Jeffrey T. Mueller, M.D., FASA, has been named the new president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Mueller, an assistant professor of anesthesiology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, will serve for one year and is committed to advancing the Society's mission, including securing anesthesiology's econo...
Dr. Jacobs will serve as first vice president and advocate for patient safety, anesthesiologist-led healthcare, fair payment, innovative education and research. He will also serve as a member of ASA's Executive Committee and chair of ASA's Division of Administrative Affairs.
Regular physical activity at least seven times a week before cancer surgery was linked to a lower risk of developing postoperative delirium. Patients who reported a combined activity frequency of at least seven times a week were significantly less likely to have postoperative delirium.
A new study suggests that patients who smoke or vape cannabis may require more anesthesia during upper endoscopy, while those who use edibles do not. The study found that inhaled cannabis users required significantly higher doses of propofol during EGD procedures.
A new study found that hospitals can significantly reduce their climate impact and costs by changing their anesthesia practices. By reducing the use of high-emission anesthetic gases and implementing practical changes, hospitals can cut emissions and costs by half, while maintaining strong patient outcomes.
Improving sleep before surgery with melatonin or Ambien may ease presurgical anxiety, reduce pain and opioid use after surgery. Melatonin was linked to less anxiety, pain and inflammation, as well as more than a 30% reduction in opioid use.
A new study presents findings that cannabis use is associated with a 46% increased risk of myocardial infarction during or shortly after surgery, but a 22% lower risk of venous thromboembolism. Patients who use cannabis should inform their anesthesiologist before surgery to take extra precautions and ensure patient safety.
A study of over 2 million adults undergoing surgery found that GLP-1 medications were associated with lower rates of major heart-related complications and infections. The medications may help protect against these complications due to their effects on weight loss, blood pressure, and inflammation.
A new meta-analysis found that administering ketamine or esketamine during or immediately after a C-section was associated with a statistically significant reduction in depressive symptoms within the first two weeks after birth. This finding suggests that ketamine may offer benefits beyond anesthesia and pain relief for women having a ...
Researchers found that patients who wore noise-canceling headphones during minimally invasive gynecologic surgery had a 32% lower risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) compared to those who did not. The study suggests that reducing intraoperative noise could be a useful tool to prevent PONV.
A study at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 annual meeting found that patients with limited English proficiency had a 70% lower odds of receiving an epidural blood patch, a standard treatment for postdural puncture headaches. Language barriers may affect communication, follow-up, and treatment options for these patients.
Robert E. Johnstone, M.D., FASA, received the American Society of Anesthesiologists' Distinguished Service Award for his significant contributions to anesthesiology, education, research, and advocacy over a 60-year career. He made notable contributions to the Society, including chairing the Committee on Practice Management and advocati...
A new study found that mobile app-based monitoring can lower risk of serious complications, emergency room visits, and readmissions after surgery. However, benefits depended on physician or clinician involvement, rather than the technology alone.
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.