Dr. Michael W. Champeau has been named the new president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). As president, he aims to preserve physician-led anesthesia care and implement fair surprise medical bill legislation. He is committed to advancing the specialty and ensuring patient safety.
Dr. Vivienne Tawfik has been awarded the American Society of Anesthesiologists' James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award for her groundbreaking work on chronic and post-surgical pain mechanisms. Her research has led to a deeper understanding of peripheral and central immune cells in persistent pain responses.
A study found that reducing noise in the operating room can improve children's behavior after surgery, including fewer temper tantrums and increased willingness to eat. The researchers used a reduced noise environment with low lighting and muted communication devices, resulting in improved post-operative behavior.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists has awarded Dr. David O. Warner its Excellence in Research Award for his extensive research on tobacco use interventions and anesthesia's impact on lung health. His work has led to the incorporation of tobacco cessation programs into clinical practice, improving patient outcomes.
Steven H. Rose, M.D., received the American Society of Anesthesiologists' Excellence in Education Award for his leadership in physician and graduate medical education. He has made significant contributions to teaching, developing new educational programs, and mentoring future physicians.
Dr. Kristin Schreiber is recognized for her groundbreaking research on post-surgical pain, predicting and preventing opioid use in patients undergoing surgery. Her work focuses on psychosocial and psychophysical factors that contribute to greater post-surgical pain.
Research using data from over 56,000 patients found that those on Medicaid, women, and minority groups are less likely to be offered regional anesthesia techniques. This disparity affects outcomes after surgery, including pain management and complications.
Research at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2022 annual meeting found that preschool children experiencing emergence delirium post-surgery do not exhibit long-term behavioral changes. No measurable problems were observed three months after surgery.
Adults who use cannabis experience 14% more pain after surgery and consume 7% more opioids. The study analyzed 34,521 patients and found a significant association between cannabis use and postoperative pain.
A study found that wearing green eyeglasses reduces pain-related anxiety and decreases opioid use in fibromyalgia patients. The treatment uses specially formulated lenses to filter specific wavelengths of green light, which stimulates pathways in the brain to manage pain.
A 53% increased risk of dying in the hospital during childbirth was found among Black women compared to white women, even after adjusting for insurance type and income. The study analyzed over 9 million deliveries between 2007 and 2018 and suggests that cultural appropriate care training is essential.
A recent study found that despite no decrease in opioid prescriptions, the doses prescribed are lower for senior patients after surgery. The study analyzed over 278,000 patients and showed an increase in non-opioid prescriptions, with most patients still receiving opioid prescriptions.
Opioid abuse declined nationwide during the pandemic, yet remained higher among non-heterosexuals compared to heterosexuals. The analysis suggests a need for tailored approaches to reduce abuse in vulnerable populations.
A retrospective study found that regular statin use was associated with reduced risk of death and improved outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Statin users had a 37% lower risk of dying from COVID-19 than those who didn't use statins.
A quality improvement study at Stony Brook Medicine found that adapting an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program allowed patients to receive same-day hip and knee replacement surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new protocol resulted in shorter hospital stays, no readmissions, and high success rates, leading to permanen...
The American Society of Anesthesiologists has published new guidance to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from inhaled anesthetics. The guidance provides actionable steps for healthcare professionals to minimize the impact on climate change while maintaining quality outcomes and patient safety.
Researchers found that 27.8% of drugs with high abuse potential successfully completed development compared to 4.7% for low-abuse potential drugs. Funding is needed to improve understanding of pain mechanisms and develop non-addictive treatments.
A survey study found that Americans are more willing to have surgery during a pandemic if they and hospital staff are vaccinated. Urgent or lifesaving surgeries were viewed as essential, while outpatient surgeries carried less risk of COVID-19 transmission.
A federal court has dismissed Pacira Biosciences' lawsuit against the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) over articles about its post-surgery pain medication EXPAREL. The ruling protects scientific opinions from being considered defamation, ensuring robust debate in the medical community.
Researchers found that women in labor with epidural analgesia experienced significantly faster stomach emptying rates compared to those without. This study challenges current guidelines recommending clear liquids only during labor, proposing a reevaluation of fasting practices.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that anesthesia for total knee replacement surgery generates substantial CO2 emissions, with an average of 14.9-18.5 kg for general, spinal, and combined anesthesia approaches respectively, contributing to a carbon footprint of approximately 42 miles driven by a US car.
A study published in Anesthesia & Analgesia reveals a persistent gender pay gap among physician anesthesiologists, with women earning 56% less than men. The gap amounts to approximately $32,600 annually, representing a significant shortfall over a 30-year career.
Researchers found that percutaneous peripheral nerve stimulation significantly reduced postoperative pain scores by over 50% and opioid consumption by 80%. The technique, which delivers mild electrical stimulation to the nerve, could be a safe and effective adjunct for pain management after surgery.
A joint statement from prominent medical organizations assures pregnant women that labor epidurals do not cause autism. The statement rejects the idea that epidurals could be linked to autism spectrum disorders in offspring, citing a lack of credible evidence.
A study by the American Society of Anesthesiologists found that patients who used telemedicine for chronic pain management saved an average of 69 minutes per visit and $22 on gas and parking costs. This reduced travel time and expenses, leading to improved patient satisfaction.
A randomized controlled study found that acupuncture before surgery significantly reduced pain and opioid consumption in veterans. Researchers used both traditional and battlefield acupuncture techniques, with the latter showing promising results in reducing opioid use and improving patient satisfaction.
Patients who use cannabis before surgery require more anesthesia, report higher pain levels, and consume more opioids while in the hospital. Researchers emphasize the importance of disclosing cannabis use to anesthesiologists for optimal care.
Dr. Robert D. Sanders has been recognized by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) for his significant contributions to anesthesia and translational research. His research focuses on delirium, cognitive decline, and sensory perception under anesthesia, aiming to improve outcomes for elderly patients.
Ru-Rong Ji, a renowned anesthesiologist, receives the ASA Excellence in Research Award for his extensive work on understanding chronic pain mechanisms. His research has refined key processes underlying pain development and improved treatment options.
Researchers created machine learning models to predict patients' post-surgical pain and opioid needs. The models accurately identified high-risk patients 80% of the time, suggesting more effective pain management strategies with non-opioid alternatives.
Patricia A. Kapur, MD, has been recognized with the ASA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, for her exceptional contributions to the specialty of anesthesiology. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kapur has made significant contributions to education, research, and clinical practice.
Albert J. Varon, MD, has received the ASA Excellence in Education Award for redesigning the University of Miami's anesthesiology training program, resulting in improved board certification rates and quality of graduates. His work has also had implications at the national level, with his curriculum becoming a model for other institutions.
Two studies show Black children are more than twice as likely to die after surgical complications and half as likely to receive surgery compared to white children. Researchers attribute the disparities to socioeconomic status, access to quality care, health risk factors, and implicit systemic biases in healthcare.
A preliminary study has identified several genetic mutations associated with a reduced risk for postpartum hemorrhage. The common theme among these mutations is their proximity to genes linked to the immune system.
A recent analysis of national data shows a significant decline in US prescription opioid abuse over the past decade. Prescription opioid abuse decreased by 26% between 2007 and 2018, with the rate dropping from 4.9% to 3.7%. This trend suggests that efforts to reduce opioid misuse are paying off.
Researchers found that universal COVID-19 testing of children undergoing anesthesia procedures saved PPE, reducing standard PPE use by 70%. The study also highlighted the importance of accurate testing to prevent exposure to healthcare workers.
Patients who received courteous care during blood draws reported a 390% reduction in pain perception, with 82% experiencing excellent pain control. Empathetic providers were found to make a substantial difference in patient experience.
Dr. Mark A. Warner has made significant contributions to the field of anesthesiology through his work on patient care, academic leadership, and scientific discovery. He is a past president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and has led initiatives in perioperative surgical home model of care.
New research presents alarming findings on ketamine infusion therapy for pain management, revealing that over a third of patients experience hallucinations, visual disturbances, and other adverse effects. The study emphasizes the importance of cautious approach to using ketamine as an opioid alternative.
Dr. Judith Hellman has been awarded the American Society of Anesthesiologists' Excellence in Research Award for her groundbreaking research on sepsis and inflammatory critical illness. Her discoveries have led to improved understanding of inflammation, immune function, and potential treatments for sepsis.
Women with anemia are at high risk of postpartum hemorrhage and other complications after cesarean delivery. Early screening for iron deficiency can help prevent these issues by prescribing oral iron supplements or IV therapy as needed, potentially reducing blood transfusions.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists has recognized Dr. Jerome M. Klafta's outstanding contributions to medical education, with a focus on innovative program development and cultivating the next generation of physician anesthesiologists.
A study found that many women and healthcare providers believe CBD is safe during pregnancy, but there is no evidence to support this claim. Researchers urge pregnant women and providers to be cautious about using CBD due to potential interactions with other medications.
A large US retrospective study finds nitrous oxide effective in managing labor pain with high patient satisfaction rates and safety for newborns. Despite being an alternative option, most women ultimately opt for epidurals or other pain management techniques.
Studies show nearly 90% of women without opioid use in hospital post-cesarean delivery still receive a prescription for opioids upon discharge. Research highlights the need to reduce opioid use after cesarean delivery using alternative pain medications.
A study found that nearly one-third of children who had tonsillectomy did not need opioids for pain relief during and after surgery. Researchers used non-opioid pain medications instead, with similar postoperative care time in both groups.
A systematic review of seven published studies suggests that medical marijuana may be associated with benefits such as decreased opioid overdose rates and improved quality of life. However, the results need to be confirmed by more rigorous scientific research due to limitations in study design and potential side effects.
Dr. Seun Johnson-Akeju, a leading expert in neuroscience and anesthesia, has been awarded the 2019 James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award. His research focuses on identifying patients at risk for postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction and developing innovative treatments.
Patients in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program used nearly half as many opioids and reported significantly less pain compared to those without ERAS. ERAS protocols focus on managing patient expectations and providing alternative pain medications, leading to decreased opioid consumption.
A novel minimally invasive method using catheter-based ultrasound measures cardiac output with similar precision as a traditional device. This technology is less invasive and can be used while patients are awake, making it more clinically practical for young children.