Articles tagged with Anesthesiology
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 ...
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...
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 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.
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.
A recent trial comparing total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and volatile anaesthetic gases found no meaningful difference in patient recovery, including rates of complications and quality of life. However, patients who received TIVA reported lower rates of early postoperative discomfort.
Researchers discovered how anesthesia, surgery, and intensive care stress alter gene activity in the brain, leading to cognitive impairment and delirium. A new drug, vorinostat, reversed these changes, restoring memory formation and regulating the internal biological clock.
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...
Study identifies binding pocket on sodium ion channels where anesthetics like sevoflurane stabilize in inactive state, reducing neuronal activity. The findings may enable the design of safer, more selective anesthetics with fewer side effects.
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 landmark trial found that tranexamic acid reduces bleeding and blood transfusion without increasing clot risk. The study supports using the inexpensive drug in all major surgeries with high blood loss risk, potentially saving millions of red blood cells annually.
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.
Researchers explore how next-gen AI and sensor-rich operating rooms can enable more precise, data-driven, personalized surgery. Advances in multimodal data integration, machine learning, and robotic systems could enhance situational awareness and intraoperative decision-making.
Experts warn that AI-enhanced surgical robotics could enable true personalized surgery and enhance surgical team performance. However, regulatory reforms are needed to address risks from adaptive systems and ensure patient benefits.
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.
A large randomized trial shows that continuous wearable monitoring reduces time with dangerously low oxygen levels after surgery, leading to improved composite outcomes and safety. The study found a 30-minute reduction in hypoxemia and a significant risk reduction for desaturation events.
A large randomized trial shows measurable improvements in postoperative patients who received continuous wearable monitoring, reducing time with dangerously low oxygen levels and composite outcomes. The study found a statistically significant 14% risk reduction for dangerous desaturation events and overall safety improvement.
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...
Researchers discovered that three anesthesia drugs, propofol, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine, have the same destabilizing effect on the brain, causing a loss of consciousness. This common mechanism could lead to the development of a universal anesthesia-delivery system to monitor patients more effectively.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham report preclinical efficacy and human safety data for high-dose inhaled nitric oxide as a potential antimicrobial therapy. The treatment demonstrated strong antipseudomonal effects and was safe and feasible in early human studies.
Researchers discovered that sevoflurane impairs neurogenesis and cognitive function by inhibiting fatty acid β-oxidation in neural stem/progenitor cells. Enhancing FAO activity in NSPCs attenuates sevoflurane-induced neurogenesis impairment, suggesting a new mechanism of sevoflurane neurodevelopmental toxicity.
A new study from Duke University found that even mild stress before surgery can lead to delirium, uncontrolled pain, and longer hospital stays in older adults. Over 40% of patients reported moderate to high distress levels similar to those with advanced cancer.
Dr. Mintz brings exceptional clinical care, research, and education expertise to the role. He will lead transformative initiatives in perioperative operations, improving financial performance, employee satisfaction, quality, safety, and patient experience.
NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
A large clinical trial published in JAMA Surgery shows that prehabilitation can reduce disability after surgery in older adults with frailty, provided they fully participate in the program. Participants who completed at least 75% of exercises had significantly lower levels of disability after surgery.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine finds that general anesthesia may be a suitable option for women undergoing C-sections, offering them more control over their delivery experience. The study analyzed 30 years' worth of data and found small differences in newborn health between babies born under general ane...
Researchers found that tubeless anesthesia significantly reduces postoperative complications, promotes enhanced recovery, and lowers costs in selected patients. The study also showed improved respiratory function and reduced intubation times.
Researchers discovered that brains and economies follow similar rules in crisis, using physics principles to predict collapse and recovery. The study found that networks closer to first-order transition show faster collapse and slower recovery after a crisis.
A new study published in Music and Medicine reveals that intraoperative music therapy significantly reduces the amount of propofol required during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients who received therapeutic music experienced smoother awakenings, reduced physiological stress markers, and improved patient outcomes.
Rates of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) use increased among surgical patients from 2016 to 2022, with buprenorphine being the primary driver. MOUD use was highest in debridement and orthopedic procedures, highlighting the need for clinical practice guidelines to coordinate care and pain management.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
A new study shows that a multi-step effort to reduce unneeded pre-operative testing, using a tailored program for each hospital, can lead to significant reductions in wasteful tests. The findings have already spurred an expansion of the program to 16 more Michigan hospitals.
Despite a 50% decrease in total local anesthetic poisonings, lidocaine-related incidents have increased by over 50% since 2016. The findings highlight the need for updated recommendations to mitigate risks associated with high-dose delivery methods and accidental overdose.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have identified specific brain circuits impacted by psilocybin, which could lead to new paths forward for pain and mental health management options. The study found that psilocybin reduces both pain and depression-like behaviors with benefits lasting almost two weeks.
The MUSC anesthesia team reduced IV fluid use by 60% without increasing related problems. They implemented strategies like oral hydration and used smaller syringe IV fluids to conserve resources.
A new study by Universidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche researchers reveals that brain slow waves are guided by neuronal excitability, not anatomy. The discovery uses advanced computational models to analyze local and global brain activity, shedding light on states like deep sleep and anesthesia.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital report an alternative local anesthetic, 2',6'-pipecolylxylidine (PPX), that selectively blocks pain while leaving motor function intact. PPX has been found to be less toxic than conventional anesthetics and may enable longer-lasting pain relief.
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.