Surgery Patients Research Articles

Improving Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS): The Effect of a Patient-Centred Mobile Application and an Activity Tracker on Patient Engagement in Colorectal Surgery

Background The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol improved perioperative colorectal care. Although the protocol is firmly implemented across hospital settings, there are benefits to gain by actively involving patients in their recovery. The main objective of this study was to investigate whether compliance with selected items in the ERAS protocol could further improve by using a patient-centred mobile application. Method This multicentre, randomised controlled trial was conducted between October 2019 and September 2022. Patients aged 18 years or older who underwent elective colorectal surgery, and in possession of a smartphone were included. The intervention group used a mobile application combined with an activity tracker to be guided and supported through the ERAS pathway. The control group received standard care and wore an activity tracker to monitor their daily activities. The primary outcome was overall compliance with selected active elements of the ERAS protocol. Results In total, 140 participants were randomised to either the intervention (n = 72) or control group (n = 68). The use of the ERAS App demonstrated a significant improvement in overall compliance by 10%, particularly in early solid food intake by 42% and early mobilization by 27%. Postoperative or patient reported outcomes did not differ between groups. Conclusion The smartphone application ‘ERAS App’ is able to improve adherence to the active elements of the ERAS protocol for colorectal surgery. This is an important step towards optimizing perioperative care for colorectal surgery patients and enabling patients to optimize being in control of their own recovery. Trial registration: ERAS APPtimize, NTR7314 ( https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NL-OMON29410 ).

“I just want to get it done”—a mixed-methods study on how people undergoing hallux valgus surgery perceive risk

BackgroundThis scoping study explored patients’ preoperative perspectives of their expectations, their tolerance for risk, and what factors may influence their decision to undergo hallux valgus surgery.MethodsRecently consented patients for hallux valgus surgery at a tertiary public hospital were recruited for this mixed-methods study. Firstly, semi-structured interviews were undertaken to explore attitudes, perceptions, feelings about risk, and expectations of surgery. Following the interview, questionnaires assessing demographics, pain, and health-related quality of life were completed. The data were analysed using NVivo and SPSS.ResultsSeven participants (Five women; mean age 63, range 47–79, years) were recruited for this study. Foot pain was rated as moderate to high, but catastrophisation and sensitisation were low. Surgery was viewed a definitive resolution and expectations were high. Participants with higher pain had higher expectations and the experience of others was used to judge the chance of a successful outcome.ConclusionPeople with high foot pain and hallux valgus may have higher expectations of a successful operation. Expectations and acceptance of risk in people having surgery for hallux valgus are optimistic.

The Impact of Preoperative Negative Overjet Amount on Postoperative Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Orthognathic Surgery Patients with Skeletal Class III Malocclusion

The Impact of Preoperative Negative Overjet Amount on Postoperative Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life in Orthognathic Surgery Patients with Skeletal Class III Malocclusion

A visual laryngoscope combined with a fiberoptic bronchoscope improves intubation outcomes in patients with predicted difficult airways in thoracic surgery

ObjectiveTo study the clinical effectiveness of visual laryngoscopy combined with fiberoptic bronchoscopy-guided double-lumen endotracheal tube intubation in thoracic surgery patients with predicted difficult airways in thoracic surgery airways.MethodsWe randomly divided 162 patients with predicted difficult airways who required double-lumen tracheal intubation for thoracic surgery and randomly divided them into the video laryngoscopy group (Group VL, n = 54),fiberoptic bronchoscopy group (Group F, n = 54), and video laryngoscopy combined with fiberoptic bronchoscopy group (Group FVL, n = 54) according to the randomized number table method. Then, the success rate of the first intubation, the duration of intubation, the duration of positioning, the degree of exposure of the vocal cords (Cormack-Lehane grade), and the adverse reactions during intubation were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThe success rate of first-time intubation was significantly higher in the FVL group than in the F and VL groups (92.6% vs. 87.0% vs. 53.7%, P < 0.001), and the time of intubation in the FVL group was significantly shorter than that in the VL and F groups [(26.22 ± 9.34) s vs. (42.35 ± 11.21) s vs. (46.78 ± 21.96) s, P < 0.001)]. The positioning time in the FVL group was significantly shorter than that in the F and VL groups [(83.76 ± 15.18) s vs. (102.72 ± 21.89) s vs. (145.41 ± 20.12) s, F = 144.896, P < 0.001)].The number of patients with Cormack-Lehane grades I-II was significantly lower in the FVL group and the VL group than in the F group (88.9% vs. 77.8% vs. 59.3%, P < 0.05).The incidence of postoperative sore throat was significantly lower in the FVL group and the F group than in the VL group (22.4% vs. 27.6% vs. 50%, P < 0.001).ConclusionIn difficult airway patients with high airway risk indices who require double-lumen endotracheal intubation, visual laryngoscopy combined with fiberoptic bronchoscopy improved the success rate of first-time intubation and shortened the intubation and positioning time.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Register (identifier: ChiCTR2300076304; Date of registration: September 29, 2023).

Preoperative bleeding risk assessment in cardiac surgery patients

One of the most important aspects in achieving successful outcomes in cardiac surgery is the evaluation of the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure. Preoperative anemia, intraoperative bleeding, and transfusion therapy contribute to a cumulative risk of adverse events. Given the limitations of traditional coagulation tests, a more comprehensive and patient-centered approach is necessary. Factors affecting the risk of bleeding should be considered from the perspective of both individual patient characteristics and the specific type and extent of the planned surgical intervention. The risk assessment should be informed by individual and familial history, as well as previous episodes of bleeding or other relevant information. The use of bleeding risk scales can play a crucial role in this process, providing valuable insights into the likelihood of bleeding complications. In conclusion, a comprehensive approach that takes into account the unique characteristics of each patient and the specific details of the surgical procedure is essential for minimizing the risk of complications and ensuring successful outcomes.

Investigation of homocysteine level after bariatric metabolic surgery, effect on vitamin B12 and folate levels

BackgroundObesity is a serious health problem with increasing incidence. worldwide and remains one of the most important causes of preventable deaths. We aimed to examine the relationship between Vitamin B12 and Folic acid, which have an important role for human life, and homocysteine is widely recognized for its association with the development of cardiovascular disease, although its role as an independent risk factor remains a topic of ongoing debate.Materials and methodsWe evaluated 126 patients who underwent bariatric metabolic surgery between September 2019-September 2020. In addition to demographic characteristics of the patients, weight, Vitamin B12, folate, HbA1c, cholesterol, triglyceride, ferritin, serum iron, albumin levels at preoperative, postoperative 1st month, 6th month, 12th month follow-ups were analyzed.ResultsPatients with the desired biochemical parameters at the determined follow-up points were identified and two groups were formed as RYGB(n = 43) and SG(n = 7) patients. When biochemical parameters were analyzed between the groups, homocysteine, HbA1c, HDL Cholesterol, VLDL Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Ferritin, Serum Iron levels showed a statistical difference (p < 0.001). Folate (p = 0.064) and albumin (p = 0.257) did not show a significant difference over time. The change in vitamin B12 (p = 0.409) over time was not significant in the SG group, whereas a significant difference was observed in the RYGB group (p < 0.001). When we established a marginal model to determine the factors affecting the change in homocysteine over time, vitamin B12 and folate values.ConclusionsThe relationship between Vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine is important in order to better understand the complications that develop in bariatric metabolic surgery patients, to prevent possible complications and to better manage the process.

Delirium risk profiles in a population-based study of United States older adults undergoing common noncardiac surgeries.

Older adults often require surgical care and are at elevated risk of delirium. We explored delirium risk profiles across the population of U.S. older adults who underwent one of 10 common noncardiac surgeries. We analyzed Health and Retirement Study (HRS) participants linked with Medicare billing data who underwent the following 10 noncardiac surgeries from 2000 to 2018 at age 65 or more: total knee arthroplasty (TKA), total hip arthroplasty (THA), spine surgery, cholecystectomy, colorectal surgery, hernia repair (ventral, umbilical, or incisional), endarterectomy, prostatectomy, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and hysterectomy. Demographic and health covariates were obtained from the HRS dataset. Latent cognitive ability was calculated from cognitive testing, proxy reports, and demographics at the preoperative HRS interview. We compared standardized differences for delirium risk factors across the 10 surgeries and qualitatively clustered them into phenotypical subgroups. We analyzed 7424 older adults (mean age 76 ± 6 years, 45% male). Endarterectomy patients presented with the highest burden of nearly all health and cognitive factors, implying higher delirium risk (e.g., stroke, 22%; depressive symptoms, 30%; high school or less education, 73%; frailty, 42%; lowest latent cognitive ability). A second "general surgery" phenotype, including cholecystectomy, colorectal, and hernia surgery patients, experienced more frailty (29%-32%) and depressive symptoms (24%-26%), with moderate comorbidity burden. A third "pain" phenotype, which included TKA, THA, and spine surgery patients, commonly reported moderate or severe pain (47%-53%) and impairment in activities of daily living (ADL, 23%-30%), but fewer comorbid medical conditions. The remaining surgery types (hysterectomy, prostatectomy, TURP) were not phenotypically grouped and generally had lower risk features for delirium. In an epidemiological cohort of US older adults, we identified clinically meaningful heterogeneity in delirium risk profiles across different surgical types, which may have implications for delirium risk stratification and delirium prevention or treatment.

The effect of non-significant internal carotid artery stenoses on the results of cognitive training and electroencephalographic indicators in cardiac surgery patients

The effect of atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid arteries (CA) on the success of the cognitive function recovery procedures in cardiac patients has not been sufficiently studied. This study aims to evaluate the effects of cognitive rehabilitation depending on the presence of CA stenosis in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using neurophysiological indicators.Material and methods. The cohort prospective study involved 85 patients (16 of them women), aged 45 to 75 years, admitted for elective CABG. All patients underwent standard clinical and instrumental, neurological, extended neuropsychological and neurophysiological examination.Results. After multi-task training, the patients with CA stenosis had higher levels of high-frequency beta power (13-30 Hz), while the spectral power of the alpha1 rhythm (8-10 Hz) in this group was lower compared to patients without stenosis. In the case of successful cognitive rehabilitation (absence of POCD) at 11–12 days after CABG, compared with the group with POCD, patients without stenoses had higher total power of alpha 1 power and lower — beta power than patients with stenoses CA.Conclusion. The absence of CA stenosis in the patients with successful completion of multi-tasking training contributed to the optimization of brain activity with an increase of alpha power. Whereas the patients with CA stenosis were characterized by an increase in high-frequency brain activity, both in the case of successful multi-tasking training and in its absence, in the early postoperative period of CABG. This study may serve as a basis for the development of special cognitive rehabilitation programs for patients with atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid system.

The Value of Primary Tumor Resection in Patients with Liver Metastases: A 10-Year Outcome.

This study aimed to analyze the impact of primary tumor resection (PTR) on the prognosis of four common primary tumors with liver metastases, and to develop a prognostic model to visualize the PTR benefit rate of patients with liver metastases. Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM), pancreatic cancer liver metastases (PLM), gastric cancer liver metastases (GLM), and breast cancer liver metastases (BLM) between 2004 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database and assigned to either the surgery or non-surgery groups. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. Surgical patients who survived longer than the median cancer-specific survival (CSS) time for non-surgery patients constituted the benefit group. Logistic regression was conducted to explore the independent factors affecting surgical benefit, and a nomogram was established. A total of 21,928 patients with liver metastases were included. After PSM for surgery and non-surgery patients, we found that PTR had a significant impact on the overall survival (OS) and CSS of CRLM, PLM, and BLM patients. In CRLM patients, age (p<0.001), primary site (p=0.006), grade (p=0.009), N stage (p=0.034), and histology (p=0.006) affected the surgical benefit. In BLM patients, the independent factors were age (p=0.002), race (p=0.020), and radiotherapy (p=0.043). And in PLM patients, chemotherapy was an independent factor associated with a survival benefit from PTR. PTR improved OS and CSS in patients with CRLM, PLM, and BLM. A predictive model was established to identify suitable candidates for PTR in CRLM patients.

Circadian rhythm and daytime variation do not affect intraoperative bacterial sternal contamination and postoperative wound infections following cardiac surgery

Studies have documented various effects of circadian rhythm and daytime variations on the cardiovascular and immune system as well as wound healing. From June to December 2016, n = 367 cardiac surgery patients were enrolled. Microbiological swabs from the mediastinum and subcutaneous wound were taken before sternal closure. Patients were assigned to groups based on operation start: morning (n = 219) or afternoon (n = 135). Bacterial contamination and wound infections were studied in relation to circadian rhythm and daytime variation. We did not observe any difference in mortality (morning: 3.7%, afternoon: 3.0%, p > 0.99) and major adverse events (morning: 8.2%, afternoon: 5.9%, p = 0.53). In 27.7% of the morning group, at least one positive intraoperative swab was observed, similar to the afternoon group (25.6%, p = 0.71). The incidence of positive presternal swabs was 15.6% in the morning compared to 9.1% in the afternoon (p = 0.18). About 90% of the germs detected were part of the natural skin flora (e.g., Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis). The incidence of sternal wound infections was 7.3% (morning) and 3.0% (afternoon) (p = 0.18). We did not find differences in the incidence of intraoperative bacterial sternal contamination, nor postoperative infections, between patients who underwent cardiac surgery in the morning or afternoon.

A Closed-Loop Audit of Early Mobilization of Thoracic Surgery Patients on Postoperative Day 0

A Closed-Loop Audit of Early Mobilization of Thoracic Surgery Patients on Postoperative Day 0

Effectiveness and Safety of Low-flow Sevoflurane Combined with Remifentanil on Anaesthesia of Patients Undergoing Gynaecological Laparoscopic Surgery

Objective: To evaluate the advantages of sevoflurane (low-flow) + remifentanil for patients undergoing gynaecological laparoscopic surgery. Methods: 300 patients admitted for gynaecological laparoscopic surgery between July 2020 and July 2023 were selected and divided equally by random number table, 150 cases were counted in the observation group, and sevoflurane (low-flow) + remifentanil was chosen for maintenance anaesthesia; 150 cases were counted in the reference group, and anaesthesia was maintained only with remifentanil. The anaesthesia indexes, haemodynamics, stress reaction indexes, and adverse reaction rate of the two groups were compared. Results: The anaesthesia indexes of the observation group were better than those of the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). Before 5 min of anaesthesia (T1), there was no difference between the haemodynamics and stress reaction indexes of the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). After 30 min of pneumoperitoneum (T2) and immediately after the end of surgery (T3), the hemodynamic and stress indicators of the observation group were lower than those of the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). The adverse reaction rate of the observation group was lower than that of the reference group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Sevoflurane (low-flow) + remifentanil can improve the anaesthesia indexes of gynecological laparoscopic surgery patients, stabilize intraoperative haemodynamics, reduce the stress reaction, and the safety of medication is high.

Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block in pediatric inguinal hernia surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve block (IIHB) in children undergoing surgery for inguinal hernias.Material and methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to January 4, 2024. For continuous data, the effect sizes were presented as weighted mean differences (WMDs), and for categorical data, they were reported as relative ratios (RR), each accompanied by 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results: IIHB demonstrated a longer duration before the need for the first analgesic compared to transverse abdominis plane (TAP), caudal epidural block (CEB), and pre-incisional wound infiltration (PWI), but a shorter duration than quadratus lumborum block (QLB). The IIHB group had a higher probability of requiring rescue analgesics compared to other blocks or PWI (RR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.25 to 2.28, p=0.001). Higher FLACC scores were noted at 12 hours for the IIHB group (WMD:0.50, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.86, p=0.008). IIHB required more intraoperative fentanyl compared to controls (RR: 2.14, 95% CI:1.17 to 3.92, p=0.014).Conclusion: While IIHB may have some benefits, it does not appear to be more effective overall in managing postoperative pain in pediatric inguinal hernia surgery patients compared to other blocks or PWI.

Cerebral Overperfusion Despite Reduced Cortical Metabolism Is Associated with Postoperative Delirium in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Decreased cerebral oximetry (rSO2) in cardiac surgery is associated with postoperative delirium (POD). However, interventions optimizing intraoperative rSO2 are inconclusive. Methods: In this prospective observational cohort study, the relationship between rSO2, middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (MCAV), and processed EEG was assessed in cardiac surgery patients with and without POD. MCAV was continuously recorded by transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD), together with continuous rSO2 and bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) flow rate was adjusted according to body surface area. The cohort was divided into the POD and control groups, according to the postoperative results of the confusion assessment method (CAM/CAM-ICU), the 4A’s test (4AT), and the Delirium Observation Scale (DOS). A mixed model analysis was performed for intraoperative raw data. The cerebral autoregulation index was calculated from TCD, rSO2, and arterial pressure values. Differences in impaired autoregulation were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: A total of 41 patients were included in this study. A total of 13 patients (36.11%) developed postoperative delirium. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of patients with or without POD. Patients with POD had lower BIS values during CPB (adjusted mean difference −4.449 (95% CI [−7.978, −0.925])). RSO2 was not significantly reduced in POD, (adjusted mean difference: −5.320, 95% CI [−11.508, 0.874]). In contrast, MCAV was significantly increased in POD (10.655, 95% CI [0.491, 20.819]). The duration of cerebral autoregulation impairment did not differ significantly for TCD and cerebral oximetry-derived indices (p = 0.4528, p = 0.2715, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest that disturbed cerebral metabolism reflects a vulnerable brain which may be more susceptible to overperfusion during CPB, which can be seen in increased MCAV values. These phenomena occur irrespectively of cerebral autoregulation.

Post operative outcomes of del-nido cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the post-operative results for defibrillator use, length of hospital stay, and ionotropic support in adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery in Del-Nido Cardioplegia. Cardiac enzymes and potassium levels are measured before and after surgery in adult cardiac surgery patients in order to look for arrhythmias. Study Design: Observational Cross-sectional study. Setting: Afridi Medical Complex, Peshawar. Period: October 2022 to March 2023. Methods: 50 Patients were selected randomly by using Non-Probability Convenient sampling method technique. Results: In our study the mean age of patients was (50.92 ±9.429). Cardiac enzyme level post-op after 24 hours (67.3540±23.21292). Potassium level post-op group (4.5590± .65033), and length of hospital stay (8.58±1.486). Post operative outcomes shows significant association p value &lt;0.05. Conclusion: This study concluded that Del Nido Cardioplegia is an intented and brief arrest of heart function, especially in cardiopulmonary Bypass surgery. Better myocardial protection is provided by Del-Nido Cardioplegia and it is very safe and effective process. It Provide good post operative outcome as are available in different literature reviews preceding our study.

Retrospective analysis in in situ ductal carcinoma; 11 years of experience

Objective: To describe our experience in the diagnosis, treatment and follow up of patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Materials and methods: 953 breast carcinomas treated in the Mastology service of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Hospital Aleman of Buenos Aires, between January 2004 and December 2014, are retrospectively analyzed. 206 biopsies (BRQ 25-mammotome 151-core biopsy 30) of ductal carcinomas in situ were identified, resulting after definitive pathological evaluation in 172 (18%) pure ductal carcinomas in situ of the total of 953 patients analyzed. Results: 206 biopsies (BRQ 25-mammotome 151-core biopsy 30) of ductal carcinomas in situ were identified, resulting after definitive pathological evaluation in 172 (18%) pure ductal carcinomas in situ of the total of 953 patients analyzed. The imaging report in the total of the 206 patients showed microcalcifications in 80.1%. The diagnosis of carcinoma in situ was made in 181 (87%) patients by preoperative microinvasive procedures and in the remaining 25 (13%) patients by radiosurgical biopsy (BRQ). There was evidence of 18.8% underdiagnosis after microinvasive procedures. In our case series, 84.3% were GH3/GH2 while 15.7% were GH 1. When comparing the size of the surgical specimens and correlating it with the 34 cases of invasive and microinvasive carcinoma, it showed that 54.8% of invasion in those tumors greater than 30 mm, 50.4% in those that exceeded 21 mm and in no case in those less than 10 mm. 20% of multicentric lesions were associated with invasive tumor. Sentinel lymph node technique was performed in 23.8% patients in the first surgery, resulting negative in all cases. When evaluating radiation and hormonal treatment, radiotherapy was performed in 131 patients (85.6%) and hormonal treatment was performed in 75% of the patients. In the follow-up until December 2014, 11 relapses (5.23%) were recorded. Conclusion: Our results are consistent with the international indexed literature in reference to diagnosis, treatment and recurrence rate pure of DCIS.

Role of anxiolytic medications in maintaining perioperative blood pressure in total hip arthroplasty surgeries: case-control retrospective study

Background: Elevated blood pressure (BP) measurements seen in patients having total hip arthroplasty (THA), pose a significant issue for surgeons. The study objective was to investigate the effectiveness of preoperative anxiolytic medications in the maintenance of blood pressure and reduction of total blood loss in patients undergoing THA surgeries. Methods: A retrospective case-control cohort study in a tertiary care university hospital included patients who had THA and had either primary managed hypertension or were non-hypertensive. 190 patients who underwent primary THR; 103 controls and 87 treatment group (Oral 3 mg Bromazepam). Pearson’s chi-square, independent sample t-test, paired samples t-test, and a two- way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized in the analysis. Results: Bromazepam group had a significantly lowered ratio of systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in the morning of the surgery (P&lt;0.05). Bromazepam also reduced the ratio of SBP and MAP in theaters before anesthesia (P&lt;0.05). A repeated measures ANOVA showed significant treatment effects for SBP and MAP but not DBP (P&lt;0.001 for both). SBP, DBP, and MAP showed a significant time-treatment effect (P&lt;0.001, 0.019, and&lt;0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Oral bromazepam (anxiolytic) aids in the regulation of blood pressure in individuals with well-managed hypertension and in healthy patients having total hip arthroplasty without apparent adverse effects related to the medication. This could potentially reduce the number of uncontrolled hypertension-related surgery delays and patients on the surgical waiting list.

Intraoperative Methadone in Spine Surgery ERAS Protocols: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Systematic review. To systematically review the use of intraoperative methadone in spine surgery and examine its effects on postoperative opioid use, pain, length of stay, and operative time. Spine surgery patients commonly have a history of chronic pain and opioid use, and as a result, they are at an increased risk of severe postoperative pain. While pure mu opioids remain the standard for acute surgical pain management, they are associated with significant short-term and long-term adverse events. Methadone presents an alternative to pure mu opioids which may improve postoperative management of pain following intraoperative use. A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted to review existing literature detailing operating time, postoperative pain, opioid usage, and hospital length of stay (LOS) following intraoperative methadone administration in spine surgery. Following screening of 994 articles and application of inclusion criteria, 8 articles were included, 4 of which were retrospective. Conventional spine surgery intraoperative analgesic strategies used as comparators for intraoperative methadone included hydromorphone, ketamine, and sufentanil. Considering patient outcomes, included studies observed that patients treated with intraoperative methadone had statistically similar or significantly reduced pain scores, opioid usage, and LOS compared with comparator analgesics. However, one study observed that intraoperative methadone used in a multimodal analgesia regimen strategy with ketamine resulted in a shortened LOS compared with the use of intraoperative methadone alone. Differences in operating time between cases that used intraoperative methadone and cases that used comparator analgesics were not statistically significant among included studies. Methadone may present an alternative option for both intraoperative and postoperative analgesia in spine surgery recovery protocols and may reduce postoperative pain, opioid use, and LOS while maintaining consistent operating time and reduced side effects of pure mu opioids. Level II.

Assessment of the Impact of Gabapentin on Postoperative Pain Following Shoulder Open Rotator Cuff Repair: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial

BackgroundGabapentin is an anticonvulsant used for managing neuropathic pain. Its effectiveness and dosing strategies for postoperative pain, particularly in open shoulder rotator cuff repair, are still debated. This study assesses gabapentin ‘s impact on postoperative pain intensity in open rotator cuff repair. MethodsSixty eligible patients were randomly distributed into two groups: placebo and gabapentin. The gabapentin group received a daily dose of 600 mg, administered in two divided increments, beginning three days before the surgery and continuing for one week postoperatively. Pain intensity, assessed via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), was the primary endpoint during the first postoperative week. Secondary aims conducted on both groups included quantifying opioid consumption, evaluation of side effects attributed to gabapentin and opioids, assessment of sleep quality, and patients’ satisfaction levels with the employed approach. ResultPostoperative pain in the gabapentin group significantly decreased from the first twenty-four hours until the fourth day post-surgery (p<0.002), accompanied by reduced opioid consumption (P=0.02). Following discharge, the prevalence of nocturnal sleep disruptions and oxycodone consumption in the gabapentin group notably decreased compared to the placebo group, alongside a significant improvement in sleep quality and duration until the fifth day, as well as overall satisfaction with the pain management approach seen within the gabapentin group (P=0.003). ConclusionAdministering gabapentin perioperatively at 600 mg daily and divided over a minimum duration of four days postoperatively may significantly reduce postoperative pain intensity and opioid consumption in open shoulder rotator cuff repair surgery patients.

Post-Neutralisation Activated Clotting Time and Postoperative Transfusions in Cardiac Surgery Outcome.

To assess the impact of post-protamine neutralisation activated clotting time (ACT) values on postoperative outcomes including chest drain output, transfusion requirements, and CICU stay, in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Observational comparative study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Anaesthesiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from February to August 2023. Ethical approval was obtained to collect data from elective cardiac surgery patients' charts. A sequential sampling approach analysed the baseline and post-protamine neutralisation ACT values, categorising patients into two groups. Group A maintained ACT within 10% of baseline, while Group B deviated. The outcomes measured included transfusion needs, chest drain output, additional protamine, cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) stay, and postoperative reopening. Statistical analysis included mean, median, frequency, t-test / Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test. The study comprised 101 patients (39 in Group A, 62 in Group B), with similar baseline health. No significant differences were found in tranexamic acid use, CICU stay, chest drain output, or transfusion rates between the groups (p >0.05). Maintaining ACT within 10% of baseline post-protamine neutralisation results in similar intraoperative and postoperative outcomes, suggesting potential benefits in avoiding the aggressive protamine therapy and ensuring haemostasis in cardiac surgery. Coronary Artery bypass grafting, Cardiopulmonary bypass, Activated clotting time (ACT), Heparin, Postoperative bleeding, Blood transfusions.