Propofol-based Total Intravenous Anesthesia Research Articles

Effect of converting from propofol to remimazolam with flumazenil reversal on recovery from anesthesia in outpatients with mental disabilities: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundGeneral anesthesia is often necessary for dental treatment of outpatients with mental disabilities. Rapid recovery and effective management of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are critical for outpatients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of transitioning from propofol to remimazolam with flumazenil reversal administered toward the end of surgery during propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) on recovery.MethodsAdults with mental disabilities scheduled to undergo dental treatment were randomly assigned to receive either propofol-based TIVA (Group P) or propofol-remimazolam-based TIVA with flumazenil reversal (Group PR). Propofol was replaced with remimazolam 1 h before the end of surgery in Group PR; moreover, 0.5 mg of flumazenil was administered after the neuromuscular blockade reversal agent. The primary outcome was the duration of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). The secondary outcomes included time to eye-opening, time to extubation, occurrence of PONV, and quality of recovery.ResultsFifty-four patients were included in this study. The duration of stay in the PACU in Group PR was significantly shorter than that in Group P (mean difference, 8.7 min; confidence interval [95% CI], 3.3–14.2; P = 0.002). Group PR exhibited a shorter time to eye opening (mean difference, 5.4 min; 95% CI, 3.3–8.1; P < 0.001) and time to extubation (mean difference, 5.5 min; 95% CI, 3.6–7.9; P < 0.001) than Group P. Neither group required the administration of rescue analgesics, and the incidence of PONV was not reported.ConclusionsTransitioning from propofol to remimazolam 1 h before the end of surgery followed by flumazenil reversal reduced the duration of stay in the PACU and the time to eye opening and extubation without affecting the incidence of PONV and quality of recovery.Trial registration numberClinical Research Information Service (KCT0007794), Clinical trial first registration date: 12/10/2022.

Impact of various anesthetic regimens on motor-evoked potentials in infants undergoing spinal surgery: A case series.

Motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring is commonly used in children. MEP monitoring in infants is difficult due to smaller signals requiring higher stimulation voltages. There is limited information on the effect of different anesthetics on MEP monitoring in this age group. This case series describes the effect of different anesthetic regimens on MEP monitoring in infants. Patients <1 year of age who underwent spinal surgery with MEP monitoring between February 2022 and July 2023 at a single tertiary care children hospital were reviewed. The motor-evoked potential amplitudes were classified into 4 levels based on the voltage in the upper and lower limbs (none, responded, acceptable, sufficient). "Acceptable" or "sufficient" levels were defined as successful monitoring. A total of 19 infants were identified, involving 3 anesthesia regimens: 4/19 (21.1%) cases were anesthetized with propofol/remifentanil total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), 3/19 (15.8%) with propofol/remifentanil/low-dose sevoflurane and another 12/19 (63.2%) cases who initially received propofol/remifentanil/sevoflurane and were converted to propofol/remifentanil anesthesia intraoperatively. The 4 cases with propofol/remifentanil showed 20/32 (62.5%) successful monitoring points. In contrast, 6/24 (25%) successful points were achieved with propofol/remifentanil intravenous anesthesia/0.5 age-adjusted minimum alveolar concentration sevoflurane. In 12 cases converted from propofol/remifentanil/low-dose inhalational anesthetics to TIVA alone, successful MEP monitoring points increased from 46/96 (47.9%) to 81/96 (84.4%). Adding low-dose inhalation anesthetic to propofol-based TIVA suppresses MEP amplitudes in infants. The optimal anesthetic regimen for infants requires further investigation.

Comparison of remimazolam-based and propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia on hemodynamics during anesthesia induction in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to compare the hemodynamic effects of remimazolam- and propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This was a single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial set at Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan. We included 36 patients aged ≥ 20years scheduled to undergo elective transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) under general anesthesia. The participants were randomly assigned to the remimazolam and propofol groups (n = 18 each). Remimazolam- or propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia was initiated at 12mg/kg/min or 2.5mcg/mL via target-controlled infusion, respectively, along with remifentanil. After confirming the loss of consciousness, the administration rate was adjusted using electroencephalographic monitoring. The primary outcome was the rate of arterial hypotension, defined as a mean arterial pressure < 60mmHg, from anesthesia induction until the beginning of the surgical incision. The total doses of ephedrine and phenylephrine were also assessed. During anesthesia induction, the arterial hypotension rates were 11.9% and 21.6% in the remimazolam and propofol groups, respectively (P = 0.01). The total dose of ephedrine was higher in the propofol group (14.4mg) than in the remimazolam group (1.6mg) (P < 0.001); however, the total dose of phenylephrine was not significantly different between the two groups (propofol 0.31mg vs. remimazolam: 0.17mg, P = 0.10). Remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia resulted in a lower hypotension rate than propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia during induction in patients undergoing TAVR. Remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia can be used safely during anesthetic induction in patients with severe aortic stenosis.

Propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia is associated with less postoperative recurrence than desflurane anesthesia in thyroid cancer surgery.

The effects of anesthesia in patients undergoing thyroid cancer surgery are still not known. We investigated the relationship between the type of anesthesia and patient outcomes following elective thyroid cancer surgery. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent elective surgical resection for papillary thyroid carcinoma between January 2009 and December 2019. Patients were grouped according to the type of anesthesia they received, desflurane or propofol. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted, and survival/recurrence curves were presented from the date of surgery to death/recurrence. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were used to compare hazard ratios for recurrence after propensity matching. A total of 621 patients (22 deaths, 3.5%) under desflurane anesthesia and 588 patients (32 deaths, 5.4%) under propofol anesthesia were included. Five hundred and eighty-eight patients remained in each group after propensity matching. Propofol anesthesia was not associated with better survival compared to desflurane anesthesia in the matched analysis (P = 0.086). However, propofol anesthesia was associated with less recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.56; P < 0.001) in the matched analysis. Propofol anesthesia was associated with less recurrence, but not mortality, following surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma than desflurane anesthesia. Further prospective investigation is needed to examine the influence of propofol anesthesia on patient outcomes following thyroid cancer surgery.

Impact of prognostic nutritional index change on prognosis after colorectal cancer surgery under propofol or sevoflurane anesthesia

BackgroundThe alteration of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) or the utilization of distinct anesthesia strategies has been linked to the prognosis of various cancer types, but the existing evidence is limited and inconclusive, particularly for colorectal cancer (CRC). Our objective was to evaluate the association between PNI change and progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients treated with CRC surgery after propofol-based or sevoflurane-based anesthesia.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 414 patients with CRC who underwent surgical resection. Among them, 165 patients received propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA-P), while 249 patients received sevoflurane-based inhalation anesthesia (IA-S). The PNI change (ΔPNI) was calculated by subtracting the pre-surgery PNI from the post-surgery PNI, and patients were categorized into high (≥ -2.25) and low (< -2.25) ΔPNI groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed to evaluate the effects of the two anesthesia methods, ΔPNI, and their potential interaction on PFS and OS.ResultsThe median duration of follow-up was 35.9 months (interquartile range: 18–60 months). The five-year OS rates were 63.0% in the TIVA-P group and 59.8% in the IA-S group (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70–1.35; p = 0.864), while the five-year PFS rates were 55.8% and 51.0% (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.68–1.26; p = 0.614), respectively. In comparison to patients in the low ΔPNI group, those in the high ΔPNI group exhibited a favorable association with both OS (HR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.40–0.76; p < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.43–0.79; p < 0.001). Stratified analysis based on ΔPNI revealed significant protective effects in the propofol-treated participants within the high ΔPNI group, whereas such effects were not observed in the low ΔPNI group, for both OS (p for interaction = 0.004) and PFS (p for interaction = 0.024).ConclusionsOur data revealed that among patients who underwent CRC surgery, those treated with TIVA-P exhibited superior survival outcomes compared to those who received IA-S, particularly among individuals with a high degree of PNI change.

Anesthesia choice and its potential impact on endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe measurements in esophageal motility disorders

The widespread use of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has revolutionized the management of esophageal motility disorders (EMDs). The introduction of an endoluminal functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP, Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) can serve as a complementary diagnostic tool to assess the mechanical properties (ie, pressure, diameter, distensibility, topography) of the esophagus. During EndoFLIP measurements, different anesthesia techniques may induce variable degrees of neuromuscular blockade, potentially affecting esophageal motility and altering the results of EndoFLIP metrics. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of using total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) versus general anesthesia with inhalational anesthetics (GAIA) on diagnostic EndoFLIP measurements. This retrospective study included all adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing EndoFlip during the POEM procedure at our institution between February 2017 and February 2022. Differences in pressure, diameter, and distensibility index were obtained by using propofol-based TIVA versus sevoflurane-based GAIA with a 30 mL and a 60 mL balloon. The differences were divided into terciles and compared between diagnoses by using univariate comparisons and logistic regression models. A total of 49 patients were included (39% type I achalasia, 43% type II or III achalasia, and 18% jackhammer esophagus [JE]). Compared with spastic disorders (types II and III achalasia and JE), type I had lower values of pressure differences at 60 mL in univariate (3.75 vs 15.20, P= .001) and multivariate (adjusted odds ratio, .89; 95% confidence interval, .82-.978) analyses. Compared with type I, types II and III achalasia had higher rates of pressure differences at 60 mL in the univariate (9.85 vs 3.75, P= .04) analysis and nearly reached significance in the multivariate analysis (1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1-1.20). Compared with type I achalasia, JE exhibited higher values in pressure differences at 60 mL (27.7 vs 3.75, P< .001). Esophageal pressure, as measured by EndoFLIP, was significantly reduced when patients were sedated with sevoflurane-based GAIA. The use of sevoflurane-based GAIA for diagnostic EndoFLIP may potentially lead to the misclassification of spastic disorders as type I achalasia. Propofol-based TIVA should therefore be considered over sevoflurane-based GAIA for sedation during the diagnostic test.

Type of anesthesia for cancer resection surgery: No differential impact on cancer recurrence in mouse models of breast cancer.

Surgery is essential for curative treatment of solid tumors. Evidence from recent retrospective clinical analyses suggests that use of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia during cancer resection surgery is associated with improved overall survival compared to inhaled volatile anesthesia. Evaluating these findings in prospective clinical studies is required to inform definitive clinical guidelines but will take many years and requires biomarkers to monitor treatment effect. Therefore, we examined the effect of different anesthetic agents on cancer recurrence in mouse models of breast cancer with the overarching goal of evaluating plausible mechanisms that could be used as biomarkers of treatment response. To test the hypothesis that volatile anesthesia accelerates breast cancer recurrence after surgical resection of the primary tumor, we used three mouse models of breast cancer. We compared volatile sevoflurane anesthesia with intravenous propofol anesthesia and used serial non-invasive bioluminescent imaging to track primary tumor recurrence and metastatic recurrence. To determine short-term perioperative effects, we evaluated the effect of anesthesia on vascular integrity and immune cell changes after surgery in animal models. Survival analyses found that the kinetics of cancer recurrence and impact on survival were similar regardless of the anesthetic agent used during cancer surgery. Vascular permeability, immune cell infiltration and cytokine profiles showed no statistical difference after resection with inhaled sevoflurane or intravenous propofol anesthesia. These preclinical studies found no evidence that choice of anesthetic agent used during cancer resection surgery affected either short-term perioperative events or long-term cancer outcomes in mouse models of breast cancer. These findings raise the possibility that mouse models do not recapitulate perioperative events in cancer patients. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that future evaluation of effects of anesthesia on cancer outcomes should focus on cancer types other than breast cancer.

Implementation of an electroencephalogram-guided propofol anesthesia practice in a large academic pediatric hospital: Aquality improvement project.

Propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia is gaining popularity in pediatric anesthesia. Electroencephalogram can be used to guide propofol dosing to the individual patient to mitigate against overdosing and adverse events. However, electroencephalogram interpretation and propofol pharmacokinetics are not sufficiently taught in training programs to confidently deploy electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia. We conducted a quality improvement project with the smart aim of increasing the percentage of electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia cases in our main operating room from 0% to 80% over 18 months. Balancing measures were number of total intravenous anesthesia cases, emergence times, and perioperative emergency activations. The project key drivers were education, equipment, and electronic health record modifications. Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles included: (1) providing journal articles, didactic lectures, intraoperative training, and teaching documents; (2) scheduling electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia teachers to train faculty, staff, and fellows for specific cases and to assess case-based knowledge; (3) adding age-based propofol dosing tables and electroencephalogram parameters to the electronic health record (EPIC co, Verona, WI); (4) procuring electroencephalogram monitors (Sedline, Masimo Inc). Electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia cases and balancing measures were identified from the electronic health record. The smart aim was evaluated by statistical process control chart. After the four Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia increased from 5% to 75% and was sustained at 72% 9 months after project completion. Total intravenous anesthesia cases/mo and number of perioperative emergency activations did not change significantly from start to end of the project, while emergence time for electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia was greater statistically but not clinically (total intravenous anesthesia without electroencephalogram [16 ± 10 min], total intravenous anesthesia with electroencephalogram [18 ± 9 min], sevoflurane [17 ± 9 min] p < .001). Quality improvement methods may be deployed to adopt electroencephalogram-guided total intravenous anesthesia in a large academic pediatric anesthesia practice. Keys to success include education, in operating room case training, scheduling teachers with learners, electronic health record modifications, and electroencephalogram devices and supplies.

A bispectral index guided comparative evaluation of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to propofol-based total intravenous anaesthesia in spine surgeries done under motor-evoked potential monitoring

BackgroundThe anaesthetic agents can affect the quality of motor-evoked potential intraoperatively as they inhibit synaptic transmission. Intravenous anaesthetics suppress motor-evoked potential lesser than inhalational agents, so total intravenous anaesthesia or a combination of intravenous with minimal inhalational anaesthetic supplementation is used when motor-evoked potential is monitored. Motor-evoked potential can get depressed at high doses of propofol required to maintain surgical depth, hence, adjuvant agents like dexmedetomidine that maintain anaesthetic depth without affecting the motor-evoked potential are often required. This study was a prospective non-randomized and comparative study (quasi-experimental) assigned into two groups of 64 each, labelled as the propofol group (group P) and Propofol + dexmedetomidine group (group PD). The primary objective of our study was to compare the total dose reduction of propofol with the addition of dexmedetomidine and their interference with motor-evoked potential readings. The secondary objective was to assess the hemodynamic changes, changes in amplitude and latency of motor-evoked potential, and complications if any.ResultsThe mean total dose of propofol consumed in our study was 502.81 ± 71.01 mg in group propofol( P) and 392.18 ± 59.00 mg in group propofol + dexmedetomidine (PD). Moreover, the mean total dose of propofol (mg) was significantly less used in group PD. Intraoperative hemodynamic stability, no difference in amplitude and latency for motor-evoked potential, and only significant bradycardia in group propofol + dexmedetomidine (PD).ConclusionsDexmedetomidine can be successfully used in propofol-based total intravenous anaesthesia for motor-evoked potential monitoring in spine surgeries, but it is better to maintain stable hemodynamics with a significant reduction of the mean dose of propofol.

Effects of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia versus desflurane anesthesia on natural killer cell cytotoxicity after hepatocellular carcinoma resection

Abstract Background and Aims: Inhalation anesthesia suppresses the immune system and stimulates the growth of tumor cells, contrary to intravenous anesthesia. However, no consensus exists on which anesthetic technique is better for preventing cancer recurrence. Therefore, this study compared the effects of two different anesthetic techniques on natural killer cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing open hepatic resection. Material and Methods: Patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic HCC were scheduled for hepatic resection and randomly assigned to receive either propofol- or desflurane-based anesthesia. The primary outcome was pre- and postoperative NKCC assay. Cytokine levels were assessed by measuring interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels, and the secondary outcome was postoperative cancer recurrence evaluated using diagnostic imaging scans for 2 years. Results: Twenty-eight patients were analyzed, including 15 and 13 in the total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and inhalation (INH) groups, respectively. Two patients in the INH group were excluded due to non-HCC postoperative pathologic results. At 24 h, the postoperative change in NKCC between both groups showed no significant differences at a ratio of effector cell: target cell = 1:1, 5:1, and 10:1 (P = 0.345, 0.345, and 0.565, respectively). Also, there were no significant differences in IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels (P = 0.588, 0.182, 0.730, 0.076, 0.518, 0.533, respectively). Postoperative tumor recurrence occurred in five and six patients in the TIVA and INH groups, respectively. Conclusion: NKCC did not differ significantly among HCC patients undergoing open hepatic resection under either propofol or desflurane anesthesia 24 h postoperatively.

Total intravenous anesthesia for geriatric hip fracture with severe systemic disease

PurposeOur study aimed to determine the impact of a novel technique of anesthesia administration on the clinical outcomes and complications in geriatric patients with severe systemic disease undergoing hip surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively identified patients aged > 65 years with severe systemic disease that was a constant of life [American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) IV] who underwent surgery for hip fracture between January 2018 and January 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I [fascia iliaca compartment block plus propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (FICB + TIVA)] and Group II [general anesthesia (GA)]. The primary outcomes were 30-day and 1-year mortality. The secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, postoperative morbidity, Visual Analog Scale score, and consumption of analgesics.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the 30-day mortality (5 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.85) and 1-year mortality (15 vs. 12%, p = 0.73) between the groups. Group I had significantly lower ICU requirements (p = 0.01) and shorter lengths of ICU stay (p < 0.001) and hospital stay (p < 0.001). Moreover, a smaller proportion of patients in Group I required postoperative morphine or oral opiates.ConclusionGeriatric patients who underwent hip surgery under FICB + TIVA required fewer ICU admissions, shorter lengths of ICU and hospital stay, and had lesser postoperative opioid consumption than those who were under GA. Hence, we recommend the novel FICB + TIVA technique for hip fracture surgery in geriatric patients with poor general health status and high surgical risks (ASA IV).

Randomized controlled trial of the effect of general anesthetics on postoperative recovery after minimally invasive nephrectomy.

General anesthetic techniques can affect postoperative recovery. We compared the effect of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and desflurane anesthesia on postoperative recovery. In this randomized trial, 150 patients undergoing robot-assisted or laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal cancer were randomly allocated to either the TIVA or desflurane anesthesia (DES) group. Postoperative recovery was evaluated using the Korean version of the Quality of Recovery-15 questionnaire (QoR-15K) at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h postoperatively. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was performed to analyze longitudinal QoR-15K data. Fentanyl consumption, pain severity, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and quality of life three weeks after discharge were also compared. Data were analyzed for 70 patients in each group. The TIVA group showed significantly higher QoR-15K scores at 24 and 48 h postoperatively (24 h: DES, 96 [77, 109] vs. TIVA, 104 [82, 117], median difference 8 [95% CI: 1, 15], P = 0.029; 48 h: 110 [95, 128] vs. 125 [109, 130], median difference 8 [95% CI: 1, 15], P = 0.022), however not at 72 h (P = 0.400). The GEE revealed significant effects of group (adjusted mean difference 6.2, 95% CI: 0.39, 12.1, P = 0.037) and time (P < 0.001) on postoperative QoR-15K scores without group-time interaction (P = 0.051). However, there were no significant differences in other outcomes, except for fentanyl consumption, within the first 24 h postoperatively. Propofol-based TIVA showed only a transient improvement in postoperative recovery than desflurane anesthesia, without significant differences in other outcomes.

The Potential Effect of General Anesthetics in Cancer Surgery: Meta-Analysis of Postoperative Metastasis and Inflammatory Cytokines.

Metastasis or recurrence following curative surgery is the main indicator of tumor progress and is the main cause of patient death. For more than three decades, the potential for general anesthesia to affect cancer outcomes has been a subject of concern with considerable research interest. Here, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the effect of inhalational anesthesia (IHNA) vs. propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) on metastasis and recurrence after cancer surgery from clinical and pre-clinical studies. The relative risk for metastasis/recurrence in TIVA is 0.61 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.46 to 0.82, p = 0.0009) compared to IHNA. Inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in cancer metastasis following cancer surgery, thus we analyzed inflammatory cytokines levels after surgery under IHNA or TIVA. Based on pooled analysis, a lower IL-6 level was noticed in TIVA in comparison to IHNA (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.097 to 1.44, I2 = 92%, p = 0.02) but not TNF-α or IL-10. Preclinical animal model studies show that inhalational anesthetics increase the risk of breast cancer metastasis compared to propofol. In conclusion, the current evidence suggests intravenous anesthetic propofol is associated with less metastasis/recurrence and lower postoperative IL-6 level over inhaled anesthetics in the oncological surgery. We urge more well-designed clinical and preclinical studies in this field.

Comparison of the recovery profile of remimazolam with flumazenil and propofol anesthesia for open thyroidectomy

BackgroundPrevious studies have consistently reported a slower recovery of consciousness following remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia without flumazenil than with propofol. This study aimed to compare the reversal effect of flumazenil on the recovery of consciousness after remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia with the propofol recovery profile.MethodsThis prospective, single-blinded, randomized trial included 57 patients undergoing elective open thyroidectomy at a tertiary university hospital. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either remimazolam- or propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (remimazolam group: 28 patients, propofol group: 29 patients). The primary outcome was the time from the end of general anesthesia to first eye opening (min). The secondary outcomes were the time from the end of the general anesthesia to extubation (min), initial modified Aldrete score measured at the post-anesthesia care unit, length of stay at the post-anesthesia care unit (min), occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting during the first 24 h postoperatively, and Korean version of Quality of Recovery-15 score at 24 h postoperatively.ResultsThe remimazolam group showed significantly faster first eye opening time (2.3 [interquartile range, IQR: 1.8–3.3] min vs. 5.0 [IQR: 3.5–7.8] min, median difference:—2.7 [95% confidence interval, CI: -3.7 to -1.5] min, P < 0.001) and extubation time (3.2 [IQR: 2.4–4.2] min vs. 5.7 [IQR: 4.7–8.3] min, median difference: -2.7 [97.5% CI: -5.0 to -1.6] min, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in other postoperative outcomes.ConclusionsThe planned incorporation of flumazenil with remimazolam-based total intravenous anesthesia provided rapid and reliable recovery of consciousness.

Determination of minimum infusion rate of propofol in combination with electroacupuncture in goats

Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) is frequently used anesthetic protocol in animals when inhalation anesthesia is not available. To date, it has not yet been known whether electroacupuncture (EA) can affect propofol-based TIVA in goats. Therefore, the present paper aims to determine the minimum infusion rate (MIR) of propofol, in combination with EA, required to preclude purposeful movement of the extremities in response to standardized noxious stimulation in goats. Twelve clinically healthy goats weighing 17.45 ± 2.15 kg were randomly allocated into two groups with six goats each. Propofol alone (P group) and propofol combined with EA (EA-P group). In the EA-P, propofol was given 30 min after EA stimulation. For induction of anesthesia, a bolus of propofol was administered at 4 mg/kg IV, and an infusion dose of 0.4 mg/kg/min was initially set for maintenance. The MIR of propofol in both groups was determined by testing for responses to stimulation (clamping on a digit with Vulsellum forceps) at 10-min intervals after inducing anesthesia until the end period of the experiment. Cardiorespiratory variables and nociceptive threshold were measured throughout anesthesia. The median propofol MIR was significantly lower in the EA-P group than the P group [0.520 (0.467–0.572) and 0.650 (0.600–0.677)], respectively; p = 0.0013). In the P group, goats anesthetized with MIR showed a significant increase in heart rate and cardiac index (p = 0.0010 and p < 0.0001, respectively), and a decrease in respiratory rate (p = 0.0001). Additionally, the EA-P showed a significant decrease in hemoglobin oxygen saturation following the initial infusion rate at 2 min (p = 0.0023) and 10 min (p = 0.0007) as compared to the P group. A significant increase in nociceptive threshold was recorded in the EA-P threshold than that of the P group (p < 0.005). EA combined with propofol provides antinociception, decreases the MIR of propofol-based TIVA, and subsequently lessens the negative cardiorespiratory consequences related to propofol anesthesia in goats.

Trends in Perioperative Magnesium Sulfate Use in Patients Who Underwent Major Cancer Surgery: A Retrospective Population-Based Cohort Study in South Korea.

Magnesium sulfate is a potential anesthetic adjunct in cancer surgery. However, no definite consensus exists on the use of magnesium sulfate in patients undergoing major cancer surgery. This study aimed to examine the trends and factors associated with magnesium sulfate administration in patients who underwent major cancer surgery in South Korea. In this retrospective and population-based cohort study, we used 5-year health data that were extracted from the National registration database in South Korea from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. All adult patients who underwent major cancer surgery during 2016-2020 in South Korea were included. In total, 253,538 patients were included. Among these patients, 6.6% (16,708/253,538) were administered magnesium sulfate during major cancer surgery. In multivariable logistic regression modeling, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.02; P < .001), esophageal cancer surgery (vs lung cancer surgery [OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 2.80-3.30; P < .001]), increased Charlson comorbidity index score (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.03; P < .001), mild-to-moderate disability (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.14; P = .003), and severe disability (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.27; P = .003) were associated with a higher incidence of perioperative magnesium sulfate administration for major cancer surgery. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or laparoscopy (OR, .57; 95% CI, .55-.59; P < .001) and propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (OR, .86; 95% CI, .82-.89; P < .001) were associated with a lower incidence of perioperative Mg sulfate administration for major cancer surgery. In South Korea, 6.6% of the patients who underwent major cancer surgery were administered magnesium sulfate during surgery. Certain factors, such as old age, thoracic cancer surgery, open laparotomy or thoracotomy, greater comorbid status, and inhalation anesthesia, were potentially associated with magnesium sulfate administration in patients undergoing major cancer surgery.

Comparison of Dexmedetomidine Versus Fentanyl-Based Anesthetic Protocols Under Patient State Index Guidance in Patients Undergoing Elective Neurosurgical Procedures with Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring.

Objectives The study was designed to elucidate the effects of dexmedetomidine as an anesthetic adjunct to propofol in total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) on anesthetic dose reduction, the quality of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) recordings, analgesic requirements, and recovery parameters in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures with neurophysiological monitoring. Methods A total of 54 patients for elective neurosurgical procedures with IONM were randomized to group D (dexmedetomidine) and group F (fentanyl). A loading dose of the study drug of 1µg/kg followed by 0.5 µg/kg/h infusion was used in two groups. Propofol-based TIVA with a Schneider target-controlled infusion model was used for induction and maintenance with effect site concentration of 4-5 and 2.5-4 µg/mL, respectively, titrated to a Patient State Index (PSI) of 25-40. Baseline IONM recordings were obtained after induction. The mean propofol consumption, number of patient movements, quality of IONM recordings, number of fentanyl boluses, hemodynamic characteristics, and recovery parameters were recorded. Results The mean propofol consumption was significantly lower in group D when compared to group F (101.4 ± 13.5 µg/kg/min vs 148.0 ± 29.8 µg/kg/min). Baseline IONM recordings were acquired in all patients without any difficulty. The two groups were comparable with respect to the number of additional boluses of fentanyl, patient movements, and recovery characteristics. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to propofol in TIVA reduces the requirement of the latter, without affecting the IONM recordings. The addition of dexmedetomidine also ensures stable hemodynamics and decreases the requirement of opioids with similar recovery characteristics.

Propofol-based intravenous anesthesia is associated with improved survival outcomes after major cancer surgery: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea.

The optimal anesthetic technique for cancer surgery remains a controversial issue. This study aimed to examine whether propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) was associated with survival outcomes after major cancer surgery in South Korea and compare its effectiveness with that of inhalation anesthesia. This nationwide population-based cohort study included adult patients who were admitted to the hospital and underwent major cancer surgery between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. The major cancers included lung, gastric, colorectal, esophageal, small bowel, liver, pancreatic, and bile duct or gallbladder cancers. A total of 253,003 patients who underwent major cancer surgery were included in the analysis. After propensity score (PS) matching, 115,370 patients (57,685 in each group) were included in the final analysis. In the PS-matched cohort, the TIVA group showed 9% (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.91, 95% CI [0.85, 0.98], P = 0.018) and 7% (HR: 0.93, 95% CI [0.89, 0.96], P < 0.001) lower 90-day and one-year mortality rates, respectively, than the inhalation group. In subgroup analyses, the TIVA group showed lower 90-day mortality than the inhalation group in the gastric (HR: 0.86, 95% CI [0.72, 0.97], P = 0.033), colorectal (HR: 0.64, 95% CI [0.56, 0.73], P < 0.001), and pancreatic (HR: 0.76, 95% CI [0.57, 0.94], P = 0.038) cancer surgery groups. Propofol-based TIVA is associated with better survival outcomes after major cancer surgeries. Moreover, propofol-based TIVA was beneficial in patients who underwent gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer surgeries.

Environmental risk assessment of propofol in wastewater: a narrative review of regulatory guidelines.

Concerns relating to the negative environmental impacts of anaesthesia are increasing, and in recent years, there has been an environmentally motivated trend towards greater use of propofol-based total intravenous anaesthesia. Consequently, the environmental burden of propofol waste and disposal, particularly into wastewater, has gained attention. Current literature reporting levels of propofol in wastewater are scarce and the threat this presents to the environment is unclear. We review the regulatory requirements for conducting an environmental risk assessment, with a focus on the process for analysing whether drugs or drug metabolites cause harm to aquatic species. Furthermore, we present a profile for the aquatic toxicity of propofol based on available data and discuss the implications of this for future practice.

Brain relaxation using desflurane anesthesia and total intravenous anesthesia in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial tumors: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundSatisfactory brain relaxation is essential in neurosurgery. Desflurane anesthesia and propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) have different effects on cerebral hemodynamics, potentially contributing to discrepant brain relaxation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of desflurane and TIVA on brain relaxation in patients undergoing craniotomy for supratentorial tumors.MethodsIn this randomized, controlled study, we enrolled patients aged 18–60 years, with ASA I–III, who were scheduled to undergo elective craniotomy for supratentorial tumors. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive desflurane anesthesia or TIVA. The primary outcome was the proportion of satisfactory brain relaxation. Secondary outcomes included emergence and extubation times, recovery of cognitive function and postoperative complications.ResultsOf 369 patients who were assessed for eligibility, 111 were randomized and 110 were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis (55 in the desflurane group and 55 in the TIVA group). The proportion of satisfactory brain relaxation was similar between the two groups: 69% in the desflurane group and 73% in the TIVA group (RR: 0.950, 95% CI: 0.748–1.207; P = 0.675). Patients assigned to the desflurane group had shorter emergence (10 [8–13] min vs. 13 [10–20] min, P < 0.001) and extubation times (13 [10–18] min vs. 17 [13–23] min, P < 0.001), and better recovery of cognitive function at 15 min after extubation (16 [0–24] vs. 0 [0–20], P = 0.003), but experienced increased postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (16 [29%] vs. 6 [11%] P = 0.017) and tachycardia (22 [40%] vs. 9 [16%], P = 0.006) during recovery.ConclusionsDesflurane anesthesia and TIVA provide similar brain relaxation in patients without intracranial hypertension undergoing elective craniotomy. Desflurane accelerates the recovery from anesthesia but is associated with increased PONV and tachycardia during the recovery period.Trial registrationClinicaltrial.gov (NCT04691128). Date of registration: December 31, 2020.