Intraoperative Local Insufflation of Warmed Humidified CO2 Increases Open Wound and Core Temperatures: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

The open surgical wound is exposed to cold dry ambient air, resulting in substantial heat loss through radiation, evaporation, and convection. At the same time, anesthesia decreases the patient’s core temperature. Despite preventive measures, mild intraoperative hypothermia has been associated with postoperative morbidity. We hypothesized that local insufflation of warmed humidified carbon dioxide (CO₂) would maintain wound and core temperature.

Methods

Eighty patients undergoing open colon surgery were randomized to standard warming measures, or to additional local wound insufflation of warmed (30?°C) humidified (93?% rH) CO₂ via a gas diffuser. Surface temperature of the open abdominal wound was measured with a heat-sensitive infrared camera, and core temperature was measured with an ear thermometer.

Results

Mean operative time was 219?±?104 and 205?±?85?min in the CO₂ group and the control group, respectively (p?=?0.550). Clinical variables did not differ significantly between the groups. The median wound area and wound edge temperatures were 1.2?°C (p?<?0.001) and 1.0?°C (p?=?0.002) higher in the CO₂ group, respectively, than in the control group. The mean core temperature after intubation was the same (35.9?°C) in both groups, but at end of surgery core temperature in the two groups differed, with a mean of 36.2?±?0.5?°C in the CO₂ group and a mean of 35.8?±?0.5?°C in the control group (p?=?0.003).

Conclusions

Insufflation of warmed, humidified CO₂ in an open surgical wound cavity prevents intraoperative decrease in surgical wound temperature as well as core temperature.     

2017 Scientific Session of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Houston,Texas, USA, 22–25 March 2017

Background

The creation of a pneumoperitoneum for laparoscopic surgery is performed by the insufflation of carbon dioxide (CO₂). The insufflated CO₂ is generally at room temperature (20–25 °C) and dry (0–5 % relative humidity). However, these physical characteristics could lead to alterations of the peritoneal cavity, leading to operative and postoperative complications. Warming and humidifying the insufflated gas has been proposed to reduce the iatrogenic effects of laparoscopic surgery, such as pain, hypothermia and peritoneal alterations. Two medical devices are currently available for laparoscopic surgery with warm and humidified CO₂.

Methods

Clinical studies were identified by searching PubMed with keywords relating to humidified and warmed CO₂ for laparoscopic procedures. Analysis of the literature focused on postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, duration of hospital stay and convalescence, surgical techniques and hypothermia.

Results

Bibliographic analyses reported 114 publications from 1977 to 2015, with only 17 publications of clinical interest. The main disciplines focused on were gynaecological and digestive surgery ). Analysis of the studies selected reported only a small beneficial effect of warmed and humidified laparoscopy compared to standard laparoscopy on immediate postoperative pain and per procedure hypothermia. No difference was observed for later postoperative shoulder pain, morphine equivalent daily doses, postoperative body core temperature, recovery room and hospital length of stay, lens fogging and procedure duration.

Conclusions

Only few beneficial effects on immediate postoperative pain and core temperature have been identified in this meta-analysis. Although more studies are probably needed to close the debate on the real impact of warmed and humidified CO₂ for laparoscopic procedures.

     

Influence of carbon dioxide insufflation of the neck on intraocular pressure during robot-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy: a comparison with open thyroidectomy

Background

Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) during surgery can result in serious ophthalmic complications. We hypothesized that carbon dioxide (CO₂) insufflation of the neck during endoscopic thyroidectomy would constrict the jugular veins mechanically, causing elevated venous pressure and thus elevated IOP. We compared IOP changes at each step of open thyroidectomy (OT) versus robot-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy (RET)

Methods

Perioperatively, IOP was measured at six time points in patients undergoing OT (n = 18) or RET with CO₂ insufflation (n = 19). Anesthesia, ventilatory strategy, intravenous infusions, and surgical positioning were standardized

Results

In both groups, induction of anesthesia reduced IOP, but surgical positioning with the neck in extension had no effect on IOP. In the OT group, IOP remained unchanged during anesthesia. In the RET group, CO₂ insufflation significantly increased IOP to an average of 3.6 ± 3.0 mmHg higher than the previous measurement (P < 0.001), and this IOP increase persisted immediately before gas deflation. These elevated IOP values during CO₂ insufflation in the RET group were significantly higher than those at corresponding time points in the OT group. However, these elevated IOP values were similar to the pre-anesthetic baseline IOP

Conclusion

CO₂ insufflation of the neck at pressure of 6 mmHg increased the IOP significantly compared with open thyroidectomy. However, this increase in IOP could be balanced by an anesthetic-induced IOP-lowering effect, thereby having no clinical significance in patients with normal IOP undergoing robot-assisted endoscopic thyroidectomy.     

Multimodal analgesia for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a randomized,placebo-controlled,double-blind trial

Background

The aim of the study was to investigate whether a multimodal analgesia (MMA) protocol reduces postoperative pain and opioids consumption in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

Methods

Fifty-four patients scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomly assigned to either the MMA group or the control group. The primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Secondary outcome measures included the time required for the VAS pain to reduce to that of a blood draw, (PCA) consumption, rescue morphine consumption, night awakening, and opioid-related side effects.

Results

The MMA group showed significantly less postoperative pain at postoperative 5 h, and 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 4th postoperative day (P < 0.001, = 0.040, and 0.013, respectively). MMA also shortened the time for postoperative pain to reduce down to the blood draw pain level from 5 days in the control group to 2 days in the MMA group. MMA also significantly reduced PCA consumption for up to 24 h postoperatively (P = 0.038) and rescue morphine consumption during the first 6 h and between 48 and 60 h postoperatively (P = 0.036 and 0.044, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the MMA and control groups with respect to side effects.

Conclusion

The MMA protocol used in this study was found to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption during the acute postoperative period after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without increasing side effects after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.     

Effect of heated and humidified carbon dioxide gas on core temperature and postoperative pain

Background: Intraoperative hypothermia is a common event during laparoscopic operations. An external warming blanket has been shown to be effective in preventing hypothermia. It has now been proposed that using heated and humidified insufflation gas can prevent hypothermia and decrease postoperative pain. Therefore, we examined the extent of intraoperative hypothermia in patients undergoing laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication using an upper body warming blanket. We also attempted to determine whether using heated and humidified insufflation gas in addition to an external warming blanket would help to maintain intraoperative core temperature or decrease postoperative pain. Methods: Twenty patients were randomized to receive either standard carbon dioxide (CO2) gas (control, n = 10) or heated and humidified gas (heated and humidified, n = 10). After the induction of anesthesia, an external warming blanket was placed on all patients in both groups. Intraoperative core temperature and intraabdominal temperature were measured at 15-min intervals. Postoperative pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue pain scale, and the amount of analgesic consumption was recorded. Volume of gas delivered, number of lens-fogging episodes, intraoperative urine output, and hemodynamic data were also recorded. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, length of operation, or volume of CO2 gas delivered. Compared with baseline value, mean core temperature increased by 0.4°C in the heated and humidified group and by 0.3°C in the control group at 1.5 h after surgical incision. Intraabdominal temperature increased by 0.2°C in the heated and humidified group but decreased by 0.5°C in the control group at 1.5 h after abdominal insufflation. There was no significant difference between the two groups in visual analog pain scale (5.4 ± 1.6 control vs 4.5 ± 2.8 heated and humidified), morphine consumed (27 ± 26 mg control vs 32 ± 19 mg heated and humidified), urine output, lens-fogging episodes, or hemodynamic parameters. Conclusion: Heated and humidified gas, when used in addition to an external warming blanket, minimized the reduction of intraabdominal temperature but did not alter core temperature or reduce postoperative pain.     

Peritoneal inflammatory response of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) versus laparoscopy with carbon dioxide and air pneumoperitoneum

Background

The immunologic and physiologic effects of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) versus traditional surgical approaches are poorly understood. Previous investigations have shown that NOTES and laparoscopy share similar inflammatory cytokine profiles except for a possible late-phase tissue necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) depression with NOTES. The local peritoneal reaction and immunomodulatory influence of pneumoperitoneum agents in NOTES also are not known and may play an important role in altering the physiologic insult induced by NOTES.

Methods

In this study, 51 animals were divided into four study groups, which respectively underwent abdominal exploration via transgastric NOTES using room air (AIR) or carbon dioxide (CO₂) or via laparoscopy (LX) using AIR or CO₂ for pneumoperitoneum. Laparotomy and sham surgeries were additionally performed as control conditions. Measurements of TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 were performed for peritoneal fluid collected after 0, 2, 4, and 6 h and on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 2, and 7.

Results

Of the 45 animals assessed, 6 were excluded because of technical operative complications. The findings showed that LX-CO₂ generated the most pronounced response with all three inflammatory markers. However, no significant differences were detected between LX-CO₂ and either NOTES group at these peak points. No differences were encountered between NOTES-CO₂ and NOTES-AIR. Subgroup comparisons showed significantly higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6 with NOTES-CO₂ than with LX-AIR on POD 1 (p = 0.022) and POD 2 (p = 0.002). The LX-CO₂ subgroup had significantly higher levels of TNF-α than the LX-AIR subgroup at 4 h (p = 0.013) and on POD 1 (p = 0.021). No late-phase TNF-α depression occurred in the NOTES animals.

Conclusion

The local inflammatory reaction to NOTES was similar to that with traditional laparoscopy, and the previously described late-phase systemic TNF-α depression in serum was not reproduced. At the peritoneal level, NOTES is no more physiologically stressful than laparoscopy. Furthermore, regardless of which gas was used, the role of the pneumoperitoneum agent did not affect the cytokine profile after NOTES, suggesting that air pneumoperitoneum is adequate for NOTES.     

The efficacy of patellar decompression for improving anterior knee pain following total knee arthroplasty without patellar resurfacing

Background

Anterior knee pain remains common following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of patellar decompression via drilling for the treatment of anterior knee pain following TKA without patellar resurfacing.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed in 271 consecutive patients who underwent primary total knee replacement with patellar decompression (study group, n = 131) or without decompression (control group, n = 140). The patients were assessed according to the Knee Society rating, clinical anterior knee pain score, and British Orthopaedic Association patient-satisfaction score in each group. Each assessment was performed without the examiner knowing whether the patella had been decompressed. Radiographic evaluations were also performed according to the Knee Society scoring system for functional activity and our own severity grade system for patellofemoral articular change.

Results

There were no adverse events following patellar decompression. The overall prevalence of anterior knee pain was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.71). However, patients presenting pain over grade II after the operation in the study group were statistically low (p = 0.01). The overall postoperative knee scores were higher in the study group, but there were no significant differences between groups (p = 0.0731). Analyses of the radiographs revealed similar postoperative outcomes in both groups of knees.

Conclusions

As we observed significantly lower rates of anterior knee pain and no patellar complications following patellar decompression via drilling in TKA without patellar resurfacing, we recommend performing patellar decompression in cases of total knee replacement without patellar resurfacing.     

Clinical assessment of a CMC/PEO gel to inhibit postoperative epidural adhesion formation after lumbar discectomy: a randomized, control study

Purpose

To evaluate effectiveness of carboxymethylcellulose/polyethylene oxide (CMC/PEO) gel in improving clinical outcomes after the first-time lumbar discectomy.

Method

Ninety-three patients with herniated lumbar disc at L4–L5 or L5–S1 were enrolled and randomized into two groups: CMC/PEO gel treatment group and control group. All the patients underwent laminotomy and discectomy by posterior approach. The preoperative and postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for lower-back pain and leg pain were analyzed and compared between two groups at 30- and 60-day time points.

Results

No patient presented with any clinically measurable adverse event during surgery. There were no significant differences between the treated group and the control group on the preoperative ODI and VAS scores. In general, the ODI and VAS scores decreased in both groups at all the time points. At the 30-day time point, the VAS scores for back pain and leg pain and the ODI scores in treatment group were lower by 9.9 % (P = 0.0302), 27.0 % (P = 0.0002) and 16.3 % (P = 0.0007) than those in control group. And at the 60-day time point, the ODI and VAS scores further decreased in both groups. The VAS scores for leg pain in treatment group were lower by 4.5 % than that in the control group (P = 0.0149). However, no significant difference was detected between two groups on the ODI and VAS scores for back pain.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that CMC/PEO gel is effective in reducing posterior dural adhesions in the spine with no apparent safety issues. It can improve patients’ postoperative clinical outcome.     

Laparoendoscopic single-site versus conventional laparoscopic total extraperitoneal hernia repair: a prospective randomized clinical trial

Background

This study aimed to compare laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) total extraperitoneal (TEP) repair with conventional laparoscopic TEP repair for the treatment of inguinal hernias. To date, no other studies have compared the LESS and conventional laparoscopic TEP approaches for the treatment of inguinal hernia in a prospective randomized study setting.

Methods

For this study, 100 patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair were prospectively randomized into either the LESS TEP group or the conventional laparoscopic TEP group. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative factors were recorded. The primary end point was postoperative pain. The patients were interviewed at outpatient clinics at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively.

Results

The demographic data were comparable between the two groups. The median operative time was longer in the LESS TEP group (63.5 min) than in the conventional TEP group (50.5 min) (p = 0.001). No conversion was performed in either group. The mean pain score 2 h postoperatively during rest was significantly higher in the conventional TEP group than in the LESS TEP group (3.9 vs. 2.6; p = 0.02). The postoperative results were comparable between the groups in terms of analgesic requirements, systemic stress responses, complications, and postoperative convalescence.

Conclusions

The LESS TEP technique is associated with a longer operative time but offers the minor benefit of a reduction in immediate postoperative pain.     

Postoperative analgesia after modified radical mastectomy: the efficacy of interscalene brachial plexus block

Purpose

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of interscalene brachial plexus block on postoperative pain relief and morphine consumption after modified radical mastectomy (MRM).

Methods

Sixty ASA I–III patients scheduled for elective unilateral MRM under general anesthesia were included. They were randomly allocated into two groups: group 1 (n = 30), single-injection ipsilateral interscalene brachial plexus block; group 2 (n = 30), control group. Postoperative analgesia was provided with IV PCA morphine during 24 h postoperatively. Pain intensity was assessed with the visual analogue scale (VAS). Morphine consumption, side effects of opioid, antiemetic requirement, and complications associated with interscalene block were recorded.

Results

VAS scores were significantly lower in group 1, except in the first postoperative 24 h (p < 0.007). The patients without block consumed more morphine [group 1, 5 (0–40) mg; group 2, 22 (6–48) mg; p = 0.001]. Rescue morphine requirements were also higher in the postoperative first hour in group 2 (p = 0.001). Nausea and antiemetic requirements were significantly higher in group 2 (p = 0.03 and 0.018). Urinary retention was observed in 1 patient in group 2 and signs of Horner’s syndrome in 2 patients in group 1.

Conclusions

The optimal method has not been defined yet for acute pain palliation after MRM. Our study demonstrated that the use of interscalene block in patients undergoing MRM improved pain scores and reduced morphine consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively. The block can be a good alternative to other invasive regional block techniques used for postoperative pain management after MRM.     

Lichtenstein technique for inguinal hernia repair using polypropylene mesh fixed with sutures vs. self-fixating polypropylene mesh: a prospective randomized comparative study

Purpose

Chronic postoperative pain is probably the most significant complication of tension-free inguinal hernia repair as its presence can considerably affect the life quality of the patient. Different mesh materials and different surgical techniques for mesh fixation have been applied to reduce chronic postoperative pain, with controversial, nevertheless, results. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the effect of a relatively new mesh with self-fixating properties, used to repair inguinal hernia with the Lichtenstein technique, on early and chronic postoperative pain.

Methods

Between June 2009 and June 2010, 50 patients with primary unilateral inguinal hernia were treated using the Lichtenstein technique. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a polypropylene mesh, fixed with polypropylene sutures (n = 25; group A), or a self-fixating polypropylene mesh with resorbable polylactic acid microgrips (n = 25; group B). Demographic data were recorded. Early and chronic postoperative pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Duration of surgery, complications, length of hospitalization and recurrence were also recorded.

Results

No statistical difference was found between the two groups in association to demographic data. Operating time was 53.4 ± 12.5 and 44.4 ± 7.2 min in groups A and B, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). No difference was observed between the groups regarding the postoperative complications. The VAS of early postoperative pain was 1.7 ± 1.9 in group A and 1.3 ± 1.6 in group B, with the difference being not statistically significant (p = 0.21). Concerning chronic pain, no remarkable statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups at 3-month, 1- and 2-year follow-up period. At the end of the study, no recurrence was reported in either group.

Conclusions

Self-fixating mesh can be safely and effectively used in inguinal hernia repair with the additional advantage of reducing the operative time compared to the classic Lichtenstein technique. However, its use is not accompanied by reduced rates in early or chronic postoperative pain.     

Outcomes of posterior facet versus pedicle screw fixation of circumferential fusion: a cohort study

Purpose

To compare single-level circumferential spinal fusion using pedicle (n = 27) versus low-profile minimally invasive facet screw (n = 35) posterior instrumentation.

Method

A prospective two-arm cohort study with 5-year outcomes as follow-up was conducted. Assessment included back and leg pain, pain drawing, Oswestry disability index (ODI), pain medication usage, self-assessment of procedure success, and >1-year postoperative lumbar magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Significantly less operative time, estimated blood loss and costs were incurred for the facet group. Clinical improvement was significant for both groups (p < 0.01 for all outcomes scales). Outcomes were significantly better for back pain and ODI for the facet relative to the pedicle group at follow-up periods >1 year (p < 0.05). Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging found that 20 % had progressive adjacent disc degeneration, and posterior muscle changes tended to be greater for the pedicle screw group.

Conclusion

One-level circumferential spinal fusion using facet screws proved superior to pedicle screw instrumentation.     

Effect of pre-emptive pregabalin on pain intensity and postoperative morphine consumption after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

Postoperative pain is the dominant complaint and the most common cause of delayed discharge after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential of preoperative administration of pregabalin to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption.

Methods

Fifty American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II adult patients with symptomatic gallstone disease scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into two groups: group I patients (n = 25) were given 600 mg pregabalin per os divided in two doses, the night before surgery and 1 h preoperatively, respectively, while group II patients (n = 25) received a matching to pregabalin placebo at the same scheme. Postoperative pain, morphine consumption, and complications were compared between the two groups.

Results

Postoperative pain (static and dynamic assessment) was significantly less at 0, 1, 8, 16, and 24 h (p < 0.001) after the procedure for group I (pregabalin) compared with the placebo group. Postoperative patient-controlled morphine consumption during hospital stay was also significantly less in the pregabalin group compared with the placebo group. Side-effects were similar in both groups expect for dizziness, which was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in the pregabalin group.

Conclusions

Administration of 600 mg pregabalin per os, divided in two preoperative doses, significantly reduces postoperative pain as well as opioid consumption in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, at the cost of increased incidence of dizziness.     

A Comparison of Postoperative Pain After Conventional Open Thyroidectomy and Transaxillary Single-Incision Robotic Thyroidectomy: A Prospective Study

Background

The aim of this study was to compare conventional open thyroidectomy with robotic thyroidectomy in terms of postoperative pain.

Methods

We compared the intensity of postoperative pain experienced by patients who received conventional open thyroidectomy (n = 45) versus those who underwent robotic thyroidectomy (n = 45). During surgery, we carefully controlled the anesthetic conditions. All the patients underwent a total thyroidectomy with ipsilateral central compartment node dissection. Postoperative pain in the 2 groups was compared using a visual analog scale and the amount of rescue analgesic at 30 min, 4 h, 1, 2, 3, and 10 days after surgery.

Results

The postoperative pain at 30 min and 4 h after surgery were 3.0 ± 0.9 and 2.6 ± 0.9 (p = .066) and 4.9 ± 1.3 and 4.4 ± 1.3 (p = .055) in the conventional open group and the robotic group, respectively. The mean pain scores at 1, 2, 3, and 10 days after surgery were 3.8 ± 1.3 and 3.0 ± 1.3 (p = .001), 2.6 ± 1.2 and 2.0 ± 0.9 (p = .005), 1.7 ± 0.9 and 1.3 ± 0.6 (p = .034), and 0.9 ± 0.7 and 1.2 ± 1.1 (p = .093), respectively. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative rescue analgesic use (1.1 ± 1.1 and 0.8 ± 0.9, p = .264).

Conclusions

Even though robotic thyroidectomy using the transaxillary technique requires a more extensive subcutaneous dissection than conventional open thyroidectomy, robotic thyroidectomy does not result in more postoperative pain or use of analgesic when compared with open thyroidectomy.     

A prospective, randomized comparison of pain, inflammatory response, and short-term outcomes between single port and laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative inflammatory response and severity of pain between single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) cholecystectomy and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods

Two groups of 20 patients were prospectively randomized to either conventional LC or SILS cholecystectomy. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were assayed before surgery, at 4–6 h, and at 18–24 h after the procedure. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels also were assayed at 18–24 h after surgery. Pain was measured at each of three time points after surgery using the visual analogue scale (VAS). The number of analgesia doses administered in the first 24 h after the procedure also was recorded and 30-day surgical outcomes were documented.

Results

The groups had equivalent body mass index (BMI), age, and comorbidity distribution. Peak IL-6 levels occurred 4–6 h after surgery, and the median level was 12.8 pg/ml in the LC and 8.9 pg/ml in the SILS group (p = 0.5). The median CRP level before discharge was 1.6 mg/dl in the LC and 1.9 mg/dl in the SILS group (p = 0.38). There was no difference in either analgesic use or pain intensity as measured by the VAS between the two groups (p = 0.72). The length of the surgical procedure was significantly longer in the SILS group (p < 0.001). No intraoperative complications occurred in either group.

Conclusions

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery does not significantly reduce systemic inflammatory response, postoperative pain, or analgesic use compared with LC.     

A Randomized, Prospective, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of the Effect of Diltiazem Gel on Pain After Hemorrhoidectomy

Background

Spasm of the internal anal sphincter is considered to be one of the causes of pain in anal diseases. We have evaluated the effects of topical diltiazem on postoperative pain after hemorrhoidectomy.

Methods

Sixty-two patients were randomly assigned to receive a 2 % diltiazem gel (n = 32) or a placebo gel (n = 30) after hemorrhoidectomy. Patients applied the gel to the anal region three times per day for 14 days. Pain both in the resting state and on defecation ranged from 0 to 10 on a numerical rating scale, and the number of prescribed loxoprofen tablets (Loxonin) were recorded and confirmed daily by telephone. Any morbidity during the follow-up period was recorded.

Results

Both pain scores during defecation and the number of analgesic tablets consumed tended to be lower in the diltiazem group, although they did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.09, P = 0.12, respectively). Total number of complications was significantly higher in the diltiazem group, but each incidence of complications, including itching sensation, headache, and dizziness was not statistically different.

Conclusions

Perianal application of 2 % diltiazem gel after hemorrhoidectomy has the potential to reduce postoperative pain during defecation.     

Safety and Efficacy of Fast-track Surgery in Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

Fast-track surgery has been shown to enhance postoperative recovery in several surgical fields. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fast-track surgery in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.

Methods

The present study was designed as a single-center, randomized, unblinded, parallel-group trial. Patients were eligible if they had gastric cancer for which laparoscopic distal gastrectomy was indicated. The fast-track surgery protocol included intensive preoperative education, a short duration of fasting, a preoperative carbohydrate load, early postoperative ambulation, early feeding, and sufficient pain control using local anesthetics perfused via a local anesthesia pump device, with limited use of opioids. The primary endpoint was the duration of possible and actual postoperative hospital stay.

Results

We randomized 47 patients into a fast-track group (n = 22) and a conventional pathway group (n = 22), with three patients withdrawn. The possible and actual postoperative hospital stays were shorter in the fast-track group than in the conventional group (4.68 ± 0.65 vs. 7.05 ± 0.65; P < 0.001 and 5.36 ± 1.46 vs. 7.95 ± 1.98; P < 0.001). The time to first flatus and pain intensity were not different between groups; however, a greater frequency of additional pain control was needed in the conventional group (3.64 ± 3.66 vs. 1.64 ± 1.33; P = 0.023). The fast-track group was superior to the conventional group in several factors of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, including: fatigue, appetite loss, financial problems, and anxiety. The complication and readmission rates were similar between groups.

Conclusions

Fast-track surgery could enhance postoperative recovery, improve immediate postoperative quality of life, and be safely applied in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.     

The association between central venous pressure, pneumoperitoneum, and venous carbon dioxide embolism in laparoscopic hepatectomy

Background

Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) is increasingly used. However, the safety and outcomes of LH have yet to be elucidated. The risk of venous gas embolism is increased during liver parenchymal transection. This risk may be increased with positive pressure carbon dioxide (CO₂) pneumoperitoneum (PP). This may be exacerbated further when low central venous pressure (CVP) anesthesia is used to minimize hemorrhage during liver resection.

Methods

To determine the risk of CO₂ venous embolism, hand-assisted laparoscopic left hepatic lobectomy was performed for 26 domestic pigs. They were divided into three groups involving, respectively, positive gradient (normal-pressure PP of 12–14 mmHg and low CVP of 5–7 mmHg), negative gradient (low-pressure PP of 7–8 mmHg and normal CVP of 10–12 mmHg), and neutral gradient (normal-pressure PP and normal CVP or low-pressure PP and low CVP). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was used intraoperatively to assess the presence of emboli in the suprahepatic vena cava and the right side of the heart. The TEE was recorded and analyzed by blinded observers. Carbon dioxide embolism also was monitored using end-tidal CO₂ and compared with TEE.

Results

Carbon dioxide embolism was demonstrated in 19 of the 26 cases. The majority of gas emboli were small gas bubbles associated with dissection of the major hepatic veins. No statistically significant difference in the occurrence of gas emboli was observed between the groups. Of the 19 animals, 18 experienced no significant hemodynamic changes. One pig in the positive gradient group experienced hypotension in relation to gas embolism. The effects were only transient and did not preclude safe completion of the operation.

Conclusions

Carbon dioxide embolism during LH occurs frequently. Clinically, this finding appears to be nominal, but care must be taken when dissection around large veins is performed, and awareness by the surgical and anesthesiology teams of potential venous air embolism is essential. Further evaluation of this phenomenon is required.     

Comparison of immediate postoperative pain after transvaginal versus traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

Transvaginal cholecystectomy (TVC) is the most common natural orifice transluminal surgery (NOTES) performed in women, yet there is a paucity of data on intraoperative and immediate postoperative pain management. Previous studies have demonstrated that NOTES procedures are associated with less postoperative pain and faster recovery times. This study analyzes intraoperative and postoperative opioid use for TVC compared with traditional four-port laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LCs).

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive TVC and LC female patients between August 2009 and August 2012 in an academic institution. We compared demographics, intraoperative and postoperative opioid use and times in the operating room (OR) and in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU).

Results

A total of 68 TVC and 67 LC patients were included in this study. The TVC and LC groups were similar in terms of age (both 41 years) and body mass index (29 and 31 kg/m², respectively). The intraoperative preparation, surgical, and emergence times were significantly longer for the TVC than for the LC (p ≤ 0.01). Compared with the LC group, the intraoperative opioid requirement was significantly greater (TVC 27 mg vs. LC 25 mg; p = 0.003), but after adjusting for anesthesia time, the difference in OR opioid consumption became non-significant (p = 0.08). The PACU opioid requirement (TVC 2.5 vs. LC 5 mg; p = 0.04) was significantly lower for the TVC group, and a greater proportion of patients did not need any pain medications (TVC 38 % vs. LC 21 %; p = 0.04), compared with the LC group. The average PACU pain scores were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.45).

Conclusion

TVC patients did not experience more pain than LC patients. Although the average pain scores of TVC patients did not differ from those of the LC patients, TVC patients did require less pain medication in the PACU.     

Comparison of minimally invasive fusion and instrumentation versus open surgery for severe stenotic spondylolisthesis with high-grade facet joint osteoarthritis

Purpose

The object of this study was to compare minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with open surgery in a severely affected subgroup of degenerative spondylolisthetic patients with severe stenosis (SDS) and high-grade facet osteoarthritis (FJO).

Methods

From January 2009 to February 2010, 49 patients with severe SDS and high-grade FJO were treated using either MIS or open TLIF. Intraoperative and diagnostic data, including perioperative complications and length of hospital stay (LOS), were collected, using retrospective chart review. Surgical short- and long-term outcomes were assessed according to the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain.

Results

Comparing MIS and open surgery, the MIS group had lesser blood loss, significantly lesser need for transfusion (p = 0.02), more rapid improvement of postoperative back pain in the first 6 weeks of follow-up and a shorter LOS. On the other hand, we experienced in the MIS group a longer operative time. The distribution on the postoperative ODI (p = 0.841), VAS leg (p = 0.943) and back pain (p = 0.735) scores after a mean follow-up of 2 years were similar. The overall proportion of complications showed no significant difference between the groups (29 % in the MIS group vs. 28 % in the open group, p = 0.999).

Conclusion

Minimally invasive surgery for severe SDS leads to adequate and safe decompression of lumbar stenosis and results in a faster recovery of symptoms and disability in the early postoperative period.