Perioperative use of transesophageal echocardiography by anesthesiologists: Impact in noncardiac surgery and in the intensive care unit

BACKGROUND: The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has published practice guidelines for the use of perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) but the role and impact of TEE performed by anesthesiologists outside the cardiac operating room (OR) is still poorly explored. We report our experience in the use of TEE in the noncardiac OR, the recovery room and in the intensive care unit (ICU) in a university hospital, and analyze the impact of TEE on clinical decision making. METHODS: Two hundred fourteen patients were included and TEE indications were classified prospectively according to the ASA guidelines. The examinations and data sheets were reviewed by two anesthesiologists with advanced training in TEE. For each examination, it was noted if TEE altered the management according to five groups: 1) changing medical therapy; 2) changing surgical therapy; 3) confirmation of a diagnosis; 4) positioning of an intravascular device; and 5) TEE used as a substitute to a pulmonary artery catheter. RESULTS: Eighty-nine (37%), 67 (31%) and 58 (27%) patients had category I, II and III indications. The impact was more significant in category I where TEE altered therapy 60% of the time compared with 31% and 21% for categories II and III (P < 0.001). The most frequent reason for changing management was a modification in medical therapy in 53 instances (45%). CONCLUSION: Our results confirm a greater impact of TEE performed by anesthesiologists on clinical management for category I compared to category II and III indications in the noncardiac OR surgical setting and in the ICU.     

Intraoperative vasopressor use and early postoperative acute kidney injury in elderly patients undergoing elective noncardiac surgery

BackgroundIntraoperative hypotension is a risk factor for postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). Elderly patients are susceptible due to reduced responses to acute hemodynamic changes.AimsDetermine the association between hypotension identified from anesthetic charts and postoperative AKI in elderly patients.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of elective noncardiac surgery patients ≥65 years, at an Australian tertiary hospital (December 2019–March 2021), with the primary outcome of AKI ≤48 h of surgery. Factors of interest were intraoperative hypotension determined from anesthetic charts (mean arterial pressure <60 mmHg, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, recorded 5-min) and intraoperative vasopressor use.ResultsIn 830 patients (mean age 75 years), systolic hypotension was more frequent than mean arterial hypotension (25.7% vs. 11.9%). Most hypotensive episodes were brief (7.2% of systolic and 4.2% of mean arterial hypotension lasted >10 min) but vasopressors were used in 84.7% of cases. The incidence of postoperative AKI was 13.9%. Systolic hypotension >20 min was associated with AKI (OR, 3.88; 95% CI: 1.38–10.9), which was not significant after adjusting for vasopressors, creatinine, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and hemoglobin drop. The cumulative dose of any specific vasopressor >20 mg (or >10 mg epinephrine) was independently associated with AKI (adjusted OR, 2.47; 95% CI: 1.34–4.58). Every 5 mg increase in the total dose of all intraoperative vasopressors used during surgery was associated with 11% increased odds of AKI (95% CI: 3–19%).ConclusionsHigh vasopressor use was associated with postoperative AKI in elderly patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, independent of hypotension identified from anesthetic charts.     

小儿和成人整形外科手术后早期低氧血症

７００例施择期整形外科手术的病人，在麻醉恢复室用脉搏氧饱和度仪持续监测ＳｐＯ２，以观察年龄对术后早期低氧血症的影响。根据年龄将病人分成四组：Ⅰ组为年龄小于１岁的婴儿；Ⅱ组为年龄１～３岁的幼儿；Ⅲ组为年龄大于３岁的儿童；Ⅳ组为年龄１８～５８岁的成人。结果发现年龄愈小，手术后早期的ＳｐＯ２愈低，低氧血症的发生率愈高。到达麻醉恢复室后，Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组病人的低氧血症发生率分别为４４．４％、３１．７％、１７．３％和８．３％。婴儿的低氧血症主要发生在术后４０分钟内，而１岁以上小儿和成人则主要发生在术后１５分钟内。     

非心脏手术患者术后谵妄的危险因素

目的 筛选非心脏手术患者发生术后谵妄的危险因素.方法 择期围术期有可疑危险因素的非心脏手术患者480例,年龄18～92岁,根据术后3 d内是否发生谵妄分为术后谵妄组和非术后谵妄组.可疑危险因素进行组间比较后,将差异有统计学意义的因素进行logistic回归分析,筛选发生术后谵妄的危险因素.结果 79例术后发生谵妄,发生率为16.5%.logistic回归分析结果显示,老龄、全身麻醉、手术时间≥3 h、术后Price-Henry疼痛评分为4分、合并肺气肿、饮酒≥3次/周是发生术后谵妄的独立危险因素(P＜0.05),相对危险度依次为1.924、0.188、2.251、1.752、18.954、1.779.结论 老龄、全身麻醉、长时间手术、术后剧烈疼痛、合并肺气肿、长期饮酒是非心脏手术患者发生术后谵妄的危险因素.     

Predictors of prolonged intensive care unit stay in patients undergoing coronary surgery

Background

We aimed to investigate the factors affecting the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay in patients undergoing isolated on-pump coronary artery bypass (CABG). We also aimed to evaluate effective factors on morbidity, mortality, and survival among patients with prolonged ICU stay.

Methods

Between January 2002 and December 2009, a total of 1,657 patients underwent isolated on-pump CABG in our clinic. Prolonged ICU stay (>2 days) was present in 532 patient (32.1 %).

Results

Diabetes (OR 1.49, P?=?0.006), hypertension (OR 1.37, P?=?0.029), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 9.06, P?P?P?P?=?0.023), prolonged inotropic support (OR 40.40, P?P?=?0.022), postoperative renal insufficiency (OR 4.50, P?=?0.004), postoperative atrial fibrillation (OR 8.00, P?3 units) (OR 3.23, P?=?0.007) were the independent predictive factors of prolonged ICU stay (>2 days). Postoperative mortality rate was 7 % (n?=?37) and 2.3 % (n?=?26) in patients with length of ICU stay >2 days and length of ICU stay ≤2 days (P?2 days (P?Conclusions Postoperative mortality was higher in patients with prolonged ICU stay. Mean follow-up was shorter in patients with prolonged ICU stay.     

小儿和成人整形外科手术后早期低氧血症

700例施择期整形外科手术的病人,在麻醉恢复室用脉搏氧饱和度仪持续监测 SpO_2,以观察年龄对术后早期低氧血症的影响。根据年龄将病人分成四组:Ⅰ组为年龄小于1岁的婴儿;Ⅱ组为年龄1～3岁的幼儿;Ⅲ组为年龄大于3岁的儿童;Ⅳ组为年龄18～58岁的成人。结果发现年龄愈小,手术后早期的 SpO_2愈低,低氧血症的发生率愈高。到达麻醉恢复室后,Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组病人的低氧血症发生率分别为44.4%、31.7%、17.3%和8.3%。婴儿的低氧血症主要发生在术后40分钟内,而1岁以上小儿和成人则主要发生在术后15分钟内。     

Evaluation of validity of the STOP-BANG questionnaire in major elective noncardiac surgery

Background

The STOP-BANG questionnaire screens for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in surgical patients. In prior research, the association of STOP-BANG scores with comorbidities and outcomes was inconsistent. The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity of the STOP-BANG score.

Predictors and outcomes of extended intensive care unit length of stay in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery

OBJECTIVE: To assess risk predictors of increased intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and assess outcomes associated with increased ICU length of stay. METHODS: We conducted a nested case-control study from a 9-year hospitalization cohort with prospective data collection (N = 9869). Cases were CABG patients with ICU greater than or equal to 168 hours (N = 236) and controls were CABG patients with an ICU stay of less than 168 hours (N = 708). We examined 15 risk factors and 11 outcomes. RESULTS: Nine risk factors proved significant in predicting an increased ICU length of stay. Cases were more likely to be older, with an increased pump time, and a lower body surface area. Cases tended to be female, with COPD, hypertension, and undergoing an urgent surgical procedure. Controls tended to have hypercholesterolemia and abnormal left ventricular hypertrophy. There was no significant difference between the cases and controls for the remaining six risk factors. Five of the nine significant predictors correlated with four predictors: age, urgent surgical procedure, pump time, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Using logistic regression analysis, we found that patients undergoing CABG had an increased ICU length of stay if they were older than 70 years (OR 2.59, 95% CI 1.86 to 3.62), with longer pump time (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.75 to 3.44), had COPD (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.05), and had an urgent surgical procedure (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.26). Patients with an extended ICU length of stay were also found to experience 11 additional negative outcomes. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing CABG surgery an increased age, increased pump time, COPD, and urgent surgical procedure significantly increased the risk of an increased ICU length of stay. Patients with an increased ICU length of stay also experienced more negative outcomes.     

Predicting outcomes for cardiac surgery patients after intensive care unit admission

Most performance assessments of cardiac surgery programs use models based on preoperative risk factors. Models that were primarily developed to assess performance in general intensive care unit (ICU) populations have also been used to evaluate the quality of surgical, anesthetic, and ICU management after cardiac surgery. Although there are currently 5 models for evaluating general ICU populations, only the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) system has been independently validated for cardiac surgery patients. This review describes the evolution, rationale, and accuracy of APACHE models that are specific for cardiac surgery patients as well as for patients who have had vascular and thoracic procedures. In addition to performance comparisons based on observed and predicted mortality, APACHE provides similar comparisons of ICU and hospital lengths of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation. However, the low mortality incidence of many cardiac outcomes means that very large numbers of patients must be obtained to get good predictive models. Thus, the equations are not designed for predicting individual patients' outcome but have proven useful in performance comparisons and for quality improvement initiatives.     

Obesity and perioperative outcomes in older surgical patients undergoing elective spine and major arthroplasty surgery

Study objectiveTo determine whether obesity status is associated with perioperative complications, discharge outcomes and hospital length of stay in older surgical patients.DesignSecondary analysis of five independent study cohorts (N = 1262).SettingAn academic medical center between 2001 and 2017 in the United States.PatientsPatients aged 65 years or older who were scheduled to undergo elective spine, knee, or hip surgery with an expected hospital stay of at least 2 days.MeasurementsBody mass index (BMI) was stratified as nonobese (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m²), obesity class 1 (30 kg/m² ≤ BMI < 35 kg/m²) or obesity class 2–3 (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²). Primary outcomes included predefined intraoperative and postoperative complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), and discharge location. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed.Main resultsObesity status was not associated with intraoperative adverse events. However, obesity class 2–3 significantly increased the risk for postoperative complications (IRR 1.43, 95% CI 1.03–1.95, P = 0.03), hospital LOS (IRR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.25, P = 0.02) and non-home discharge destination (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.35–2.81, P < 0.001) after accounting for patient related factors and surgery type.ConclusionsObesity class 2–3 status has prognostic value in predicting an increased incidence of postoperative complications, increased hospital LOS, and non-home discharge location. These results have important clinical implications for preoperative informed consent and provide areas to target for care improvement for the older obese individual.     

Clinical predictors for prolonged intensive care unit stay in adults undergoing thoracic aortic surgery requiring deep hypothermic circulatory arrest

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe clinical predictors for prolonged length of stay in the intensive care unit (PLOS-ICU) after adult thoracic aortic surgery requiring standardized deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA); and to determine the incidence of PLOS-ICU after DHCA, univariate predictors for PLOS-ICU, and multivariate predictors for PLOS-ICU. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective and observational study. PLOS-ICU was defined as longer than 5 days in the ICU. STUDY SETTING: Cardiothoracic operating rooms and the ICU. PARTICIPANTS: All adults requiring thoracic aortic repair with DHCA INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN RESULTS: The cohort size was 144. The incidence of PLOS-ICU was 27.8%. The mortality rate was 11.1%. Univariate predictors for PLOS-ICU were age, stroke, DHCA duration, vasopressor dependence >72 hours, mediastinal re-exploration for bleeding, and renal dysfunction. Multivariate predictors for PLOS-ICU were stroke, vasopressor dependence >72 hours, and renal dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: PLOS-ICU after DHCA is common. The identified multivariate predictors merit further hypothesis-driven research to enhance perioperative protection of the brain, kidney, and cardiovascular system.     

Heat conservationvs convective warming in adults undergoing elective surgery

Purpose

To determine the relative efficacy of heat conservation and convective warming in maintaining penoperative normothermia. (central temperature ≥36°C).

Methods

Thirty-seven patients undergoing elective gynaecological, orthopaedic, or general surgery scheduled to last two hours were prospectjvely studied. Patients were randomized to one of two groups. Group I patients received heat conservation with reflective blankets (Thermadrape?, Vital Signs, Inc., Totowa, NJ) applied preoperatively and warmed iv fluids (Hotline? SIMS Level I Technologies, Inc, Rockland, MA). Group 2 patients received convective warming (BairHugger, Augustine Medical, Inc., Eden Prairie, MN) after induction of anaesthesia andiv fluids at room temperature. All patients received general anaesthesia with isoflurane. Tympanic membrane and forearm-fingertip skin temperature gradients were measured penoperatively at 15 min intervals.

Results

Central temperature decreased after induction to a minimum level of 35.9 ± 0.1°C in group I and 36.0 ± 0.1°C in group 2 and then increased towards pre-induction values in group 2, and were higher (P < 0.05) than in group 1: 95% group 2 patients had central temperature ≥ 36.0°C at the end of surgery (vs 69% of group l.P < 0.05). During the first 30 mm in PACU, central temperatures were higher in group 1 than in group 2 (36.8 ± 0.1°C vs 36.2 ± 0.2°C. P< 0.05). After 60 mm, central temperatures were similar (36.8°C). The incidence of shivering and degree of penpheral cutaneous vasoconstnction were also similar.

Conclusion

Patients receiving convective warming were more likely to leave the operating room normothermic. and had higher central temperatures dunng the first 30 mm in the recovery room. The intergroup temperature differences were small, and by 60 min, had disappeared.     

Preoperative expiratory and inspiratory muscle weakness to predict postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery

Background: Few studies have evaluated preoperative respiratory muscle strength as a risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of preoperative inspiratory muscle weakness (IMW) and preoperative expiratory muscle weakness (EMW) with duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), and mortality in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Materials and methods: This was a prospective observational study. Patients admitted for elective cardiac surgery were recruited. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure were measured before surgery. A multivariate regression model was used to adjust for possible confounding variables and test the association of IMW and EMW with the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the ICU, PPCs, and hospital mortality. Results: Two hundred and fifty-five patients were included in this study. The presence of IMW was associated with an increase in the duration of mechanical ventilation (P = .012). The presence of EMW was associated with a reduction in the incidence of PPCs (P = .005). IMW had no significant association with length of stay in the ICU, PPCs, or hospital mortality. EMW had no significant association with the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the ICU, or hospital mortality. Conclusions: In patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, preoperative IMW is associated with the duration of mechanical ventilation while preoperative EMW is associated with a decrease in PPCs.     

Blood transfusions and postoperative infections in patients undergoing elective surgery

BACKGROUND: Postoperative infections result from the interactions of bacteria, the surgical technique, and host defense mechanisms. Thus, identifying single determinant factors has proved difficult. MAGNITUDE OF THE RISK: In a recent survey of 2,809 colorectal resections, transfusion was the single most powerful risk factor for postoperative infection. In patients undergoing primary hip or knee prosthesis insertion, the transfusion of allogeneic blood increased the risk of a deep-seated infection by a factor of 12. MECHANISMS: Several host defense mechanisms are impaired by blood products. The initial hypothesis incriminated the transfused white blood cells, but this paradigm has since been challenged. The effects of free serum iron, the blood storage time, and the presence in stored blood of bioactive substances such as inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 may also be important. CONCLUSION: It is worth pursuing efforts to emphasize autologous blood transfusion and the reinfusion of shed blood as blood conservation strategies, as these practices reduce the risk of infectious complications.     

Emergency intensive care admission following elective thoracic surgery

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse the outcomes of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) following initial recovery after elective thoracic surgery. METHODS: The case notes of all patients who underwent elective thoracic surgery over a one-year period were reviewed. Patients who were admitted to ICU following an initial recovery on the ward were identified and their postoperative course analysed. The clinical and demographic characteristics of these patients were recorded and their outcomes analysed. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were admitted to ICU of whom 13 (65%) were admitted for respiratory complication, 5 with sepsis and 2 with cardiovascular instability. Sixteen (80%) patients required CPAP or BIPAP, of whom only 7 (35%) required mechanical ventilation. Renal support was required in 7 patients, with 2 (10%) requiring haemofiltration. ICU survival was 15 patients (75%), whilst overall three-month survival post ICU admission was 65%. Requirement for renal support was the only predictor of mortality on univariate and multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage ICU admission following elective thoracic surgery is associated with significant mortality, however the outcome is far from hopeless. The majority of patients can be managed without recourse to mechanical ventilation or haemofiltration. The need for renal support is, however, a significant adverse prognostic indicator.     

Delirium prevention program in the surgical intensive care unit improved the outcomes of older adults

Background

Hospital-acquired delirium is a known risk factor for negative outcomes in patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). Outcomes worsen as the duration of delirium increases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a delirium prevention program and determine whether it decreased the incidence and duration of hospital-acquired delirium in older adults (age >50 y) admitted to the SICU.

Methods

A prospective pre- or post-intervention cohort study was done at an academic level I trauma center. Older adults admitted to the SICU were enrolled in a delirium prevention program. Those with traumatic brain injury, dementia, or 0 d of obtainable delirium status were excluded from analysis. The intervention consisted of multidisciplinary education, a pharmacologic protocol to limit medications associated with delirium, and a nonpharmacologic sleep enhancement protocol. Primary outcomes were incidence of delirium and delirium-free days/30. Secondary outcomes were ventilator-free days/30, SICU length of stay (LOS), daily and cumulative doses of opioids (milligram, morphine equivalents) and benzodiazepines (milligram, lorazepam equivalents), and time spent in severe pain (greater than or equal to 6 on a scale of 1 - 10). Delirium was measured using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. Data were analyzed using Chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank sum analysis.

Results

Of 624 patients admitted to the SICU, 123 met inclusion criteria: 57 preintervention (3/12–6/12) and 66 postintervention (7/12–3/13). Cohorts were similar in age, gender, ratio of trauma patients, and Injury Severity Score. Postintervention, older adults experienced delirium at the same incidence (pre 47% versus 58%, P = 0.26), but for a significantly decreased duration as indicated by an increase in delirium-free days/30 (pre 24 versus 27, P = 0.002). After intervention, older adults with delirium had more vent-free days (pre 21 versus 25, P = 0.03), shorter SICU LOS (pre 13 [median 12] versus 7 [median 6], P = 0.01) and were less likely to be treated with benzodiazepines (pre 85% versus 63%, P = 0.05) with a lower daily dose when prescribed (pre 5.7 versus 3.6 mg, P = 0.04). After intervention, all older adults spent less time in pain (pre 4.7 versus 3.1 h, P = 0.02), received less total opioids (pre 401 versus 260 mg, P = 0.01), and had shorter SICU LOS (pre 9 [median 5] versus 6 [median 4], P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Although delirium prevention continues to be a challenge, this study successfully decreased the duration of delirium for older adults admitted to the SICU. Our simple, cost-effective program led to improved pain and sedation outcomes. Older adults with delirium spent less time on the ventilator and all patients spent less time in the SICU.     

Impact of age on postoperative outcomes in bariatric surgery

Background: Age is often related to the increase of perioperative complications and reoperation rates. The authors aimed to determine the influence of age on outcomes of most commonly performed bariatric procedures.

Methods: The retrospective study included patients qualified for primary Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) or Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) in two academic hospitals. Patients were divided into two groups: ≥50 (21.2–26.9%) and <50 (57.6–73.1%) years old. Endpoints assessed the influence of patients’ age on the perioperative and the one-year postoperative period.

Results: Operative time was longer in the ≥50-year-old group, but only for LRYGB. There were no differences in the intraoperative adverse events, postoperative morbidity, reoperation and readmission rates between the groups. The risk of port site hernia was increased (OR: 4.23, CI: 1.49–12.06) in the ≥50-year-old group. The mean % of total weight loss 12 months after the bariatric procedure was comparable, but % of excess weight loss and % of excess body mass index loss were lower in the ≥50-year-old group (p?=?.033 and .032).

Conclusions: Bariatric surgery is safe and feasible in patients over 50 years old. The weight loss effect can be worse among patients over 50 years old; nevertheless, the treatment should be considered as effective.