Systematic review of the influence of enhanced recovery pathways in elective lung resection

Factors associated with safe and successful postoperative day 1 discharge after lung operations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A shorter length of stay (LOS) is associated with fewer hospital-acquired adverse conditions and decreased utilization of hospital resources. While modern perioperative care protocols have enabled some ambitious surgical teams to achieve discharge as early as within postoperative day 1 (POD1), most other teams remain cautious about such an approach due to the perceived risk of missing postoperative complications and increased readmission rates. We aimed to identify factors that would help guide surgical teams aiming for safe and successful POD1 discharge after lung resection.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and CENTRAL databases for articles comparing perioperative characteristics in patients discharged within POD1 (DWPOD1) and after POD1 (DAPOD1) following lung resection. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

We included eight retrospective cohort studies with a total of 216,887 patients, of which 22,250 (10.3%) patients were DWPOD1. Our meta-analysis showed that younger patients, those without cardiovascular and respiratory comorbidities, and those with better preoperative pulmonary function are more likely to qualify for DWPOD1. Certain operative factors, such as a minimally invasive approach, shorter operations, and sublobar resections, also favor DWPOD1. DWPOD1 appears to be safe, with comparable 30-day mortality and readmission rates, and significantly less postoperative morbidity than DAPOD1.

CONCLUSIONS

In select patients with a favorable preoperative profile, DWPOD1 after lung resection can be achieved successfully and without increased risk of adverse outcomes such as postoperative morbidity, mortality, or readmissions.

Update on guidelines and recommendations for enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) has continued its growth in popularity over the past few years, and evidence for its utility is catching up to other specialties. This review will present and examine some of that accumulated evidence since guidelines sponsored by the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Society and the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) were first published in 2019.

RECENT FINDINGS

The ERAS/ESTS guidelines published in 2019 have not been updated, but new studies have been done and new data has been published regarding some of the individual components of the guidelines as they relate to thoracic and lung resection surgery. While there is still not a consensus on many of these issues, the volume of available evidence is becoming more robust, some of which will be incorporated into this review.

SUMMARY

The continued accumulation of data and evidence for the benefits of enhanced recovery techniques in thoracic and lung resection surgery will provide the thoracic anesthesiologist with guidance on how to best care for these patients before, during, and after surgery. The data from these studies will also help to elucidate which components of ERAS protocols are the most beneficial, and which components perhaps do not provide as much benefit as previously thought.

Rapid Discharge After Anatomic Lung Resection: Is Ambulatory Surgery for Early Lung Cancer Possible?

BACKGROUND

Given resource constraints during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, we explored whether minimally invasive anatomic lung resections for early-stage lung cancer could undergo rapid discharge.

METHODS

All patients with clinical stage I-II non-small cell lung cancer from September 2019 to June 2022 who underwent minimally invasive anatomic lung resection at a single institution were included. Patients discharged without a chest tube <18 hours after operation, meeting preset criteria, were considered rapid discharge. Demographics, comorbidities, operative details, and 30-day outcomes were compared between rapid discharge patients and nonrapid discharge "control" patients. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for predictors of nonrapid discharge.

RESULTS

Overall, 430 patients underwent resection (200 lobectomies and 230 segmentectomies); 162 patients (37%) underwent rapid discharge and 268 patients (63%) were controls. The rapid discharge group was younger (66.5 vs 70.0 years; P < .001), was assigned to lower American Society of Anesthesiologists class (P = .02), had more segmentectomies than lobectomies (P = .003), and had smaller tumors (P < .001). There were no differences between groups in distance from home to hospital (P = .335) or readmission rates (P = .39). Increasing age had higher odds for nonrapid discharge (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07), whereas segmentectomy had decreased odds (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.28-0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 37% of the patients underwent rapid discharge after operation with similar readmission rate to controls. Increasing age had higher odds for nonrapid discharge; segmentectomy was likely to lead to rapid discharge. Consideration of rapid discharge minimally invasive lung resection for early-stage lung cancer can result in significant reduction in inpatient resources without adverse patient outcomes.

Enhanced recovery protocols in trauma and emergency abdominal surgery: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Enhanced recovery protocols (ERP) have been shown to improve patient outcomes and is now regarded as standard of care in elective surgical setting. However, the literature addressing the use of ERP in trauma and emergency abdominal surgery (EAS) is limited and heterogenous. A scoping review was conducted to comprehensively assess the literature on ERP in trauma laparotomy and EAS.

METHODS

Three bibliographic databases were searched for studies addressing ERP in trauma laparotomy and EAS. We extracted the study characteristics including study design, country, year, surgical procedures, ERP components used, and outcomes. Reporting was according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews.

RESULTS

After screening of 1631 articles for eligibility, 39 studies were included in the review. There has been an increase in the number of articles in the field, with 44% of the identified studies published between 2020 and 2022. Fourteen different protocols were identified, with varying components for each operative phase (preoperative; 29, intraoperative; 20, postoperative; 27). The majority of the studies addressed the effectiveness of ERP on clinical outcomes (31/39: 79%). Only two studies (5%) included purely trauma populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies on ERP implementations in the EAS populations were published across a range of countries, with improved outcomes. However, a clear gap in ERP research on trauma laparotomy was identified. This scoping review indicates that standardization of care through ERP implementation has potential to improve the quality of care in both EAS and trauma laparotomy.

Effects of mobilization within the first 4 h following anatomical lung resection with thoracotomy

Thoracic incisions are very painful and complicated incisions. Many analgesic drugs including opioids are used to relieve pain in patients. We hypothesized that early mobilization and patient-centered strategy after lung resection reduce the incidence of perioperative complications and postoperative pain. We conducted a retrospective study on patients who underwent lung resection via thoracotomy and were mobilized in the first 4 h postoperatively. Mobilization was defined as standing and walking at least 100 m from the bed. If orthostatic hypotension occurred, mobilization was postponed for 30 min. Analgesic treatment needs, walking distance, co-morbidity, hospitalization, postoperative complications within 30 days, and drainage and discharge times of patients were analyzed. The lobectomy with thoracotomy was performed in 48 patients. Thirty-six patients were male. The rate of additional systemic diseases was 58.3%. Forty patients walked in the first 3 h postoperatively. The mean walking distance was 140 ± 38.5 m. The rate of orthostatic hypotension was 8.3%. The routine analgesic treatment included intravenous paracetamol 3 g and dexketoprofen 100 mg daily. In this study, 18% of patients received narcotic analgesics. Thromboembolic event and arrhythmia did not develop in any patient. The most common complication was prolonged air leaks (18.8%). Mobilization within the first 4 h following anatomical lung resection is feasible and safe. Early mobilization provided pain relief after lung surgery and reduced the use of narcotic analgesics and cardiovascular complications. The article is the first study about walking in first hours after pulmonary lobectomy with thoracotomy in the thoracic surgery literature.

Efficacy of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program for thoracic surgery in a developing country

Purpose

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a strategy used to improve perioperative outcomes and reduce complications. However, data on the efficacy of ERAS in thoracic surgery in developing countries are limited. The current study aimed to validate the benefits of ERAS among patients at a single institution.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent pulmonary resection at Vajira Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between 2016 and 2020. To compare outcomes, patients were divided into the pre-ERAS group (2016-2018) and the post-ERAS group (2019-2020) using propensity score matching (1:2) with the year 2019 as the cutoff for introducing ERAS protocols at our institution.

Results

In total, 321 patients were included in the analysis (pre-ERAS group, n = 74; post-ERAS group, n = 247). After propensity score matching, 56 and 112 patients were classified under the pre- and post-ERAS groups, respectively. The post-ERAS group had significantly lower pain scores than the pre-ERAS group on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3, and a lower volume of intraoperative blood loss. In the multivariable analysis, the post-ERAS group had a shorter chest tube duration (mean difference = -1.62 days, 95% confidence interval = -2.65 to -0.31) and length of hospital stay (mean difference = -2.40 days, 95% confidence interval = -4.45 to -0.65) than the pre-ERAS group.

Conclusion

The use of ERAS guidelines in pulmonary resection is beneficial. Although no significant differences were observed in postoperative complication rate, intensive care unit stay, and additional cost burden between the two groups, patients in the post-ERAS group had a shorter postoperative chest tube duration, shorter hospital stays, shorter operative time, lower postoperative pain score, and lower volume of intraoperative blood loss.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program and Opioid Consumption in Pulmonary Resection Surgery: A Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary resection surgery causes severe postoperative pain and usually requires opioid-based analgesia, particularly in the early postoperative period. However, the administration of large amounts of opioids is associated with various adverse events. We hypothesized that patients who underwent pulmonary resection under an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program consumed fewer opioids than patients who received conventional treatment.

METHODS

A total of 2147 patients underwent pulmonary resection surgery between August 2019 and December 2020. Two surgeons (25%) at our institution implemented the ERAS program for their patients. After screening, the patients were divided into the ERAS and conventional groups based on the treatment they received. The 2 groups were then compared after the stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting. The primary end point was the total amount of opioid consumption from surgery to discharge. The secondary end points included daily average and highest pain intensity scores during exertion, opioid-related adverse events, and clinical outcomes, such as length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospital stay, and postoperative complication grade defined by the Clavien-Dindo classification. Additionally, the number of patients discharged without opioids prescription was assessed.

RESULTS

Finally, 2120 patients were included in the analysis. The total amount of opioid consumption (median [interquartile range]) after surgery until discharge was lower in the ERAS group (n = 260) than that in the conventional group (n = 1860; morphine milligram equivalents, 44 [16-122] mg vs 208 [146-294] mg; median difference, -143 mg; 95% CI, -154 to -132; P < .001). The number of patients discharged without opioids prescription was higher in the ERAS group (156/260 [60%] vs 329/1860 [18%]; odds ratio, 7.0; 95% CI, 5.3-9.3; P < .001). On operation day, both average pain intensity score during exertion (3.0 ± 1.7 vs 3.5 ± 1.8; mean difference, -0.5; 95% CI, -0.8 to -0.3; P < .001) and the highest pain intensity score during exertion (5.5 ± 2.1 vs 6.4 ± 1.7; mean difference, -0.8; 95% CI, -1.0 to -0.5; P < .001) were lower in the ERAS group than in the conventional group. There were no significant differences in the length of ICU stay, hospital stay, or Clavien-Dindo classification grade.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent pulmonary resection under the ERAS program consumed fewer opioids than those who received conventional management while maintaining no significant differences in clinical outcomes.

Can postoperative complications be reduced by the application of ERAS protocols in operated non-small cell lung cancer patients?

Background

In our study, we aimed to evaluate the length of hospital stay and complication rate of patients before and after application o f t he E nhanced R ecovery A fter S urgery ( ERAS) protocols.

Methods

Between January 2001 and January 2021, a total of 845 patients (687 males, 158 females; mean age: 55±11 years; range, 19 to 89 years) who were operated with the diagnosis of non-small cell lung carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups as follows: patients between 2001 and 2010 were evaluated as pre-ERAS (Group 1, n=285), patients between 2011 and 2015 as preparation for ERAS period (Group 2, n=269), and patients who had resection between 2016 and 2021 as the ERAS period (Group 3, n=291).

Results

All three groups were similar in terms of clinical, surgical and demographic characteristics. Smoking history was statistically significantly less in Group 3 (p=0.005). The forced expiratory volume in 1 sec/forced vital capacity and albumin levels were statistically significantly higher in Group 3 (p<0.001 and p=0.019, respectively). The leukocyte count and tumor maximum standardized uptake value were statistically significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.018 and p=0.014, respectively). Postoperative hospitalization day, complication rate, and intensive care hospitalization rates were statistically significantly lower in Group 3 (p<0.001). The rate of additional disease was statistically significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.030). Albumin level (<2.8 g/dL), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (<1.35), and hemoglobin level (<8.3 g/dL) were found to be significant predictors of complication development.

Conclusion

With the application of ERAS protocols, length of postoperative hospital stay, complication rate, and the need for intensive care hospitalization decrease. Preoperative hemoglobin level, albumin level, and lymphocyte/monocyte ratio are the predictors of complication development. Increasing hemoglobin and albumin levels before operation may reduce postoperative complications.

Evaluation of an enhanced recovery after lung surgery (ERALS) program in lung cancer lobectomy: An eight-year experience

INTRODUCTION

Enhanced recovery after lung surgery (ERALS) protocols have proven useful in reducing postoperative stay (POS) and postoperative complications (POC). We studied the performance of an ERALS program for lung cancer lobectomy in our institution, aiming to identify which factors are associated with a reduction of POC and POS.

METHODS

Analytic retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital involving patients submitted to lobectomy for lung cancer and included in an ERALS program. Univariable and multivariable analysis were employed to identify factors associated with increased risk of POC and prolonged POS.

RESULTS

A total 624 patients were enrolled in the ERALS program. The median POS was 4 days (range 1-63), with 2.9% of ICU postoperative admission. A videothoracoscopic approach was used in 66.6% of cases, and 174 patients (27.9%) experienced at least one POC. Perioperative mortality rate was 0.8% (5 cases). Mobilization to chair in the first 24h after surgery was achieved in 82.5% of cases, with 46.5% of patients achieving ambulation in the first 24h. Absence of mobilization to chair and preoperative FEV1% less than 60% predicted, were identified as independent risk factors for POC, while thoracotomy approach and the presence of POC predicted prolonged POS.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a reduction in ICU admissions and POS contemporaneous with the use of an ERALS program in our institution. We demonstrated that early mobilization and videothoracoscopic approach are modifiable independent predictors of reduced POC and POS, respectively.

Enhanced Recovery Protocol Associated With Decreased 3-Month Opioid Use After Thoracic Surgery

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) have been shown to decrease inhospital opioid use after thoracic surgery. However, the impact on opioid use after discharge has not been reported. We hypothesized that prolonged opioid use would decrease after implementation of a comprehensive ERP.

METHODS

Records from all patients undergoing elective pulmonary, pleural, and mediastinal operations at a single institution (2015-2018) were abstracted from a prospective ERP database and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons institutional database. Records were reviewed for documentation of opioid use at 3-month and 6-month postoperative visits. Patients with preoperative chronic opioid use were excluded. Univariate analysis compared patients with and patients without 3-month opioid use, and a multivariable logistic regression evaluated independent predictors of prolonged opioid use.

RESULTS

A total of 499 patients was included: 160 pre-ERP, and 339 post-ERP. Three-month opioid use rates were decreased after implementation of an ERP (44% vs 30%, P = .01); 6-month opioid use rates were not significantly different (25% vs 18%, P = .10). Univariate analysis demonstrated increased 3-month opioid use rates among patients with preoperative tobacco use (38% vs 27%, P = .05) and chronic pain disorder (88% vs 32%, P < .01), with no impact from surgical incision (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery 33%; open 37%, P = .49). On multivariable analysis, participation in an ERP was independently associated with decreased opioid use at 3 months (odds ratio 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31-0.89; P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high burden of prolonged opioid use after elective thoracic surgery. Participation in a comprehensive ERP is associated with decreased opioid use 3 months postoperatively.

Analysis of Outcomes for Robotic-Assisted Lobectomy with an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol

BACKGROUND

The impact on cost relative to clinical efficacy of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols for patients who undergo robotic-assisted lobectomy is currently unknown. The objective of this study was to compare cost and perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted lobectomy before and after implementation of an ERAS protocol.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of 574 patients who underwent robotic-assisted lobectomy for primary lung carcinoma from May 1, 2017 - June 1, 2021. The ERAS protocol was implemented on October 17, 2019. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) of propensity scores was used to balance baseline characteristics. The primary outcomes of the study were mean direct and indirect hospital costs, complication rates, and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

A total of 315 patients underwent robotic-assisted lobectomy prior to implementation of the ERAS protocol and 259 patients were enrolled on the protocol. A significantly higher percentage of patients were discharged home in less than 3 days following the ERAS protocol implementation [24.5% vs 9.8% (p =0.001)]. There was a significant decrease in the IPTW adjusted mean direct hospital costs (p< 0.001) and mean indirect costs (p= 0.018) for the total hospital stay after ERAS protocol implementation. The mean initial discharge opioid medication dose (Morphine Equivalent Dose) was significantly lower (p< 0.001) following the ERAS protocol.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased early discharge and decreased hospital costs were observed for robotic-assisted lobectomy after implementation of an ERAS protocol. There was also an observed significant decrease in the discharge opioid medication doses prescribed.

Outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery in lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Enhanced Recovery Pathway in Lung Resection Surgery: Program Establishment and Results of a Cohort Study Encompassing 1243 Consecutive Patients

Simple Summary

Enhanced Recovery Pathways (ERP) have been scarcely assessed in lung cancer surgery. We performed a two-step audit for our experience: the first dealing with our initial experience focusing on patients undergoing segmentectomies and lobectomies, the second including all subsequent consecutive patients undergoing all kind of lung resections for NSCLC. The first step aimed at auditing results of ERP on occurrence of postoperative complications and at assessing which ERP components were associated with improved short-term outcomes. We also audited late results by assessing long-term survival of patients in the first step of our study. The second step aimed at auditing on large-scale short-term results of the ERP in a real-life setting. In total, 166 patients were included in the first period. No postoperative death occurred. The overall adverse events rate was 30%. In multivariate analyzes, the only element associated with reduced adverse postoperative events was chest tube withdrawal within POD2. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 97%, 86.1%, and 76.3%, respectively. In the second period, 1077 patients were included; 11 patients died during the postoperative period. The overall postoperative adverse event rate was 30.3%. Thoracoscore independently predicted postoperative death, the occurrence of complications (all-kind, minor, major, or respiratory ones). We conclude that compliance to ERP procedures and early chest tube removal are associated with reduced postoperative events in patients with lung resection surgery. Thoracoscore is a useful tool in predicting mortality and postoperative adverse events.

Abstract

Introduction: In spite of increasing diffusion, Enhanced Recovery Pathways (ERP) have been scarcely assessed in large scale programs of lung cancer surgery. The aim of this study was auditing our practice. Methods: A two-step audit program was established: the first dealing with our initial ERP experience in patients undergoing non-extended anatomical segmentectomies and lobectomies, the second including all consecutive patients undergoing all kind of lung resections for NSCLC. The first step aimed at auditing results of ERP on occurrence of postoperative complications and at assessing which ERP components are associated with improved short-term outcomes. We also audited late results by assessing long-term survival of patients in the first step of our study. The second step aimed at auditing on large-scale short-term results of the ERP in a real-life setting. Results: Over a one-year period, 166 patients were included. The median number of ERP procedures per patient was three (IQR 3–4). No postoperative death occurred. The overall adverse events rate was 30%. In multivariate analyzes, the only element associated with reduced adverse postoperative events was chest tube withdrawal within POD2 (OR = 0.21, 95% CI (0.10–0.46)). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 97%, 86.1%, and 76.3%, respectively. In the second period, 1077 patients were included in our ERP; 11 patients died during the postoperative period or within 30 days of operation (1.02%). The overall postoperative adverse event rate was 30.3%, major complication occurring in 134 (12.4%), and minor ones in 192 (17.8%). Respiratory complications occurred in 64 (5.9%). Thoracoscore independently predicted postoperative death, the occurrence of complications (all-kind, minor, major, or respiratory ones). Conclusions: Compliance to ERP procedures and early chest tube removal are associated with reduced postoperative events in patients with lung resection surgery. In a large setting scale, ERP can be applied with satisfactory results in terms of mortality and morbidity. Thoracoscore is a useful tool in predicting mortality and postoperative adverse events.

Evolution of Process and Outcome Measures during an Enhanced Recovery after Thoracic Surgery Program

Background

A time course analysis was undertaken to evaluate how perioperative process-of-care and outcome measures evolved after implementation of an enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) program.

Methods

Outcome and process-of-care measures were compared between patients undergoing major elective thoracic surgery during a 9-month pre-ERATS implementation period to those at 1–3, 4–6, and 7–9 months post-ERATS implementation. Outcome measures included length of stay, the 30-day readmission rate, 30-day emergency department visits, and minor and major adverse events. Process measures included first time to activity, out-of-bed, ambulation, fluid diet, diet as tolerated, as well as removal of the first and last chest tube, epidural, patient-controlled analgesia, and Foley and intravenous catheters.

Results

In total, 704 patients (352 pre-ERATS, 352 post-ERATS) were included. Mobilization-related process measures, including time to first activity (16.5 vs. 6.8 hours, p<0.001), out-of-bed (17.6 vs. 8.9 hours, p<0.001), and ambulation (32.4 vs. 25.4 hours, p=0.04) saw statistically significant improvements by 1–3 months post-ERATS implementation compared to pre-ERATS. Time to Foley removal improved by 4–6 months post-ERATS (19.5 vs. 18.2 hours, p=0.003). Outcome measures, including the 30-day readmission rate and emergency department visits, steadily decreased post-ERATS. By 7–9 months post-ERATS, both minor (18.2% vs. 7.9%, p=0.009) and major (13.6% vs. 4.4%, p=0.007) adverse events demonstrated statistically significant improvements. Length of stay trended towards improvement from 6.2 days pre-ERATS to 4.8 days by 7–9 months post-ERATS (p=0.06).

Conclusion

The adoption of ERATS led to improvements in multiple process-of-care measures, which may collectively and gradually achieve optimization of clinical outcomes.

Impact of enhanced pathway of care in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (E.R.A.S.) is a multimodal, evidence-based and patient-centered pathway designed to minimize surgical stress, enhancing recovery and improving perioperative outcomes. However, considering that the potential clinical implication of E.R.A.S. on patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (V.A.T.S.) has not properly defined, we proposed to implement our minimally invasive program with a specific clinical pathway able to enhance recovery after lung resection. Aim of this study was to assess the impact of this integrated program of Enhanced Pathway of Care (E.P.C.) in Uniportal V.A.T.S. patients undergoing lung resection, in terms of efficiency and safety. We conducted a retrospective, observational study enrolling patients undergoing uniportal V.A.T.S. resections from January 2015 to May 2020. Two groups were created: pre-E.P.C. and E.P.C. Propensity score matching analysis was performed to evaluate length of stay (LOS), postoperative cardiopulmonary complications (CPC) and readmission rate (READM). We analyzed 1167 patients (E.P.C. group: 182; pre-E.P.C. group: 985). E.P.C. group has a mean LOS shorter compared to pre-E.P.C. group (3.13 vs 4.19 days, p < 0.0001) without increasing on CPC (E.P.C. 12% vs pre-E.P.C. 11%, p = 0.74) and READM rate (E.P.C. 1.6% vs pre-E.P.C. 4.9%, p = 0.07). In particular, the LOS was shortened in the E.P.C. patients submitted to lobectomy, segmentectomy and wedge resection. Moreover, the three subgroups had similar CPC and READM rates for E.P.C. and control patients. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the benefits and safety of E.P.C. program showing a reduction of LOS for patients undergoing uniportal V.A.T.S. resection.

The longitudinal impact of division-wide implementation of an enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery programme

OBJECTIVES

Data regarding enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery (ERATS) are sparse and inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the effects of implementing an enhanced ERATS programme on postoperative outcomes, patient experience and quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study evaluating 9 months before (pre-ERATS) and 9 months after (post-ERATS) a 3-month implementation of an ERATS programme in a single academic tertiary care centre. All patients undergoing major thoracic surgeries were included. The primary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), adverse events (AEs), 6-min walk test scores at 4 weeks, 30-day emergency room visits (without admission) and 30-day readmissions. The process-of-care outcomes included time to 'out-of-bed', independent ambulation, successful fluid intake, last chest tube removal and removal of urinary catheter. Perioperative anaesthesia-related outcomes were examined as well as patient experience and QOL scores.

RESULTS

The pre-ERATS group (n = 352 patients) and post-ERATS group (n = 352) demonstrated no differences in demographics. Post-ERATS patients had improved LOS (4.7 vs 6.2 days, P < 0.02), 6-min walk test scores (402 vs 371 m, P < 0.05) and 30-day emergency room visits (13.7% vs 21.6%, P = 0.03) with no differences in AEs and 30-day readmissions. Patients experienced shorter mean time to 'out-of-bed', independent ambulation, successful fluid intake, last chest tube removal and urinary catheter removal. There were no differences in postoperative analgesia administration, patient satisfaction and QOL scores.

CONCLUSIONS

ERATS implementation was associated with improved LOS, expedited feeding, ambulation and chest tube removal, without increasing AEs or readmissions, while maintaining a high level of patient satisfaction and QOL.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) protocol adapted to the Brazilian reality: a prospective cohort study for thoracic patients

Background

In Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs), resource optimization and infrastructure availability are recurrently in debate. In order to assist the development and implementation of guidelines, LMICs often exemplify from High-Income Countries protocols. At the final, it will be: content adaption is often needed. In this study, we demonstrated the preliminary analysis of the Brazilian experience by adapting the ERAS^® Protocol for thoracic surgery patients (PROSM).

Methods

Patients’ data were extracted from the surgical group database that operated in the city of Sao Paulo. Patients’ data were organized for analysis after the institution’s ethics committee gave their approval. Patients’ variables were analyzed and compared to a control group. Subgroup analysis included patients without ICU Admission.

Results

PROSM patients had reduced ICU length of stay (LOS) (Mean of 0.3±0.58 days, 1.2±1.65 days, P=0.001), Hospital LOS (Mean of 1.6±1.32 days, 3.9±3.25 days, P=0.001) and Chest Drain duration (Median 1.0±1.00 days, 3.0±3.00 days, P=0.001). Analyses of patients that were not admitted to the ICU demonstrated reduced Hospital LOS and Chest drain duration. Cost analysis, such as procedure, daily, and post-surgical costs were also significantly lower towards PROSM group.

Conclusions

This study revealed important aspects for improvement of the delivered care quality and opportunity for expenditure management. We expect to assist more countries to improve knowledge under the implementation of enhanced protocols.

[Enhanced recovery in thoracic surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To present an experience of adapting the accelerated rehabilitation protocol at the thoracic surgery department of the Moscow City Clinical Oncology Hospital No. 1.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An effectiveness of the accelerated rehabilitation program in the city oncology hospital was retrospectively analyzed for the period from February to December 2019. Lung resections were performed in 252 patients with median age 66 (59; 71) years and an equal ratio of men and women (124/128). Primary non-small cell lung cancer was noted in 194 (77%) patients, secondary malignant neoplasms of lungs - in 58 (23%) cases. ASA grading system of anesthetic risk was applied (American Society of Anesthesiologists): grade II - 56 (22.2%) patients, grade III - 203 (75.2%) patients, grade IV - 7 (2.8%) patients.

RESULTS

Lobectomy was performed in 147 patients, segmentectomy - in 32, bilobectomy, pneumonectomy and marginal resection - in 1, 3 and 69 cases, respectively. Endoscopic operations made up 13.6% (n=20), 12.5% (n=4) and 78% (n=54). Postoperative 30-day complications occurred in 19 (7.5%) out of 252 patients (95% CI 4.9-11.5). Postoperative 30-day mortality was 1.98% (5 out of 252 patients, 95% CI 0.9-4.6). Median postoperative hospital-stay was 7 (6; 8) days.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of fast track protocol requires time and the first results can be assessed after 6-12 months. Continuous monitoring of implementation of the protocol elements by all members of multidisciplinary team, analysis of complications and long-term results are required to realize all potential benefits of this program.

Predictive Value of Interstitial Lung Abnormalities for Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Elderly Patients with Early-stage Lung Cancer

Purpose

Identifying pretreatment interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) is important because of their predictive value for complications after lung cancer treatment. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of ILAs for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in elderly patients undergoing curative resection for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and Methods

Elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years) who underwent curative resection for pathologic stage I or II NSCLC with normal preoperative spirometry results (pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity [FVC] ratio > 0.70 and FVC ≥ 80% of the predicted value) between January 2012 and December 2019 were retrospectively identified. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors for PPCs. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to analyze the relationship between ILAs and postoperative mortality. One-way analysis of variance was performed to assess the correlation between ILAs and hospital stay duration.

Results

A total of 262 patients (median age, 73 [interquartile range, 71-76] years; 132 male) were evaluated. A multivariable logistic regression model revealed that, among several relevant risk factors, fibrotic ILAs independently predicted both overall PPCs (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-17.38; p=0.016) and major PPCs (adjusted OR, 8.72; 95% CI, 1.71-44.38; p=0.009). Fibrotic ILAs were significantly associated with higher postoperative mortality and longer hospital stay (F=5.21, p=0.006).

Conclusion

Pretreatment fibrotic ILAs are associated with PPCs, higher postoperative mortality, and longer hospital stay.

Enhanced recovery after thoracic surgery: Systematic review and meta-analysis

ERATS decreased length of stay, postoperative complications, and readmission.

Preemptive Intercostal Nerve Block as an Alternative to Epidural Analgesia

BACKGROUND

The necessity of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) during minimally invasive surgery remains unclear. We investigated TEA efficacy in minimally invasive surgery vs. thoracotomy and the non-inferiority of a preemptive intercostal nerve block (ICNB) to TEA in minimally invasive surgery.

METHODS

We investigated 393 patients who underwent lung resection, with and without TEA, between 2014 and 2019 (242 minimally invasive surgery, 151 thoracotomy) and 93 patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery with ICNB between 2019 and 2020. To address selection bias, 70 TEA and 70 ICNB patients were propensity-score-matched. Endpoints were 1) pain score during hospitalization, 2) postoperative complications, 3) duration of operating room use, 4) analgesia-related adverse effects, and 5) use of supplemental pain medication.

RESULTS

One-third of patients with minimally invasive surgery discontinued TEA on postoperative day 1 or earlier; those with early TEA discontinuation reported worse pain the next day. TEA was associated with lower pain scores compared to non-TEA, regardless of surgical invasiveness, and a lower complication risk in patients with thoracotomy, but not minimally invasive surgery. For minimally invasive surgery, ICNB was associated with equivalent pain score on postoperative day 1, lower average pain score during hospitalization, shorter duration of operation room use, less frequent use of supplemental pain medication, and similar risk of postoperative complication and analgesia-related adverse effects compared to TEA after matching.

CONCLUSIONS

Given early TEA discontinuation after minimally invasive surgery and ICNB's non-inferior pain relief, preemptive ICNB can be an alternative for TEA in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery.

The effect of the enhanced recovery after surgery program on lung cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program is an effective evidence-based multidisciplinary protocol of perioperative care. However, the roles of ERAS in lung cancer surgery remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the short-term impact of the ERAS program on lung resection surgery, especially in relation to postoperative complications.

Methods

A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases until October 2020 was performed to identify the studies that implemented an ERAS program in lung cancer surgery. The studies were selected and subjected to data extraction by 2 reviewers independently, which was followed by quality assessment. A random effects model was used to calculate overall effect sizes. Risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD), and standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) served as the summary statistics for meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were subsequently performed.

Results

A total of 21 studies with 6,480 patients were included. The meta-analysis indicated that patients in the ERAS group had a significantly reduced risk of postoperative complications (RR =0.64; 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.78) and shortened postoperative length of stay (SMD=-1.58; 95% CI: -2.38 to -0.79) with a significant heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis showed that the risks of pulmonary (RR =0.58; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.75), cardiovascular (RR =0.73; 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.89), urinary (RR =0.53; 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.88), and surgical complications (RR =0.64; 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.97) were significantly lower in the ERAS group. No significant reduction was found in the in-hospital mortality (RD =0.00; 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.00) and readmission rate (RR =1.00; 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.32). In the qualitative review, most of the evidence reported significantly decreased hospitalization costs in the ERAS group.

Conclusions

The implementation of an ERAS program for surgery of lung cancer can effectively reduce risks of postoperative complications, length of stay, and costs of patients who have undergone lung cancer surgery without compromising their safety.

Influence of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on patients receiving lung resection: a retrospective study of 1749 cases

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for patients undergoing lung cancer surgery.

METHOD

A retrospective cohort study involving 1749 patients with lung cancer undergoing pulmonary resection was conducted. The patients were divided into two time period groups for analysis (routine pathway and ERAS pathway). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risks of developing postoperative pulmonary complications.

RESULTS

Among the 1749 patients, 691 were stratified into the ERAS group, and 1058 in to the routine group. The ERAS group presented with shorter postoperative in-hospital length of stay (LOS) (4.0 vs 6.0, P < 0.001), total LOS (10.0 vs. 13.0 days, P < 0.001), and lower total in-hospital costs (P < 0.001), including material (P < 0.001) and drug expenses (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the ERAS group also presented with a lower occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) than the routine group (15.2% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.022). Likewise, a significantly lower occurrence of pneumonia (8.4% vs. 14.2%, P < 0.001) and atelectasis (5.9% vs. 9.8%, P = 0.004) was found in the ERAS group. Regarding the binary logistic regression, the ERAS intervention was the sole independent factor for the occurrence of PPCs (OR: 0.601, 95% CI 0.434-0.824, P = 0.002). In addition, age (OR: 1.032, 95% CI 1.018-1.046), COPD (OR: 1.792, 95% CI 1.196-2.686), and FEV1 (OR: 0.205, 95% CI 0.125-0.339) were also independent predictors of PPCs.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of an ERAS pathway shows improved postoperative outcomes, including shortened LOS, lower in-hospital costs, and reduced occurrence of PPCs, providing benefits to the postoperative recovery of patients with lung cancer undergoing surgical treatment.

Guidelines on enhanced recovery after pulmonary lobectomy

OBJECTIVE

To establish recommendations for optimisation of the management of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy, particularly Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS).

DESIGN

A consensus committee of 13 experts from the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (Soci,t, franOaise d'anesth,sie et de r,animation, SFAR) and the French Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (Soci,t, franOaise de chirurgie thoracique et cardiovasculaire, SFCTCV) was convened. A formal conflict-of-interest policy was developed at the onset of the process and enforced throughout. The entire guidelines process was conducted independently of any industry funding. The authors were advised to follow the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to guide assessment of quality of evidence.

METHODS

Five domains were defined: 1) patient pathway and patient information; 2) preoperative management and rehabilitation; 3) anaesthesia and analgesia for lobectomy; 4) surgical strategy for lobectomy; and 5) enhanced recovery after surgery. For each domain, the objective of the recommendations was to address a number of questions formulated according to the PICO model (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome). An extensive literature search on these questions was carried out and analysed using the GRADE® methodology. Recommendations were formulated according to the GRADE® methodology, and were then voted by all experts according to the GRADE grid method.

RESULTS

The SFAR/SFCTCV guideline panel provided 32 recommendations on the management of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy. After two voting rounds and several amendments, a strong consensus was reached for 31 of the 32 recommendations and a moderate consensus was reached for the last recommendation. Seven of these recommendations present a high level of evidence (GRADE 1+), 23 have a moderate level of evidence (18 GRADE 2+ and 5 GRADE 2-), and 2 correspond to expert opinions. Finally, no recommendation was provided for 2 of the questions.

CONCLUSIONS

A strong consensus was expressed by the experts to provide recommendations to optimise the whole perioperative management of patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy.

[Enhanced recovery after surgery-Does the ERAS concept keep its promises]

INTRODUCTION

Perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) concepts or fast-track are supposed to accelerate recovery after surgery, reduce postoperative complications and shorten the hospital stay when compared to traditional perioperative treatment.

METHODS

Electronic search of the PubMed database to identify systematic reviews with meta-analysis (SR) comparing ERAS and traditional treatment.

RESULTS

The presented SR investigated 70 randomized controlled studies (RCT) with 12,986 patients and 93 non-RCT (24,335 patients) concerning abdominal, thoracic and vascular as well as orthopedic surgery. The complication rates were decreased under ERAS following colorectal esophageal, liver and pulmonary resections as well as after implantation of hip endoprostheses. Pulmonary complications were reduced after ERAS esophageal, gastric and pulmonary resections. The first bowel movements occurred earlier after ERAS colorectal resections and delayed gastric emptying was less often observed after ERAS pancreatic resection. Following ERAS fast-track esophageal resection, anastomotic leakage was diagnosed less often as well as surgical complications after ERAS pulmonary resection. The ERAS in all studies concerning orthopedic surgery and trials investigating implantation of a hip endoprosthesis or knee endoprosthesis reduced the risk for postoperative blood transfusions. Regardless of the type of surgery, ERAS shortened hospital stay without increasing readmissions.

CONCLUSION

Numerous clinical trials have confirmed that ERAS reduces postoperative morbidity, shortens hospital stay and accelerates recovery without increasing readmission rates following most surgical operations.

Recommendations from the Italian intersociety consensus on Perioperative Anesthesia Care in Thoracic surgery (PACTS) part 1: preadmission and preoperative care

INTRODUCTION

Anesthetic care in patients undergoing thoracic surgery presents specific challenges that necessitate standardized, multidisciplionary, and continuously updated guidelines for perioperative care.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary expert group, the Perioperative Anesthesia in Thoracic Surgery (PACTS) group, comprising 24 members from 19 Italian centers, was established to develop recommendations for anesthesia practice in patients undergoing thoracic surgery (specifically lung resection for cancer). The project focused on preoperative patient assessment and preparation, intraoperative management (surgical and anesthesiologic care), and postoperative care and discharge. A series of clinical questions was developed, and PubMed and Embase literature searches were performed to inform discussions around these areas, leading to the development of 69 recommendations. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were graded using the United States Preventative Services Task Force criteria.

RESULTS

Recommendations for preoperative care focus on risk assessment, patient preparation (prehabilitation), and the choice of procedure (open thoracotomy vs. video-assisted thoracic surgery).

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations should help pulmonologists to improve preoperative management in thoracic surgery patients. Further refinement of the recommendations can be anticipated as the literature continues to evolve.

Interactions between the enhanced recovery after surgery pathway and risk factors for lung infections after pulmonary malignancy operation

Background

Lung infection is a common complication after thoracic surgery and can lead to severe consequences. Our study was designed to explore the risk factors for postoperative lung infections (POLI) following pulmonary malignancy operation and assess the protective effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and their potential interactive relationships.

Methods

A retrospective study included 1,768 patients who underwent surgery between 2013 and 2017 in Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine was performed. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors. Andersson’s model was applied to evaluate the additive interaction between these factors.

Results

Smoking [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.178–2.198], preoperative heart disease (95% CI: 1.448–4.091), and massive intraoperative blood loss (95% CI: 1.568–3.674) were independent risk factors for postoperative lung infections (POLI), whereas ERAS implementation was protective (95% CI: 0.249–0.441). Interaction analyses indicated that non-ERAS was reciprocally independent with smoking and surgical procedure. It had a synergistic interaction with heart disease [attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) =0.540 (95% CI: 0.179–0.901), synergy index (S) =2.580 (95% CI: 1.016–6.551)], and poor lung function [AP =0.395 (95% CI: 0.016–0.775)], as well as a tendency of antagonistic interaction with blood loss.

Conclusions

Intraoperative blood loss, heart disease, and smoking are independent risk factors of POLI. ERAS implementation is a protective factor and is firstly verified to be more effective on reducing POLI in patients with heart diseases, poor lung function, and less intraoperative blood loss. We provide evidences to implement ERAS and a clue of the most optimal indications for ERAS.

Recommendations from the Italian intersociety consensus on Perioperative Anesthesa Care in Thoracic surgery (PACTS) part 2: intraoperative and postoperative care

Introduction

Anesthetic care in patients undergoing thoracic surgery presents specific challenges that require a multidisciplinary approach to management. There remains a need for standardized, evidence-based, continuously updated guidelines for perioperative care in these patients.

Methods

A multidisciplinary expert group, the Perioperative Anesthesia in Thoracic Surgery (PACTS) group, was established to develop recommendations for anesthesia practice in patients undergoing elective lung resection for lung cancer. The project addressed three key areas: preoperative patient assessment and preparation, intraoperative management (surgical and anesthesiologic care), and postoperative care and discharge. A series of clinical questions was developed, and literature searches were performed to inform discussions around these areas, leading to the development of 69 recommendations. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were graded using the United States Preventive Services Task Force criteria.

Results

Recommendations for intraoperative care focus on airway management, and monitoring of vital signs, hemodynamics, blood gases, neuromuscular blockade, and depth of anesthesia. Recommendations for postoperative care focus on the provision of multimodal analgesia, intensive care unit (ICU) care, and specific measures such as chest drainage, mobilization, noninvasive ventilation, and atrial fibrillation prophylaxis.

Conclusions

These recommendations should help clinicians to improve intraoperative and postoperative management, and thereby achieve better postoperative outcomes in thoracic surgery patients. Further refinement of the recommendations can be anticipated as the literature continues to evolve.

Comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation is an Effective Way for Better Postoperative Outcomes in Surgical Lung Cancer Patients with Risk Factors: A Propensity Score-Matched Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

To investigate the effectiveness and cost minimization of comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation (CPR) in lung cancer patients who underwent surgery.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective observational study based on medical records was conducted, with 2410 lung cancer patients who underwent an operation with/without CPR during the peri-operative period. Variables including clinical characteristics, length of stay (LOS), postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), and hospitalization expenses were compared between the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). The CPR regimen consists of inspiratory muscle training (IMT), aerobic endurance training, and pharmacotherapy.

Results

Propensity score matching analysis was performed between two groups, and the ratio of matched patients was 1:4. Finally, 205 cases of IG and 820 cases of CG in the matched cohort of our study were identified. The length of postoperative hospital stay [median: 5 interquartile (4–7) vs 7 (4–8) days, P < 0.001] and drug expenses [7146 (5411–8987) vs 8253 (6048–11,483) ¥, P < 0.001] in the IG were lower compared with the CG. Additionally, the overall incidence of PPCs in the IG was reduced compared with the CG (26.8% vs 36.7%, P = 0.008), including pneumonia (10.7% vs 16.8%, P = 0.035) and atelectasis (8.8% vs 14.0%, P = 0.046). Multivariable analysis showed that CPR intervention (OR = 0.655, 95% CI: 0.430–0.865, P = 0.006), age ≥70 yr (OR = 1.919, 95% CI: 1.342–2.744, P < 0.001), smoking (OR = 2.048, 95% CI: 1.552–2.704, P < 0.001) and COPD (OR = 1.158, 95% CI: 1.160–2.152, P = 0.004) were related to PPCs.

Conclusion

The retrospective cohort study revealed a lower PPC rate and the shorter postoperative length of stay in the patients receiving CPR, demonstrating the clinical value of CRP as an effective strategy for surgical lung cancer patients with risk factors.

Early exercise pulmonary diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide after anatomical lung resection: a word of caution for fast-track programmes

OBJECTIVES

In healthy individuals, increasing pulmonary blood flow during exercise also increases the % of the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO%), but its evolution after lung resection is unknown. In this study, our goal was to measure changes in exercise DLCO% during the first 3 days after anatomical lung resection.

METHODS

We performed a prospective observational study on consecutive patients with non-small-cell lung cancer scheduled for anatomical resection, except pneumonectomy, during a 6-month period. Patients underwent measurement of the DLCO% by a single-breath technique adjusted by the concentration of haemoglobin-before and after standardized exercise the day before and 3 consecutive days after surgery. The delta (Δ) variation (basal versus exercise) was calculated. The number of functioning resected segments was calculated by bronchoscopy. Postoperative pain and pleural air leak were estimated using a visual analogue scale and graduated conventional pleural drainage systems, respectively, and their influence on ΔDLCO each postoperative day was evaluated by linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients were included. The visual analogue scale of pain and pleural air leaks were not correlated to Δ values (model R2: 0.0048). The evolution of Δ values during 3 postoperative days showed a progressive recovery of values, but on the third day, DLCO% capacity during exercise was still impaired (P < 0.01), especially in patients who underwent a resection of more than 3 functioning segments.

CONCLUSIONS

Physiological increase in DLCO% during exercise is still impaired on the third postoperative day in patients undergoing resection of more than 3 functioning pulmonary segments. This fact should be considered before discharging those patients after anatomical lung resection.

Feasibility analysis for the development of a video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy 23-hour recovery pathway

Background

Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy has been demonstrated to offer several benefits over open surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of an ultra-fast-track 23-hour recovery pathway for VATS lobectomy.

Methods

A prospectively maintained institutional database was queried for patients who underwent VATS lobectomy from 2006 to 2016 at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Quebec, and data were supplemented with focused chart review. Patients discharged with a length of stay (LOS) of 23 hours or less were compared with those with an LOS of 2 days or more. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of LOS of 23 hours or less.

Results

Two hundred and five patients were included in the study. Perioperative 30-day mortality for our cohort was 0% and the major complication rate was 8.3%. The median LOS was 3 days (interquartile range [IQR] 2-4 d). Thirty-four patients were discharged within 23 hours and none of them required readmission; 171 patients were discharged on postoperative day 2 or later and 9 of them (5.3%) required readmission (p = 0.36). The proportion of patients discharged within 23 hours increased in 2016 compared with previous years (25.8% v. 12.0%, p = 0.05). Patients discharged within 23 hours had shorter chest tube duration (odds ratio [OR] 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.46, p < 0.001), lower clinical stage disease (stages II-III v. stage I OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.52, p = 0.011), lower pathologic stage lesions (stages II-III v. stage I OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.07-0.91, p = 0.035), fewer surgical complications (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.30, p = 0.002) and shorter operative time (surgery duration > 120 min OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18-0.95, p = 0.04). Our exploratory prediction modelling showed that chest tube duration, clinical stage and surgeon were the most influential predictors of discharge within 23 hours.

Conclusion

The only preoperative factors that predicted shorter LOS in our cohort were clinical stage and surgeon. A significant proportion of patients can be discharged safely by adopting a VATS lobectomy 23-hour enhanced recovery pathway.

ERAS for Head and Neck Tissue Transfer Reduces Opioid Usage, Peak Pain Scores, and Blood Utilization

OBJECTIVES

We implement a novel enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol with pre-operative non-opioid loading, total intravenous anesthesia, multimodal peri-operative analgesia, and restricted red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions. 1) Compare differences in mean postoperative peak pain scores, opioid usage, and pRBC transfusions. 2) Examine changes in overall length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit LOS, complications, and 30-day readmissions.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study comparing 132 ERAS vs. 66 non-ERAS patients after HNC tissue transfer reconstruction. Data was collected in a double-blind fashion by two teams.

RESULTS

Mean postoperative peak pain scores were lower in the ERAS group up to postoperative day (POD) 2. POD0: 4.6 ± 3.6 vs. 6.5 ± 3.5; P = .004) (POD1: 5.2 ± 3.5 vs. 7.3 ± 2.3; P = .002) (POD2: 4.1 ± 3.5 vs. 6.6 ± 2.8; P = .000). Opioid utilization, converted into morphine milligram equivalents, was decreased in the ERAS group (POD0: 6.0 ± 9.8 vs. 10.3 ± 10.8; P = .010) (POD1: 14.1 ± 22.1 vs. 34.2 ± 23.2; P = .000) (POD2: 11.4 ± 19.7 vs. 37.6 ± 31.7; P = .000) (POD3: 13.7 ± 20.5 vs. 37.9 ± 42.3; P = .000) (POD4: 11.7 ± 17.9 vs. 36.2 ± 39.2; P = .000) (POD5: 10.3 ± 17.9 vs. 35.4 ± 45.6; P = .000). Mean pRBC transfusion rate was lower in ERAS patients (2.1 vs. 3.1 units, P = .017). There were no differences between ERAS and non-ERAS patients in hospital LOS, ICU LOS, complication rates, and 30-day readmissions.

CONCLUSION

Our ERAS pathway reduced postoperative pain, opioid usage, and pRBC transfusions after HNC reconstruction. These benefits were obtained without an increase in hospital or ICU LOS, complications, or readmission rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E792-E799, 2021.

Serratus plane block for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery major lung resection: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of 2 different analgesic approaches on pain, postoperative rehabilitation exercises and rescue analgesics of 2 groups of patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) major lung resection for cancer.

METHODS

A total of 94 patients undergoing a VATS major lung resection were randomly allocated to 2 groups: the control group received intravenous and oral (i.e. systemic) analgesics while the intervention group received systemic analgesics plus pre-emptive serratus plane block. Pain perception was recorded until drainage removal or until 2 p.m. of postoperative day (POD) 3. In particular, the primary end point was defined as the peak pain perception on POD 1 (in the time frame between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Secondary end points were the number of forced inspiration manoeuvers during rehabilitative incentive spirometry on POD 1 and 2 and the overall number of rescue analgesics requested by patients.

RESULTS

Serratus plane block provided a better pain control between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. of POD 1 (Numeric Rating Scale 1.7 vs 3.5; P &lt; 0.001). Patients in the intervention group performed more forced inspiration manoeuvers at a mean higher volume during incentive spirometry (8.9 vs 7, P &lt; 0.001, and 1010 vs 865 ml, P = 0.02). They required fewer rescue doses of analgesics (0.57 vs 1.1; P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Serratus plane block provided a better pain control, entailing a better performance during postoperative rehabilitation exercises in terms of duration and quality of incentive spirometry. It diminished the patient’s need for rescue analgesics during the early postoperative period.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT03134729.

Influences on surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis decision making by surgical craft groups, anaesthetists, pharmacists and nurses in public and private hospitals

Background

Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is a leading indication for antibiotic use in the hospital setting, with demonstrated high rates of inappropriateness. Decision-making for SAP is complex and multifactorial. A greater understanding of these factors is needed to inform the design of targeted antimicrobial stewardship interventions and strategies to support the optimization of SAP and its impacts on patient care.

Methods

A qualitative case study exploring the phenomenon of SAP decision-making. Focus groups were conducted with surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre nurses and pharmacists across one private and two public hospitals in Australia. Thematic analysis was guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivators-Behaviour (COM-B) model.

Results

Fourteen focus groups and one paired interview were completed. Ten of the fourteen TDF domains were identified as relevant. Thematic analysis revealed six significant themes mapped to the COM-B model, and subthemes mapped to the relevant TDF domains in a combined framework. Key themes identified were: 1) Low priority for surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis prescribing skills; 2) Prescriber autonomy takes precedence over guideline compliance; 3) Social codes of prescribing reinforce established practices; 4) Need for improved communication, documentation and collection of data for action; 5) Fears and perceptions of risk hinder appropriate SAP prescribing; and 6) Lack of clarity regarding roles and accountability.

Conclusions

SAP prescribing is a complex process that involves multiple professions across the pre-, intra- and post-operative surgical settings. The utilisation of behaviour change frameworks to identify barriers and enablers to optimal SAP prescribing supports future development of theory-informed antimicrobial stewardship interventions. Interventions should aim to increase surgeon engagement, enhance the prioritisation of and accountability for SAP, and address the underlying social factors involved in SAP decision-making, such as professional hierarchy and varied perceptions or risks and fears.

Impact of one-week preoperative physical training on clinical outcomes of surgical lung cancer patients with limited lung function: a randomized trial

Background

To investigate the influence of preoperative physical training combining aerobic and breathing exercises on surgical lung cancer patients with impaired lung function.

Methods

A total of 68 patients with predicted postoperative FEV1% <60% were equally and randomly assigned into one-week physical training combining aerobic and breathing exercises (intervened group: IG) or routine preoperative preparation (control group: CG). Then, 6-min walking distance (6-MWD), in-hospital length of stay (LOS), and other clinical variables were included and recorded.

Results

An increase of 22.6±27.0 m of 6-MWD was observed in IG, compared to 2.7±27.6 m in CG (between-group difference: 19.9 m, 95% CI: 6.7 to 33.2, P=0.004), but no difference was found in lung function. The emotional function of EORTC-QLQ-30 was significantly improved in IG after the training regimen, compared to CG. Meanwhile, the intervened patients (IG) had significantly lower postoperative pulmonary complication (PPC) rate (11.8%, 4/34 vs. 35.3%, 12/34, P=0.022), shorter postoperative LOS [median: 5.0 interquartile (4.0-7.0) vs. 8.0 (7.0-10.0) days, P<0.001] and lower costs, including total cost [48,588.7 (44,999.1-52,693.3) vs. 52,445.3 (49,002.9-61,994.0) ¥, P=0.016], material cost [23,350.8 (18,300.6-26,421.9) vs. 25,730.0 (21,328.7-29,250.2) ¥, P=0.048] and drug cost [7,230.0 (6,661.9-8,347.4) vs. 11,388.6 (7,963.0-16,314.3) ¥, P<0.001].

Conclusions

The preoperative physical training combining aerobic and breathing exercises can improve exercise capacity, decrease the occurrence of PPCs, and shorten LOS with lower in-hospital cost; it thus shows potential to be an effective preparation strategy for surgical lung cancer patients with limited lung function.

Postoperative day 1 discharge after anatomic lung resection: A Society of Thoracic Surgeons database analysis

OBJECTIVE

Although minimally invasive techniques have led to shorter hospitalizations, discharge on postoperative day 1 is still uncommon. We hypothesized that day 1 discharge could be performed safely and that there might be significant variation in day 1 discharge rates between hospitals.

METHODS

We identified patients with lung cancer who underwent lobectomy and segmentectomy in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database from 2012 to 2017. The 10% longest hospital stay outliers were excluded. A multivariable regression model was created to assess for factors associated with day 1 discharge and readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 46,325 patients were examined, and 1821 patients (3.9%) were discharged on day 1. This rate increased from 3.4% to 5.3% over the course of the study (P < .0001). In multivariable analysis, factors associated with day 1 discharge included age, Zubrod score, body mass index greater than 25, forced expiration value at 1 second, middle or upper lobectomy, minimally invasive technique, and procedure time. Outpatient 30-day mortality was similar (0.3% vs 0.4%, P = .472). Patients discharged on day 1 were not at increased risk of readmission. Readmission after day 1 discharge was associated with male sex, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and longer procedure time. There was substantial variation in day 1 discharge rate between institutions, with 11 centers (4.0%) discharging more than 20% of their patients on day 1, whereas 102 centers (36.7%) had no day 1 discharges.

CONCLUSIONS

Day 1 discharge after anatomic lung resection is uncommon but is becoming more common. Carefully selected patients may be discharged on day 1 without an increased risk of readmission or death.

[Bridging anticoagulation in patients receiving vitamin K antagonists : Current status]

Approximately 30% of patients receiving oral anticoagulation using vitamin K antagonists (VKA) require surgery within 2 years. In this context, a clinical decision on the need and the mode of a peri-interventional bridging with heparin is needed. While a few years ago, bridging was almost considered a standard of care, recent study results triggered a discussion on which patients will need bridging at all. Revisiting the currently available recommendations and study results the conclusion can be drawn that the indications for bridging with heparin must nowadays be taken more narrowly and considering the individual patient risk of bleeding and thromboembolism. Bridging with heparin is only needed in patients with a very high risk of thromboembolism. This overview aims to give guidance for a risk-adapted peri-interventional approach to management of patients with a need for long-term anticoagulation using VKA.

Impact of enhanced recovery after surgery on outcomes of elderly patients undergoing open thoracic surgery

OBJECTIVE

An enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program might be effective for postoperative recovery in elderly patients undergoing thoracic surgery. This study aimed to clarify the impact of ERAS on the post-operative recovery of elderly patients, with regard to shortening hospital stay and reducing complications after open thoracic surgery.

METHODS

We used a prospectively collected database and retrospectively accessed the data of patients who underwent lobectomies or segmentectomies for pulmonary malignancies from April 2013 to March 2018 and evaluated outcomes after implementation of ERAS. ERAS patients were those who completed an ERAS program. The control patients were those who underwent surgery before June 2015 and later operated patients who did not receive ERAS. Propensity score matching was performed to balance the characteristics of patients in both groups. Patients were also divided into the following three groups for evaluating the efficacy of ERAS: patients aged < 65 years, 65-74 years of age, and ≥ 75 years of age.

RESULTS

Before propensity score matching, the ERAS patients had shorter postoperative stay, shorter duration of chest tube drainage, and lower rate of postoperative complications than the patients without ERAS. The difference between readmission rates was not significant. After matching, the ERAS patients had shorter postoperative stay. The difference between readmission rates was not significant. After matching, the postoperative hospital stay was shorter in the patients aged ≥ 65 years.

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS shortened the length of postoperative hospital stay in patients aged ≥ 65 years and did not increase readmission rates.

Early Discharge Does Not Increase Readmission Rates After Minimally Invasive Anatomic Lung Resection

Objective

Enhanced recovery pathways reduce length of stay and costs following lung resection. However, many fear that early discharge may lead to increased hospital readmissions. In this study, we aimed to determine whether early discharge was associated with increased readmission following anatomic lung resection.

Methods

Using the lung resection database approved by our institutional review board, we identified all patients undergoing minimally invasive lobectomy and segmentectomy between January 2010 and March 2017 at our institution, where an enhanced recovery pathway is well established. Thirty-day readmissions were compared between patients with short- and average length of stay, defined as 1 to 2 days and 3 to 5 days, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of patients matched by propensity scores was performed to determine odds of 30-day readmission for each group. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

A total of 296 patients met inclusion criteria. Unadjusted analysis revealed a 3-fold increased rate of readmission in the group with average length of stay (9%, n = 12) versus the group with short length of stay (3%, n = 5; P < 0.01). At baseline, patients with average length of stay had increased rates of preoperative chemotherapy (13%, n = 18 vs. 4%, n = 6; P < 0.01) and radiation (12%, n = 16 vs. 3%, n = 5). Patients with average length of stay also had higher rates of lobectomy (95%, n = 127 vs. 86%, n = 140; P = 0.02) and postoperative complications (31%, n = 41 vs. 4%, n = 7; P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, patients with average length of stay had a 2.3-fold greater odds of readmission, which was not statistically significant (OR = 2.33; 95% CI, 0.60 to 9.02; P = 0.22).

Conclusions

Early discharge following minimally invasive anatomic lung resection does not increase the risk of hospital readmission in patients treated within an enhanced recovery pathway.

Enhanced recovery after elective surgery for lung cancer patients: analysis of current pathways and perspectives

The concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), initially introduced in the field of colorectal surgery, has been developed in order to optimize the postoperative course. In recent years the number of authors analyzing the role of ERAS in lung cancer surgery is increasing, highlighting several interventions with positive effects on the postoperative course. Yet it is still difficult to draw definite conclusions and specific guidelines, as most of these studies largely differ for their methodological aspects and study populations. Herein we focus on the key elements of each single intervention, trying to identify what we can apply in a common pathway, and which aspects are still to be evaluated for the validation of an ERAS program.