The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends using epidural or spinal anesthesia during external cephalic version to improve its success rate. Research suggests that anesthesia can make ECV nearly 40% more likely to succeed, reducing the need for C-sections and associated risks.
New research at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 reveals ketamine may ease early symptoms of postpartum depression during C-sections. Additionally, sleep medication before surgery can lead to better pain management and reduced opioid use after surgery. The event also highlights the risks associated with cannabis use during surgery.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that nerve blocks do not cause nerves to become more sensitive or lead to worse pain after the block wears off. The researchers suggest that rebound pain is caused by the return of surgical pain as the block resolves, rather than hypersensitivity. This finding supports the continued use of nerv...
The American Society of Anesthesiologists is calling for stronger safeguards to address the growing problem of home delivery of ketamine and the lack of physician oversight in ketamine clinics. The risks are not theoretical, with a recent case resulting in death after at-home ketamine prescription.
A new study found that a standardized five-step anesthesia protocol can safely induce dreaming during surgery, with most patients reporting pleasant and positive dreams. The study's findings suggest that anesthesia dreaming could support emotional well-being and improve patient satisfaction.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and American College of Radiology (ACR) applaud the final IDR operations rule as a major step forward for No Surprises Act implementation. The rule reflects meaningful policy changes that address persistent challenges and advances a more fu...
Perioperative medicine integrates multiple specialties to increase efficiency and improve patient safety through a comprehensive, coordinated process. The approach emphasizes teamwork, leadership, communication, and well-being to prioritize quality of life and function.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that combining cannabis with opioids did not improve acute pain relief for people with knee arthritis. The study also showed that using the two drugs together increased side effects such as drowsiness and impaired thinking without added pain relief.
A new study found that naloxone may not be sufficient to reverse respiratory depression caused by potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl and sufentanil. The study's findings raise concerns for patient safety, observation practices, and dosing strategies.
The US is experiencing a significant blood donation shortage due to severe winter weather, with critically low supplies of O-negative blood. Anesthesiologists are urging increased donations and changing infusion practices to preserve this rare blood type essential for emergency care.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has filed an amicus curiae brief to support NorthStar Anesthesia in a lawsuit with UnitedHealthcare. ASA warns that insurers bypassing Congress' framework undermines the No Surprises Act and threatens patient access to care. The organization advocates for administrative remedies over frau...
A study found that the rate of opioid use disorder medication use among surgical patients increased significantly between 2016 and 2022. The majority of users were taking buprenorphine, which has advantages in safety and pain control compared to other options.
Dr. Kraig S. de Lanzac, a renowned anesthesiologist, has been elected as the first vice president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). He will serve for one year and is committed to advocating for members on critical issues impacting their specialty.
Patrick Giam, M.D., FASA, has been named president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the nation's largest organization of anesthesiologists. Dr. Giam will serve for one year and is committed to advocating for anesthesiologist-led care and ensuring fair payment.
A study found that anesthesiologist-led care for patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures leads to faster surgery times and fewer complications. This approach reduces unnecessary delays, allowing patients to receive timely treatment and start recovery sooner, ultimately improving their outcomes.
A new study suggests that people over 60 who experience excessive daytime sleepiness may be at a higher risk of developing cognitive problems after surgery. The study found that those with moderate to severe daytime sleepiness had greater global cognitive decline six weeks after surgery.
A new study found that speaking a non-English primary language increases the risk of postoperative delirium in U.S. patients, particularly those with lower estimated household incomes. The study, which analyzed 49,588 patients, suggests that language barriers and confusion may contribute to this increased risk.
Research suggests that individuals experiencing social isolation or food insecurity are more likely to develop chronic pain following surgery. Limited access to nutritious food can slow wound healing, while stress from loneliness can overstimulate the nervous system and increase pain severity.
A new study suggests that women who give birth via cesarean delivery are more likely to experience severe pain that disrupts sleep and activities of daily living. The study also found a higher risk of developing sleep disorders, such as insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea, after giving birth by C-section.
Most children, including nearly 80% of infants, do not follow recommended guidelines for pre-surgery fasting from clear liquids. Prolonged fasting can be harmful and increase dehydration, pain, anxiety, and nausea. The study suggests allowing healthy children to drink clear liquids up to two hours before surgery.
Research highlights how limited access to healthcare in rural areas affects newborn health, with babies born to rural mothers more likely to experience complications at birth. The study also found that women without prenatal care are 2.6 times more likely to have infants with non-reassuring Apgar scores.
A systematic review suggests AI improves accuracy and decision-making in pediatric anesthesia, enabling anesthesiologists to intervene sooner when complications occur. AI offers personalized, real-time decision support, potentially reducing complications and outcomes in children.
Fentanyl-stimulant overdose deaths among adults aged 65 and older have surged 9,000% over the past eight years, matching rates found among younger adults. Chronic health conditions, multiple medications, and slower drug processing contribute to increased vulnerability in this age group.
John M. Zerwas, M.D., FASA, received the American Society of Anesthesiologists' Distinguished Service Award for his lifelong dedication to advancing anesthesia care. As chancellor of The University of Texas System, Dr. Zerwas has led efforts to expand access to higher education and graduate medical education.
A new clinical trial found no significant neurodevelopmental effects on infants and young children after brief inhaled anesthesia and surgery. The study used a balanced strategy with lower doses of sevoflurane and did not show meaningful short-term differences in IQ or child behavior problems.
Researchers will present findings on the risks of delirium in non-English speaking older adults and chronic pain after surgery for those experiencing food insecurity or loneliness. ANESTHESIOLOGY 2025 also explores rising fentanyl overdose deaths among older and younger adults alike.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) recommends that tattoos following the same safety standards as elective surgery. Patients opting for anesthesia or sedation should be administered by a qualified anesthesia professional in an equipped facility to handle emergencies and monitor patient safety.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that ketamine be administered in monitored settings with periodic face-to-face visits to patients. Patients who struggle with mental health issues are urged to discuss their options with primary care physicians or mental health professionals.
A new practice advisory from the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends strategies to reduce postoperative neurocognitive disorders in older adults. The evidence-based guidelines aim to minimize cognitive and functional changes after surgery, which can lead to loss of independence.
Anthem's revised policy reverses its previous plan to stop paying for anesthesia care after a certain time limit, a move that would have compromised patient safety. The American Society of Anesthesiologists welcomed the decision, highlighting the need for fair payment for anesthesiologists to ensure adequate care for vulnerable patients.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends fostering better work environments to combat harassment, incivility, and disrespect. These behaviors negatively affect clinician well-being, patient health, and disproportionately impact anesthesiology.
A new clinical guidance from the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends continuing GLP-1 drugs for patients with diabetes and weight loss before elective surgery, except for those at highest risk for gastrointestinal problems. Patients at high risk should follow a liquid diet or other measures to minimize risks.
Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FACHE, FASA, chair of Mercy Hospital's Department of Anesthesiology, has been named the American Society of Anesthesiologists' new president. He will focus on addressing challenges facing anesthesiology, including the broken Medicare physician payment system and workforce imbalances.
A study of over 1 million patients found that Black patients are 22% more likely to die after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery compared to white patients. The research highlights ongoing disparities in cardiovascular health care delivery, particularly among Black patients.
Researchers developed a computerized assessment tool to quickly identify anxious and depressed children before surgery. The study found over half had anxiety and one-third had depression, highlighting the need for comprehensive screening in pediatric patients.
A study found that Black patients are less likely to receive multimodal analgesia options, which combine multiple types of pain medication, compared to white patients. This disparity is particularly pronounced for oral opioids, with Black patients being more than 70% likely to receive them in addition to IV opioids.
Researchers analyzed data from over 7.5 million records to find that Black, Asian, and Hispanic trauma patients are less likely to receive lifesaving helicopter ambulance services compared to white patients. The study highlights racial disparities in trauma care and recommends a multifaceted approach to address these issues.
A new study suggests that poor sleep quality before surgery can increase the risk of postoperative delirium. Researchers assessed sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and found a correlation between poor sleep and increased incidence of delirium.
A recent study found that non-salicylate NSAIDs like ibuprofen can lower the risk of postoperative delirium compared to acetaminophen and salicylate NSAIDs. This may make surgical procedures safer by reducing opioid use, potentially leading to fewer complications.
Patients with multiple orthopedic surgeries are at risk of protein-calorie malnutrition due to repeated or prolonged fasting. This can lead to longer hospital stays, slower recovery and higher health care costs.
Researchers found that a simple blood test can predict a woman's risk of developing preeclampsia by measuring the ratio of fibrinogen and albumin levels. Women with a higher FAR are more likely to develop preeclampsia, prompting extra precautions to ensure their blood pressure and fluid levels remain stable.
Mary Dale Peterson, M.D., MSHCA, FACHE, FASA, received the American Society of Anesthesiologists' Distinguished Service Award for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and workforce challenges in anesthesiology. She has dedicated her career to advancing patient-centered healthcare and is a recognized expert in the field.
A new study warns that exposure to wildfire smoke may lead to increased rates of underlying health conditions among patients undergoing surgery. The researchers hope their findings will inform anesthesia clinicians about the potential impact of wildfire smoke on patient outcomes, leading to better management and reducing complications.
The US healthcare system faces a growing imbalance in anesthesia care providers, with major implications for patient care. Short-term and long-term solutions are needed to address the crisis, including reassessing workforce strategies and optimizing perioperative performance.
A study found that deeper sedation using propofol anesthesia increases the detection rate of serrated polyps, a type of precancerous lesion. This may lead to improved screening for colorectal cancer, especially in patients with risk factors.
The anesthesiology researcher pipeline trails other specialties, particularly among women. ARC proposes recommendations to increase the size and diversity of the pipeline, including increasing research visibility and expanding fellowship opportunities.
A study by the American Society of Anesthesiologists found that inaccurately recording anesthesia start times results in lost billing time for anesthesia practices and medical centers. The study analyzed 40,312 procedures and determined a potential loss of $638,671.57 in one year.
A study suggests that adding extra anesthesiology residency positions can be financially beneficial for hospitals, with cost savings ranging from $440,000 to $1.9 million over three years. This expansion may help address the projected shortage of anesthesia care professionals and reduce staffing costs.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) new practice guidelines for monitoring and reversing neuromuscular blockade aim to reduce residual paralysis after general anesthesia. This can lead to decreased postoperative complications such as pneumonia, respiratory arrest, and reintubation.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists presented Dr. James D. Grant with the Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to physician leadership, education, and advocating for patient safety. Dr. Grant has also held various positions within ASA and other organizations, including president and member of the Board of Directors.