Postanesthesia Care Unit Discharge Time Research Articles

Comparative observation of the effectiveness and safety of remimazolam besylate versus dexmedetomidine in gastrointestinal surgery in obese patients

BACKGROUND Surgery for obese patients carries a higher risk of anesthesia complications compared with surgery for nonobese patients. Thus, a safe and effective anesthesia strategy is necessary to improve the medical experience of such patients and ensure their safety. AIM To compared the effectiveness and safety of remimazolam besylate versus dexmedetomidine (DEX) in gastrointestinal surgery in obese patients. METHODS The study cohort included 60 obese patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery between July 2021 and April 2023, comprising 30 patients who received DEX intervention (control group) and 30 patients who received remimazolam besylate intervention (research group). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), safety (nausea and vomiting, bradycardia, hypotension, and apnea), anesthesia and examination indices [induction time, anesthesia recovery time, and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge time], sedation effect (Ramsay Sedation Scale), and postoperative pain visual analog scale were comparatively analyzed before anesthesia (T0), during anesthesia (T1), and after anesthesia (T2). RESULTS At T1, the research group showed significantly smaller changes in HR, RR, MAP, and SpO2 than the control group, with a significantly lower adverse reaction rate and shorter induction, anesthesia recovery, and PACU discharge times. Additionally, the intra- and postoperative Ramsay Sedation Scale scores were statistically higher in the research group than in the control group. CONCLUSION Remimazolam besylate was significantly more effective than DEX in gastrointestinal surgery in obese patients and had a higher safety profile and value in clinical promotion.

Effect of remimazolam on postoperative sleep quality in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionRemimazolam is a new sedative-hypnotic drug, which has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia, but its effects on the postoperative sleep quality of patients remain unknown. MethodsPatients enrolled in this study were randomly received remimazolam (Group R) or propofol (Group P) for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. The primary outcome was the Athens insomnia scale (AIS) score. The secondary outcomes included smart wristband data on the first night after surgery, the Ramsay sedation scale score at 1 h postoperatively, time from drug withdrawal to laryngeal mask removal, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge time, postoperative nausea and vomiting, intraoperative awareness and reported adverse reactions. ResultsThe AIS score on postoperative day 1 was higher in group R compared with group P, but no significant difference was found between the two groups in 8 items of the AIS on postoperative day 1. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with suspected insomnia and insomnia between the two groups at POD 1. The monitoring data of smart wristband found that compared with group P, the total sleep duration of the first night after surgery of group R was decreased, and the proportion of deep sleep was reduced. Moreover, the time from drug withdrawal to laryngeal mask removal and PACU discharge time was longer in group R than group P. The Ramsay sedation scale score at 1 h postoperatively was higher in group R than group P. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for postoperative nausea and vomiting. Furthermore, neither group experienced any intraoperative awareness or serious adverse events. ConclusionsTotal intravenous anesthesia using remimazolam decreased postoperative sleep quality in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy compared to propofol. The effect of remimazolam on postoperative sleep quality may primarily manifest in the severity rather than the incidence of insomnia. Patients needed a more extended recovery period afterward and had higher sedation scores following recovery.

Effect of Intravenous Aminophylline on Hemodynamics and Recovery of Patients Undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Under Dexmedetomidine Hypotensive Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Study.

The sympatholytic property of dexmedetomidine (DEX) makes it suitable as a hypotensive drug during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS); however, delayed emergence from anesthesia and high postoperative sedation have been reported. Delayed emergence from anesthesia and high postoperative sedation are associated with a prolonged length of stay in the operating room and the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), which increases health care costs. This study aimed to overcome the negative impact of DEX on recovery by using aminophylline. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 52 patients planned for elective FESS under general anesthesia with DEX infusion for controlled hypotension during surgery. Patients were equally divided into 2 groups. The aminophylline group received 4 mg/kg aminophylline diluted in 50 mL saline 0.9% over 30 minutes after positioning in a 20-degree reverse Trendelenburg position. The control group received 50 mL saline 0.9% with a similar volume and period as the aminophylline group. The extubation time was significantly shorter in the aminophylline group (6.5 (5.25 - 7.75) minutes) than in the control group (9 (7.25 - 10) minutes) (P-value < 0.001). The PACU discharge time was significantly shorter in the aminophylline group (15 (10 - 20) minutes) compared to the control group (20 (15 - 28.75) minutes) (P-value = 0.036). Intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial pressure were nonsignificantly different between the 2 groups. Ramsay sedation score measurements at 15 min, 30 min, and 60 min after extubation were significantly lower in the aminophylline than in the control group (P-value < 0.05). Complications were nonsignificantly different between the 2 groups. Intraoperative aminophylline infusion enhances the recovery of patients undergoing FESS under DEX hypotensive anesthesia without intraoperative hemodynamic alterations and decreases their postoperative sedation without significant postoperative side effects.

Intranasal Dexmedetomidine Accompanied by Cartoon Video Preoperation for Reducing Emergence Delirium in Children Undergoing Strabismus Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

Background: After general anesthesia, many pediatric patients present with emergence delirium (ED). The aim of this study was to determine whether dexmedetomidine intranasal premedication accompanied by a cartoon video 30 min before general anesthesia would have an effect on reducing emergence delirium in preschool children.Methods: One hundred and forty children aged 3–6 year undergoing elective strabismus surgery were randomly to be premedicated with 2 μg kg−1 intranasal dexmedetomidine accompanied by the viewing of a cartoon video (Group DV) or without any premedication as usual (Group C). The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence delirium at the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), evaluated by the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale. The secondary outcomes included: the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) upon separation from parents; the Induction Compliance Checklist score (ICC); the PACU discharge time; the parental satisfaction score; the incidences of the side effects and the Post-Hospital Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ) score during the first day after surgery.Results: The incidence of emergence agitation (PAED score ≥ 10) was reduced in Group DV compared with Group C [8 (11.4%) vs. 24 (34.3%); P = 0.001]. None of the patients in the DV group experienced severe emergence agitation (PAED score ≥ 15), as compared with the C group (P = 0.006). The mYPAS score upon separation from parents (P < 0.001) and the incidence of poor coordination (ICC ≥ 4) during induction (P < 0.001) were significantly lower in Group DV than in Group C. In Group DV, the PACU discharge time was longer (P < 0.001), and the parental satisfaction score was higher (P < 0.001). However, during the first day after surgery, the PHBQ score was lower in Group DV compared with Group C (P = 0.001).Conclusions: Premedication with 2 μg kg−1 intranasal dexmedetomidine accompanied by cartoon video viewing can dramatically reduce emergence delirium in preschool children undergoing strabismus surgery, relieve preoperative anxiety and improve the parental satisfaction and the postoperative behavior changes during the first day after surgery.Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR2000030678.

A Review of Current Literature of Interest to the Office-Based Anesthesiologist.

A Review of Current Literature of Interest to the Office-Based Anesthesiologist.

Perioperative Dexmedetomidine for outpatient cataract surgery: a systematic review

BackgroundCataract surgery is one of the most common procedures performed worldwide in the elderly. Various medications can provide effective anesthesia and analgesia for cataract surgery, but undesirable side effects limit the utility of each medication or combination of medications. Dexmedetomidine may serve as an anesthesia adjunct for outpatient cataract surgery in the elderly.MethodsSearches were conducted in Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed for randomized clinical trials investigating the use of dexmedetomidine in adult patients undergoing outpatient, or ambulatory, cataract surgery with sedation and topical or peribulbar block. Ninety-nine publications were identified, of which 15 trials satisfied the inclusion criteria. A total of 914 patients were included in this review. The following data were collected: American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) physical status and age of study patients; method of blinding and randomization; medication doses and routes of administration; and intraoperative levels of sedation. We also recorded statistically significant differences between dexmedetomidine and other study medications or placebo with respect to the following outcomes: hemodynamic and respiratory parameters; pain; sedation; post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV); discharge from post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) or recovery times; patient satisfaction; surgeon satisfaction; and effects on intraocular pressure (IOP).ResultsHypotension with or without bradycardia was reported following bolus doses of dexmedetomidine ranging from 0.5–1.0 mcg/kg with or without a continuous dexmedetomidine infusion. Delayed PACU discharge times were associated with the use of dexmedetomidine, but no clear association was identified between delayed recovery and higher levels of intraoperative sedation. Better analgesia and higher patient satisfaction were commonly reported with dexmedetomidine as well as reductions in IOP.ConclusionsOverall, this review demonstrates better analgesia, higher patient satisfaction, and reduced IOP with dexmedetomidine for outpatient cataract surgery when compared to traditional sedatives, hypnotics, and opioids. These benefits of dexmedetomidine, however, must be weighed against relative cardiovascular depression and delayed PACU discharge or recovery times. Therefore, the utility of dexmedetomidine for outpatient cataract surgery should be considered on a patient-by-patient basis.

Impact of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block on postoperative quality of recovery in video-assisted thoracic surgery: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial

Study objectiveRegional anesthesia improves postoperative analgesia and enhances the quality of recovery (QoR) after surgery. We examine the efficacy of ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on QoR after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). DesignProspective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. SettingSingle institution, tertiary university hospital. PatientsAdult patients who scheduled for VATS under general anesthesia were enrolled in the study. InterventionsWe randomly allocated patients to receive preoperative ultrasound-guided ESPB with 25 ml of either 0.5% ropivacaine (ESPB group) or normal saline (Control group). MeasurementsThe primary outcome was QoR as measured by the 40-item QoR questionnaire (QoR-40) score at postoperative day 1. Secondary results were post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge time, acute postoperative pain, cumulative opioid consumption, the incidence of postoperative nausea or vomiting (PONV), and patient satisfaction. Main resultsThe global QoR-40 score at postoperative day 1 (median, interquartile range) was significantly higher in the ESPB group (174, 170 to 177) than the control group (161.5, 160 to 165), estimated median difference 11 (95% CI 9 to 13, P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, single-injection of ESPB reduced PACU discharge time, acute postoperative pain, and cumulative opioid consumption. Correspondingly, the median patient satisfaction scores were higher in the ESPB group than the control group (9 versus 7, P < 0.001). ConclusionPreoperative single-injection thoracic ESPB with ropivacaine improves QoR, postoperative analgesia, and patient satisfaction after VATS.

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.

The effect of esmolol compared to opioids on postoperative nausea and vomiting, postanesthesia care unit discharge time, and analgesia in noncardiac surgery: A meta-analysis.

Background and Aims:Perioperative esmolol as an opioid alternative has been shown to reduce postoperative nausea vomiting using opioid sparing. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare esmolol and opioids on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), time spent in recovery, and analgesia in noncardiac surgeries.Material and Methods:OVID Medline (1980–February 2014), OVID EMBASE, EBSCO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing esmolol and opioids on early postoperative recovery and pain intensity during general anesthesia in noncardiac surgeries. The primary outcomes were related to PONV and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge time, whereas secondary outcomes were related to early postoperative pain.Results:Eight trials were identified involving 439 patients, 228 of whom received esmolol while 211 received opioids. A random-effects meta-analysis showed that in comparison with opioids, esmolol led to a 69% reduction in the incidence of PONV (odds ratio 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.13–0.74, P = 0.008, I2 = 44.1%). An increase in the volatile anesthetic requirement was evident in the esmolol group compared with opioid (MD + 0.67% desflurane equivalent, 95% CI 0.27–1.08, P = 0.001, I2 =23.5%). There was no statistically significant difference between the esmolol and opioid groups in relation to PACU discharge time, early postoperative pain scores, opioid requirement, and cumulative opioid consumption. Significant heterogeneity was noted between studies. No significant adverse effects were noted.Conclusion:Compared with opioids, perioperative esmolol may reduce the incidence of postoperative nausea vomiting and increase the volatile anesthetic requirement. Esmolol administration may not improve the early postoperaive pain intensity. Nonetheless, these findings are limited by the absence of high-quality RCTs and the heterogeneity among studies. Further, large-scale studies are needed to explore these results.

Postoperative recovery after anesthesia in morbidly obese patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Obese patients present a challenge to safe general anesthesia because of impaired cardiopulmonary physiology and increased risks of aspiration and acute upper airway obstruction. Since studies are lacking regarding the postoperative effects on recovery from general anesthesia in morbidly obese patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of recovery outcomes in morbidly obese patients who had undergone general anesthesia. We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE™, Cochrane, and Scopus™ databases for randomized controlled trials that evaluated the outcome of anesthesia with desflurane, sevoflurane, isoflurane, or propofol in morbidly obese patients. Using a random effects model, we conducted meta-analyses to assess recovery times (eye opening, hand squeezing, tracheal extubation, and stating name or birth date), time to discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We reviewed results for 11 trials and found that patients given desflurane took less time: to respond to commands to open their eyes (weighted mean difference [WMD] -3.10 min; 95% confidence interval (CI): -5.13 to -1.08), to squeeze the investigator's hand (WMD -7.83 min; 95% CI: -8.81 to -6.84), to be prepared for tracheal extubation (WMD -3.88 min; 95% CI: -7.42 to -0.34), and to state their name (WMD -7.15 min; 95% CI: -11.00 to -3.30). We did not find significant differences in PACU discharge times, PONV, or the PACU analgesic requirement. Postoperative recovery was significantly faster after desflurane than after sevoflurane, isoflurane, or propofol anesthesia in obese patients. No clinically relevant differences were observed regarding PACU discharge time, incidence of PONV, or postoperative pain scores. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42014009480).

Pharmacologic Manipulation of Emergence after Adenotonsillectomy for Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Prospective Controlled Study

Objectives: 1) Elucidate the factors affecting emergence from anesthesia after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children. 2) Highlight the advantages of a standardized anesthetic protocol in controlling peri-operative events. Methods: A non-randomized, prospective, observational study (n = 64) was designed to examine the relationship between the severity of OSA, as determined by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) nadir, and indices of recovery, including time to 1) emergence after surgery, 2) extubation following emergence, and 3) discharge from the post-anesthesia care unit. A standardized anesthetic protocol was used in all patients using doses of opioids that inversely correlated with OSA severity. Results: A paradoxical yet significant reduction in recovery time was observed among patients with severe OSA following surgery; this reflected in quicker emergence, accelerated extubation, and shortened postanesthesia care unit discharge times (analysis of variance, Tukey-Kramer post-hoc tests, P &lt; 0.001) besides a reduction in adverse events. In addition, the relationship between polysomnography (PSG)-derived AHI and SpO2 nadir varied inversely with each of the recovery indices, as determined by a linear regression analysis (t-tests, P &lt;0.001). Conclusions: Emergence from anesthesia after adenotonsillectomy can be controlled by a standardized anesthesia protocol using different combinations of sedation and analgesia. The severity of sleep apnea and hypoxemia do not independently appear to play a significant role in recovery from anesthesia. By using a standardized anesthetic protocol with diminishing doses of opioids with increasing severity of OSA, our results indicate a striking departure from previously observed findings relating to post-procedural respiratory complications following adenotonsillectomy.

The Effect of Pregabalin on Preoperative Anxiety and Sedation Levels: A Dose-Ranging Study

Pregabalin is a gabapentinoid compound, which has been alleged to possess anxiolytic, analgesic, and anticonvulsant properties. We hypothesized that premedication with oral pregabalin would produce dose-related reductions in acute (state) anxiety and increases in sedation (sleepiness) before induction of general anesthesia. A secondary objective was to determine if premedication with pregabalin would reduce postoperative pain. One hundred eight ASA I-III outpatients undergoing elective surgery were randomly assigned to one of the four premedication treatment groups: 1) control group received placebo capsules, 2) pregabalin 75 group received pregabalin 75 mg, po, 3) pregabalin 150 group received pregabalin 150 mg, po, and 4) pregabalin 300 group received pregabalin 300 mg, po. The effects of the study drug on the patients' level of anxiety, sedation, and pain were assessed at baseline (immediately before study drug administration), at 30 and 60 min after drug administration, and immediately before induction of anesthesia, as well as at 30-min intervals in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) using standardized 11-point verbal rating scales, with 0 = none to 10 = maximal effect. The need for postoperative opioid analgesic medication, incidence of nausea and vomiting, requirement for rescue antiemetics, and times to discharge from the PACU and hospital, as well as the patients' quality of recovery scores, and late recovery outcomes (e.g., resumption of dietary intake and recovery of bowel function) were assessed at a 7-day follow-up interview. Demographic characteristics, times between study drug administration to anesthetic induction, type of surgical procedures, duration of anesthesia, PACU and hospital discharge time, as well as the requirement for fentanyl in the PACU, did not differ among the four study groups. Anxiety levels remained unchanged during the preoperative evaluation period, and did not differ among the four study groups. Sedation scores were significantly higher in the pregabalin 300 group at the preinduction assessment interval and at 90 and 120 min after surgery compared with the control group (5 +/- 3 vs 3 +/- 2, 7 +/- 4 vs 5 +/- 3, 8 +/- 4 vs 4 +/- 4, respectively, P < 0.05). Preoperative pregabalin administration (75-300 mg po) increased perioperative sedation in a dose-related fashion, but failed to reduce preoperative state anxiety, postoperative pain, or to improve the recovery process after minor elective surgery procedures.

Comparison of remifentanil versus fentanyl general anesthesia for short outpatient urologic procedures

Study objectives. To compare the effect of remifentanil versus fentanyl isoflurane general anesthesia on Aldrete score, emergence, extubation and discharge times from the operating room (OR) and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) following short outpatient urologic procedures (panendoscopy and cystoscopy, bladder hydrodilatation, stent placement). Patients and methods. 40 patients 18 years of age or older scheduled for short elective outpatient urological procedures with an expected duration of less than 30 minutes.Following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and written informed consent, 40 American Society of Anesthesiologi-sts (ASA) physical class 1-3 adult outpatients were enrolled and equally (n=20) randomized into remifentanil and fentanyl groups. Preoperatively, all subjects received intravenous (IV) midazolam 1-2 mg and were induced with propofol 2 mg/kg IV. Muscle relaxation was achieved with succinylcholine or rocuronium, followed by intubation. The remifentanil group received remifentanil 1 g/kg IV at induction with a maintenance dose of remifentanil 0.1 to 2 g/kg/min IV in the presence&nbsp;of 60% nitrous oxide (N2O)/40% oxygen (O2) and end-tidal isoflurane of 0.3 to 0.4% (for amnesia). The fentanyl group received fentanyl 2 g/kg IV at induction, maintenance dose of fentanyl 2 to 3 g/kg IV intermittent bolus, and 60% N2O/40%O2 with 2% end-tidal isoflurane. Muscle relaxation was reversed at the end of anesthesia as needed. Times for OR entry, emergence, extubation, total OR time (entry to exit) and PACU discharge time, as well as Aldrete scores at time of OR exit and PACU discharge were determined. Data was evaluated by ANOVA, t-test and Mann-Whitney tests. A p&lt;0.05 value was considered statistically significant.Results. There was no significant difference between groups in age, gender, weight, ASA class, PACU analgesic or antie-metic use, or times of emergence, extubation, OR exit and PACU discharge. There was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) in OR exit Aldrete score but not PACU discharge Aldrete score. No adverse events were noted.Conclusions. While there was no difference between the remifentanil and fentanyl groups regarding recovery time from OR and PACU, remifentanil patients had significantly better OR exit Aldrete scores with less sedation upon arrival at phase I PACU recovery than the fentanyl group. This anesthesia technique may prove helpful for fast-track eligibility of these patients.&nbsp;&nbsp

Treatment with Lavender Aromatherapy in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit reduces Opioid Requirements of Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding

Parenteral administration of opioids and NSAIDs has been the mainstay for postoperative pain control in patients undergoing laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). Both classes of drugs, however, are associated with serious adverse effects. An addition of complimentary analgesic techniques may decrease requirement for traditional analgesics, thus reducing the incidence of side-effects. We designed the study to evaluate the effectiveness of Lavender aromatherapy in reducing opioid requirements after LAGB. A prospective randomized placebo controlled study was carried out on 54 patients undergoing LAGB. Upon arrival to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), patients in the study group were treated with lavender oil, which was applied to the oxygen face mask; the control group patients received nonscented baby oil. Postoperative pain was treated with morphine. Numerical rating scores (0-10) were used to measure the level of pain at 5, 30, and 60 min. Sedation was evaluated using the Observer Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scale (0-5). Data analyzed included the amount of opioids, NRS, OAA/S, PACU discharge time, as well as the incidence of side-effects. The two groups were comparable with regard to patient characteristics, intraoperative drug use, and surgical time. Significantly more patients in the Placebo group (PL) required analgesics for postoperative pain (22/27, 82%) than patients in the Lavender group (LAV) (12/26, 46%) (P = .007). Moreover, the LAV patients required significantly less morphine postoperatively than PL patients: 2.38 mg vs 4.26 mg, respectively (P = .04). There were no differences in the requirements for post-operative antiemetics, antihypertensives, or PACU discharge time. Our results suggest that lavender aromatherapy can be used to reduce the demand for opioids in the immediate postoperative period. Further studies are required to assess the effect of this therapy on clinically meaningful outcomes, such as the incidence of respiratory complications, delayed gastric emptying, length of hospital stay, or whether this therapy is applicable to other operations.

Opioid consumption in total intravenous anesthesia is reduced with dexmedetomidine: a comparative study with remifentanil in gynecologic videolaparoscopic surgery

Study Objective To evaluate the capacity of dexmedetomidine (DEX), an α 2 adrenergic agonist drug, as a substitute for remifentanil (REM), a potent opioid, in total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), in patient undergoing gynecologic videolaparoscopy. Design Randomized, single-blinded study. Setting University-affiliated hospital. Patients 30 ASA physical status I and II women, patients (22-56 yrs), scheduled for gynecologic videolaparoscopy. Interventions Patients were anesthetized with DEX or REM in continuous venous infusion, associated with propofol, in a target-controlled infusion. Measurements Heart rate, mean blood pressure (MBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), plasma glucose, and cortisol were determined before anesthetic induction, 5 minutes after tracheal intubations and 30 minutes after initial surgical incision. Extubation and orientation times, and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge times were noted. Main Results Blood cortisol levels were higher in the DEX group than in the REM group at 30minutes after surgical incision. Cortisol levels decreased as a function of time in the REM group, whereas intheDEX group they decreased in the second sample and returned to basal levels at 30minutes. Hyperglycemia was higher in DEX than in REM during the second and third sample collection. However, glucose increased as a function of time in both groups. Analysis of MBP and DBP indicated adecrease in blood pressure at 5 minutes after tracheal intubations in both groups. At 30minutes afterincision, MBP and DBP returned to basal levels in the DEX group, whereas the variables were significantly lower in the REM group. There were significant differences between groups for systolic blood pressure and heart rate at 5 and 30 minutes after incision with a greater decrease in REM. The extubation and orientation times were significantly increased in the DEX group, when compared with those of the REM group. There were no differences in postanesthesia care unit discharge times between groups. Conclusions Dexmedetomidine was a clinically effective drug as a REM substitute in TIVA, during minimally invasive video gynecologic surgical procedures; however, patients anesthetized with DEX showed a more prolonged recovery time for some parameters such as orientation and extubation times.

Temperature Control and Recovery of Bowel Function After Laparoscopic or Laparotomic Colorectal Surgery in Patients Receiving Combined Epidural/General Anesthesia and Postoperative Epidural Analgesia

We compared the effects of a laparoscopic (n = 23) versus laparotomic (n = 21) technique for major abdominal surgery on temperature control in 44 patients undergoing colorectal surgery during a combined epidural/general anesthesia. A thoracic epidural block up to T4 was induced with 6–10 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine; general anesthesia was induced with thiopental, fentanyl, and atracurium IV and maintained with isoflurane. Core temperature was measured with a bladder probe and recorded every 15 min after the induction. In both groups, core temperature decreased to 35.2°C (range, 34°C–36°C) at the end of surgery. After surgery, normothermia returned after 75 min (60–120 min) in the Laparoscopy group and 60 min (45–180 min) in the Laparotomy group (P = 0.56). No differences in postanesthesia care unit discharge time were reported between the two groups. The degree of pain during coughing was smaller after laparoscopy than laparotomy from the 24th to the 72nd observation times (P < 0.01). Morphine consumption was 22 mg (2–65 mg) in the Laparotomy group and 5 mg (0–45 mg) in the Laparoscopy group (P = 0.02). The time to first flatus was shorter after laparoscopy (24 h [16–72 h]) than laparotomy (72 h [26–96 h]) (P = 0.0005), and the first intake of clear liquid occurred after 48 h (24–72 h) in the Laparoscopy group and after 96 h (90–96 h) in the Laparotomy group (P = 0.0005). Although laparoscopic surgery provides positive effects on the degree of postoperative pain and recovery of bowel function, the reduction in heat loss produced by minimizing bowel exposure with laparoscopic surgery does not compensate for the anesthesia-related effects on temperature control, and active patient warming must also be used with laparoscopic techniques.

The management of preoperative anxiety in children: an update.

Anxiety in children undergoing surgery is characterized by subjective feelings of tension, apprehension, nervousness, and worry that may be expressed in various forms (1). Postoperative maladaptive behaviors, such as new onset enuresis, feeding difficulties, apathy and withdrawal, and sleep disturbances, may also result from anxiety before surgery. In fact, studies have indicated that up to 60% of all children undergoing surgery may present with negative behavioral changes at 2 wk postoperatively (1,2). Variables such as age, temperament, and anxiety of the child and parent in the preoperative holding area have been identified as predictors for these behavioral changes (1). Extreme anxiety during induction of anesthesia is also associated with an increase of these postoperative negative behavioral changes (3). In addition to behavioral manifestations, preoperative anxiety activates the human stress response, leading to increased serum cortisol, epinephrine, and natural killer cell activity (4,5). This stress response can be activated by many different noxious stimuli including fear, anxiety, pain, cold, major surgery, and infection. The main components of the stress system are the corticotropin-releasing hormone and the locus ceruleus-norepinephrine/autonomic systems and their peripheral effectors, the hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal axis and the limbs of the autonomic system (5). There is also evidence for a bidirectional communication between the neuroendocrine system and the immune system. Stress activates the hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal axis, increases circulating glucocorticoids, and is associated with alterations of immune function and susceptibility to infection and neoplastic disease (6). The human response to surgical stress is characterized by a series of hormonal, immunological, and metabolic changes that together constitute the global surgical stress response (7,8). This perioperative response is considered a homeostatic mechanism for adapting to the perioperative injury. The effects of the surgical stress response, however, may be detrimental: neuroendocrine hormones (e.g., cortisol, catecholamines) and cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6) provoke a negative nitrogen balance and catabolism, delay wound healing, and cause postoperative immunosuppression (7,8). Children are particularly vulnerable to the global surgical stress response because of limited energy reserves, larger brain masses, and obligatory glucose requirements (9). Because acute psychological stress, such as preoperative anxiety, is associated with immediate stress hormone release, the contribution of perioperative psychological factors to the global perioperative stress response cannot be ignored. In adults, increased preoperative anxiety is associated with poor postoperative behavioral and clinical recovery (10,11). As an indicator of the importance of preoperative anxiety, a panel of 72 anesthesiologists recently ranked various anesthesia low-morbidity clinical outcomes based on importance and frequency. The five clinical outcomes with the highest combined score were incisional pain, nausea, vomiting, preoperative anxiety, and discomfort from IV insertion (12). Thus, consensus is evident among anesthesiologists about the need to treat anxiety before surgery. In a modern epidemiological framework, diseases can be characterized in terms of risk factors, interventions, and outcomes. In this update, we will review preoperative anxiety in children using this conceptual framework (Fig. 1).

A Randomized, Double-Blinded Study of Remifentanil Versus Fentanyl for Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy Surgery in Pediatric Ambulatory Surgical Patients

We compared, in a double-blinded manner, the anesthetic maintenance and recovery properties of remifentanil with a clinically comparable fentanyl-based anesthetic technique in pediatric ambulatory surgical patients. Anesthesia was induced with either halothane or sevoflurane and nitrous oxide and oxygen. Patients were randomized (computer generated) to receive either remifentanil or fentanyl in a blinded syringe with nitrous oxide and oxygen in one of four possibilities: halothane/remifentanil, halothane/fentanyl, sevoflurane/remifentanil or sevoflurane/fentanyl. In patients receiving remifentanil, a placebo bolus was administered, and a continuous infusion (0.25 microg. kg(-1). min(-1)) was begun. In patients receiving fentanyl, a bolus (2 microg/kg) was administered followed by a placebo continuous infusion. The time from discontinuation of the anesthetic to extubation, discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and discharge to home, as well as pain scores, were assessed by a blinded nurse observer. Systolic blood pressure and heart rate were noted at selected times, and adverse events were recorded. Remifentanil provided faster extubation times and higher pain-discomfort scores. PACU and hospital discharge times were similar. There were no statistical differences among the groups for adverse events. There were statistically, but not clinically, significant differences in hemodynamic variables. We noted that continuous infusions of remifentanil were intraoperatively as effective as bolus fentanyl. Although patients could be tracheally extubated earlier with remifentanil, this did not translate to earlier PACU or hospital discharge times. In addition, remifentanil was associated with higher postoperative pain scores. The frequent incidence of postoperative pain observed in the postoperative recovery room suggests that better intraoperative prophylactic analgesic regimens for postoperative pain control are necessary to optimize remifentanil's use as an anesthetic for children. This is a study designed to examine the efficacy and safety of a short-acting opioid, remifentanil, when used in pediatric patients. The frequent incidence of postoperative pain observed in the postoperative recovery room suggests that better intraoperative prophylactic analgesic regimens for postoperative pain control are necessary to optimize remifentanil's use as an anesthetic for children.

The Effect of Midazolam Premedication on Mental and Psychomotor Recovery in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Brief Surgical Procedures

To assess the effect of IV midazolam premedication on recovery of cognitive function, 90 geriatric patients (aged 65-81 yr) undergoing brief transurethral procedures were enrolled into this prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study. In all cases, a standard general anesthetic was administered. Thirty minutes before operating room transfer, patients in Group 0.5 mg, Group 2 mg, and Group S received 0.5 mg of midazolam, 2 mg of midazolam, or an equal volume of saline, respectively. Before study-drug administration (baseline), at 15 min thereafter, as well as on arrival in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and at 60 min and 120 min, postoperatively, we administered a digit-symbol substitution test, a mini-mental test, a shape-sorter test, and a patient-generated 100-mm visual analog score (0 = minimal and 100 = maximal) for anxiety, sleepiness, and coordination. A 4-point scale was used to assess the degree of patient sedation at 7, 15, and 30 min after study-drug administration. Using a modified Aldrete scoring system, PACU discharge was determined by the PACU staff. Patient anxiety, sleepiness, and coordination scores at baseline and at 15 min after study-drug administration were similar. When compared with saline, midazolam was associated with a significantly (P < 0.05) higher incidence of "deep" sedation. In Group 2 mg, the incidence of a low preoperative Spo2 (<94%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher when compared with Group S. Emergence, extubation, and orientation times, as well as time to follow commands were unaffected by midazolam premedication. Postoperatively, the digit-symbol substitution test, mini-mental test, and shape-sorter test were similar among the groups. However, time to PACU discharge was significantly (P = 0.03) longer in the two midazolam treatment groups (41 +/-25 min, 60 +/- 32 min, 53 +/- 39 min for Groups S, 0.5 mg, and 2 mg, respectively). Finally, patient satisfaction was unaffected by the randomization schedule. IV premedicant midazolam 0.5 mg or 2 mg does not adversely affect mental and psychomotor recovery in geriatric patients undergoing brief surgical procedures. However, midazolam administration significantly prolonged postanesthesia care unit discharge time. Finally, during the preoperative period, midazolam increases the incidence of a Spo2 <94% in a dose-dependent manner.