Postoperative Respiratory Outcomes Research Articles

Preoperative forced expiratory volume in one second and postoperative respiratory outcomes in nonpulmonary and noncardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundAlthough the usefulness of pulmonary function tests has been established for lung resection and coronary artery bypass surgeries, the association between preoperative pulmonary function test and postoperative respiratory complications in nonpulmonary and noncardiac surgery is inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between preoperative forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) on pulmonary function test and the development of postoperative respiratory failure and/or death in patients undergoing major nonpulmonary and noncardiac surgery.MethodsAdult patients aged ≥ 18 years and who underwent nonpulmonary and noncardiac surgery with expected moderate to high risk of perioperative complications from June 2012 to March 2019 were included. The primary exposure was preoperative FEV1 measured by pulmonary function test within six months before surgery. The primary outcome was respiratory failure (i.e., invasive positive pressure ventilation for at least 24 h after surgery or reintubation) and/or death within 30 days after surgery. A logistic regression model was used to adjust for the respiratory failure risk index, which is a scoring system that predicts the probability of postoperative respiratory failure based on patient and surgical factors, and to examine the association between preoperative FEV1 and the development of postoperative respiratory failure and/or death.ResultsRespiratory failure and/or death occurred within 30 days after surgery in 52 (0.9%) of 5562 participants. The incidence of respiratory failure and/or death in patients with FEV1 ≥ 80%, 70%– < 80%, 60%– < 70%, and < 60% was 0.9%, 0.6%, 1.7%, and 1.2%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed no significant association between preoperative FEV1 and postoperative respiratory failure and/or death (adjusted odds ratio per 10% decrease in FEV1: 1.01, 95% confidence interval: 0.88–1.17, P = 0.838). Addition of FEV1 information to the respiratory failure risk index did not improve the prediction of respiratory failure and/or death [area under the receiver operating characteristics curve: 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.72–0.84) and 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.72–0.84), respectively; P = 0.84].ConclusionWe found no association between preoperative FEV1 and postoperative respiratory failure and/or death in patients undergoing major nonpulmonary and noncardiac surgery.

Postoperative Respiratory Complications and Clinical Outcome among Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Tumor Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Postoperative Respiratory Complications and Clinical Outcome among Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Tumor Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Intraoperative Fraction of Inspired Oxygen and Lung Injury in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Postoperative pulmonary complications are a series of disorders that can contribute to respiratory distress and prolonged mechanical ventilation postoperatively. We hypothesise that a liberal oxygenation strategy during cardiac surgery leads to a higher incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications than a restrictive oxygenation strategy. This study is a prospective, observer-blinded, centrally randomised and controlled, international multicentre clinical trial. After obtaining a written informed consent, 200 adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting will be enrolled and randomised to receive either restrictive or liberal oxygenation perioperatively. The liberal oxygenation group will receive 1.0 fraction of inspired oxygen throughout the intraoperative period, including during cardiopulmonary bypass. The restrictive oxygenation group will receive the lowest fraction of inspired oxygen required to maintain arterial partial pressure of oxygen between 100 and 150 mmHg during cardiopulmonary bypass and a pulse oximetry reading of 95% or greater intraoperatively, but no less than 0.3 and not higher than 0.80 (other than induction and when the oxygenation goals cannot be reached). When patients are transferred to the intensive care unit, all patients will receive an initial fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.5, and then fraction of inspired oxygen will be titrated to maintain a pulse oximetry reading of 95% or greater until extubation. The lowest postoperative arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen within 48 hours of intensive care unit admission will be the primary outcome. Postoperative pulmonary complications, length of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay, and 7-day mortality after cardiac surgery will be analysed as secondary outcomes. This is one of the first randomised controlled observer-blinded trials that prospectively evaluates the influence of higher inspired oxygen fractions on early postoperative respiratory and oxygenation outcomes in cardiac surgery patients using cardiopulmonary bypass.

Postoperative Respiratory Complications in SARS-CoV-2 Positive Pediatric Patients Across 20 United States Hospitals: A Cohort Study

IntroductionData examining rates of postoperative complications among SARS-CoV-2 positive children are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive status on postoperative respiratory outcomes for children. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included SARS-CoV-2 positive pediatric patients across 20 hospitals who underwent general anesthesia from March to October 2020. The primary outcome was frequency of postoperative respiratory complications, including: high-flow nasal cannula/non invasive ventilation, reintubation, pneumonia, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), and 30-day respiratory-related readmissions or emergency department (ED) visits. Univariate analyses were used to evaluate associations between patient and procedure characteristics and stratified analyses by symptoms were performed examining incidence of complications. ResultsOf 266 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients, 163 (61.7%) were male, and the median age was 10 years (interquartile range 4–14). The majority of procedures were emergent or urgent (n = 214, 80.5%). The most common procedures were appendectomies (n = 78, 29.3%) and fracture repairs (n = 40,15.0%). 13 patients (4.9%) had preoperative symptoms including cough or dyspnea. 26 patients (9.8%) had postoperative respiratory complications, including 15 requiring high-flow oxygen, 8 with pneumonia, 4 requiring non invasive ventilation, 3 respiratory ED visits, and 2 respiratory readmissions. Respiratory complications were more common among symptomatic patients than asymptomatic patients (30.8% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.01). Higher ASA class and comorbidities were also associated with postoperative respiratory complications. ConclusionsPostoperative respiratory complications are less common in asymptomatic versus symptomatic SARS-COV-2 positive children. Relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions for time-sensitive, non urgent procedures in selected asymptomatic patients may be reasonably considered. Additionally, further research is needed to evaluate the costs and benefits of routine testing for asymptomatic patients. Level of EvidenceIii, Respiratory complications

The Analgesic Effect of Ultrasound-guided Bilateral Pectointercostal Fascial Plane Block on Sternal Wound Pain After Open Heart Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Study.

We aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided bilateral pectointercostal fascial plane block after open heart surgeries. Seventy patients aged above 18 years and scheduled for on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement or both through median sternotomy were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 35 (block group or control group). The block group had the block performed through 20 ml of a solution of 0.25% bupivacaine plus epinephrine (5 mcg/mL), and the control group received dry needling. The primary outcome was the 24-hour cumulative morphine consumption. The secondary outcomes were time to the first analgesic request, pain score, quality of oxygenation, intensive care unit stays, and hospital stay. The cumulative morphine consumption in the first 24 hours was significantly lower in the block group, with a mean difference of -3.54 (95% confidence interval=-6.55 to -0.53; P=0.015). In addition, the median estimate time to the first analgesic request was significantly longer in the block group than in the control group. Finally, during the postoperative period (4 to 24 h), mean sternal wound objective pain scores were, on average, 0.58 units higher in the block group. pectointercostal fascial block is an effective technique in reducing morphine consumption and controlling poststernotomy pain after cardiac surgeries. Also, it may have a role in better postoperative respiratory outcomes.

Factors associated with postoperative respiratory conditions and critical outcomes on pediatric liver transplantation: A single-center experience.

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is an established therapeutic option for pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD). The postoperative respiratory conditions of OLT recipients may be associated with subsequent clinical outcomes including length of stay (LOS) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). This study aimed to characterize the postoperative respiratory conditions, associated factors, and outcomes after pediatric OLT. Clinical data of children receiving OLT from July 2014 to July 2020 were retrospectively collected. Postoperative respiratory conditions were defined as time to extubation, significant pleural effusion, and initial postoperative PaO2/FiO2 ratio. Logistic and multiple regressions were applied to analyze the associations among clinical factors, postoperative respiratory conditions, and clinical outcomes. Twenty-two patients with median age of 1.4-year-old (range: 25 days to 12 years old) were analyzed. Mortality within 28 days was 4.5% and median LOS in the PICU was 18 days. Of 22 patients, 11 patients (50.0%) were extubated over 24 hours after surgery, and 8 patients (36.4%) required drainage for pleural effusions. Longer LOS in the PICU were noted in patients extubated over 24 hours (p = 0.008), complicated with significant pleural effusions (p = 0.02) after surgery, and having low initial postoperative PaO2/FiO2 (<300 mmHg) (p = 0.001). Among clinical factors, massive intraoperative blood transfusion (>40 mL/kg) was significantly associated with prolonged intubations, significant pleural effusions, low initial postoperative PaO2/FiO2, and prolonged LOS in the PICU (>14 days). The initial postoperative PaO2/FiO2 significantly depended on age, disease severity (PELD score), and whether the patient received massive intraoperative blood transfusion. Pediatric patients of OLT with poor postoperative respiratory conditions including low initial PaO2/FiO2 ratio, extubation over 24 hours or significant pleural effusions have longer LOS in the PICU, and the requirement of massive intraoperative transfusion was a risk factor for both poor postoperative respiratory conditions and prolonged LOS in the PICU.

Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitoring and Postoperative Outcomes: A Narrative Review.

Over the past five decades, quantitative neuromuscular monitoring devices have been used to examine the incidence of postoperative residual neuromuscular block in international clinical practices, and to determine their role in reducing the risk of residual neuromuscular block and associated adverse clinical outcomes. Several clinical trials and a recent meta-analysis have documented that the intraoperative application of quantitative monitoring significantly reduces the risk of residual neuromuscular blockade in the operating room and postanesthesia care unit. In addition, emerging data show that quantitative monitoring minimizes the risk of adverse clinical events, such as unplanned postoperative reintubations, hypoxemia, and postoperative episodes of airway obstruction associated with incomplete neuromuscular recovery, and may improve postoperative respiratory outcomes. Several international anesthesia societies have recommended that quantitative monitoring be performed whenever a neuromuscular blocking agent is administered. Therefore, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed to determine the potential benefits of quantitative monitoring in the perioperative setting.

Intra-abdominal hypertension in neonates following congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair: Correlation with early postoperative respiratory and gastrointestinal outcomes

BackgroundIncreased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) is seen in patients after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair owing to reduction of thoracic contents into the relatively smaller abdominal cavity. In infants, IAP ≥11 mmHg is considered intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). We aim to determine the incidence of IAH and its relationship with duration of ventilatory support, and gastrointestinal function post CDH repair. MethodsWe prospectively recruited all neonates who had CDH repair in four hospitals in Malaysia from June 2018 to October 2020. Intra vesical pressure was used as a proxy for IAP and was measured for 5 consecutive days post surgery. The daily median value was used for analysis. We categorized IAP as <11 mmHg (no IAH), 11–15 mmHg (IAH), and >15 mmHg (severe IAH). Incidence of IAH, its effects on the duration of ventilatory support, and gastrointestinal function were studied. ResultsThere were 24 neonates included in this study. They were operated between day 1 and 6 of life (median: 4 days old). IAH was detected within the first 3 days post surgery, with 83% occurring on day one. Those requiring ventilatory support for more than 3 days contributed the largest proportion of IAH (n = 17, 71%). There was strong correlation between days of IAH and duration of ventilation (p < 0.001, r = 0.70). There was moderate correlation between days of IAH and duration taken to achieve full enteral feeding (p < 0.005, r = 0.70). ConclusionIAP measurement is a safe and useful adjunct in post CDH monitoring and in predicting ventilatory support requirements and the time needed to establish feeding.

Perioperative fluid management in esophagectomy for cancer and its relation to postoperative respiratory complications.

The optimal perioperative fluid management during esophagectomy is still not clear. Liberal regimens have been associated with higher morbidity and respiratory complications. Restrictive regimens might raise concerns for kidney function and increase the need to associate vasopressors. The aim of this study was to investigate retrospectively the perioperative fluid administration during esophagectomy and to correlate this with postoperative respiratory outcome. All patients who underwent esophagectomy between January and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics, type of surgery and postoperative course were reviewed. Fluid administration and vasopressor use were calculated intraoperatively and during the postoperative stay at the recovery unit. Fluid overload was defined as a positive fluid balance of more than 125mL/m2/h during the first 24hours. Patients were divided in 3 groups: GRP0 (no fluid overload/no vasopressors); GRP1 (no fluid overload/need for vasopressors); GRP2 (fluid overload with/without vasopressors). Postoperative complications were prospectively recorded according to Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group criteria. A total of 103 patients were analyzed: 35 (34%) GRP0, 50 (49%) GRP1 and 18 (17%) GRP2. No significant differences were found for age, treatment (neoadjuvant vs. primary), type of surgery (open/minimally invasive), histology nor comorbidities. There were significant (P ≤ 0.001) differences in fluid balance/m2/h (75 ± 21mL; 86 ± 22mL and 144 ± 20mL) across GRP0, GRP1 and GRP2, respectively. We found differences in respiratory complications (GRP0 (20%) versus GRP1 (42%; P = 0.034) and GRP0 (20%) versus GRP2 (61%; P = 0.002)) and "Comprehensive Complications Index" (GRP0 (20.5) versus GRP1 (34.6; P = 0.015) and GRP0 (20.5) versus GRP2 (35.1; P = 0.009)). Multivariable analysis (binary logistic regression) for "any respiratory complication" was performed. Patients who received fluid overload (GRP2) had a 10.24 times higher risk to develop postoperative respiratory complications. When patients received vasopressors alone (GRP1), the chances of developing these complications were 3.57 times higher compared to GRP0. Among patients undergoing esophagectomy, there is a wide variety in the administration of fluid during the first 24hours. There was a higher incidence of respiratory complications when patients received higher amounts of fluid or when vasopressors were used. We believe that a personalized and protocolized fluid administration algorithm should be implemented and that individual risk factors should be identified.

519 PERIOPERATIVE FLUID MANAGEMENT IN ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER AND ITS RELATION TO POSTOPERATIVE RESPIRATORY COMPLICATIONS

Abstract The optimal perioperative fluid management during esophagectomy is still not clear. Liberal regimens have been associated with higher morbidity and respiratory complications. Restrictive regimens might raise concerns for kidney function and increase the need to associate vasopressors. Recently, perioperative care is changing towards goal-directed fluid regimens as part of early recovery programs. The aim of this study was to investigate retrospectively the perioperative fluid administration during esophagectomy and to correlate this with postoperative respiratory outcome. Methods All patients who underwent esophagectomy between January–December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics, type of surgery and postoperative course were reviewed. Fluid administration and vasopressor use were calculated intra-operatively and during the postoperative stay at the recovery room. Fluid overload was defined as a positive fluid balance of more than 125 mL/m2/h during the first 24 hours. Patients were divided in 3 groups: GRP0 (no fluid overload/no vasopressors); GRP1 (need for vasopressors); GRP2 (fluid overload with/without vasopressors). Postoperative complications were prospectively recorded according to Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group criteria. Multivariable analysis (binary logistic regression) for “any respiratory complication” was performed. Results 103 patients were analyzed: 35 (34%) GRP0, 50 (49%) GRP1 and 18 (17%) GRP2. No significant differences were found for age, treatment (neoadjuvant vs. primary), type of surgery (Open/MIE), histology and comorbidities. There were significant (p ≤ 0.001) differences in fluid balance/m2/h (75 ± 21 mL; 86 ± 22 mL and 144 ± 20 mL) across GRP0, GRP1 and GRP2 respectively. We found differences in respiratory complications GRP0 (20%) versus GRP1 (42%;p = 0.034) and GRP0 (20%) versus GRP2 (61%;p = 0.002)) and “Comprehensive Complications Index” GRP0 (20.5) versus GRP1 (34.6;p = 0.015) and GRP0 (20.5) versus GRP2 (35.1;p = 0.009). Multivariable analysis for any respiratory complication is presented in FIGURE 1. Conclusion Among patients undergoing esophagectomy, there is a wide variety in the administration of fluid during the first 24 hours. There was a higher incidence of respiratory complications if patients received higher amounts of fluid or if vasopressors were used. Type of surgery (open versus MIE) did not impact respiratory outcome. We believe that a personalized and protocolized fluid administration algorithm should be implemented and that individual risk factors for patients at risk should be identified.

Respiratory nursing care with Angong Niuhuang pill for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following cardiac surgery.

Angong Niuhuang pill (ANP) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) drug widely used for treating stroke. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ANP on respiratory nursing outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients following cardiac surgery. A total of 80 COPD patients following cardiac surgery were enrolled and randomized into the control group receiving routine postoperative nursing and ANP group additionally receiving ANP treatment for 3 days (n = 40 for both group). The frequency of back percussion, time of back percussion, amount of expectoration, arterial blood gas levels were compared between groups. Compared to the control group, the ANP group had a significantly shorter daily mean time of back percussion at day 3 (p = .036) and day 7 (p = .014). The daily mean amount of expectoration was higher at day3 (p = .018) but lower at day 7 (p = .043) in the ANP group than in the control group. In addition, the ANP group had significantly higher hemoglobin saturation (SpO2 ) and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2 ) but lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 ) at both day 3 and day 7 than the control group (all p < .05). Furthermore, the time of postoperative aerosol inhalations (p = .041), pulmonary infection rate (p = .025) and postoperative hospital stay (p = .036) were significantly reduced in the ANP group. The ANP group had significantly lower TCM symptom scores at day 3 and day 7 after surgery. These results suggested that ANP treatment can effectively promote the postoperative recovery and respiratory nursing outcomes in COPD patients following cardiac surgery.

Perioperative Open-lung Approach, Regional Ventilation, and Lung Injury in Cardiac Surgery

In the Protective Ventilation in Cardiac Surgery (PROVECS) randomized, controlled trial, an open-lung ventilation strategy did not improve postoperative respiratory outcomes after on-pump cardiac surgery. In this prespecified subanalysis, the authors aimed to assess the regional distribution of ventilation and plasma biomarkers of lung epithelial and endothelial injury produced by that strategy. Perioperative open-lung ventilation consisted of recruitment maneuvers, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) = 8 cm H2O, and low-tidal volume ventilation including during cardiopulmonary bypass. Control ventilation strategy was a low-PEEP (2 cm H2O) low-tidal volume approach. Electrical impedance tomography was used serially throughout the perioperative period (n = 56) to compute the dorsal fraction of ventilation (defined as the ratio of dorsal tidal impedance variation to global tidal impedance variation). Lung injury was assessed serially using biomarkers of epithelial (soluble form of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products, sRAGE) and endothelial (angiopoietin-2) lung injury (n = 30). Eighty-six patients (age = 64 ± 12 yr; EuroSCORE II = 1.65 ± 1.57%) undergoing elective on-pump cardiac surgery were studied. Induction of general anesthesia was associated with ventral redistribution of tidal volumes and higher dorsal fraction of ventilation in the open-lung than the control strategy (0.38 ± 0.07 vs. 0.30 ± 0.10; P = 0.004). No effect of the open-lung strategy on the dorsal fraction of ventilation was noted at the end of surgery after median sternotomy closure (open-lung = 0.37 ± 0.09 vs. control = 0.34 ± 0.11; P = 0.743) or in extubated patients at postoperative day 2 (open-lung = 0.63 ± 0.18 vs. control = 0.59 ± 0.11; P > 0.999). Open-lung ventilation was associated with increased intraoperative plasma sRAGE (7,677 ± 3,097 pg/ml vs. 6,125 ± 1,400 pg/ml; P = 0.037) and had no effect on angiopoietin-2 (P > 0.999). In cardiac surgery patients, open-lung ventilation provided larger dorsal lung ventilation early during surgery without a maintained benefit as compared with controls at the end of surgery and postoperative day 2 and was associated with higher intraoperative plasma concentration of sRAGE suggesting lung overdistension.

Early respiratory outcomes following cardiac surgery in patients with COVID-19.

BackgroundBoth coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) and cardiac surgery have a negative impact on pulmonary function. This study aimed to determine the postoperative respiratory outcomes of patients with COVID‐19 who underwent cardiac surgery.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we reviewed and analyzed the patient characteristics and clinical data of 25 asymptomatic patients with COVID‐19 who underwent urgent or emergency cardiac surgery at Tehran Heart Center Hospital, Iran, between 29 February and 10 April 2020.ResultsThe mean age, EuroSCORE, and body mass index were 57.3 ± 15.1 years, 6.65 ± 1.29, and 25.7 ± 3.7 kg/m2, respectively. Four patients underwent off‐pump cardiac surgery and 21 underwent on‐pump cardiac surgery with a median cardiopulmonary bypass time of 85 minutes (interquartile range (IQR, 50‐147). The overall mortality rate and the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) were higher compared to those of a propensity‐matched group of patients who underwent cardiac surgery in the pre‐COVID era. The median intubation time was 13 hours (IQR, 9.5‐18), which was comparable to that of pre‐COVID cardiac surgery patients. The readmission rate to the ICU was 16%. In this ICU readmitted group, the mean oxygen index, FiO2, and mortality rate were higher and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio was lower than those of the nonreadmitted patients.ConclusionsAlthough early respiratory outcomes of asymptomatic COVID‐19 patients who underwent early cardiac surgery appeared to be satisfactory, compared to the propensity‐scored matched non‐COVID group, the postoperative outcomes were worse, especially in the ICU readmitted patients. We suggest postponing cardiac operations unless the patient requires emergency surgery.

Effects of an Alveolar Recruitment Maneuver During Lung Protective Ventilation on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Elderly Patients Undergoing Laparoscopy.

PurposeControversy remains over whether alveolar recruitment maneuvers (ARMs) can reduce postoperative pulmonary complications. We hypothesized that performing an ARM in addition to lung protective ventilation (LPV) could improve intraoperative arterial oxygenation and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopy in the Trendelenburg position.Patients and MethodsSixty-two patients (aged 65–85) scheduled for laparoscopic low anterior resection were randomized to receive LPV only (LPV group, n = 32) or LPV with an ARM (ARM group, n = 30). LPV was set to a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg with a positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) of 5 cmH2O. The ARM was performed by serially increasing the PEEP to 10 cmH2O for 3 breaths, 15 cmH2O for 3 breaths, then 20 cmH2O for 10 breaths, both immediately before and after abdominal insufflation. The primary end-point was the frequency of PPCs such as desaturation (SpO2 <90%), atelectasis, and pneumonia. Secondary end-points were changes in intraoperative respiratory and gas exchange parameters and hemodynamic variables.ResultsOne patient in the LPV group experienced desaturation on the first postoperative day. The frequency of chest X-ray abnormalities such as atelectasis or pleural effusion was comparable between groups (6 (19%) and 5 (17%) patients, respectively, P = 0.676). Changes in other respiratory, gas exchange and hemodynamic parameters over time were not significantly different between the groups. However, vasopressor requirements during surgery were higher in the ARM than the LPV group (9 (30%) and 2 (6%) patients, respectively, P = 0.014).ConclusionThis study suggests that performing an ARM during LPV may not improve postoperative respiratory outcomes and intraoperative oxygenation compared to LPV alone in geriatric patients undergoing laparoscopy in the Trendelenburg position. In addition, since the ARM could cause a significant deterioration in hemodynamic parameters, applying ARM to elderly patients should be carefully considered.

Post-operative respiratory outcomes associated with the use of sugammadex in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery: a retrospective, propensity score matched cohort study

Sugammadex can rapidly reverse neuromuscular blockade and has several advantages over cholinesterase inhibitors. It is unclear, however, whether administration of sugammadex in the absence of intraoperative deep neuromuscular blockade has direct clinical benefits. The present study retrospectively assessed the ability of sugammadex to prevent post-operative respiratory adverse events in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery in the absence of routine deep neuromuscular blockade. The medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery from 2014 to 2018 in a tertiary care hospital were reviewed. Patients who underwent reversal of neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex or pyridostigmine were subjected to propensity score matching. To assess their relative effects on post-operative adverse respiratory events (defined as a composite of SpO2 &lt; 94% in the post-anesthesia care unit, additional oxygen supplementation during ward transfer or stay, and emergency use of sugammadex in the post-anesthesia care unit), the incidence of these effects was compared in propensity score matched groups of patients treated with sugammadex or pyridostigmine. Of the 602 patients, 210 remained in each group after propensity score matching. The incidence of post-operative respiratory adverse events did not differ significantly in the two groups. These findings suggest that the unrestricted administration of sugammadex not preceded by intra-operative deep neuromuscular blockade does not have clinical benefits, when compared with pyridostigmine, in preventing post-operative respiratory adverse events.

Hybrid approaches to minimally invasive esophagectomy

Esophageal cancer resection usually requires a two-field or three-field surgical approach to perform the resection and the reconstruction. With the progress of anaesthesiology and surgical skills, the possibility to reduce the surgical trauma has grown up and minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has widespread worldwide. The hybrid approaches to MIE are the combination of minimally invasive approaches mixed to open approaches by applying the minimally invasive techniques at one level of the two stages (abdomen or thorax) of the procedure. The hybrid techniques can be decided prior to surgery in the surgical decision-making strategy to focus and to keep open approach for one the two stages, either because of expected surgical issues or to obtain a better exposure for confection of the intrathoracic anastomosis. Sometimes, the decision to opt for hybrid techniques can also results from the necessity to convert intraoperatively at both stages during total MIE. The most described hybrid techniques are represented by the laparoscopic hybrid Ivor Lewis esophagectomy where the gastric mobilization is performed laparoscopically whereas the confection of the intrathoracic anastomosis is performed with an open approach. This technique appears safe, reproducible, and easy to teach. The recent MIRO trial has provided evidences that the unique use of laparoscopy for the abdominal part of the esophagectomy resulted in a strong benefit on postoperative respiratory outcomes, with the same magnitude to those observed with total MIE. The MIRO trial suggests that the maximum benefits of minimally invasive techniques are more provided by laparoscopy rather than thoracoscopy. Moreover the laparoscopic approach results in better short, mid and long-term outcomes compared to open approach, without any compromise regarding oncological outcomes. At last, laparoscopy seems to improve health-related quality of life. The laparoscopic approach has to be seen as a new standard approach and should be incorporated to all esophageal cancer resections whenever possible.

Association 'Between Gabapentinoids on the Day of Colorectal Surgery and Adverse Postoperative Respiratory Outcomes.

The aim of this study was to determine the association between gabapentinoids on the day of surgery and adverse postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal surgery in the United States. Gabapentinoids, gabapentin and pregabalin, are recommended in multimodal analgesia protocols for acute postoperative pain management after colorectal surgery. However, current literature focuses on the efficacy in reducing opioid consumption, but provides limited information about adverse risks. This was a retrospective study including 175,787 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery using the Premier database between 2009 and 2014. Multilevel regression models measured associations of receipt of gabapentinoids with naloxone use after surgery, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), invasive ventilation (IMV), hospital length of stay (LOS), and parental morphine equivalents (PMEs) on the day of surgery and on the day before discharge. Overall, 4677 (2.7%) patients received gabapentinoids on the day of surgery, with use doubling (1.7% in 2009 to 4.3% in 2014). Compared with patients who were unexposed to ganapentinoids, gabapentinoid exposure was associated with lower PMEs on the day of surgery [-2.7 mg; 95% confidence interval (CI), -5.2 to -0.0 mg], and with higher odds of NIV [odds ratio (OR) 1.22, 95% CI, 1.00-1.49] and receipt of naloxone (OR 1.58, 95% CI, 1.11-2.26). There was no difference between the groups with respect to IMV or PMEs on the day before discharge. Although use of gabapentinoids on the day of surgery was associated with slightly lower PMEs on the day of surgery, it was associated with higher odds of NIV and naloxone use after surgery.

A study to evaluate effect of PEEP and end-tidal carbon dioxide on optic nerve sheath diameter.

Background and Aims:PEEP is commonly used to improve postoperative respiratory outcomes in surgical and ICU patients. It is thought to increase ICP by impending CSF outflow and cerebral venous drainage. Hyperventilation is used to decrease ICP in patients having intracranial hypertension. We investigated the effect of various levels of PEEP and EtCO2 on ONSD as an indirect predictor of ICP in patients undergoing surgery under GA.Methods:After induction, different levels of PEEP and EtCO2 were applied to 50 patients. Sonographic ONSD was measured 5 minutes after stabilization of each new setting. Haemodynamic parameters like pulse, SpO2, BP were also recorded. Quantitative variables were expressed as Mean ± SD and compared across between follow-ups using paired t-test. Qualitative variables were expressed in number and percentage.Results:Baseline ONSD was 0.44 ± 0.06 cm. It increased significantly to 0.45 ± 0.07 cm, 0.47 ± 0.07 cm and 0.49 ± 0.07 cm after applying PEEP of 8, 12 and 15 cm H2O PEEP, respectively. It significantly decreased to 0.42 ± 0.06 cm, 0.41 ± 0.06 cm and 0.40 ± 0.06 cm after hyperventilation, EtCO2 range 35–37, 32–34 and 29–31 mm Hg. Results were statistically significant but clinically not significant.Conclusion:We conclude that there are acute and dynamic alterations in ONSD in response to hyperventilation and presence of PEEP in anaesthetised patients. Ocular sonography may be used as a reliable indicator of acute variations in ICP.

Sugammadex and its effect on respiratory outcome in obstructive sleep apnea patients undergoing laproscopic bariatric surgery

Background Obesity has clearly emerged as a worldwide epidemic, and because obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), physicians will undoubtedly encounter patients with OSA undergoing surgery. The increased incidence of postoperative respiratory problems in patients with OSA could be explained by the depressive effects of narcotics as well as other anesthetic drugs on the function of the upper airway muscles. Anesthesia may also attenuate the ventilatory response to airway obstruction and abolish normal response to hypoxia and hypercapnia. Aim The aim of this work was to evaluate sugammadex and its effect on the respiratory outcome in OSA patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Patients and methods Patients were included in the study after obtaining informed written consent (IRB NO: 000007555-FWA NO: 00015712). Inclusion criteria were as follows: age between 18 and 55 years, obesity (BMI>40), known OSA case with mild-to-moderate apnea–hypopnea index ( Results The mean time for recovery to TOF of 0.9 was recorded from the time of administration of the drug. It was shorter in the sugammadex group than that in the neostigmine group. As regards the vital signs of both groups in the postoperative period, vitals were relatively stable in the sugammadex group, whereas there were significant tachypnea, hypoxia, and tachycardia in the other group. Respiratory distress signs were much more frequent in the neostigmine group than in the sugammadex group. This concludes that sugammadex may improve the postoperative respiratory outcome in OSA patients undergoing baraiatric surgery. Conclusion Sugammadex may improve the postoperative respiratory outcome in OSA patients undergoing baraiatric surgery.

Post-operative respiratory outcomes using a standard extubation protocol after elective gastrostomy tube placement in pediatric patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 1

Medical records of spinal muscular atrophy type 1 patients, who underwent elective laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and gastrostomy tube insertion and extubation using a standardized clinical protocol, were retrospectively reviewed. All seven patients were successfully extubated using the protocol and discharged home on bi-level positive airway pressure without oxygen supplementation. There were no major respiratory complications in the post-operative period.