Experts recommend changing the way clinicians and patients describe cognitive changes experienced after anesthesia and surgery, particularly in elderly patients. The new nomenclature suggests Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder (PND), which includes delirium, delayed neurocognitive recovery, and mild or major neurocognitive disorder.
Researchers analyzed pain scores of 808 obese children who underwent non-cardiac surgery and found no correlation between BMI and pain. Current protocol for managing postsurgical pain in children should continue, with opioid use decreasing slightly with increased BMI.
A study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2018 found that dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation therapy significantly improves chronic back pain, with a median pain score decrease of 33% after follow-up. DRG stimulation disrupts pain signals by targeting specific nerves, avoiding unnecessary stimulation of nerve fibers from non-painful areas.
A new study suggests that postpartum depression is significantly associated with higher postpartum pain scores, and women in the postpartum depression group were more likely to have delivered by C-section. The researchers found that adequate postpartum care is needed for women at risk of postpartum pain.
Two studies presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2018 annual meeting show that virtual reality can reduce postoperative anxiety and pain in children. Virtual reality hypnosis programs significantly reduced the need for pain medication and opioid consumption, allowing patients to recover faster.
A study found that patients perceive opioids as superior for post-surgical pain relief, despite concerns about addiction and side effects. However, another study showed that opioids are tied to complications after back procedures, including increased pain and poorer quality of life.
A blood management program safely reduced transfusions in orthopedic patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgeries. The program implemented strategies to minimize bleeding, resulting in lower hemoglobin thresholds and reduced complications.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at UCLA Medical Center can predict hypotension in surgical patients with high accuracy, enabling physicians to take proactive measures. The algorithm uses machine learning to analyze physiological data and identifies subtle signs of impending hypotension, reducing the risk of serious complications.
A new study published in Anesthesiology suggests that dexmedetomidine reduces postoperative delirium by preventing the overactivity of GABA A receptors. The drug's effects on brain cells have implications for treating neurologic disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and depression.
A new study published in Anesthesiology found no significant differences in death rates, hospital length of stay or costs between anesthesia care teams led by a physician and assisted by a nurse anesthetist or an anesthesiologist assistant. Physician supervision lessens any training differences between the two.
A new study published in Anesthesiology found that liposomal bupivacaine, a long-acting local anesthetic, did not reduce opioid prescriptions or complications after total knee replacement surgery. The study included over 88,000 patients and found no significant benefit from adding liposomal bupivacaine to multimodal pain management reg...
Researchers recommend keeping a small dose of dantrolene on hand and having a fully stocked cart elsewhere, as the incidence of the reaction is low. Maintaining a fully stocked cart would divert funds from other patient safety initiatives.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that intravenous amisulpride significantly reduced post-operative nausea and vomiting in high-risk patients when used in combination with an anti-nausea treatment. Amisulpride showed a statistically significant reduction in PONV occurrence, without increasing the frequency of adverse events.
Using multiple methods to manage pain during and after joint replacement surgery was associated with a decrease in opioid use, opioid prescriptions, and common complications. Multimodal therapy reduced opioid prescriptions by up to 18.5%, respiratory complications by 19% and gastrointestinal complications by 26%.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs reduce hospital stays and opioid use for colorectal and bariatric surgery patients. The ERAS program includes preoperative education, carb loading, and pain management strategies to improve patient outcomes and lower costs.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that a novel operating room software system improved management of lung ventilation in patients during surgery, but did not affect postoperative outcomes. The system provides a 'live' schematic organ system view and digital alerts to aid physicians in decision-making.
A study found that genetic variations account for 7-12% of chronic postsurgical pain cases, while clinical risk factors like age and sex contribute to 3-6%. Patients under 65 years old, males, and those with a prior history of chronic pain were at increased risk.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that most women do not require opioids to manage pain after hospital discharge. Researchers observed a significant reduction in opioid use for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries, with most pain resolving within 14 days.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that breastfeeding six weeks after delivery is not affected by the use of fentanyl in epidural pain relief. The study included 345 women who received different epidural solutions and found no adverse consequences on breastfeeding success.
A small preliminary study suggests that BOTOX injections can significantly reduce migraine frequency and duration in children and teens. After treatment, patients experienced fewer migraines and shorter-lasting headaches.
A single-center study of 1,009 patients found that opioid-free general anesthesia significantly decreased postoperative nausea. The alternative pain management options used during surgery and after recovery showed high patient satisfaction rates.
A retrospective observational study found that over 55% of hip fractures occurred during warm months, with the majority happening indoors. The most common reason for indoor fractures was tripping over an obstacle, such as throw rugs.
A national analysis shows that opioid abuse remains disturbingly high, with nearly 1 in 7 Americans abusing prescription opioids. Experts urge caution and education to combat the epidemic.
A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2017 annual meeting found that women giving birth in winter or spring are less likely to develop postpartum depression. Higher gestational age and not having anesthesia during delivery increased risk, while increased body mass index was associated with a higher risk.
Administering acetaminophen during surgery may reduce the incidence of postoperative shivering, a common side effect affecting up to half of patients. Acetaminophen significantly reduced shivering severity and body temperature in patients who received it compared to those receiving a placebo.
Older patients with diabetes are at an 84% higher risk of developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) than those without diabetes. POCD affects 10-13% of patients after major surgery, particularly seniors, and can result in increased complications and impaired quality of life.
A study of 61 patients found that almost 75 percent experienced an improvement in their migraine intensity after a three- to seven-day course of inpatient treatment with ketamine. The drug has been shown to provide powerful pain control for patients with many painful conditions.
The study found that opioid use decreased from 1 in 4 to 1 in 12 among hip and knee replacement patients between 2006 and 2014. Multimodal therapy increased, especially in small and medium-sized hospitals, leading to reduced opioid use and improved pain management.
A single-center study compared outcomes of 222 hip fracture patients treated before and after implementing the Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) model. PSH patients had reduced mortality rates, fewer ER visits, and higher discharge rates to home care.
A recent study has found that patients often overestimate their anticipated level of pain following surgery, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety. Patients receiving regional anesthesia, such as peripheral nerve blocks or epidurals, were more likely to overestimate their postoperative pain.
A study of 690 women found that both short and long surgical incisions for cesarean births are associated with increased pain after delivery. The authors recommend an optimal range of 12-17cm for cesarean incision length to minimize post-delivery pain.
Researchers developed new dosing models for remifentanil, a synthetic opioid commonly used during surgery, to improve accuracy in administering the drug to children and obese patients. The models take into account factors such as fat-free mass, weight, age, and sex to provide more personalized therapy.
A study by the American Society of Anesthesiologists found that women who catastrophize, or exaggerate pain, are more likely to take prescribed opioids than men. The study suggests that early treatment for pain catastrophizing may reduce opioid prescriptions for both sexes.
A new study published in Anesthesiology found that methadone significantly reduces the need for opioids after spinal fusion surgery. Patients treated with methadone required less intravenous and oral opioids to manage postoperative pain, reported lower pain scores, and had improved global satisfaction.
A recent study published in Health Economics Review found that opting out of requiring physician supervision for anesthesia does not increase access to surgery or reduce costs. In fact, the study suggests that working without physician supervision may lead to higher costs related to inpatient surgical care.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that combining opioids with alcohol increases the risk of respiratory depression, a potentially life-threatening side effect. The combination is particularly concerning for elderly individuals, who are more likely to experience repeated episodes of shallow breathing.
A mobile app enabled C-section patients to take control of their care and reduce hospital stays from 3.7 days to 2.7 days, saving costs and improving quality.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that states opting out of Medicare's rule requiring physician supervision did not increase access to anesthesia care. Despite expectations, patients in 'opt-out' states were no less likely to travel further distances for procedures, suggesting that eliminating physician supervision may not be a...
A new study suggests that pretreating red blood cells with nitric oxide can reduce the risk of pulmonary hypertension, a life-threatening condition associated with transfusions. Pretreated RBCs showed improved survival and function after transfusion, outperforming stored RBCs not exposed to nitric oxide.
Researchers found that tranexamic acid effectively reduces bleeding in patients undergoing heart surgery. Additionally, studies suggest witholding common blood pressure medications before surgery may improve patient recovery and mortality rates.
A study suggests that epidural anesthesia can decrease the likelihood of postpartum depression in certain women. Researchers controlled for known risk factors and found a significant association between better pain relief and lower depressive symptoms.
A study suggests combining dental and medical procedures during general anesthesia can improve patient safety, reduce costs, and increase patient satisfaction. Nearly 87% of children who underwent combined procedures experienced no complications, with an average savings of $165,000 per case.
NTRX-07 targets cause of Alzheimer's disease, reducing inflammation and preserving neurons. The new drug improves removal of abnormal amyloid plaques, memory performance, and cognitive skills in mice.
A simple instruction sheet significantly increases patient compliance with preoperative medication instructions, reducing errors by 40%. The intervention has been found to improve patient safety and comfort, while also limiting surgical cancellations.
A new study finds that nitrous oxide provides limited pain relief during labor and does not prevent women from requesting epidurals. Despite its increasing availability in the US, epidural anesthesia remains the most effective method for managing labor pain.
A study found that patients with public health insurance were more likely to experience high pain levels in the post anesthesia care unit, regardless of their overall health, age, gender, or neighborhood income. This disparity highlights the importance of considering insurance type as a factor in patient care.
Research suggests that many people with chronic low back pain experience limited relief from opioids, with only 13% finding them 'very successful'. Additionally, patients often report side effects such as constipation, sleepiness, and cognitive issues.
ERAS programs employ various methods to ease postoperative pain and fast track patient recovery. Research suggests that treating pain is a key aspect of ERAS, with combination therapy showing promise in controlling pain levels. Patient education classes are also shown to empower patients and improve outcomes.
The Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) model has been shown to decrease imaging tests by 9%, lab tests by 22%, and blood transfusions by 87%. Hospital stays are also reduced, with a 50% decrease in length of stay. Patient satisfaction improves through better pain management and physician communication.
A new study reveals that Latinos, particularly those who are Spanish-speaking, experience higher levels of preoperative anxiety compared to Caucasian patients. These patients also express a greater desire for detailed information about their surgery, including specifics about anesthesia and post-surgical care.