Postoperative Nausea Research Articles

Perioperative efficiency of sugammadex following minimally invasive gastric sleeve surgery: A superiority trial.

Studies have proposed that the routine use of sugammadex could provide perioperative time savings and a reduction in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of sugammadex on perioperative times and on the incidences of adverse events when compared with the active control, neostigmine, for minimally invasive gastric sleeve surgery. Following institutional review board approval, patient characteristics, type of primary neuromuscular blocking reversal agents, operating room discharge times, post-anaesthesia care unit recovery times, and incidences of and treatment for postoperative nausea and vomiting and orotracheal reintubation were the measures of interest. Superiority testing determined the between-group means differences of the reversal agents on the two perioperative time periods of interest. Superiority testing demonstrated no improvement of the two perioperative times with sugammadex. There was no clinical difference in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting or in the number of antiemetic doses received in the post-anaesthesia care unit between the two groups. Finally, the two orotracheal reintubations in the post-anaesthesia care unit were in the sugammadex administered group. These results with sugammadex provide no perioperative time savings or reduce the incidence and treatment for postoperative nausea and vomiting in the post-anaesthesia care unit when compared with neostigmine.

Opioid-free anesthesia with esketamine-dexmedetomidine versus opioid-based anesthesia with propofol-remifentanil in shoulder arthroscopy: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundOFA (Opioid-free anesthesia) has the potential to reduce the occurrence of opioid-related adverse events and enhance postoperative recovery. Our research aimed to investigate whether OFA, combining esketamine and dexmedetomidine, could serve as an alternative protocol to traditional OBA (opioid-based anesthesia) in shoulder arthroscopy, particularly in terms of reducing PONV (postoperative nausea and vomiting).MethodsA total of 60 patients treated with shoulder arthroscopy from September 2021 to September 2022 were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to the OBA group (n = 30) and OFA group (n = 30), receiving propofol-remifentanil TIVA (total intravenous anesthesia) and esketamine-dexmedetomidine intravenous anesthesia, respectively. Both groups received ultrasound-guided ISBPB(interscalene brachial plexus block)for postoperative analgesia.ResultsThe incidence of PONV on the first postoperative day in the ward (13.3% vs. 40%, P < 0.05) was significantly lower in the OFA group than in the OBA group. Moreover, the severity of PONV was less severe in the OFA group than in the OBA group in PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) (0 [0, 0] vs. 0 [0, 3], P<0.05 ) and in the ward 24 h postoperatively ( 0 [0, 0] vs. 0 [0, 2.25], P<0.05). Additionally, the OFA group experienced a significantly shorter length of stay in the PACU compared to the OBA group (39.4 ± 6.76 min vs. 48.7 ± 7.90 min, P < 0.001).ConclusionsCompared to the OBA with propofol-remifentanil, the OFA with esketamine- dexmedetomidine proved to be feasible for shoulder arthroscopy, resulting in a reduced incidence of PONV and a shorter duration of stay in the PACU.Trial registrationThe Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No: ChiCTR2100047355), 12/06/2021.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in the Ambulatory Surgery Center: A Narrative Review.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication of ambulatory surgery, leading to numerous deleterious effects such as decreased patient satisfaction, prolonged recovery unit stays, and rarely, more serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia or wound dehiscence. In this paper, we present a narrative review of the literature regarding common risk factors for PONV including patient factors, surgical factors, and anesthetic factors. We then will review anesthetic techniques and antiemetic drugs demonstrated to mitigate the risk of PONV. Finally, we discuss the potential economic benefits of PONV prophylaxis in the perioperative ambulatory setting.

Comparison of predictive models in postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery

BackgroundPost-operative nausea and vomiting remain an unresolved concern in Türkiye and some parts of the world, impacting the quality of the patient's recovery process and diminishing overall satisfaction.ObjectiveThis study was conducted as a descriptive investigation to compare the incidence of nausea and vomiting following breast cancer surgery with the nausea and vomiting risk scores proposed by Apfel and Koivuranta.MethodsThis study was conducted with 100 patients admitted to the General Surgery service of a university hospital between 31 August 2019 and 31 May 2021 for breast cancer surgery. The patient information form developed by the researchers, Apfel Nausea and Vomiting Risk Score, and Koivuranta Nausea and Vomiting Risk Score were used as data collection tools.ResultsIt was identified that 61% of the patients experienced nausea and vomiting within the initial 24 h following surgery. A significant correlation was found between age, post-operative opioid use, motion sickness or history of PONV, and nausea and vomiting (p < 0,05). The sensitivity of the Apfel score obtained was 80%, the specificity was 46%, and the AUC value was 0.686. The sensitivity of the Koivuranta score was 80%, the specificity was 35%, and the AUC value was 0.675 (p < 0.05).ConclusionIt has been observed that patients experience high rates of nausea and vomiting after breast cancer surgery and that the Apfel and Koivuranta Risk Scores are equally applicable in predicting post-operative nausea and vomiting.

Neuraxial Analgesia for Scoliosis Correction: A Case Series in a Specialised Children's Centre.

Surgical correction of spinal deformities in children presents a challenge to the anaesthetist due to the extensive nature of the surgery, the co-morbidities of the patients and the constraints on aesthetic techniques of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring of the spinal cord. Patients undergoing scoliosis surgery are considered to suffer severe pain, which may lead to a negative impact on patient psychology and physical well-being. By using effective postoperative pain regimens to enhance recovery after surgery, pain can be significantly reduced, leading to patient satisfaction, facilitating early mobilisation, promoting oral intake, lowering postoperative pain and shortening the length of hospital stay. Thus, the primary objectives of this study were to assess the postoperative pain management andfirst rescue analgesic medications, by using preservative-free morphine 50 mcg/kg and dexmedetomidine 4 mcg along with normal saline 0.5 ml kg caudally, as well as to look for thesecondary objectivesside effects, including respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting and pruritis, timing of postoperative ambulation and length of hospital stay. Methods: In this study, we retrospectively included children under 14 years of age and above three years who underwent scoliosis surgery under a caudal epidural-general anaesthesia using caudal morphine and the dexmedetomidine technique in the period from January to May 2023 at the National Guard Health Affairs Hospital (NGHA), Riyadh. We collected the data of seven cases using the electronic chart system of the Best Care database to extract the specific cases that meet the inclusion criteria for the study, which are idiopathic scoliosis patients, aged 3-14 years, and primary correction procedures. Results: The pain-free duration was between seven hours and 48 hours (about two days). There were four female cases (57.14%), and three cases were male (42.85%). The patients' American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status were II to III. In all the cases, there was no documentation of any episodes of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), respiratory distress or pruritus, except for one case where the patient had an episode of PONV. Conclusion: In this study, our aim was to present our experience with dexmedetomidine as an efficient medication when coadministered with morphine to be used in the operating room. We found a high level of reliability in prolonging analgesia time and delaying the usage of rescue medication. We encourage more studies on caudal dexmedetomidine for patients undergoing scoliosis surgery.

Opioid alternatives in spine surgeries.

The escalating opioid crisis has intensified the need to explore alternative pain management strategies for patients undergoing spine surgery. This review is timely and relevant as it synthesizes recent research on opioid alternatives for perioperative management, assessing their efficacy, side effects, and postoperative outcomes. A systematic search was conducted to capture articles from the past 18 months that examined opioid-sparing strategies. Findings indicate that multimodal analgesia, incorporating nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, lidocaine, gabapentinoids, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists, dexmedetomidine, and emerging regional block techniques like the erector spinae block and TLIF (thoraco lumbar interfascial block), can significantly reduce opioid consumption without compromising pain relief. Additionally, these approaches reduce opioid-related side effects such as postoperative nausea, vomiting, and prolonged hospital stays. The use of multimodal analgesia aligns with current pain management guidelines and addresses public health concerns related to opioid misuse. While effective, these alternatives are not without side effects, and the ultimate outcome depends on balancing benefits and risks. Future research should focus on the long-term outcomes of opioid alternatives, their effectiveness across diverse populations, and further validation and optimization of these strategies.

Edukasi Mual dan Muntah Pasca Operasi terhadap Pengetahuan Orang Tua dan Dehidrasi Anak

This study aims to examine the effect of education about postoperative nausea and vomiting on increasing parental knowledge and reducing the incidence of dehydration in children. The research method used was a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest approach with a control group. The results showed a significant increase in parental knowledge about nausea and vomiting management in the intervention group compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the practical implications of this study are significant. Education about postoperative nausea and vomiting effectively increases parental knowledge and reduces the incidence of dehydration in children. The education program, which is routinely applied to pediatric patients undergoing surgery, demonstrates its potential to improve the quality of care and reduce postoperative complications. Keywords: Children, Dehydration, Education, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, Parental Knowledge

A Study of Omentum Reduction on the Improvement of Nausea and vomiting and Gastroesophageal Reflux Symptoms After Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve Resection.

To investigate the effect of omentum reduction in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on the improvement of postoperative nausea and vomiting and gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. A retrospective study was performed on the case data of 198 obese patients who underwent LSG in the Department of Obesity and Metabolic Diseases of Xiaolan People's Hospital of Zhongshan from March 2021 to March 2022 and were divided into omentum reduction group and control group, with 99 cases in each group, and the preoperative body mass index (BMI) of the patients was recorded. Age, gender, comorbidities, and comparative analysis of operation time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, postoperative nausea and vomiting score, gastroesophageal reflux GerdQ score, postoperative pain score, weight, and postoperative complications were analyzed. There were no significant differences in preoperative BMI, age, gender and comorbidities between the two groups (P > 0.05), but there were significant differences in intraoperative blood loss and operation time (P < 0.05). There were differences in postoperative nausea and vomiting scores and VAS pain scores between the two groups (P < 0.05). The GerdQ scores of the omental reduction group were 8.11 ± 2.84 points at 1year, and those in the control group were 7.56 ± 2.67 points, which were 3.97 ± 4.09 points higher than those in the preoperative omentum reduction group and 3.42 ± 3.41 in the control group, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the postoperative excess weight loss rate %EWL and postoperative complications (p > 0.05). Omentum reduction can improve short-term nausea and vomiting after LSG, but it cannot significantly improve long-term reflux symptoms.

Comparison of postoperative analgesia effects between subcostal anterior quadratus lumborum block and transversus abdominis plane block in bariatric surgery: a prospective randomized controlled study

BackgroundCurrently, the prevalence of obesity is on the rise annually. Bariatric surgery stands out as the most efficacious approach for addressing obesity. Obese patients are more prone to experience moderate to severe pain after surgery due to lower pain thresholds. Regional block, as an important component of multimodal analgesia in bariatric surgery, is crucial in reducing opioid consumption and alleviating postoperative pain in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.Transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) has gained widespread utilization in bariatric surgery; however, its limitation of inadequate reduction of visceral pain in obese patients remains a significant concern. Therefore, it is imperative to explore new and more efficient strategies for analgesia. Quadratus lumborum block (QLB) has emerged as a popular nerve block in recent years, frequently utilized in conjunction with general anesthesia for abdominal surgery. In the cadaver study of QLB, it was confirmed that the dye level could reach up to T6 when using the subcostal anterior quadratus lumborum muscle approach, which could effectively reduce the incision pain and visceral pain of bariatric surgery patients during the perioperative period.However, there is currently a lack of research on the use of subcostal anterior QLB in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Our study aims to investigate whether subcostal anterior QLB can provide superior perioperative analgesic efficacy for bariatric surgery under general anesthesia compared to TAPB, leading to reduced postoperative opioid consumption and a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).Methods and designThis study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial aiming to recruit 66 patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The participants will be randomly allocated into two groups in a 1:1 ratio: subcostal anterior QLB group (n = 33) and TAPB group (n = 33). The study aims to investigate the efficacy of subcostal anterior QLB and TAPB in obese patients who are scheduled to undergo bariatric surgery. Our primary outcome is to observe the amount of opioids used in the two groups 24 h after operation. The secondary outcomes included VAS of pain during rest/activity after operation, the type and dose of additional analgesics, the occurrence and severity of PONV, the type and dose of additional antiemetic drugs, postoperative anesthesia care unit (PACU) time, time of first postoperative exhaust, time to first out of bed activity, time to first liquid diet and postoperative admission days.DiscussionOpioid analgesics are prone to causing adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, and respiratory depression, especially in obese patients. Multimodal analgesia, including nerve block, can effectively reduce the dose of opioids and alleviate their adverse effects. Currently, TAPB is the most prevalent nerve block analgesia method for abdominal surgery. Recent studies have indicated that subcostal anterior QLB offers advantages over TAPB, including a wider block plane, faster onset, and longer maintenance time. It is not clear which of the two nerve block analgesia techniques is better for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Our objective in this investigation is to elucidate the superior method between TAPB and subcostal anterior QLB for postoperative pain management in bariatric surgery.Trial registrationChiCTR ChiCTR2300070556. Registered on 17 April 2023.

Effectiveness of intracuff alkalinized lidocaine associated with intravenous dexamethasone in reducing laryngotracheal morbidity in children undergoing general anesthesia for tonsillectomy: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative sore throat is one of the main postoperative complaints in patients undergoing tonsillectomy. As the primary outcome, we aimed to determine whether endotracheal tube cuffs filled with alkalinized lidocaine are associated with a lower incidence of postoperative sore throat and anesthesia emergence phenomena in children undergoing tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy. We also assessed the potential additional benefits of IV dexamethasone in reducing postoperative laryngotracheal morbidity. MethodsThis is a clinical prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated to one of four groups, as follows: air – endotracheal tube cuff filled with air; air/dex – endotracheal tube cuff filled with air and intravenous dexamethasone; lido – endotracheal tube cuff filled with alkalinized lidocaine; and lido/dex – endotracheal tube cuff filled with alkalinized lidocaine and intravenous dexamethasone. Perioperative hemodynamic parameters and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, coughing and hoarseness were recorded. Postoperative sore throat was assessed in the postanesthetic care unit and 24 hours post tracheal extubation. ResultsIn total, 154 children aged 4–12 years, ASA physical status I or II, undergoing general anesthesia for elective tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy, were assessed for postoperative sore throat in this study. The incidence of postoperative sore throat 24 hours after tracheal extubation was significantly lower in the lido/dex group compared to groups air and air/dex (p = 0.01). However, no additional reduction in these symptoms was observed from the intravenous administration of dexamethasone when comparing the lido and lido/dex groups. Similarly, there were no differences among groups regarding perioperative hemodynamic variables or postoperative nausea and vomiting, coughing, and hoarseness during the study period. ConclusionIntracuff alkalinized lidocaine, associated with intravenous dexamethasone, might be effective in reducing sore throat 24 hours post-tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy in children when compared to the use of air as the cuff insufflation media.

Prevalence and Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Maxillofacial Surgeries

Prevalence and Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Maxillofacial Surgeries

Association of the dopamine D2 receptor gene SNP rs1800497 with postoperative nausea and vomiting

BACKGROUND Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are the most frequent complications in the context of anaesthesia. Several studies suggest a contribution of genetic traits to PONV disposition. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 gene CHRM3 (rs2165870) and the potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily B member 2 KCNB2 (rs349358) have been described as independent risk factors for the occurrence of PONV. In addition, further SNPs might be associated with an increased PONV risk, for example a dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) SNP (rs1800497). OBJECTIVE The primary aim of our study was the development of a new PONV prediction score which includes genetic information of SNPs in the genes CHRM3 and KCNB2, which have been already associated with PONV. The secondary aim of our study was to investigate the association of five additional SNPs with PONV. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Single centre study in Germany. RESULTS We could not establish a new PONV prediction score that includes genetic information, due to limited association of the KCNB2 SNP and CHRM3 SNP with PONV. Interestingly, the GA and AA genotypes of the DRD2 rs1800497 in the dopamine D2 receptor gene were associated with PONV 24 h postoperatively, with a relative risk (RR) of GA/AA genotype vs. GG genotype of 1.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06 to 2.01, P = 0.02]. This association was independent from the Apfel score in a multivariate logistic regression analysis (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.90, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION The construction of a new PONV prediction score including genetic information was not possible due to limited association of the CHRM3 and KCNB2 SNPs. However, the DRD2 GA and AA genotypes (rs1800497) were associated with PONV and this SNP might be a future candidate for further validation studies aiming for molecular-derived PONV prediction models. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Study Register – DRKS00021051.

The incidences of nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia with remimazolam versus sevoflurane: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) refers to nausea and vomiting that occurs within 24-h after surgery or in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Previous studies have reported that the use of remimazolam, a newer benzodiazepine (BDZ) hypnotic, for anesthesia results in less PONV. In this study, we compared the rate of PONV between sevoflurane and remimazolam after general anesthesia. In this prospective randomized controlled trial, participants aged 20-80 years who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy or hemicolectomy were randomized to either the remimazolam or sevoflurane group. The primary outcome was PONV incidence for 24-h after surgery. Secondary outcomes comprised of PONV at 30-min post-surgery, postoperative additional antiemetic use, and Quality of Recovery-15 (QOR-15) score at 24-h postoperatively. Forty patients were enrolled in the study. The remimazolam group exhibited significantly lower rates of PONV for 24-h after surgery than did the sevoflurane group (remimazolam group vs. sevoflurane group; 5% vs. 45%, P = 0.003, respectively). The use of dexamethasone, a rescue antiemetic administered within 24 h of surgery, was substantially lower in the remimazolam group than in the sevoflurane group (0% in remimazolam vs. 30% in sevoflurane, P = 0.020). The QOR-15 score at 24-h after surgery showed no significant difference between the two groups. Compared to sevoflurane, opting for remimazolam as an intraoperative hypnotic may decrease the incidence of PONV and reduce antiemetic use for 24 h after laparoscopic surgery.

Nalbuphine versus morphine: an adjuvant to spinal anesthesia for controlling pain after total knee arthroplasty: a propensity score-matched analysis.

Nalbuphine, a synthetic k-agonist and µ-antagonist, provides efficient pain relief while reducing opioid-related adverse effects. This study aims to compare the efficacy of intrathecal nalbuphine (ITN) with intrathecal morphine (ITM) for post-TKA pain. A retrospective cohort analysis of 131 patients who underwent TKA with spinal anesthesia (SA), a single shot of adductor canal block, and periarticular injections was conducted. The patients were divided into 2 groups, Group N received 0.8mg nalbuphine, and Group M received 0.2mg morphine as an adjuvant to SA. Propensity-score matching was employed to compare the visual analog scales (VAS) of postoperative pain intensity, cumulative morphine use (CMU), maximum knee flexion angle, straight leg raise (SLR) ability, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and length of hospital stay (LHS). The mean VAS of group M were significantly lower than group N at 6, 12, 18, and 24h (P < 0.01). Group M had lower CMU than group N at 24h (P < 0.01) and 48h (P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference between groups in terms of knee flexion angle and SLR at any time point. Additionally, 29.3 and 57.9% of patients in group N and M experienced PONV, respectively (p = 0.04), and group N had significantly shorter LHS compared to group M (P < 0.001). Although, intrathecal morphine (ITM) still provides better pain control particularly in the first 24h, patients who received intrathecal nalbuphine (ITN) had significantly fewer incidence of PONV, and shorter LHS.

Efficacy of Dexamethasone in Reducing Pain and Inflammation and Accelerating Total Hip Arthroplasty Postoperative Recovery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone in reducing pain and accelerating recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA). DesignA prospective randomized controlled trial. MethodsA total of 98 patients who underwent THA received either low-dose (10 mg) dexamethasone (dexa group) or isotonic saline (placebo group). C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels were recorded at 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) score at rest and walking, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), nausea VAS score, postoperative identity-consequence fatigue scale rating, antiemetic use, postoperative length of stay (PLOS), and complications were also recorded and compared. FindingsInflammatory marker (C-reactive protein and interleukin-6) levels at 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively in the dexa group were lower than that in the placebo group (P < .05). After 24 hours of rest, the dynamic pain VAS scores in the dexa group were lower than those in the placebo group (P < .05). The incidence of PONV, nausea VAS score, and identity-consequence fatigue scale score in the dexa group were lower than those in the placebo group (P < .05), and the dosages of analgesics and antiemetics were also lower (P < .05). In addition, PLOS in the dexa group was shorter than that in the placebo group (P < .05). No significant difference in perioperative complications between the two groups was observed (P > .05). ConclusionsLow-dose dexamethasone in the THA perioperative period can effectively reduce inflammatory marker levels, pain, nausea, postoperative fatigue, opioid analgesic use, and shorten PLOS without increasing complications.

The Perception and Use of Dexmedetomidine Among Anesthesia Providers: A Quality Improvement Project

PurposeIntraoperative opioid use is associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression, and persistent postoperative pain, all of which contribute to increased length of stay and health care costs. Although research shows adding dexmedetomidine as an adjunct leads to reduced opioid-related postoperative complications, many anesthesia providers are not using this medication. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase the use of dexmedetomidine among anesthesia providers to improve outcomes among spinal and orthopedic surgery patients. DesignQuality improvement study. MethodsThe project consisted of a preimplementation retrospective chart review, a preimplementation staff survey, the implementation of an anesthesia training bundle, a postimplementation staff survey, and a postimplementation retrospective chart review. The team provided ongoing support for the use of dexmedetomidine with resource flyers, a recorded presentation, and provider support. FindingsPreimplementation surveys indicated staff readiness for change and identified the lack of availability of dexmedetomidine within the operating rooms as the barrier to use. After receiving education, staff requested dexmedetomidine to be stocked within every operating room. Utilization increased by 67% after the implementation of the anesthesia training bundle. ConclusionsWhile there was no significant change in opioid-related complications as is found in the literature, the project education and support led to anesthesia provider interest in using dexmedetomidine, resulting in a significant increase in use. Similar projects should include education for postanesthesia care nurses.

P6 acupressure versus sham acupressure for prevention of intraoperative nausea and vomiting during cesarean delivery under neuraxial anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionIntraoperative and postoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV and PONV) are common during cesarean delivery (CD) with neuraxial anesthesia. Limited information exists on the antiemetic benefit of combined P6 acupoint stimulation with acupressure (P6 acupressure) and pharmacologic antiemetics on preventing IONV and PONV after CD. This study assessed the antiemetic efficacy of P6 acupressure compared to a non-P6 acupoint stimulation with acupressure (sham acupressure) in preventing IONV during CD. MethodsWe performed a randomized double-blinded trial comparing the efficacy of intraprocedural P6 acupressure versus sham acupressure in preventing IONV during CD after following the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology enhanced recovery recommendations. Subjects were instructed to apply additional pressure at the acupressure sites when they perceived nausea. The primary outcome was the incidence of IONV, and the secondary outcome was the need for rescue antiemetic treatment. ResultsNinety-nine P6 acupressure and 100 sham acupressure subjects were studied. There was no difference in the incidence of intraoperative nausea (67%), vomiting (17%), emesis episodes, or the need for rescue antiemetics intraoperatively. There were also no differences in the incidence of PONV and antiemetic treatment from PACU to discharge. At discharge, 70% of respondents reported experiencing nausea, but only 10% reported it affected self-care. Approximately 50% of the patients in both groups were satisfied with acupressure therapy. ConclusionP6 acupressure did not reduce the incidence of IONV or PONV when combined with antiemetic therapy per enhanced recovery recommendations. There does not appear to be sufficient evidence to support using P6 acupressure for IONV prevention.

Remimazolam: its clinical pharmacology and evolving role in anesthesia and sedation practice.

Remimazolam is a novel benzodiazepine anesthetic/sedative, designed as a rapidly metabolized carboxylic acid. Since its recent launch, the role of remimazolam in modern anesthesia and sedation practice is still evolving. This review aims to outline the clinical pharmacology and clinical utility of remimazolam to elucidate its potential advantages and limitations. Remimazolam is "short-acting" but not ultra-short-acting compared with propofol based on context-sensitive decrement times. But compared to propofol, the availability of the benzodiazepine antagonist, flumazenil, is considered an advantage, particularly in certain emergency situations such as in patients with difficult airways. However, because flumazenil is shorter acting than remimazolam when remimazolam accumulates or is present in a high concentration, the reappearance of remimazolam sedation may occur after the initial reversal of anesthesia/sedation from flumazenil administration. Although it is beneficial that remimazolam causes less respiratory depression and hypotension than propofol, serious respiratory depression and hypotension can still occur. Remimazolam administration causes minimal or no pain on injection. Remimazolam is associated with less postoperative nausea and vomiting than inhaled anesthetics, but propofol is clearly superior in this regard. The anesthetic/sedative effects may be prolonged by severe hepatic impairment; remimazolam tolerance can occur in long-term benzodiazepine users. Remimazolam may be beneficial to use in procedural sedation and general anesthesia for patients with difficult airways or hemodynamic instability. Further clinical studies with remimazolam are warranted to identify the potential benefits in other settings and patient populations.

Risk Factors Related to Postoperative Dizziness Among Patients Who Underwent General Anesthesia and Intraoperative Analgesics: A Prospective Cohort Study

PurposeTo describe postoperative dizziness for patients who received analgesics during general anesthesia and to investigate the factors related to the trend of dizziness within 3 days after surgery. DesignA prospective cohort study. MethodsThis is a longitudinal study. The severity of dizziness was assessed from the day of the surgery until the third day post surgery. Generalized estimation equation models were created to determine the predictive effect of each independent variable separately. FindingsAfter surgery, the incidence of dizziness was 42.1%. Approximately 10% of participants experienced severe dizziness. Participants with postoperative nausea and vomiting were more likely to experience postoperative dizziness. In addition, age, education level, history of motion sickness, surgical specialties, laparoscopic surgery, and long-acting analgesic use had an impact on the trend of postoperative dizziness. More than 25% of participants who used long-acting analgesics experienced dizziness on the third postoperative day. ConclusionsPostoperative dizziness was common among participants who received analgesics during general anesthesia. Monitoring for postoperative dizziness may need to be prolonged, especially in patients taking long-acting analgesics. For patients at high risk for postoperative dizziness, preventive measures such as adjusting analgesic and anesthetic medications may be necessary.

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

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