Postanesthesia Care Unit Discharge Research Articles

Reduction of Postoperative Hip Arthroscopy Pain With an Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca blocks have been used for pain control after hip arthroscopy. There is little evidence regarding their effectiveness in comparison with other pain control modalities in patients who have undergone hip arthroscopy. Purpose: To compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided fascia iliac block with intra-articular ropivacaine in controlling pain after hip arthroscopy. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, patients (N = 95) undergoing hip arthroscopy were randomly assigned to 2 groups. The first group received an ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca block with 50 to 60 mL of 0.35% ropivacaine. The second group received an intra-articular injection of 20 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine at the completion of the surgical case. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain scores in the recovery room; at postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge; and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative and PACU narcotic usage (converted to morphine equivalent use) as well as readmission rates, PACU recovery time, and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Results: Postoperative pain across all points did not significantly differ between the groups. Intraoperative and PACU narcotics did not differ significantly between the groups. Readmission rates, PACU recovery time, and postoperative nausea and vomiting did not significantly differ between the groups. There were no associated complications in either group. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca block for hip arthroscopy had no clinical advantage when compared with onetime intra-articular ropivacaine injection. Registration: NCT02365961 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Desflurane is not inferior to sevoflurane in the occurrence of adverse respiratory events during laryngeal mask airway anesthesia: a non-inferiority randomized double-blinded controlled study.

Compared to sevoflurane, desflurane is less favorable to most anesthesiologists for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) anesthesia because desflurane has a pungent odor. This non-inferiority study aimed to determine whether desflurane is not worse than sevoflurane in triggering airway irritations during general anesthesia using LMA. Patients scheduled for elective surgery under LMA anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive either desflurane or sevoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia. After intravenous fentanyl, lidocaine and propofol administration followed by LMA insertion, 0.5-1.0 MAC of the volatile anesthetic in 50% N2O was maintained throughout the surgery. The primary outcome was the occurrence of perioperative adverse respiratory events. Other outcomes included recovery profiles, hemodynamic changes and postoperative complications. One-hundred and ten patients per group completed the study without any serious complications, lost to follow-up, or protocol deviation. During awake LMA removal, patients in the desflurane group experienced lesser episodes of laryngospasm (risk difference, -7.3%; 95% CI, -12.7% to -1.9%; P=0.009) than those in the sevoflurane group. The emergence time and time to LMA removal were significantly shorter in the desflurane group. The quality of recovery indicated by an ability to self-transfer from bed to bed was significantly better after desflurane anesthesia. No difference between groups was found in a return of orientation and a readiness for post-anesthesia care unit discharge. Desflurane is non-inferior to sevoflurane in the occurrence of laryngospasm at emergence after LMA anesthesia. The superiority of desflurane compared to sevoflurane with regards to respiratory complications requires further investigation.

Perioperative Outcomes of Spinal Cord Stimulator Placement in Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Compared with Patients without Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a multifaceted disorder resulting in an abnormal pain response to tissue injury. Among key CRPS features are neurogenic inflammation, maladaptive plasticity, and vasomotor dysfunction, which can result in severe pain and disability. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an efficacious treatment for several chronic pain conditions and may improve pain and life quality in CRPS patients with CRPS. However, little information exists regarding perioperative outcomes of patients with CRPS undergoing surgical implantation of an SCS device. Patients were included if they underwent an SCS procedure at our institution between 2008 and 2016 for chronic pain. Cases were excluded if the procedure involved stimulator removal or if it was an outpatient procedure. Multivariate regression assessed the effect of CRPS and other clinical variables on perioperative outcomes. Eighty-one inpatient SCS implantation cases for chronic pain were included, with 9 patients (11.1%) having a CRPS diagnosis. The CRPS cohort received higher mean quantities of intraoperative opioids and had a lower proportion of patients reporting meaningful pain reduction (16.7%) in the 24-hour postoperative setting compared with patients without CRPS (35.9%), although this was not statistically significant. Multivariate regression modeling suggested that CRPS was a significant predictor of increased odds of extended time to the postanesthesia care unit discharge (P= 0.0406) and higher direct costs of hospitalization (P= 0.0326). Our data suggest that CRPS may pose several unique risks in the perioperative period after inpatient SCS implantation. These findings support the need for future prospective investigations examining risks and outcomes for SCS procedures in this population.

Comparison of Sufentanil- and Fentanyl-based Intravenous Patient-controlled Analgesia on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Laparoscopic Nephrectomy: A Prospective, Double-blind, Randomized-controlled Trial.

Background: The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains high. The effects of sufentanil for PONV is not firmly confirmed. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of sufentanil- and fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) on the incidence of PONV after laparoscopic nephrectomy.Methods: Eighty-six patients were randomly allocated to receive either the sufentanil (n =43) or fentanyl (n =43). IV-PCA was prepared using either sufentanil 3 µg/kg or fentanyl 20 µg/kg, ramosetron 0.3 mg, and ketorolac 120 mg. The primary outcome of was the incidence of PONV during 24 h after post anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge. The secondary outcomes were the modified Rhodes index and patient satisfaction scores at 24 h after PACU discharge, need for rescue antiemetics, pain score, need for additional analgesics, and cumulative consumption of IV-PCAResults: The incidence of PONV was comparable between the sufentanil and fentanyl groups (64.3% vs. 65%, p = 0.946; respectively). The number of patients who required antiemetics (p = 0.946) and the modified Rhodes index at 24 h after post-anesthesia care unit discharge (p = 0.668) were also comparable in both groups. No significant differences were found in the secondary outcomes, including the analgesic profiles and adverse events between the groups.Conclusions: In conclusion, sufentanil- and fentanyl-based IV-PCA showed similar incidence of PONV with comparable analgesic effects after laparoscopic nephrectomy. Based on these results, we suggest that sufentanil and fentanyl may provide comparable effects for IV-PCA after laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on postoperative quality of recovery and analgesia after modified radical mastectomy: randomized controlled trial

BackgroundErector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a novel regional anesthesia technique that is gaining popularity for postoperative pain management. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of ESPB on quality...

Ultrasound-guided bilateral superficial cervical plexus blocks enhance the quality of recovery in patients undergoing thyroid cancer surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Regional anesthesia can improve postoperative analgesia and enhance the quality of recovery (QoR) after surgery. This trial evaluates the effects of ultrasound-guided bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (SCPB) on QoR in patients undergoing thyroid cancer surgery. Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Operating room. Seventy-four ASA I-II female patients scheduled for thyroid cancer surgery were included to the study. Patients were randomly allocated to receive pre-operative ultrasound-guided bilateral SCPB with 10 ml of ropivacaine 0.5% or normal saline on each side. The primary endpoint was the quality of recovery, which was assessed using the 15-item quality of recovery questionnaire (QoR-15). Secondary endpoints were acute postoperative pain, time to first rescue analgesia, the number of patients requiring rescue analgesia, length of post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting (PONV) and dizziness, and patient satisfaction. The global QoR-15 score at 24 h postoperatively was significantly higher in the SCPB group (Median [IQR], 118 [115-120]) than the control group (110 [106-112]) with a median difference of 8 (95% CI: 6 to 10, P < .001). Compared with the control group, pre-operative ultrasound-guided bilateral SCPB reduced postoperative pain up to 24 h and the incidence of PONV, as well as the length of PACU stay. Additionally, the patient satisfaction scores were improved in the SCPB group (P = .024). Pre-operative ultrasound-guided bilateral SCPB with ropivacaine enhances the quality of recovery, postoperative analgesia and patient satisfaction, alleviates the incidence of PONV, and accelerates the PACU discharge following thyroid cancer surgery.

Risk Factors for Moderate to Severe Pain during the First 24 Hours after Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery While Receiving Intravenous Patient-Controlled Analgesia.

Objective To investigate the incidence of and risk factors for moderate to severe pain during the first 24 hours after laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included morbidly obese patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at a single institution between June 2016 and July 2018. Demographic, clinical, operative, and postoperative pain data from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and ward were analyzed. Intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) was commenced before PACU discharge. Results Ninety-seven patients were included. The mean age was 38.60 ± 12.27 years, and the mean BMI was 45.04 ± 8.42 kg/m2, and 69% were female. The incidence of moderate to severe pain was 75%. Moderate to severe pain during the first 24 hours was associated with young age, female sex, postoperative administration of NSAIDs, first pain score greater than 3 on arrival at the PACU, and inadequate pain control at PACU discharge. A multivariate analysis revealed that inadequate pain control at PACU discharge was the only factor independently associated with moderate to severe pain during the first 24 hours postoperatively (p=0.011). From PACU discharge to the end of postoperative day 3, moderate to severe pain at the end of each 24-hour period was a significant predictor of moderate to severe pain in the subsequent 24-hour period (p=0.011, p < 0.001, and p=0.004, respectively). Conclusions Moderate to severe pain was experienced by 75% of patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery and receiving IV-PCA after PACU discharge. Inadequate pain control at PACU discharge was the only independent risk factor for moderate to severe pain during the first 24 hours postoperatively.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Safety and Efficacy of Opioid-free Anesthesia versus Opioid Anesthesia for General Cesarean Section.

IntroductionWhile uncommon for cesarean delivery, general anesthesia may be patient requested or necessary due to maternal contraindication. Traditionally, opioids are used as a part of the general anesthetic. Because of their associated complications, it is standard to limit opioid use and fetal narcotic exposure during cesarean delivery. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the feasibility of multi-modal opioid-free general anesthesia for cesarean delivery.MethodsElectronic medical records were obtained for patients receiving general anesthesia for cesarean delivery of live pregnancies through 2017 at our tertiary care facility. Post-operative pain was estimated using a 10-cm visual analogue scale and by calculating postoperative narcotic requirements in milligram morphine equivalents (MME) over three-time periods: during post-anesthesia recovery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), the first 24 hrs after PACU discharge, and 24-48 hrs after PACU discharge. Apgar scores were also obtained to quantify neonatal effects of the general anesthetic.ResultsEight of 17 patients (47.06%) received opioid-free anesthesia (OFA), and nine of 17 patients (52.94%) received anesthesia with opioids (OA). No significant difference was found between groups in terms of postoperative mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score over each time period. Similarly, no significant difference was found between groups in terms of postoperative narcotics requirement at all study points. Apgar scores were not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionThe OFA group displayed equivalent analgesia to the OA group in terms of self-reported VAS pain scores and postoperative MME. A larger prospective study is recommended to fully evaluate OFA for cesarean delivery.

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea screening questionnaire and post-operative outcomes: A prospective observational study

IntroductionObstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) in children tend to be a more complex and multifactorial disease than in adults. Although adult screening tools, such as the STOP-BANG questionnaire, their application limited in pediatrics. We used our previously described 6-point questionnaire to identify OSA in children and evaluated its use for predicting post-operative respiratory events. MethodsChildren from 3 to 18 years of age presenting for surgery were eligible. Exclusion criteria were emergency surgery or refusal to participate. A 6-question survey regarding symptoms of OSA/SDB was administered preoperatively. Neck circumference was measured. Height and weight were recorded from preoperative data and the body mass index (BMI) percentile obtained. Results749 patients were enrolled in the study. 707 patients were in the final analysis (359 boys and 348 girls, mean age 12 ± 4 years). The median 6-item questionnaire score was 1 (interquartile range: 0, 2) and 186 (26%) scored ≥ 2 of 6 points. Children with predicted OSA (yes on ≥ 2 questions) were more likely than without predicted OSA to require supplemental oxygen in the PACU (24% vs. 17%; 95% confidence interval [CI] of difference: −0.3%, 13%; p = 0.049). Amongst 681 patients with available data on Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) length of stay (LOS), prolonged LOS (>1 h) was not more likely among children with predicted OSA (42%) compared to those without predicted OSA (39%; 95% CI of difference: −5%, 11%; p = 0.479). Outcomes assessed after PACU discharge noted no differences. Specifically, overnight hospital stay was required in 33% of patients with predicted OSA as compared to 29% of those without (95% CI of difference: −4%, 11%; p = 0.399). On POD 0, supplemental oxygen was used on the inpatient ward for 6% of patients with predicted OSA compared to 4% of patients without predicted OSA (95% CI of difference: −2%, 6%; p = 0.272). ConclusionThe incidence of OSA/SDB is under-appreciated in children presenting for non-otolaryngological surgical procedures. Although patients judged to have OSA on the 6-item question may need for supplemental oxygen longer in the PACU, no other outcomes differences were noted.

Chloroprocaine Provides Safe, Effective, Short-Acting Spinal Anesthesia Ideal for Ambulatory Surgeries: A RetrospectiveReview.

The ideal local anesthetic for use in ambulatory spinal anesthesia is safe, with minimal adverse effects, and of aduration that does not impede post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge. Since itsapproval for use in spinal anesthesia in Europe in 2012, chloroprocaine has seen a resurgence. Recent studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of preservative-free chloroprocaine for use in spinal anesthesia, but few provide the incidence of adverse events such as urinary retention and transient neurologic symptoms. We sought to assess the safety of chloroprocaine for spinal anesthesia, including the incidence of adverse events and the duration and quality of its use, in the initial 6months of its use at our institution. We hypothesized that chloroprocaine would provide effective spinal anesthesia for orthopedic cases of short duration, with a low rate of complications. We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients from June to December 2016 at our institution who had ambulatory knee arthroscopy or foot procedures in which chloroprocaine spinal anesthesia was used. For all 445 charts analyzed, data were collected on anesthesia characteristics, office visits, nursing PACU assessment, and nursing post-operative day 1 follow-up phone calls. The median chloroprocaine dosage was 44mg (interquartile range [IQR], 40 to 50). The median duration of sensory block was 156min (IQR, 128 to 189) and of motor block was 148min (IQR, 123 to 181). Time to ambulation was 186min (IQR, 158 to 218) and time to meeting of discharge criteria was 218min (IQR, 189 to 250). The most common adverse events in the PACU were bradycardia and hypotension. No patients had urinary retention or transient neurologic symptoms. In 6months of use at our institution, chloroprocaine provided safe and effective spinal anesthesia for short orthopedic procedures, with no incidence of transient neurologic symptoms, neuropraxia, or urinary retention.

Cortical Oscillations and Connectivity During Postoperative Recovery.

The objective of this study was to test whether postoperative electroencephalographic (EEG) biomarkers, parietal alpha power and frontal-parietal connectivity, were associated with measures of clinical recovery in adult surgical patients. This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study that analyzed intraoperative connectivity patterns in adult surgical patients (N=53). Wireless, whole-scalp EEG data were collected in the postanesthesia care unit and assessed for relevance to clinical and neurocognitive recovery. Parietal alpha power and frontal-parietal connectivity (estimated by weighted phase lag index) were tested for associations with postanesthesia care unit discharge readiness and University of Michigan Sedation Scale scores upon postoperative admission. Bivariable correlation and regression models were constructed to test for unadjusted associations, then multivariable regression models were constructed to adjust for confounding. Postoperative EEG patterns were characterized by a predominance of alpha parietal power and frontal-parietal connectivity. Neither relative parietal alpha power (% alpha, -0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.41 to 0.90; P=0.657) nor alpha frontal-parietal connectivity (weighted phase lag index, -82; 95% CI, -237 to 73; P=0.287) were associated with time until postanesthesia discharge criteria were met. Furthermore, neither alpha power (-0.03; 95% CI, -0.07 to 0.01; P=0.206) nor alpha frontal-parietal connectivity (-4.2; 95% CI, -11 to 2.6; P=0.226) were associated with sedation scores upon initial assessment. In a pragmatic study investigating clinically relevant endpoints of postoperative recovery, we found no correlation with surrogate measures of brain neurodynamics. These data contribute to the overall impetus of developing anesthetic-invariant and generalizable markers of brain recovery.

Effect of Postoperative Partial Bladder Filling After Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy on Postanesthesia Care Unit Discharge and Cost: A Single-blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2019;220:367.e1–367.e7) Hysterectomy—one of the most common surgical procedures performed each year in the United States—has substantial related health care costs, more than US $5 billion. In 2010, it was estimated that upward of 430,000 patients received a hysterectomy, with 40% performed laparoscopically and close to half discharged the same day of surgery.

Association of End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Monitoring With Nurses' Confidence in Patient Readiness for Postanesthesia Discharge

To determine if end-tidal carbon dioxide (etCO2) value increased nurses' perceptions of confidence in patients' readiness for postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge. Prospective, cross-sectional, comparative, one-group (pre-post) design. Nurses completed 2 assessments of confidence in readiness for discharge, before and after etCO2 monitoring. Patient (discharge pain level, body mass index, sleep apnea history, and opioid use) and nurse factors were assessed. Analyses included descriptive and comparative statistics. Of 133 patients, mean (standard deviation) etCO2 was 36.1 (5.7) mm Hg. Nurses' confidence in readiness for discharge differed before and after etCO2 assessment. Confidence score decreased when etCO2 was low (P = .003) or high (P = .005), compared with normal values. In linear regression, etCO2 remained a factor in nurses' confidence in readiness for discharge (P < .001). In a PACU, etCO2 monitoring changed nurses' perceptions of confidence in patients' readiness for discharge.

Perioperative opioid requirements of patients receiving sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone: a case series

BackgroundBuprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, displaces full opioid agonists from receptors and may impede surgical pain management. We report the effects of a sublingual formulation of buprenorphine-naloxone, Suboxone (SL-BUP), on perioperative pain management.MethodsWe identified all adult surgical patients from December 31, 2004, to January 1, 2016, who received SL-BUP within 30 days prior to procedures performed with general, regional, or combined general/regional anesthesia. We recorded opioid use during the procedure, in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and during the 24 h following PACU discharge. We also examined opioid use in those who continued SL-BUP until the day of surgery vs those who preoperatively discontinued SL-BUP.ResultsThirty-two patients were treated preoperatively with SL-BUP. Three patients had regional anesthesia only, and opioid requirements were case dependent. Requirements were minimal for creation of an arteriovenous fistula and high following knee replacement and cesarean section. Twelve patients received combined general/regional anesthesia, and 17 received general anesthesia only. Intraoperative and PACU opioid use in these 2 groups were not significantly different (P = .10 and P = .93, respectively). In both groups opioid use increased after discharge from the PACU, and remained comparable between the general and combined general/regional group through the first 24 h after PACU discharge (P = .78). Although median [interquartile range] 24-h opioid doses were higher among patients who discontinued SL-BUP, the difference was not statistically significant in the general anesthesia–only group (SL-BUP discontinued, 199 [110–411] mg IV-MEq [intravenous morphine equivalent] vs SL-BUP continued, 106 [58–160] mg IV-MEq; P = .15) or in the combined general/regional group (SL-BUP discontinued, 140 [100–157] mg IV-MEq vs SL-BUP continued, 100 [73–203] mg IV-MEq; P = .94).ConclusionsRegardless of the type of anesthesia used, physicians treating patients with SL-BUP must be prepared to administer large doses of opioids during the early postoperative period. No difference in opioid requirements was noted between patients who perioperatively stopped SL-BUP versus those who continued SL-BUP.

Transversus Abdominal Plane Block in Children: Efficacy and Safety: A Randomized Clinical Study and Pharmacokinetic Profile.

The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has become a common regional anesthesia technique for pain management in a wide variety of abdominal procedures. Evidence to support any particular local anesthetic regimen as well as pharmacokinetic and systemic toxicity risks of TAP block remain insufficiently studied in children. The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic effects and investigate pharmacokinetic profile of levobupivacaine after ultrasound-guided TAP block using a low volume/high concentration (LVHC) or a high volume/low concentration (HVLC) solution in children. This prospective randomized study included children scheduled for day-case inguinal surgery. Children were randomized to receive TAP block using 0.4 mg·kg levobupivacaine as either HVLC (0.2 mL·kg of 0.2% levobupivacaine) or LVHC (0.1 mL·kg of 0.4% levobupivacaine). The primary outcome was the number of children who required opioid rescue analgesia postoperatively. Pharmacokinetic profile study of levobupivacaine was also performed. Seventy patients were equally randomized, and 65 were included in the final analysis. Seventy-one percent of patients did not require any postoperative opioid analgesia. The number of patients who received rescue analgesia was 12 (35%) in the LVHC group and 7 (23%) in the HVLC group (relative risk, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-1.42; P = .26). Mean pain scores (FLACC [faces, legs, activity, cry, and consolability]) at postanesthesia care unit discharge did not differ between LVHC and HVLC groups, respectively, 0.39 ± 0.86 and 1 ± 1.71 with mean group difference -0.60 (95% CI, -1.27 to 0.06; P = .08). The pharmacokinetic profile of levobupivacaine was comparable in the 2 groups: the mean total and free levobupivacaine peak concentrations were 379 ± 248 and 3.95 ± 3.16 ng·mL, respectively, occurring 22.5 ± 11 minutes after injection. The highest total and free levobupivacaine concentrations collected, respectively, 1360 and 15.1 ng·mL, remained far below theoretical toxic thresholds. In children, quality of postoperative pain control provided by TAP block using levobupivacaine 0.4 mg·kg administered as either HVLC or LVHC did not differ and was associated with a very low risk of local anesthetic systemic toxicity.

Évaluation des versions pour téléphone intelligent de l’échelle visuelle analogique et de l’échelle d’évaluation numérique en tant qu’outils d’évaluation de la douleur postopératoire : une étude randomisée prospective

The Pain assessment using a novel digital application (Panda) is a smartphone application that contains the digital versions of the visual analogue scale (VAS-100) and numeric rating scale (NRS-11). This study aimed to investigate if the Panda versions of these two pain scales are equivalent to the paper versions in adult patients. This was a prospective, randomized, cross-over-controlled trial of subjects aged 19-75 yr undergoing procedures with anticipated post-surgical pain. Each subject used both the Panda and paper versions of VAS-100 or NRS-11 pain scores after emergence from anesthesia and after meeting postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge criteria. Correlations between the two tools were analyzed, and Bland-Altman agreement was calculated. The smartphone and paper versions were considered equivalent at each time point if the differences (and their 95% confidence interval [CI]) between them were less than 20 points for the VAS-100 and 2.1 for NRS-11. The two versions of the VAS-100 correlated strongly after emergence (Pearson's r = 0.93; P < 0.001) and upon meeting discharge criteria (r = 0.94; P < 0.001); the mean (standard deviation [SD]) Panda score after emergence was 35 (27) compared with the paper score of 37 (26) (mean difference, - 2; 95% CI, - 22 to 19). The mean (SD) VAS-100 Panda score upon meeting discharge criteria was 21 (20) compared with the paper score of 23 (21) (mean difference, - 2; 95% CI, - 17 to 13). For the NRS-11, Panda again correlated strongly with the original tool scores after emergence (r = 0.93; P < 0.001) and upon meeting discharge criteria (r = 0.96; P < 0.001); the mean (SD) Panda and paper scores after emergence were both 4 (3) (mean difference, 0.05; 95% CI, - 1.87 to 1.96). The mean (SD) NRS-11 Panda and paper scores upon meeting PACU discharge criteria were both 3 (2) (mean difference, - 0.08; 95% CI, - 1.41 to 1.26). Following emergence from anesthesia in adult patients, the digital Panda version of the NRS-11, but not the VAS-100, is equivalent to the validated paper version. In those who are ready for discharge from the PACU, the digital Panda versions of both the VAS-100 and NRS-11 agreed adequately and can be used in place of the original paper versions.

Optimum compatibility of nabufine mixed with flurbiprofen for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after gynecological laparoscopic surgery: a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial

Objective To evaluate the optimum compatibility of nabufine mixed with flurbiprofen for patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Methods A total of 210 patients, aged 18-64 yr, with body mass index of 18-30 kg/m2, of American Society of Anesthesiologist physical status Ⅰor Ⅱ, scheduled for gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia, were divided into 4 groups using a random number table method: sufentanil 2.0 μg/kg+ flurbiprofen axetil 2.0 mg/kg group (SF group, n=55), nalbuphine 1.5 mg/kg+ flurbiprofen axetil 2.0 mg/kg group (N1F group, n=49), nalbuphine 2.0 mg/kg+ flurbiprofen axetil 2.0 mg/kg group(N2F group, n=55) and nalbuphine 3.0 mg/kg + flurbiprofen axetil 2.0 mg/kg group (N3F group, n=51). PCIA solution was prepared correspondingly after surgery in each group. The PCA pump was set up to deliver a 1 ml bolus dose with a 15-min lockout interval and background infusion at 2.0 ml/h. Nalbuphine 5 mg or sufentanil 5 μg was intravenously injected as a rescue analgesic to maintain visual analogue scale score at rest <4 at 48 h after surgery in SF and N1F-N3F groups. Ramsay sedation scores were recorded on admission to post-anesthesia care unit (T1), at the time of post-anesthesia care unit discharge (T2) and at 6, 24 and 48 h after surgery (T3-5). The total pressing times of PCIA in 0-6 h, 6-24 h and 24-48 h periods after surgery and requirement for rescue analgesics were recorded. The incidence of adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting, drowsiness and shivering within 48 h after surgery was also recorded. Results Compared with group SF, the incidence of nausea and vomiting was significantly decreased in N1F and N2F groups, the requirement for rescue analgesics was significantly decreased, and the total pressing times of PCIA was reduced in N2F and N3F groups, and Ramsay sedation scores at T3, 4 were significantly increased in group N3F (P 0.05). Conclusion Nabufine 2.0 mg/kg mixed with flurbiprofen 2.0 mg/kg is the optimum compatibility when used for PCIA after gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Key words: Nalbuphine; Flurbiprofen; Analgesia, patient-controlled; Laparoscopy

Effect of postoperative partial bladder filling after minimally invasive hysterectomy on postanesthesia care unit discharge and cost: a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial

Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed each year with substantial related health care costs. This trial studied the effect of postoperative bladder backfilling to submicturition level in the operating room and its effect on early postoperative patient care and related cost. The objective of the study was to compare the effect of bladder backfilling on early postoperative patient care and related cost. This was a randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial conducted between April 2016 and February 2017 at a single urban university hospital providing tertiary care for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Ninety-one patients undergoing straight-stick laparoscopic and robot-assisted hysterectomy by minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons for benign indications were recruited. The bladder was partially backfilled with 150 mL of normal saline postoperatively in the intervention group and drained in the control group, as per standard of care. Main outcomes studied were time needed to void, time spent in the postanesthesia care unit, and postanesthesia care unit cost after minimally invasive hysterectomy. Our secondary outcomes were postoperative complications. Forty-six patients (50.5%) were randomized to the intervention group, and 45 patients (49.5%) to the control group. Baseline comparative analysis of demographics and preoperative patient-specific variables, surgical history, intraoperative characteristics, and administered medications found the 2 groups to be largely homogenous. After regression analyses for adjustment, we found a significant reduction in the time needed to void, time spent in the postanesthesia care unit, and postanesthesia care unit-associated cost in the intervention group. Patients voided 64.9 minutes earlier than the control group (P= .015) ans spent 64 fewer minutes in the postanesthesia care unit (P= .006), resulting in $401.5 (USD) saving per patient (P= .006). None of the patients encountered any postoperative complications. Based on the findings of this randomized clinical trial, postoperative bladder backfilling to submicturition level shortens the time needed for patients to void in the postanesthesia care unit, resulting in shorter postanesthesia care unit stay and resultant cost savings. Conservatively projecting our findings on minimally invasive hysterectomy procedure is estimated to result in $69 million to $139 million (USD) per year in savings. Initiating similar investigations in other ambulatory surgical fields will likely result in a more substantial impact.

Comparison of opioid-based and opioid-free TIVA for laparoscopic urological procedures in obese patients.

Background and Aims:Perioperative pain management in an obese patient is challenging. The incidence of respiratory depression is higher in obese patients and is exaggerated with opioids. We evaluated the efficacy of opioid-free anesthesia with propofol, dexmedetomidine, lignocaine, and ketamine in obese patients undergoing urological laparoscopic procedures with reference to postoperative analgesic consumption, hemodynamic stability, and respiratory depression.Material and Methods:In this prospective, randomized, blinded controlled study, patients were randomized to receive either opioid-based (opioid group) or opioid-free (opioid-free group) anesthesia. Postoperative pain was assessed using visual analog score (VAS) 30 min after recovery, hourly for 2 h and every 4 hourly for 24 h. The primary outcomes studied were respiratory depression, mean analgesic consumption and time to rescue analgesia. Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, mean SpO2, respiratory rate and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge time were secondary objectives.Results:There were no differences in the demographic and intraoperative hemodynamic profile between the groups. Incidence of respiratory depression, defined as fall in saturation, was more in opioid-based group. Postoperative analgesic requirement (225 ± 48.4 vs 63.6 ± 68.5 mg of tramadol with P value of <0.001) and PACU discharge times (18.1 ± 5.4 vs 11.7 ± 4.3 hours with P value of <0.001) were significantly less in the opioid-free group.Conclusions:Opioid-free anesthesia is a safer and better form of anesthesia in obese patients undergoing laparoscopic urological procedures as there is a lower requirement of postoperative analgesia.

Implementation of Physiological Scoring to Determine Discharge Readiness for Patients Undergoing Otolaryngology Head and Neck Procedures

This quality improvement project examined whether the use of a validated physiological scoring protocol to determine discharge readiness for surgical procedures proximal to the airway would decrease the time at which discharge criteria were met and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) length of stay. An observational pre-post design compared preimplementation recovery times to postimplementation recovery times. PACU nurses were trained to use two physiological scoring protocols to determine when patients met discharge criteria and to document when discharge criteria were met. During the postimplementation period, there was a significant decrease in the time it took patients to meet PACU discharge criteria when using the physiological scoring protocols compared with the preimplementation group (P < .001). These results suggest that physiological scoring protocols are safe and appropriate to determine discharge readiness for patients who have surgery proximal to the airway.