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.
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.