Does Epidural Anesthesia Have General Anesthetic Effects?: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

Background: Clinically, patients require surprisingly low end-tidal concentrations of volatile agents during combined epidural-general anesthesia. Neuraxial anesthesia exhibits sedative properties that may reduce requirements for general anesthesia. The authors tested whether epidural lidocaine reduces volatile anesthetic requirements as measured by the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane for noxious testing cephalad to the sensory block.

Methods: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 44 patients received 300 mg epidural lidocaine (group E), epidural saline control (group C), or epidural saline-intravenous lidocaine infusion (group I) after premedication with 0.02 mg/kg midazolam and 1 [mu]g/kg fentanyl. Tracheal intubation followed standard induction with 4 mg/kg thiopental and succinylcholine 1 mg/kg. After 10 min or more of stable end-tidal sevoflurane, 10 s of 50 Hz, 60 mA tetanic electrical stimulation were applied to the fifth cervical dermatome. Predetermined end-tidal sevoflurane concentrations and the MAC for each group were determined by the up-and-down method and probit analysis based on patient movement.

Results: MAC of sevoflurane for group E, 0.52 +/- 0.18% (+/- 95% confidence interval [CI]), differed significantly from group C, 1.18 +/- 0.18% (P< 0.0005), and from group I, 1.04 +/- 0.18% (P< 0.001). The plasma lidocaine levels in groups E and I were comparable (2.3 +/- 1.0 vs. 3.0 +/- 1.2 [mu]g/ml +/- SD).     

Tranexamic Acid in Knee Surgery Study—A Multicentered,Randomized, Controlled Trial

Background

Postoperative anemia following elective arthroplasty can lead to prolonged hospital stay and delays in rehabilitation and is often poorly tolerated in patients with cardiovascular disease. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to reduce perioperative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, questions over its optimal route of administration remain.

Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Efficacy of Conservative and Surgical (Percutaneous,Open) Treatment—A Randomized,Controlled, Clinical Trial

There is controversy regarding the best treatment for acute ruptures of the Achilles tendon. Multiple treatments present good results in the short and long term, none being superior to the other if a protocol of rehabilitation with full early weightbearing rehabilitation is followed. The objective of this study was to provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of conservative or surgical (percutaneous or open) treatment for acute Achilles tendon rupture. A randomized, controlled, parallel-groups, pilot clinical trial was performed in patients aged ≥18 years who arrived at the emergency room of our center experiencing acute Achilles tendon rupture. Patients were randomized via a computer-generated list to receive 1 of 3 treatments (conservative, percutaneous surgery, or open surgery). All patients followed the same protocol of rehabilitation with early weightbearing. A responder (i.e., successful treatment) was defined as capable of standing heelrise mono- and bipodally for 3 seconds, having a pain score ≤2 (verbal numerical rating scale) after walking, and having returned to active previous life (sport) at 1-year follow-up. From 2014 to 2017, 34 consecutive patients (median age, 41 years [range 18 to 59]; 32 male [94%]) were included: 11 conservative treatment, 11 percutaneous surgery, and 12 open surgery. At 1-year follow-up, the proportion of responders was 100% (11/11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 74% to 100%), 82% (9/11, 95% CI 52% to 95%), and 83% (10/12, 95% CI 55% to 95%), respectively. There was no case of total rerupture. Similar efficacy was found for conservative, percutaneous, and open surgery treatments for acute Achilles tendon rupture at 1-year follow-up with an early weightbearing rehabilitation program.     

Resurfacing in a Posterior-Stabilized Total Knee Arthroplasty Reduces Patellar Crepitus Complication: A Randomized,Controlled Trial

BackgroundPatellar crepitus (PC) is a common complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using a posterior-stabilized (PS) prosthesis. While numerous factors have been associated with PC development after PS-TKA, patellar resurfacing (PR) which directly impacts the patellofemoral joint kinematics has been underinvestigated. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted to (1) compare the PC incidence in PR and non-PR PS-TKA, (2) determine the time of PC presentation in PS-TKA, (3) identify radiographic parameters associated with PC, and (4) compare clinical outcomes of patients with and without PR.MethodsA total of 84 patients who underwent unilateral TKA using the Legion PS Total Knee System were randomized into PR group or non-PR group. PC incidence, time of PC presentation, radiographic parameters associated with PC development, and clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year postoperatively.ResultsPC occurred significantly more in the non-PR group (23.1% vs 7.3%, P = .048). Time of PC presentation in both groups was not different. Anterior knee pain was found in 16.7% of crepitus patients, and none required any surgical procedure. The non-PR knees had significant decreases in patellar shift index, patellar displacement, Insall-Salvati ratio, and patellar component height and increase in change in posterior femoral offset. Oxford and patellar scores were significantly better in the PR group at 9 months and 1 year.ConclusionGiven higher PC incidence and several worse clinical outcomes in the non-PR, we recommend resurfacing during PS-TKA with this knee system to avoid PC development.     

Does Gum Chewing Ameliorate Postoperative Ileus? Results of a Prospective,Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: A preliminary report has been interpreted to suggest that gum chewing reduces duration of postcolectomy ileus. STUDY DESIGN: We rigorously tested this hypothesis in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Patients undergoing open colectomy (n = 66) were randomized to receive 1 of 3 postoperative regimens beginning on postoperative day 1: sips (control, n = 21); sips and accupressure wrist bracelet (placebo, n = 23); and sips and gum chewing (treatment, n = 22). Patients were unaware of which regimen constituted placebo or treatment; end points were assessed by blinded investigators. Power was set a priori at 85% to detect a 0.75-day difference in time to first postoperative passage of flatus between placebo and treatment groups. Groups were compared using the log-rank test. RESULTS: Groups were equivalent with respect to demographic and surgical characteristics. Median times to first postoperative passage of flatus were as follows: sips, 67 hours; bracelet and sips, 72 hours; gum and sips, 60 hours (p = 0.384). There were no significant differences in time to passage of first bowel movement, time until patients were ready for discharge, or time until actual discharge among the three groups. Inpatient and 30-day followup demonstrated no difference in frequency or distribution of postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to findings of a preliminary study, our clinical trial suggests that gum chewing, although safe, does not reduce duration of postcolectomy ileus.     

The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial: The Ripple Effect Begins?

Preliminary results of the National Lung Screening Trial were recently announced. The significant implications of this trial for thoracic surgical practice are reviewed.     

Prospective, Multicenter, 3-Year Trial of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding with the MIDBAND?

Background

Although laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is a popular metabolic/bariatric procedure, few prospective studies have assessed its outcomes. This study aimed to prospectively assess LAGB safety and effectiveness outcomes using the MIDBAND? (MID, Dardilly, France).

Methods

Between May 2005 and September 2006, 262 morbidly obese patients underwent primary gastric banding with pars flaccida technique in 13 French medical centers. Excess weight loss and change in body mass index (BMI, kilogram per square meter), percentage of patients with comorbidities, and obesity-related complications were recorded. Patients were followed at 6-month intervals for 3?years. A multivariable individual growth model was used to analyze weight change over time and determine potential predictors of weight loss.

Results

The majority of patients were female (n?=?233, 89%), with mean age of 36.4?±?9.7?years. At 3?years, LAGB with MIDBAND resulted in significant decrease in mean BMI from 41.8?±?4.2 to 30.7?±?5.8 (p?p?Conclusion Prospective outcomes demonstrate the safety and efficacy of gastric banding over time using the MIDBAND. Individual growth modeling demonstrated that postoperative weight loss is strongly related to the frequency and consistency of follow-up visits.     

Preoperative Fasting of 2 Hours Minimizes Insulin Resistance and Organic Response to Trauma After Video-Cholecystectomy: A Randomized,Controlled, Clinical Trial

Background  Studies showing the improvement of insulin sensitivity by reducing the term of preoperative fasting are mostly done in patients undergoing major operations. More information about the role of shortened preoperative fasting in perioperative metabolism is needed for such elective minor/moderate abdominal procedures as laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We investigated the influence of a carbohydrate-rich drink given 2 h before laparoscopic cholecystectomy on insulin resistance and the metabolic response to trauma. Methods  A group of 21 female candidates (18–65 years old) for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to either an 8 h fasting group (control group: n = 10) or to a group receiving 200 ml of a carbohydrate beverage containing 12.5% (25 g, 50 kcal per 100 ml and approximately 285 mOsm) of maltodextrine 2 h before operation (CHO group: n = 11). Blood samples for various biochemical assays were collected both at induction of anesthesia and after the 10th postoperative hour. Insulin resistance was assessed by the HOMA-IR equation (Insulin (μU/ml) × blood glucose (mg/dl)/405). Results  There were no postoperative complications. Seventy percent (7/10) of the controls and 27.3% (3/11) of the CHO group experienced at least one episode of vomiting (RR = 2.42, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.88–6.68; P = 0.08). Biochemical analysis showed that serum glucose (P < 0.01), insulin (P < 0.01), lactate/pyruvate ratio (P = 0.03), and triglycerides (P < 0.01) for the control group were higher than for the CHO group. The value of HOMA-IR was significantly greater (P = 0.03) in the conventionally fasted patients than in the CHO group. Conclusions  Abbreviation of the period of preoperative fasting and administration of a carbohydrate beverage diminishes insulin resistance and the organic response to trauma.     

Wound Healing after Open Appendectomies in Adult Patients: A Prospective, Randomised Trial Comparing Two Methods of?Wound Closure

Background

The skin is closed in open appendectomy traditionally with few interrupted nonabsorbable sutures. The use of this old method is based on a suggestion that this technique decreases wound infections. In pediatric surgery, skin closure with running intradermal absorbable sutures has been found to be as safe as nonabsorbable sutures, even in complicated cases. Our purpose was to compare the safety of classic interrupted nonabsorbable skin closure to continuous intradermal absorbable sutures in appendectomy wounds in adult patients.

Methods

A total of 206 adult patients with clinically suspected appendicitis were allocated to the study and prospectively randomized into two groups of wound closure: the interrupted nonabsorbable (NA) suture and the intradermal continuous absorbable (A) suture group. Primary wound healing was controlled on the first postoperative day, at 1?week clinically and after 2?weeks by means of a telephone interview. Follow-up data were obtained from 185 patients (90 in group NA and 95 in group A).

Results

Continuous absorbable intradermal suturing was as safe as nonabsorbable sutures in regard to wound infections.

Conclusion

Continuous, absorbable sutures can be used safely even in complicated appendicectomies without increasing the risk of wound infection. Considering the benefits of absorbable suturing, we recommend this method in all open appendectomies.