Prolonged Postoperative Use Research Articles

Relationship between Preoperative Red Cell Distribution Width and Prolonged Postoperative Use of Catecholamines in Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Surgery Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background/Objectives: Elevated RDW has emerged in cardiac surgery as a potential means of preoperative risk stratification with the capacity to predict short- and long-term postoperative mortality, acute kidney injury, and postoperative atrial fibrillation. The question as to whether perioperative hemodynamic instability may be predicted by such a marker remains a topic of ongoing debate. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between preoperative RDW and prolonged postoperative catecholamine use in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery. Methods: We performed a retrospective monocentric cohort study in an academic hospital; we enrolled patients who had undergone minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (including both robot-assisted and non-robot-assisted procedures) between January 2019 and December 2022. We considered the use of inotropes and/or vasopressors for at least twelve hours after post-surgery ICU admission to qualify as the prolonged postoperative use of catecholamines (PPUC). The RDW was obtained from the routine full blood count analysis performed upon admission or a maximum of 72 h before surgery. We also performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis with PPUC as the dependent variable. Results: We finally enrolled 343 patients. Upon multivariate analysis, RDW >14.4% was independently associated with prolonged postoperative catecholamine use when compared to the reference group (OR 2.62 [1.06-4.84]; p = 0.03). Moreover, the EuroSCORE II score (OR 1.38 [1.03-1.85]; p = 0.03), the cross-clamp time (OR 1.01 [1.01-1.02]; p < 0.01), and robot-assisted mitral valve surgery (OR 0.53 [0.30-0.93]; p < 0.03) were independently associated with the prolonged postoperative use of catecholamines. Conclusions: This study identified that an elevated preoperative RDW (>14.4%), the EuroSCORE II score, and the cross-clamp time independently predict prolonged postoperative catecholamine use in minimally invasive mitral valve surgery patients. Conversely, the robot-assisted approach was associated with a smaller hemodynamic impairment.

Risk factors for developing intra-abdominal abscess following appendicectomy for acute appendicitis: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundLaparoscopic appendicectomy is commonly performed in Australia for treatment of acute appendicitis. Intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) is a potential complication following appendicectomy for acute appendicitis. Risk factors for developing post-operative IAA remain controversial and poorly defined. Laparoscopic washout may be performed for patients who develop complication(s) including IAA. The aim of this study was to define risk factors for both the development of IAA and identify patients who may require laparoscopic washout following appendicectomy.MethodsData were obtained from 423 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy over a five-year period (2012–2017). Clinical (fever, haemodynamics, examination findings), biochemical (white cell count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, bilirubin, albumin), radiological (CT free fluid), and operative factors (inflammation, suppuration, free-fluid, perforation, histopathology) collected in the pre-, peri-, and post-operative period(s) were analysed.Results23 (5.4%) patients developed post-operative IAA. Duration of intravenous antibiotics was significantly longer in patients who developed IAA and in those who required laparoscopic washout (p < 0.0001). C-reactive protein (CRP) on admission (p < 0.05) and appendiceal perforation (p = 0.0005) were significantly higher in patients who either developed IAA or needed laparoscopic washout. No clinical or radiological finding predicted either the development of IAA or need for laparoscopic washout.ConclusionElevated CRP on admission may predict the development of post-operative IAA formation or the need for laparoscopic washout post-appendicectomy. Prolonged post-operative antibiotic use appears independent of the development of IAA as well as the need for laparoscopic washout. These data highlight the need for clear guidelines on peri-operative antibiotic use following appendicectomy.

Postdischarge opioid use after lumbar spine surgery among older adults in Ontario: a population-based cohort study.

Prescription opioid use places a considerable economic burden on health care systems. Older patients undergoing surgical procedures for painful conditions commonly receive opioids pre- and postoperatively, and are susceptible to adverse reactions. This study explores predictors of prolonged postoperative opioid use among older patients after lumbar spine surgery and the consequences in terms of health care utilization and costs. We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using Ontario administrative data from older adults undergoing spine surgery between 2006 and 2017. Data were analyzed from 90 days preoperatively to 1 year after hospital discharge, with last postoperative opioid prescriptions stratified into 90-day increments. We used multivariable ordinal logistic regression to identify predictors of long-term opioid use and generalized linear modelling to examine resource utilization and health care costs (2021 Canadian dollars). Of 15 109 patients included, 40.8% received preoperative opioid prescriptions. Preoperative opioid use strongly predicted prolonged postoperative use (odds ratio [OR] 4.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.16-4.79), with 48.3% of patients who received preoperative opioids continuing to use opioids for longer than 9 months, relative to 12.7% of those without preoperative use. Several other risk factors for prolonged use were identified. Patients receiving long-term postoperative opioids incurred greater health care costs relative to those with opioids prescribed for fewer than 90 days (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.44-1.54). Among older adults undergoing spine surgery, preoperative opioid use was a strong predictor of prolonged postoperative use, which was associated with increased health care costs. These results form an important baseline for future studies evaluating strategies to reduce opioid use targeting older surgical populations.

Greater Mental Health Burden is Associated With Poor Postoperative Pain Control and Increased Opioid Utilization Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Prolonged opioid use is associated with higher complications and worse patient-reported outcomes following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Identified risk factors for prolonged postoperative use are related to several medical comorbidities, gender, diagnoses of anxiety or depressive disorders, and preoperative opioid use. In this study, we hypothesized that patient-reported mental health characteristics can help to identify patients at risk of worse postoperative pain control, worse sleep, and higher opioid utilization following TSA. Ninety-three consecutive patients were asked to fill out 2 mental health questionnaires prior to undergoing TSA. Following surgery, patients filled out a daily pain diary to track their daily pain, pain medication use, and quality and duration of their sleep for 30 days. Preoperative opioid use and postoperative refill were determined by the New York State Prescription Monitoring Program. Mixed-model linear regressions were conducted. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. Postoperative opioid refill was associated with female gender, preoperative opioid therapy, higher inpatient opioid use, worse anxiety, depression, somatization, and pain catastrophizing scores. The number of days using opioids postoperatively was associated with worse pain catastrophizing scale (PCS) and somatization scores (patient health questionnaire-15). Preoperative opioid therapy was associated with worse somatization scores, whereas no opioids used after surgery were associated with better somatization scores. Worse sleep quality and duration were associated with worse PCS scores. A greater mental health burden is associated with worse postoperative pain control and higher opioid utilization during the acute postoperative period. This is especially evident in the pain catastrophizing and somatization domains.

A survey of Asian Eye Institutions on perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in cataract surgery

PurposeTo determine current institutional practice patterns for the use of perioperative antibiotics and other measures to prevent infection after cataract surgery in Asia.MethodsAn online survey-based study of leading eye institutions in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam was conducted. The survey was administered to 26 representative key opinion leaders from prominent tertiary eye institutions that are also national academic teaching institutions in Asia. Survey responses were collated and anonymized during analysis.ResultsAll surveyed institutions used povidone iodine for the preoperative antiseptic preparation of the eye, with notable variations in the concentration of povidone iodine used for conjunctival sac instillation. Preoperative topical antibiotics were prescribed by 61.5% and 69.2% of institutions in low-risk and high-risk cases, respectively. Regarding the use of intra-operative antibiotics, 60.0% and 66.7% of institutions administered intracameral antibiotics in low-risk and high-risk patients, respectively. Postoperative topical antibiotics use patterns were generally very similar in low-risk and high-risk patients. Over half of the institutions (52.2% and 68.0% in low-risk and high-risk patients, respectively) also indicated prolonged postoperative use of topical antibiotics (> 2 weeks). Not all surveyed institutions had established policies/protocols for perioperative antibiotic use in cataract surgery, endophthalmitis surveillance, and/or a monitoring program for emerging antimicrobial resistance.ConclusionThere are variations in antimicrobial prophylaxis approaches to preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative regimens in cataract surgery in Asia. More evidence-based research is needed to support the development of detailed guidelines for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce postoperative infections.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for lung transplantation: Initial experience in a single center in China and a literature review.

BackgroundExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a versatile tool associated with favorable outcomes in the field of lung transplantation (LTx). Here, the clinical outcomes and complications of patients who underwent LTx with ECMO support, mainly prophylactically both intraoperatively and post-operatively, in a single center in China are reviewed.MethodsThe study cohort included all consecutive patients who underwent LTx between January 2020 and January 2022. Demographics and LTx data were retrospectively reviewed. Perioperative results, including complications and survival outcomes, were assessed.ResultsOf 86 patients included in the study, 32 received ECMO support, including 21 who received prophylactic intraoperative use of ECMO with or without prolonged post-operative use (pro-ECMO group), while the remaining 54 (62.8%) received no external support (non-ECMO group). There were no significant differences in the incidence of grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD), short-term survival, or perioperative outcomes and complications between the non-ECMO and pro-ECMO groups. However, the estimated 1- and 2-year survival were superior in the pro-ECMO group, although this difference was not statistically significant (64.1% vs. 82.4%, log-rank P = 0.152; 46.5% vs. 72.1%, log-rank P = 0.182, respectively). After regrouping based on the reason for ECMO support, 30-day survival was satisfactory, while 90-day survival was poor in patients who received ECMO as a bridge to transplantation. However, prophylactic intraoperative use of ECMO and post-operative ECMO prolongation demonstrated promising survival and acceptable complication rates. In particular, patients who initially received venovenous (VV) ECMO intraoperatively with the same configuration post-operatively achieved excellent outcomes. The use of ECMO to salvage a graft affected by severe PGD also achieved acceptable survival in the rescue group.ConclusionsProphylactic intraoperative ECMO support and post-operative ECMO prolongation demonstrated promising survival outcomes and acceptable complications in LTx patients. Particularly, VV ECMO provided safe and effective support intraoperatively and prophylactic prolongation reduced the incidence of PGD in selected patients. However, since this study was conducted in a relatively low-volume transplant center, further studies are needed to validate the results.

Risk Factors Associated with Prolonged Postoperative Opioids Use in Non-Cancer Patients Undergoing Spinal Surgery: a Retrospective Study

Objective: To identify risk factors associated with prolonged postoperative opioids use in non-cancer patients undergoing spinal surgery.Material and Methods: The medical records of patients, who underwent spinal surgery at Songklanagarind Hospital; from January 2014 to January 2019, were retrospectively reviewed, Data analysis was performed using multinomial logistic regression to identify independent factors associated with prolonged postoperative opioids use.Results: There were 65 out of 500 patients (13.0%) who had prolonged postoperative opioids usage. Opioids used before surgery as well as length of hospital stay after surgery were risk factors associated with prolonged postoperative opioids use (relative risk (RR), 47.65; 95% CI, 17.67-128.49 and RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14, respectively). Whereas, preoperative gabapentinoids use reduced the risk of prolonged postoperative opioids use (RR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.13-0.83).Conclusion: Avoiding preoperative opioids used, by using gabapentinoids instead could reduce the risk associated with prolonged postoperative opioids use; in addition to related morbidity and mortality in non-cancer spinal pain patients.

Routine Intraoperative Use of Esophageal Bougie in Minimally Invasive Hiatal Hernia Repair is Not Necessary.

Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair can be performed with an antireflux procedure. Routine use of an esophageal bougie has been advocated to avoid an excessively tight fundoplication. The use of an esophageal bougie carries a risk of iatrogenic complications, such as perforation or laceration of the viscera. However, there is equivocal evidence for the routine use in the surgical literature. We present a retrospective analysis of patients with Types 3 and 4 paraesophageal hiatal hernias who underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with fundoplication without the use of an esophageal bougie, between December 1, 2010 and February 28, 2020, by a single surgeon at a community-based, academic hospital. Patients with a diagnosis of achalasia and gastroesophageal dysmotility were excluded. Perioperative outcome measures included: recurrence; prolonged postoperative proton pump inhibitor use; dysphagia; re-operation, and mortality. A total of 174 patients (34 males, 140 females) underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with fundoplication. The average age was 63-years old. Four patients (2.3%) developed dysphagia with narrowing of the gastroesophageal junction, with one patient (0.6%) requiring postoperative esophageal dilation with bougie and eventual re-operation. Postoperative proton pump inhibitor use was 31.0% after 1 month. Overall hernia recurrence rate was 14.9% and the rate of re-operation was 6.3%. Overall mortality was 0.6%. We conclude that laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with fundoplication without an esophageal bougie is safe, effective, and efficient. Furthermore, bougie related risks are obviated with a comparable reported incidence of postoperative dysphagia and hiatal hernia recurrence.

New Persistent Opioid Use After Surgery: A Risk Factor for Opioid Use Disorder?

New Persistent Opioid Use After Surgery: A Risk Factor for Opioid Use Disorder?

Perioperative Opioid Analgesics and Hallux Valgus Correction Surgery: Trends, Risk Factors for Prolonged Use and Complications

In the setting of an opioid epidemic, this study aims to provide evidence on opioid use trends, risk factors for prolonged use, and complications from perioperative opioid consumption in hallux valgus surgery. A national database was queried for patients who underwent hallux valgus correction. Regression analysis identified: (1) risk factors for prolonged postoperative narcotic use; and (2) association between preoperative/prolonged postoperative narcotic use and postoperative complications. A linear regression analysis was used to determine trends. About 20,749 patients were included, of which 3464 patients were prescribed narcotics preoperatively and 4339 were identified as prolonged postoperative narcotic prescription users. Preoperative prescriptions were identified as risk factors for prolonged use. Perioperative narcotic use was observed to be a risk factor for poor outcomes. About 21% of patients were identified as prolonged postoperative narcotic prescription users. Patients undergoing hallux valgus corrective surgery should be counseled regarding their increased risk of complications when using narcotics.

A Machine-Learning Algorithm to Predict the Likelihood of Prolonged Opioid Use Following Arthroscopic Hip Surgery

To develop a machine-learning algorithm and clinician-friendly tool predicting the likelihood of prolonged opioid use (>90 days) following hip arthroscopy. The Military Data Repository was queried for all adult patients undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery between 2012 and 2017. Demographic, health history, and prescription records were extracted for all included patients. Opioid use was divided into preoperative use (30-365 days before surgery), perioperative use (30 days before surgery through 14 days after surgery), postoperative use (14-90 days after surgery), and prolonged postoperative use (90-365 days after surgery). Six machine-learning algorithms (Naïve Bayes, Gradient Boosting Machine, Extreme Gradient Boosting, Random Forest, Elastic Net Regularization, and artificial neural network) were developed. Area under the receiver operating curve and Brier scores were calculated for each model. Decision curve analysis was applied to assess clinical utility. Local-Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations were used to demonstrate factor weights within the selected model. A total of 6,760 patients were included, of whom 2,762 (40.9%) filled at least 1 opioid prescription >90 days after surgery. The artificial neural network model showed superior discrimination and calibration with area under the receiver operating curve= 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.68-0.74) and Brier score= 0.21 (95% confidence interval 0.20-0.22). Postsurgical opioid use, age, and preoperative opioid use had the most influence on model outcome. Lesser factors included the presence of a psychological comorbidity and strong history of a substance use disorder. The artificial neural network model shows sufficient validity and discrimination for use in clinical practice. The 5 identified factors (age, preoperative opioid use, postoperative opioid use, presence of a mental health comorbidity, and presence of a preoperative substance use disorder) accurately predict the likelihood of prolonged opioid use following hip arthroscopy. III, retrospective comparative prognostic trial.

Factors Affecting Prolonged Postoperative Pain and Analgesic Use After Arthroscopic Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Repair.

Background:Postoperative pain and analgesic use after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remain important issues that affect rehabilitation and overall outcomes.Purpose:To evaluate the pre- and intraoperative factors that may cause prolonged duration of postoperative pain and analgesic use.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:We included 443 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and subacromial decompression. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain were obtained preoperatively and at 30 and 90 days postoperatively. Patients were divided into a group who had prolonged postoperative pain (duration ≥1 and <3 months; n = 86 patients) and a group with nonprolonged pain (duration <1 month; n = 357 patients). The following factors were compared between groups: age, sex, body mass index, repair technique, tear size, retraction amount, repair tension, tendon degeneration, preoperative pseudoparesis, symptom duration, application of microfracture to the rotator cuff footprint for marrow stimulation, smoking, degree of fatty degeneration, preoperative narcotic analgesic use, diabetes, acromioclavicular joint degeneration, and preoperative Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) and American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) scores.Results:Significant differences were seen between the prolonged and nonprolonged groups regarding the median duration of pain (54 vs 27 days, respectively; P < .001) and analgesic use (42 vs 28 days, respectively; P < .001). Significant differences were noted between the groups for symptom duration (P = .007), smoking status (P = .001), degree of fatty degeneration (P = .009), preoperative narcotic analgesic use (P < .001), preoperative DN4 and ASES scores, 30-day VAS score (P < .001), duration of opioid and nonopioid analgesic use (P < .001), tear size (P = .026), and retraction stage (P = .032). Tear size (P = .009), retraction amount (P = .005), preoperative narcotic analgesic use (P < .001), degree of fatty degeneration (P < .001), and preoperative DN4 score (P = .024) were factors independently associated with prolonged postoperative pain and analgesic use.Conclusion:Patients with larger size tears, retracted tendons, preoperative use of narcotic analgesics, higher tensioned tendon after repair, and Goutallier grade 3 or 4 fatty degeneration faced an increased risk of prolonged postoperative pain and analgesic use after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. These factors might be mitigated by psychosocial support; gentle, controlled, and individualized postoperative rehabilitation approaches; detailed preoperative evaluation; and closer follow-up of patients who are treated operatively.

The effect of prolonged antibiotics on postoperative complications for common bile duct stones: A post hoc analysis of an EAST multicenter study.

Antimicrobial guidance for common bile duct (CBD) stones is limited. We sought to examine the effect of antibiotic duration on infectious complications in patients with choledocholithiasis and/or gallstone pancreatitis. We performed a post hoc analysis of a prospective, observational, multicenter study of patients undergoing same admission cholecystectomy for choledocholithiasis and gallstone pancreatitis between 2016 and 2019. We excluded patients with cholangitis and/or cholecystitis. Patients were divided into groups based on duration of antibiotics: prophylactic (<24 hours) or prolonged (≥24 hours). We analyzed these two groups in the preoperative and postoperative periods. Outcomes included infectious complications, acute kidney injury (AKI), and hospital length of stay (LOS). There were 755 patients in the cohort. Increasing age, CBD diameter, and a preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-2.73; p < 0.001) significantly predicted prolonged preoperative antibiotic use. Increasing age, operative duration, and a postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (odds ratio, 4.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.85-13.65; p < 0.001) significantly predicted prolonged postoperative antibiotic use. Rates of infectious complications were similar between groups, but LOS was 2 days longer for patients receiving overall prolonged antibiotics (p < 0.0001). Patients with AKI received two more days of overall antibiotic therapy (p = 0.02) compared with those without AKI. Rates of postoperative infectious complications were similar among patients treated with a prolonged or prophylactic course of antibiotics. Prolonged antibiotic use was associated with a longer LOS and AKI. Therapeutic, Level IV.

Intraocular pressure control after combined phacotrabeculectomy versus trabeculectomy alone.

We compared the efficacy and safety of trabeculectomy and phacotrabeculectomy in patients with glaucoma. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients who underwent trabeculectomy or phacotrabeculectomy. Patients in the trabeculectomy group were pseudophakic. We established three different intraocular pressure (IOP) thresholds (A: <21 mmHg, B: <18 mmHg, and C: <15 mmHg) to measure complete (without medication) and qualified (with medication) success. Success criteria were analyzed through Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Sixty-seven eyes were included (40 trabeculectomy, 27 phacotrabeculectomy). The mean follow-up period was 25.70 ± 14.439 months. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The complete and qualified success rates according to criterion C were significantly higher in the trabeculectomy group (p = 0.033, p = 0.021, respectively); however, there was a trend toward a higher success rate for all criteria in favor of trabeculectomy. Bleb needling was more frequent in the phacotrabeculectomy group. The mean IOP significantly decreased from 26.46 ± 7.07 to 12.27 ± 4.06 at 12 months (p < 0.001). The final mean IOP was significantly lower in the trabeculectomy than in the phacotrabeculectomy group (10.95 ± 3.08 vs 13.00 ± 4.56, p = 0.0003). In pseudophakic eyes, trabeculectomy alone achieves a higher success rate, lower mean IOP, and less frequent bleb needlings. More frequent follow-up and prolonged postoperative use of high-dose topical steroids should be considered in patients undergoing phacotrabeculectomy.

Opioid Use following Open versus Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: A Population Study.

Background:Open (OCTR) and endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) are both effective treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, with similar outcomes and complication rates. Given the opioid epidemic, it is important to consider how surgical modality impacts narcotic use. We compared narcotic use after OCTR and ECTR to identify trends and risk factors for prolonged postoperative use.Methods:We utilized the PearlDiver database to identify patients who underwent OCTR and ECTR between 2008 and 2015. Patients with opioid use were analyzed for trends. Early refills, prolonged postoperative opioid use, and new persistent opioid use were defined by time periods relating to the date of surgery. Age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and surgery type (open versus endoscopic) were analyzed as predictors for opioid use.Results:A total of 29,583 patients were included: 4125 (14%) ECTR and 25,458 (86%) OCTR. Significantly more OCTR patients filled perioperative prescriptions (62% versus 60%), and the OCTR group filled higher quantities of perioperative opioids (411 OME versus 379 OME). Patients in the OCTR group were also significantly more likely to obtain early refills and to have prolonged postoperative use. There was no difference in the rate of new persistent use.Conclusions:Compared with ECTR, patients who underwent OCTR filled higher quantities of opioids in the perioperative period, were more likely to obtain early refills, and were more likely to have prolonged postoperative use. These findings suggest either a lower opioid requirement after ECTR or a lower perceived requirement reflected in the difference in prescribing habits between techniques.

Oral Flora and Perioperative Antimicrobial Interventions in Cleft Palate Surgery: A Review of the Literature.

The role of perioperative antibiotics in cleft palate remains a topic of debate. Advocates stress their importance in preventing local and systemic infections and decreasing the incidence of oronasal fistula formation. However, few studies to date have directly evaluated the role of antibiotics and other antimicrobial measures in cleft palate surgery. The aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence surrounding the use of perioperative antibiotics and other antimicrobial interventions in cleft palate surgery. Additionally, we review the literature on the oral flora unique to the cleft palate patient population. This was accomplished utilizing PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library with MeSH and generic terms. Articles were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. This review highlights the lack of higher level evidence on perioperative antibiotic use and other antimicrobial interventions in cleft palatoplasty and calls for further research on the matter. The literature appears to support the use of preoperative antibiotics for cleft palatoplasty, but the benefits of prolonged postoperative antibiotic use remain questionable.

A comparison of perioperative pain control in total shoulder arthroplasty: preoperative tramadol is associated with decreased long-term opiate use when compared with traditional opioids

BackgroundProlonged opiate use has been associated with adverse patient outcomes and high societal costs. While tramadol, an alternative to traditional opiate pain medications, has evidence-based support for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, no clear guidance exists in the shoulder arthroplasty literature to guide perioperative prescribing practices. MethodsAll patients from a private insurance database who underwent total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty between 2008 and 2015 were identified. These patients were grouped into 3 mutually exclusive cohorts based on perioperative pain management regimes: those who received (1) traditional opiates only, (2) tramadol only, (3) nonopioids only. These groups were compared for length of stay, prolonged opioid use (defined as opioid use >3 months after surgery), emergency department (ED) visits, 90-day readmissions, and medical complication ResultsFrom 2008 to 2015, 5,797 shoulder arthroplasty patients met inclusion criteria for the study. Of those, 498 (8.6%) received pre- and postoperative tramadol, 2001 (34.5%) traditional opioids, and 3289 (56.7%) nonopioids only. Traditional opioid use was weakly associated with a higher risk of minor medical complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.20, confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.97, P = .048), ED visits (OR 1.22, CI 19 1.03-1.43, P = .017), and 90-day readmission (OR 1.29, 1.03-1.62, P = .025) compared to nonopioid only users. Additionally, these patients had a markedly higher risk of prolonged narcotic use (OR 6.72, CI 5.89-7.68, P < .001). ConclusionsShoulder arthroplasty who received perioperative tramadol were less likely than those who received traditional opioids to require prolonged opiate pain medication. Given the well-established negative consequences of prolonged opiate use and lack of association between tramadol use and medical complications found in the current study, tramadol should be considered in shoulder arthroplasty candidates. However, tramadol is not without its own risks, and the risk of prolonged postoperative narcotic use is still higher within this population compared to those patients who take no opioids. These results should help inform preoperative pain management plans in patients who are likely to undergo eventual TSA. Level of EvidenceLevel III; Retrospective Cohort Study

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Prolonged Pregabalin Administration Before and After Surgery in Patients Undergoing Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Study.

Reconstruction of the knee ligament causes postoperative pain and delayed rehabilitation. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a prolonged preoperative and postoperative pregabalin use for arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament repair. Group 1 (N=25) patients received pregabalin 75 mg/d, and group 2 (N=25) received placebo, 7 days before and 7 days after surgery. Spinal anesthesia was performed using 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (15 mg). The following were evaluated: pain intensity immediately after the surgery, and 12 hours, 24 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months after the surgery using a Numerical Rating Scale; dose of postoperative supplementary analgesic for 2 months; time to first analgesic requirement; and side effects during 2 months. For supplementation, the participants received 1 g dipyrone; if there was no pain control, 100 mg ketoprofen was administered; if there was no effect, 100 mg tramadol was administered; and if there was no pain control, 5 mg intravenous morphine was administered until pain control. There was no difference between the groups with regard to pain intensity (P=0.077). In the pregabalin group, morphine consumption was lower at 12 hours (P=0.039) and 24 hours (P=0.044) after surgery, and the consumption of tramadol and ketoprofen was lower 24 hours after surgery. There was no significant difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting. Dizziness was higher in the pregabalin group (group 1=12 patients; group 2=3 patients; P=0.005). A prolonged preoperative and postoperative pregabalin prescription for anterior cruciate ligament repair decreased the need for supplementary analgesics during the first 24 postoperative hours but increased dizziness.

Abstract 88: Do Postoperative Prophylactic Antibiotics Reduce Highly Virulent Infections? An Analysis Of 660 Tissue Expander Breast Reconstructions

Purpose: Many surgeons are reluctant to discontinue prophylactic antibiotics after 24 hours in tissue expander breast reconstruction (TEBR) due to increased risk of surgical site infection (SSI). There is currently no consensus regarding antibiotic prophylaxis duration in TEBR. In addition, there remains a lack of research investigating microorganisms involved in SSI across various perioperative antibiotic protocols. The purpose of this study was to examine how two different prophylactic antibiotic regimens impacted the bacterial profiles of SSI and rate of implant loss after TEBR. Methods: A single institution retrospective review was performed of immediate TEBRs between 2001-2018. Demographics, chemotherapy/radiation, prophylactic antibiotic regimen and SSI cultures were analyzed. SSIs requiring hospitalization before stage 2 were included. Outpatient managed SSIs were excluded. Highly virulent organisms were defined as ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus Aureus, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Enterobacter species) based on literature. Implant loss was defined as removal of TE without immediate replacement. Results: Of 660 TEBRs, 85 (12.9%) developed an SSI prior to stage 2. Fifty-six (65.9%) previously received <24 hours perioperative prophylactic IV antibiotics and oral antibiotics after discharge (Group 1) and 29 (34.1%) were given <24 hours prophylactic IV antibiotics only (Group 2). There was no significant difference in demographics (i.e. BMI, age, smoking status, preoperative chemotherapy/radiation) or inpatient treatment of the SSI (Oral/IV antibiotics) between the two groups. In Group 1, 64% (n=36) developed culture positive SSIs, compared to 83% (n=24) in Group 2. Staphylococcus Aureus was the most common bacteria in both groups. Group 2 demonstrated a significantly increased incidence of gram-positive organisms (46.4% vs 72.4%, p=0.022) and Staphylococcus Aureus (21.4% vs 55.2%, p=0.002). However, there was no significant difference in overall highly virulent (p=0.168), gram-negative (p=0.416), or total isolated organisms (p=0.192) between groups. Interestingly, Group 1 demonstrated an increase in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa SSIs, (14.3% vs 3.4%, p=0.124) but this finding did not reach significance. Implant loss between Groups 1 and 2 (62.5% vs. 62.1%, p=0.969) respectively, was nearly identical. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that despite differences in bacterial profiles between the two antibiotic protocols, prolonged postoperative antibiotic use did not provide additional protection against overall highly virulent infections. In addition, the implant loss rate between the two groups was similar. Antibiotic stewardship guidelines against the overuse of prolonged prophylactic regimens should be considered. Further analysis regarding timing of SSIs and antibiotic treatment is warranted.

Opioids and Spinal Cord Stimulators: Pre- and Postoperative Opioid Use Patterns and Predictors of Prolonged Postoperative Opioid Use.

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to compare trends and differences in preoperative and prolonged postoperative opioid use following spinal cord stimulator (SCS) implantation and to determine factors associated with prolonged postoperative opioid use. MethodsA database of private-payer insurance records was queried to identify patients who underwent a primary paddle lead SCS placement via a laminectomy (CPT-C3655) from 2008–2015. Our resulting cohort was stratified into those with prolonged postoperative opioid use, opioid use between 3- and 6-month postoperation, and those without. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the effect preoperative opioid use and other factors of interest had on prolonged postoperative opioid use. Subgroup analysis was performed on preoperative opioid users to further quantify the effect of differing magnitudes of preoperative opioid use. ResultsA total of 2,374 patients who underwent SCS placement were identified. Of all patients, 1,890 patients (79.6%) were identified as having prolonged narcotic use. Annual rates of preoperative (p = 0.023) and prolonged postoperative narcotic use (p < 0.001) decreased over the study period. Significant independent predictors of prolonged postoperative opioid use were age < 65 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.52; p = 0.004), male sex (OR, 1.33; p = 0.037), preoperative anxiolytic (OR, 1.55; p = 0.004) and muscle relaxant (OR, 1.42; p = 0.033), and narcotic use (OR, 15.04; p < 0.001). Increased number of preoperative narcotic prescriptions correlated with increased odds of prolonged postoperative use. ConclusionPatients with greater number of preoperative opioid prescriptions may not attain the same benefit from SCSs as patients with less opioid use. The most significant predictor of prolonged narcotic use was preoperative opioid use.