mixed effect model for repeated measures was used for testing the differences between the study groups. No significant differences were found between the study groups in all the outcome measures. No readmissions were recorded related to pain. One complication was recorded in the outpatient group versus three in the inpatient group. This study indicates that outpatient care after ACL reconstruction yields comparable functional results and postoperative pain experience as inpatient care and is a safe option. A simple analgesic protocol provides adequate pain relief during the postoperative phase. I.

Outpatient surgery feasibility in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective comparative assessment

IntroductionThe main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of outpatient surgery in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We hypothesized that if the patient underwent the procedure within a dedicated organization, safety would be ensured. Patients and methodsA non-randomized, prospective, comparative, single-operator study conducted in 2012–2013 included all patients undergoing first-line surgery for ACL arthroscopic reconstruction using a short hamstring graft. The outpatient group (OP) included patients who were eligible for outpatient surgery and provided consent; the conventional hospitalization group (CH) comprised those patients not suitable for outpatient surgery and those who refused it. The main evaluation criterion was failure of the admission modality defined as hospitalization of a patient who had undergone outpatient surgery or rehospitalization in the first week after discharge. The secondary evaluation criteria were the rate of postoperative complications, postoperative pain, use of analgesics, and patient satisfaction. A total of 138 patients were included: 71 in the OP group and 67 in the CH group, with a mean age of 29.6±9 years. Twenty-nine percent of the patients refused outpatient surgery. In the CH group, the mean hospital stay lasted 2.7±0.8 days. ResultsOne patient in the OP group was hospitalized with localized bleeding and there were no rehospitalizations. Six early postoperative complications were noted in each group. The mean postoperative pain on D0–D4 and patient satisfaction were similar in the two groups. ConclusionThis prospective study encountered no serious events after outpatient ACL reconstruction surgery. In a selected population, the risks are comparable to those in conventional hospitalization. Level of evidenceLevel III, comparative study.

Perioperative Celecoxib Decreases Opioid Use in Patients Undergoing Testicular Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial

We evaluated the effect of daily perioperative celecoxib on patient reported pain control and opioid use after testicular surgery. Men scheduled to undergo elective outpatient microsurgical testicular sperm extraction were prospectively randomized to receive 200 mg celecoxib or placebo twice daily, which was initiated the night before surgery and continued for 6 days thereafter. Using an 11-point visual analog scale, participants self-reported the postoperative pain level and acetaminophen/hydrocodone use for supplemental pain control. We compared differences in pain scores and opioid use between the 2 patient groups using the Student t test with p<0.05 considered significant. At 1-year interim analysis 35 of 78 eligible participants (45%) had returned the study questionnaire, of whom 34 were included in the final analysis. Of the 34 patients the 16 who received celecoxib had significantly lower postoperative opioid use than those on placebo (6 vs 16 pills, p=0.02). We noted a statistically significant difference in postoperative day 1 and 2 patient reported pain scores (4 vs 6, p<0.05 and 3 vs 5, p=0.03) and opioid use (1 vs 5 pills, p<0.01 and 2 vs 4, p=0.02) seen between the celecoxib and placebo groups, respectively. No study complications were identified. The trial was terminated early based on the results of interim analysis. Twice daily celecoxib use started preoperatively significantly decreased patient reported postoperative pain and opioid use, especially in the early postoperative period. A short course of celecoxib is well tolerated and may be effective as part of multimodal postoperative analgesia in patients who undergo testicular surgery for sperm retrieval.

The Effect of Initiating a Preventive Multimodal Analgesic Regimen on Long-Term Patient Outcomes for Outpatient Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery

Survey of Anesthesiology: April 2008 - Volume 52 - Issue 2 - p 79-80 doi: 10.1097/sa.0b013e3181669d02

The Effect of Initiating a Preventive Multimodal Analgesic Regimen on Long-Term Patient Outcomes for Outpatient Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery: Retracted

Unrelieved postoperative pain may impair rehabilitation, delay recovery, and result in poor outcomes. Preventive multimodal analgesic techniques may improve long-term outcome after surgery. We randomized 200 consecutive patients to receive acetaminophen 1000 mg and either celecoxib 400 mg or placebo 1-2 h before anterior cruciate ligament surgery. All patients received intraarticular analgesics and had an external cooling system applied to the operative knee. After discharge patients were instructed to take acetaminophen 1000 mg every 6 h and either celecoxib 200 mg every 12 h or matching placebo for the first 14 days postoperatively. All patients were enrolled in an accelerated rehabilitation program. Six months postoperatively, the level of activity was assessed, as was the presence of patellofemoral complications including: anterior knee pain, flexion contracture, quadriceps weakness, and complex regional pain syndrome. More patients in the control group developed patellofemoral complications compared to the celecoxib group (P = 0.001) including anterior knee pain (14/96; 15%) vs (4/95; 1%), complex regional pain syndrome (7/96; 7%) vs (1/95; 1%), flexion contractures (9/96; 9%) vs (2/95; 2%), and scar tissue requiring re-arthroscopy (8/96; 8%) vs (2/95; 2%) respectively. More patients in the celecoxib group returned to a higher activity level (84% vs 65%) (P < 0.01), were able to participate at a more intense level (P < 0.02), and return to full sports activity (P < 0.05). The administration of celecoxib as a component of a preventive multimodal analgesic technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction reduces long-term patellofemoral complications and increases the likelihood of returning to a preinjury level of activity.

Evaluating the Analgesic Efficacy of Administering Celecoxib as a Component of Multimodal Analgesia for Outpatient Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery: Retracted

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors may play an important role in multimodal management of pain after orthopedic surgery. We examined the analgesic efficacy of administering celecoxib as a component of a multimodal analgesic regimen for outpatient anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Two-hundred consecutive patients were randomized to receive acetaminophen 1000 mg and either celecoxib 400 mg or placebo 1-2 h before ACL surgery. All patients received intraarticular analgesics (bupivacaine, clonidine, and morphine) and had an external cooling system applied to the operative knee. After discharge, patients were instructed to take acetaminophen 1000 mg every 6 h and either celecoxib 200 mg every 12 h or matching placebo for the first 14 days postoperatively. Oxycodone 5-10 mg was available for rescue analgesia. Patients in the celecoxib group were more likely to experience less pain in the recovery room (P < 0.01) and require less opioids (P < 0.001) for postoperative analgesia. These patients reported a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (P < 0.05) and were discharged home earlier (P < 0.05). While at home, patients in the celecoxib group reported lower pain scores both at rest (P < 0.05) and with movement (P < 0.01), and used less oxycodone at all postoperative time intervals. The perioperative administration of celecoxib decreases postoperative pain, opioid use, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and recovery room length of stay. These results support the use of celecoxib as a component of a preventive multimodal analgesic technique for ACL surgery.

Nausea and vomiting after outpatient ACL reconstruction with regional anesthesia: are lumbar plexus blocks a risk factor?

Study objective To track the incidence of in-hospital postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) requiring postoperative parenteral nursing interventions after outpatient reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with one of two types of regional anesthesia to determine the extent to which various anesthetic techniques, preemptive antiemetics, and other factors were associated with the lowest probability of PONV. Design Retrospective chart (database) review of all ACL procedures at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center from August 1997 through June 1999. Setting University medical center. Measurements We reviewed our institutional database of 347 consecutive patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with either spinal with femoral nerve block (SPI-FNB) or lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block (LUM-SCI). Recorded variables and outcomes included gender, history of PONV, intravenous (IV) fentanyl before and during surgery, preemptive antiemetics given, and parenteral nursing interventions for PONV performed. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with PONV. Main results For SPI-FNB, PONV incidence was 13% (26/208), but it was higher for LUM-SCI [25%, 34/139, p = 0.002; odds ratio (OR) = 2.2]. Regression modeling demonstrated that women (OR = 2.8, p = 0.003) and LUM-SCI patients (OR = 3.0, p = 0.005) were at greater risk for PONV. The combination of dexamethasone (4 to 10 mg IV) and perphenazine (1.2 to 2.0 mg IV) was associated with less PONV (OR = 0.3, p = 0.005). Type of local anesthetic used for lumbar plexus block was not associated with PONV incidence. Conclusions For ACL reconstruction with regional anesthesia, use of LUM-SCI was associated with a higher rate of PONV, whereas combination antiemetic prophylaxis with perphenazine and dexamethasone was associated with less PONV.

The efficacy of femoral nerve block in pain reduction for outpatient hamstring anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A double-blind, prospective, randomized trial

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of intraoperative femoral nerve block (FNB) in the reduction of postoperative pain following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) hamstring reconstruction. Patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction with hamstring tendon graft under general anesthetic who had signed an informed consent were included in the study. Patients were stratified to 4 surgeons and randomized to FNB with 0.25% bupivacaine or placebo of normal saline injected into the femoral nerve sheath before reversal of the general anesthetic. All patients received an intra-articular injection of bupivacaine at the beginning of their operative procedure. A single technique that included the use of a peripheral nerve stimulator was used for all FNBs. All patients were discharged on the day of surgery and given prescriptions for Tylenol 3. The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and a medication diary recording Tyuenol 3 usage were completed by patients in the recovery room, on the night of surgery, and on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. There were complete data for 61 patients (FNB, 29; placebo, 32). An analysis of variance (ANOVA) test of the data showed no significant difference between the FNB and placebo group for pain reduction over the combined study period for both the SF-MPQ and VAS. Hpwever, the ANOVA does suggest that, on the night of surgery, there was a significant reduction in pain as measured with the VAS in the FNB group. A Student t test performed on the night of surgery data (SF-MPQ, P = .131; VAS, P = .0114; Tylenol 3, P = .076) showed a statistically significant difference between the FNB (39.4 ± 21.0 mm) and placebo (56.8.0 ± 24.6 mm) measured by VAS. Because this represented a difference of only 1.74 cm on a 10-cm VAS, it is unlikely to be clinically relevant. No difference was found in the amount of analgesic required on any day postoperatively. In conclusion, FNB may reduce pain on the night of surgery. However, this may not be clinically significant. FNB is not recommended at this time for use in outpatient ACL reconstruction with hamstring graft.