-
Patient Education and Counseling Dec 2022To evaluate the effect of preoperative web-based information to parents of children undergoing elective ambulatory surgery performed with anesthesia. Outcome measures... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of preoperative web-based information to parents of children undergoing elective ambulatory surgery performed with anesthesia. Outcome measures were parental anxiety, knowledge, and satisfaction.
METHOD
The review followed the PRISMA statement. A systematic search of six databases was conducted. Randomized controlled trials, cluster-randomized trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion.
RESULT
Eight studies were included. An effect in favour of web-based information compared to standard information was observed for parental anxiety measured before separation from child (SMD=-0.66, 95% CI=-0.92 to -0.40) and after surgery (SMD=-0.55, 95% CI=-0.95 to -0.16), for parental knowledge measured in-hospital (SMD=1.10, Cl 95%=0.37-1.82), and parental satisfaction after discharge (SMD=1.03, 95% Cl=0.41-1.65). No effect was observed for anxiety at separation, and for satisfaction in-hospital. The certainty of the evidence varied from very low to moderate.
CONCLUSION
Depending on the timing of assessment, web-based information before pediatric surgery may reduce the level of parental anxiety and increase the level of parental knowledge and satisfaction more than standard care.
PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS
Web-based routines can be used to convey pre-operative information to parents before paediatric ambulatory surgery. Still, standardized research that enables further comparison across studies is needed.
Topics: Child; Humans; Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; Parents; Elective Surgical Procedures; Anxiety; Internet
PubMed: 36182646
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2022.09.006 -
European Urology Jul 2016Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programs are multimodal care pathways that aim to decrease intra-operative blood loss, decrease postoperative complications, and... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programs are multimodal care pathways that aim to decrease intra-operative blood loss, decrease postoperative complications, and reduce recovery times.
OBJECTIVE
To overview the use and key elements of ERAS pathways, and define needs for future clinical trials.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A comprehensive systematic MEDLINE search was performed for English language reports published before May 2015 using the terms "postoperative period," "postoperative care," "enhanced recovery after surgery," "enhanced recovery," "accelerated recovery," "fast track recovery," "recovery program," "recovery pathway", "ERAS," and "urology" or "cystectomy" or "urologic surgery."
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
We identified 18 eligible articles. Patient counseling, physical conditioning, avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking, and good nutrition appeared to protect against postoperative complications. Fasting from solid food for only 6h and perioperative liquid-carbohydrate loading up to 2h prior to surgery appeared to be safe and reduced recovery times. Restricted, balanced, and goal-directed fluid replacement is effective when individualized, depending on patient morbidity and surgical procedure. Decreased intraoperative blood loss may be achieved by several measures. Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis, antibiotic prophylaxis, and thermoregulation were found to help reduce postsurgical complications, as was a multimodal approach to postoperative nausea, vomiting, and analgesia. Chewing gum, prokinetic agents, oral laxatives, and an early resumption to normal diet appear to aid faster return to normal bowel function. Further studies should compare anesthetic protocols, refine analgesia, and evaluate the importance of robot-assisted surgery and the need/timing for drains and catheters.
CONCLUSIONS
ERAS regimens are multidisciplinary, multimodal pathways that optimize postoperative recovery.
PATIENT SUMMARY
This review provides an overview of the use and key elements of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery programs, which are multimodal, multidisciplinary care pathways that aim to optimize postoperative recovery. Additional conclusions include identifying effective procedures within Enhanced Recovery after Surgery programs and defining needs for future clinical trials.
Topics: Diet; Early Ambulation; Perioperative Care; Postoperative Complications; Recovery of Function; Smoking Cessation; Time Factors; Urologic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 26970912
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2016.02.051 -
Laeknabladid Jun 2015Delirium is a sudden and usually transient disturbance in consciousness, attention, cognition, perception and emotions. The pathophysiology is unknown but possible... (Review)
Review
Delirium is a sudden and usually transient disturbance in consciousness, attention, cognition, perception and emotions. The pathophysiology is unknown but possible causes include neurotransmitter disturbances and inflammation reaction. Delirium is common in patients after open cardiac surgeries and can lead to serious consequences. Research shows that delirium is an underdiagnosed and undertreated problem. The purpose of this systematic review is to illuminate the prevalence, risk factors and outcome of postoperative delirium following open cardiac surgery. A systematic literature review from 2005-2013 was performed aiming to determine the prevalence, predisposing and precipitating factors and outcome after postoperative delirium following cardiac surgery. Web of Science, PubMed and Cinahl were searched. Findings of the systematic review shows that about one third of patients become delirious after cardiac surgery. Primary predisposing factors are advanced age, cognitive impairment, atrial fibrillation, depression and prior history of stroke. Among precipitating factors are pulmonary bypass, duration of mechanical ventilation, low cardiac output, respiratory failure, pneumonia, infections, blood cell transfusion and post-operative arrhythmias. Delirium causes prolonged hospital stay, reduced activity and higher mortality. Delirium prevention includes reducing risk factors. Delirium is a common and serious complication of open cardiac surgery. Knowledge of risk factors of delirium and regular screening for symptoms of delirium are important to reduce prevalence and to facilitate diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Delirium; Humans; Prevalence; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Time Factors
PubMed: 26158535
DOI: 10.17992/lbl.2015.06.31 -
Journal of Visceral Surgery Oct 2022Prehabilitation is defined as preoperative conditioning of patients in order to improve post-operative outcomes. Some studies showed an increase in functional recovery... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Prehabilitation in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. A necessary step forward evidence-based sample size calculation for future trials.
INTRODUCTION
Prehabilitation is defined as preoperative conditioning of patients in order to improve post-operative outcomes. Some studies showed an increase in functional recovery following colorectal surgery, but its effect in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery is unclear. The aim of this study was to realize a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the current available evidence on prehabilitation in HPB surgery.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review and a metanalysis were carried out on prehabilitation (physical, nutritional and psychological interventions) in HPB surgery (2009-2019). Assessed outcomes were postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, and mortality.
MAIN RESULTS
Four studies among the 191 screened were included in this systematic review (3 randomized controlled trials, 1 case-control propensity score study), involving 419 patients (prehabilitation group, n=139; control group, n=280). After pooling, no difference was observed on LOS ((-4.37 days [95% CI: -8.86; 0.13]) or postoperative complications (RR 0.83 [95%CI: 0.62; 1.10]), reported by all the included studies. Two trials reported on readmission rate, but given the high heterogeneity, a meta-analysis was not realized. No deaths were reported among the included studies.
CONCLUSION
No effect of prehabilitation programs in HPB surgery was observed on LOS or postoperative complications rate. Future trials with standardized outcomes of measure, and adequately powered samples calculations are thus required.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42020165218.
Topics: Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Humans; Length of Stay; Postoperative Complications; Preoperative Care; Preoperative Exercise; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sample Size
PubMed: 34489200
DOI: 10.1016/j.jviscsurg.2021.07.003 -
Pre-emptive and preventive opioids for postoperative pain in adults undergoing all types of surgery.The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2018Postoperative pain is a common consequence of surgery and can have deleterious effects. It has been suggested that the administration of opioid analgesia before a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Postoperative pain is a common consequence of surgery and can have deleterious effects. It has been suggested that the administration of opioid analgesia before a painful stimulus may improve pain control. This can be done in two ways. We defined 'preventive opioids' as opioids administered before incision and continued postoperatively, and 'pre-emptive opioids' as opioids given before incision but not continued postoperatively. Both pre-emptive and preventive analgesia involve the initiation of an analgesic agent prior to surgical incision with the aim of reducing intraoperative nociception and therefore postoperative pain.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the efficacy of preventive and pre-emptive opioids for reducing postoperative pain in adults undergoing all types of surgery.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following electronic databases: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, and CINAHL (up to 18 March 2018). In addition, we searched for unpublished studies in three clinical trial databases, conference proceedings, grey literature databases, and reference lists of retrieved articles. We did not apply any restrictions on language or date of publication.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included parallel-group randomized controlled trials (RCTs) only. We included participants aged over 15 years old undergoing any type of surgery. We defined postincision opioids as the same intervention administered after incision whether single dose (as comparator with pre-emptive analgesia) or continued postoperatively (as comparator with preventive analgesia) (control group). We considered studies that did and did not use a double-dummy placebo (e.g. intervention group received active drug before incision and placebo after incision; control group received placebo before incision and active drug after incision).
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were: early acute postoperative pain (measured within six hours and reported on a 0-to-10 scale) and respiratory depression. Our secondary outcomes included: late acute postoperative pain (24 to 48 hours and reported on a 0-to-10 scale), 24-hour morphine consumption, and adverse events (intraoperative bradycardia and hypotension). We used GRADE to assess the quality of the evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 20 RCTs, including one unpublished study with 1343 participants. Two studies were awaiting classification as the full text for these studies was not available. One study evaluated pre-emptive opioids, and 19 studies evaluated preventive opioids. We considered only one study to be at low risk of bias for most domains. The surgeries and opioids used varied, although roughly half of the included studies were conducted in abdominal hysterectomy, and around a quarter used morphine as the intervention. All studies were conducted in secondary care.Pre-emptive opioids compared to postincision opioidsFor pre-emptive opioids in dental surgery, there may be a reduction in early acute postoperative pain (mean difference (MD) -1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.75 to -0.65; 40 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence). This study did not report on adverse events (respiratory depression, bradycardia, or hypotension). There may be a reduction in late acute postoperative pain (MD -2.10, 95% CI -2.57 to -1.63; 40 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence). This study did not report 24-hour morphine consumption.Preventive opioids compared to postincision opioidsFor preventive opioids, there was probably no reduction in early acute postoperative pain (MD 0.11, 95% CI -0.32 to 0.53; 706 participants; 10 studies; I = 61%; moderate-quality evidence). There were no events of respiratory depression in four studies (433 participants). There was no important reduction in late acute postoperative pain (MD -0.06, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.01; 668 participants; 9 studies; I = 0%; moderate-quality evidence). There may be a small reduction in 24-hour morphine consumption (MD -4.91 mg, 95% CI -9.39 mg to -0.44 mg; 526 participants; 11 studies; I = 82%; very low-quality evidence). There may be similar rates of bradycardia (risk ratio (RR) 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.88; 112 participants; 2 studies; I = 0%; low-quality evidence) and hypotension (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.25 to 4.73; 88 participants; 2 studies; I = 0%; low-quality evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Due to the low quality of the evidence, we are uncertain whether pre-emptive opioids reduce postoperative pain. Based on the trials conducted thus far, there was no clear evidence that preventive opioids result in reductions in pain scores. It was unclear if there was a reduction in morphine consumption due to very low-quality of evidence. Too few studies reported adverse events to be able to draw any definitive conclusions. Once assessed, the two studies awaiting classification may alter the conclusions of the review.
Topics: Acute Pain; Adult; Analgesics, Opioid; Bradycardia; Humans; Hypotension; Hysterectomy; Morphine; Pain, Postoperative; Pain, Procedural; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Surgical Procedures, Operative
PubMed: 30521692
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012624.pub2 -
Fenoldopam to prevent acute kidney injury after major surgery-a systematic review and meta-analysis.Critical Care (London, England) Dec 2015Acute kidney injury (AKI) after surgery is associated with increased mortality and healthcare costs. Fenoldopam is a selective dopamine-1 receptor agonist with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Acute kidney injury (AKI) after surgery is associated with increased mortality and healthcare costs. Fenoldopam is a selective dopamine-1 receptor agonist with renoprotective properties. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing fenoldopam with placebo to prevent AKI after major surgery.
METHODS
We searched EMBASE, PubMed, meta-Register of randomised controlled trials and Cochrane CENTRAL databases for trials comparing fenoldopam with placebo in patients undergoing major surgery. The primary outcome was incidence of new AKI. Secondary outcomes were requirement for renal replacement therapy and hospital mortality.
RESULTS
Eighty-three publications were screened; 23 studies underwent full data extraction and scoring. Six trials were suitable for inclusion in the data synthesis (total of 507 subjects undergoing cardiovascular surgery, partial nephrectomy, liver transplant surgery). Five studies were rated at high risk of bias. Data on post-operative incidence of AKI were available in five of the six trials (total of 471 patients) but definitions of AKI varied between studies. Of the 238 patients receiving fenoldopam, 45 (18.9%) developed AKI compared to 62 (26.6%) of the 233 patients who received placebo (p = 0.004, I (2) = 0 %; random-effects model odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.27-0.79). In patients treated with fenoldopam, there was no difference in renal replacement therapy (n = 478; p = 0.11, I (2) = 47%; fixed-effect model odds ratio 0.27, 95% confidence interval 0.06-1.19) or hospital mortality (p = 0.60, I (2) = 0 %; fixed-effect model odds ratio 1.0, 95% confidence interval 0.14-7.37).
CONCLUSIONS
In this analysis, peri-operative treatment with fenoldopam was associated with a significant reduction in post-operative AKI but it had no impact on renal replacement therapy or hospital mortality. Equipoise remains for further large trials in this area since the studies were conducted in three types of surgery, the majority of studies were rated at high risk of bias and the criteria for AKI varied between trials.
Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Fenoldopam; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Surgical Procedures, Operative
PubMed: 26703329
DOI: 10.1186/s13054-015-1166-4 -
Thyroid : Official Journal of the... Jan 2015A variety of measures have been proposed to reduce the incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
A variety of measures have been proposed to reduce the incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of preventive and other surgical measures on post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia as reported in the literature.
METHODS
Comprehensive searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were performed, and the quality of included papers was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool or a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The results of all included studies were summarized, and meta-analyses were performed where appropriate.
RESULTS
Thirty-nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 37 observational studies were included. Measures studied included hemostatic techniques, extent of thyroidectomy and central neck dissection, surgical approach, calcium/vitamin D/thiazide diuretic supplements, parathyroid gland autotransplantation (PGAT) and intraoperative parathyroid gland (PG) identification, truncal ligation of inferior thyroid artery (ITA), preoperative magnesium infusion, and use of magnification loupes and Surgicel. Measures associated with significantly lower rates of transient hypocalcemia in meta-analysis were postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation compared to either calcium supplements alone (odds ratio (OR) 0.66; p=0.04) or no supplements (OR 0.34; p=0.007), and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (BST) compared to Hartley Dunhill (HD) procedure (OR 0.35; p=0.01). Meta-analyses did not demonstrate any measure to be significantly associated with a reduction in permanent hypocalcemia.
CONCLUSION
This review identified postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (over HD) as being effective in prevention of transient hypocalcemia. However, the majority of RCTs were of low quality, primarily due to a lack of blinding. The wide variability in study design, definitions of hypocalcemia, and methods of assessment prevented meaningful summation of results for permanent hypocalcemia.
Topics: Calcium; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Hypocalcemia; Thyroid Diseases; Thyroidectomy; Vitamin D
PubMed: 25203484
DOI: 10.1089/thy.2014.0101 -
Health Technology Assessment... Dec 2016Fibrin sealants are used in different types of surgery to prevent the accumulation of post-operative fluid (seroma) or blood (haematoma) or to arrest haemorrhage... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Fibrin sealants are used in different types of surgery to prevent the accumulation of post-operative fluid (seroma) or blood (haematoma) or to arrest haemorrhage (bleeding). However, there is uncertainty around the benefits and harms of fibrin sealant use.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review the evidence on the benefits and harms of fibrin sealants in non-emergency surgery in adults.
DATA SOURCES
Electronic databases [MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library (including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, the Health Technology Assessment database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials)] were searched from inception to May 2015. The websites of regulatory bodies (the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the European Medicines Agency and the Food and Drug Administration) were also searched to identify evidence of harms.
REVIEW METHODS
This review included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies using any type of fibrin sealant compared with standard care in non-emergency surgery in adults. The primary outcome was risk of developing seroma and haematoma. Only RCTs were used to inform clinical effectiveness and both RCTs and observational studies were used for the assessment of harms related to the use of fibrin sealant. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts to identify potentially relevant studies. Data extraction was undertaken by one reviewer and validated by a second. The quality of included studies was assessed independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool for RCTs and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination guidance for adverse events for observational studies. A fixed-effects model was used for meta-analysis.
RESULTS
We included 186 RCTs and eight observational studies across 14 surgical specialties and five reports from the regulatory bodies. Most RCTs were judged to be at an unclear risk of bias. Adverse events were inappropriately reported in observational studies. Meta-analysis across non-emergency surgical specialties did not show a statistically significant difference in the risk of seroma for fibrin sealants versus standard care in 32 RCTs analysed [ = 3472, odds ratio (OR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 1.04; = 0.13; = 12.7%], but a statistically significant benefit was found on haematoma development in 24 RCTs ( = 2403, OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.86; = 0.01; = 0%). Adverse events related to fibrin sealant use were reported in 10 RCTs and eight observational studies across surgical specialties, and 22 RCTs explicitly stated that there were no adverse events. One RCT reported a single death but no other study reported mortality or any serious adverse events. Five regulatory body reports noted death from air emboli associated with fibrin sprays.
LIMITATIONS
It was not possible to provide a detailed evaluation of individual RCTs in their specific contexts because of the limited resources that were available for this research. In addition, the number of RCTs that were identified made it impractical to conduct independent data extraction by two reviewers in the time available.
CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of fibrin sealants does not appear to vary according to surgical procedures with regard to reducing the risk of seroma or haematoma. Surgeons should note the potential risk of gas embolism if spray application of fibrin sealants is used and not to exceed the recommended pressure and spraying distance. Future research should be carried out in surgery specialties for which only limited data were found, including neurological, gynaecological, oral and maxillofacial, urology, colorectal and orthopaedics surgery (for any outcome); breast surgery and upper gastrointestinal (development of haematoma); and cardiothoracic heart or lung surgery (reoperation rates). In addition, studies need to use adequate sample sizes, to blind participants and outcome assessors, and to follow reporting guidelines.
STUDY REGISTRATION
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015020710.
FUNDING
The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
Topics: Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; Hematoma; Humans; Length of Stay; Observational Studies as Topic; Operative Time; Pain, Postoperative; Postoperative Complications; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reoperation; Seroma; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Surgical Wound Infection
PubMed: 28051764
DOI: 10.3310/hta20940 -
World Journal of Surgery Jan 2014There is increasing interest in provision of essential surgical care as part of public health policy in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Relatively simple...
BACKGROUND
There is increasing interest in provision of essential surgical care as part of public health policy in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Relatively simple interventions have been shown to prevent death and disability. We reviewed the published literature to examine the cost-effectiveness of simple surgical interventions which could be made available at any district hospital, and compared these to standard public health interventions.
METHODS
PubMed and EMBASE were searched using single and combinations of the search terms "disability adjusted life year" (DALY), "quality adjusted life year," "cost-effectiveness," and "surgery." Articles were included if they detailed the cost-effectiveness of a surgical intervention of relevance to a LMIC, which could be made available at any district hospital. Suitable articles with both cost and effectiveness data were identified and, where possible, data were extrapolated to enable comparison across studies.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven articles met our inclusion criteria, representing 64 LMIC over 16 years of study. Interventions that were found to be cost-effective included cataract surgery (cost/DALY averted range US$5.06-$106.00), elective inguinal hernia repair (cost/DALY averted range US$12.88-$78.18), male circumcision (cost/DALY averted range US$7.38-$319.29), emergency cesarean section (cost/DALY averted range US$18-$3,462.00), and cleft lip and palate repair (cost/DALY averted range US$15.44-$96.04). A small district hospital with basic surgical services was also found to be highly cost-effective (cost/DALY averted 1 US$0.93), as were larger hospitals offering emergency and trauma surgery (cost/DALY averted US$32.78-$223.00). This compares favorably with other standard public health interventions, such as oral rehydration therapy (US$1,062.00), vitamin A supplementation (US$6.00-$12.00), breast feeding promotion (US$930.00), and highly active anti-retroviral therapy for HIV (US$922.00).
CONCLUSIONS
Simple surgical interventions that are life-saving and disability-preventing should be considered as part of public health policy in LMIC. We recommend an investment in surgical care and its integration with other public health measures at the district hospital level, rather than investment in single disease strategies.
Topics: Cost-Benefit Analysis; Developing Countries; Humans; Income; Poverty; Surgical Procedures, Operative
PubMed: 24101020
DOI: 10.1007/s00268-013-2243-y -
Annals of Surgery Jun 2014To quantify benefit and harm of epidural analgesia, compared with systemic opioid analgesia, in adults having surgery under general anesthesia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To quantify benefit and harm of epidural analgesia, compared with systemic opioid analgesia, in adults having surgery under general anesthesia.
BACKGROUND
It remains controversial whether adding epidural analgesia to general anesthesia decreases postoperative morbidity and mortality.
METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, and BIOSIS till July 2012. We included randomized controlled trials comparing epidural analgesia (with local anesthetics, lasting for ≥ 24 hours postoperatively) with systemic analgesia in adults having surgery under general anesthesia, and reporting on mortality or any morbidity endpoint.
RESULTS
A total of 125 trials (9044 patients, 4525 received epidural analgesia) were eligible. In 10 trials (2201 patients; 87 deaths), reporting on mortality as a primary or secondary endpoint, the risk of death was decreased with epidural analgesia (3.1% vs 4.9%; odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.93). Epidural analgesia significantly decreased the risk of atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, deep vein thrombosis, respiratory depression, atelectasis, pneumonia, ileus, and postoperative nausea and vomiting, and also improved recovery of bowel function, but significantly increased the risk of arterial hypotension, pruritus, urinary retention, and motor blockade. Technical failures occurred in 6.1% of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
In adults having surgery under general anesthesia, concomitant epidural analgesia reduces postoperative mortality and improves a multitude of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal morbidity endpoints compared with patients receiving systemic analgesia. Because adverse effects and technical failures cannot be ruled out, individual risk-benefit analyses and professional care are recommended.
Topics: Adult; Analgesia, Epidural; Global Health; Humans; Morbidity; Postoperative Complications; Prognosis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Survival Rate
PubMed: 24096762
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000000237