Is Urinary Drainage Necessary During Continuous Epidural Analgesia After Colonic Resection?:

Predictors of Acute Postsurgical Pain following Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Several predictors have been shown to be independently associated with chronic postsurgical pain for gastrointestinal surgery, but few studies have investigated the factors associated with acute postsurgical pain (APSP). The aim of this study was to identify the predictors of APSP intensity and severity through investigating demographic, psychological, and clinical variables.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study of 282 patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery to analyze the predictors of APSP. Psychological questionnaires were assessed 1 day before surgery. Meanwhile, demographic characteristics and perioperative data were collected. The primary outcomes are APSP intensity assessed by numeric rating scale (NRS) and APSP severity defined as a clinically meaningful pain when NRS ≥4. The predictors for APSP intensity and severity were determined using multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression, respectively.

RESULTS

112 patients (39.7%) reported a clinically meaningful pain during the first 24 hours postoperatively. Oral morphine milligram equivalent (MME) consumption (β 0.05, 95% CI 0.03-0.07, p < 0.001), preoperative anxiety (β 0.12, 95% CI 0.08-0.15, p < 0.001), and expected postsurgical pain intensity (β 0.12, 95% CI 0.06-0.18, p < 0.001) were positively associated with APSP intensity. Furthermore, MME consumption (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.10-1.21, p < 0.001), preoperative anxiety (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.21-1.46, p < 0.001), and expected postsurgical pain intensity (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.17-1.57, p < 0.001) were independently associated with APSP severity.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that the predictors for APSP intensity following gastrointestinal surgery included analgesic consumption, preoperative anxiety, and expected postsurgical pain, which were also the risk factors for APSP severity.

Early removal of urinary drainage in patients receiving epidural analgesia after colorectal surgery within an ERAS protocol is feasible

BACKGROUND

ERAS guidelines recommend early removal of urinary drainage after colorectal surgery to reduce the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Another recommendation is the postoperative use of epidural analgesia (EA). In many types of surgery, EA was shown to increase the risk of postoperative urinary retention (POUR). This study determines the impact of early urinary catheter removal on the incidence of POUR and CAUTI under EA after colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Eligible patients were scheduled for colorectal surgery within the local ERAS protocol between April 2015 and September 2016. Urinary drainage was removed on the first postoperative day while EA was still in place (early removal group (ER)). The incidences of POUR and CAUTIs were recorded prospectively. Results were compared with a historical control (CG), which was operated between October 2013 and March 2015.

RESULTS

POUR occurred significantly more often in the ER (ER 7.8%; CG 2.6%), while CAUTIs were significantly less frequent in the ER (13.8%) compared with the CG (30.4%). Patients who developed POUR were characterised by a significantly higher rate of abdominoperineal resections, by a higher frequency of rectal cancer, and a higher male-to-female ratio compared with patients who did not develop POUR.

CONCLUSION

Early removal of urinary drainage after colorectal surgery while EA is still in place is feasible; it reduces the incidence of CAUTI but increases the risk of POUR. Thus, screening for POUR in patients with failure to void after six to 8 h is mandatory under these clinical conditions.

Postoperative Urinary Retention After Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection with Early Catheter Removal: A Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Early catheter removal is essential to enhance postoperative mobilization and recovery, but may carry a risk of urinary retention. This study aimed to evaluate a standardized regimen for early postoperative catheter removal and re-catheterization in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery within an optimal ERAS setting.

METHODS

This was a single-center prospective study of patients undergoing elective minimally invasive colorectal resection and postoperative catheter removal within 24 h, with a re-catheterization threshold of 800 ml bladder volume. The primary outcome was postoperative urinary retention rate, and the secondary outcomes were time of catheter removal and length of stay with a special focus on differences between colon and rectal resections.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients were included in the study, and 87 patients were eligible for the final analysis. Rectal resection was performed in 22 of 87 patients, and all operations were performed with minimally invasive technique. The conversion rate was 3.5%, and 30-day mortality was 0%. More than 95% of the patients had their catheter removed within 24 h with no difference between rectal and colonic resections. Postoperative urinary retention was observed in 9% of all patients (rectum 18% vs. colon 6%, p = 0.11). One patient had an indwelling catheter at discharge, but all patients had free voluntary micturition at 30-day follow-up. Median length of stay was 3 days (1-13 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Catheter removal within 24 h of surgery using a re-catheterization threshold of 800 ml is safe and reduces unnecessary re-catheterizations following minimally invasive colorectal resection.

Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Elective Colorectal Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations: 2018

BACKGROUND

This is the fourth updated Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society guideline presenting a consensus for optimal perioperative care in colorectal surgery and providing graded recommendations for each ERAS item within the ERAS® protocol.

METHODS

A wide database search on English literature publications was performed. Studies on each item within the protocol were selected with particular attention paid to meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials and large prospective cohorts and examined, reviewed and graded according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

All recommendations on ERAS® protocol items are based on best available evidence; good-quality trials; meta-analyses of good-quality trials; or large cohort studies. The level of evidence for the use of each item is presented accordingly.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence base and recommendation for items within the multimodal perioperative care pathway are presented by the ERAS® Society in this comprehensive consensus review.

[Fast-tract: Therapist's role]

The modern model of inpatient surgical care of private and optimized state/govermental medical institutions allows us to change the paradigm of nosological attachment of the hospital bed to one profile of specialists for an adaptive model, when the wards can be reassigned depending on the needs of the hospital. In such multidisciplinary medical centers with mixed hospital beds without a nominal distinction in the nosological departments, a new therapeutic service is being developed - hospitalists, which provide a consistent curation of hospitalized patients, compensation of chronic therapeutic illnesses with patient's preparation for surgical interventions. Our work describes the experience of Fast Track recovery program with the active participation of a hospitalist in a surgical team, which is a new experience in the practice of Russian colorectal surgery.

Compliance with Urinary Catheter Removal Guidelines Leads to Improved Outcome in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Patients

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine whether compliance with Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) urinary catheter recommendations is associated with decreased urinary tract infections (UTI) and length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

Patients having colorectal surgery at 15 academic hospitals were included. Patient and outcome data were collected prospectively. The guideline recommends that urinary catheters following colonic and rectal procedures should be removed at or before 24 and 72 h, respectively.

RESULTS

Two thousand nine hundred and twenty-seven patients (1397 females and 1522 males; mean age 60.3 years) were enrolled. Small bowel or colonic procedures were performed in 1897 (64.9%) and rectal procedures in 1030 (35.2%) patients. Overall, 53.2% of patients had their catheter removed in compliance with the guidelines (44.3% after colonic resections and 69.5% after rectal resections). Following colonic operations, 0.8% of patients who were guideline compliant had a UTI compared to 4.1% non-compliant patients (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07-0.58; p = 0.003). Following rectal operations, 3.5% of patients who were guideline compliant had a UTI compared to 9.6% of patients who were non-compliant (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.20-0.68; p = 0.001). Median LOS was decreased in compliant patients: 4 vs 5 days following colonic procedures (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.66-0.82; p < 0.0001) and 5 vs 8 days following rectal procedures (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.49-0.59; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Early removal of urinary catheters is associated with a decreased risk of UTI and LOS.

Impact of avoiding post-operative urinary catheters on outcomes following colorectal resection in an ERAS programme: no IDUC and ERAS programmes

BACKGROUND

The presence of an indwelling urinary catheter (IDUC) is routine following colorectal resections. In Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programmes, excessive intravenous fluids (IVFs) are avoided. This study sought to determine whether the routine absence of an IDUC following colorectal surgery improved post-operative outcomes and minimized fluid prescription.

METHODS

A retrospective comparative cohort study was performed on patients undergoing colorectal resection at a tertiary referral teaching hospital, over a 7-year period. A policy of no routine IDUC was introduced over the last 3 years. Patients were divided into cohorts based on the presence or absence of an IDUC on leaving the operating theatre. The outcomes assessed were IVF prescription, length of stay, mortality and morbidity.

RESULTS

Of the 213 resections over the time period, 131 met the inclusion criteria (87 IDUC and 44 no IDUC). There was no difference between groups with respect to baseline demographics. Fluid administration was less in the group without routine IDUC (total fluid 6.16 L versus 10.89 L; P < 0.0001, fluid in the first 24 h 3.82 L versus 5.3 L; P < 0.0001 and fluid in the first 48 h 5.15 L versus 7.23 L; P < 0.0001). Length of stay was less in the 'no IDUC' group (5.9 days versus 10.1 days; P = 0.0009). There was no difference in morbidity and mortality.

CONCLUSION

A policy of no IDUC following colectomy was associated with a reduction in IVF administration and length of stay. A randomized controlled trial is recommended in order to more accurately determine the degree of causal relationship.

Laparoscopic Colonic Resection Without Urinary Drainage: Is It "Feasible"?

BACKGROUND

Urinary retention following colorectal surgery is a known and costly morbidity. Increasing effort is being made to streamline patient recovery following colon resection, though the ideal timing and duration of urinary catheterization (UC) and its effect on urinary retention (UR) and urinary tract infection (UTI) remain controversial.

METHODS

Our program prospectively enrolled patients undergoing elective segmental colon resection through our "fast track" protocol, in which UC is completely avoided unless required for fluid management or to facilitate dissection. Patient demographics and perioperative data including type of analgesia, duration of anesthesia, timing of UC, and rates of perioperative UR and UTI were prospectively recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients met inclusion criteria. Sigmoid colectomy was the most common procedure (76.9 %). The average duration of anesthesia was 274 min, and epidural analgesia was employed in 32 (49.2 %). Twenty-two patients (33.8 %) required temporary perioperative UC. All patients left the operating room without a urinary catheter. Urinary retention occurred in six patients (9.2 %, three with and three without epidural analgesia). One patient who was not catheterized developed a UTI (1.5 %). There was no perioperative mortality. Overall, 39 (60.0 %) patients successfully underwent segmental colon resection and hospital discharge without any UC.

CONCLUSIONS

"Fast track" enhanced recovery after elective segmental colon resection without requiring UC is safe and feasible. Epidural analgesia does not mandate the use of UC. In light of the considerable morbidity and cost of UR and UTI, this approach merits further investigation for this patient population.

Comparison of pain management after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with and without epidural analgesia

PURPOSE

The optimal analgesia following laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) has not been determined; moreover, it has been unclear whether epidural anesthesia has benefits for laparoscopic surgery. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of epidural analgesia after LDG.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 84 patients who underwent LDG for gastric cancer. Patients received either combined thoracic epidural and general anesthesia (Epidural group, n = 34) or general anesthesia alone (No epidural group, n = 50). We recorded data on the patients, surgery, postoperative outcomes and anesthesia-related complications.

RESULTS

In the Epidural group, the first day of flatus was significantly earlier (2.21 vs. 2.44 days, p = 0.045) and the number of additional doses of analgesics was significantly lower (2.85 vs. 4.86 doses, p = 0.007) than in the No epidural group. Postoperative urinary retention occurred at a significantly higher rate in the Epidural group (n = 7; 20.6 %) than in the No epidural group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Epidural anesthesia may reduce the need for additional analgesics after LDG, but increases the risk of urinary retention.

A prospective study of early removal of the urethral catheter after colorectal surgery in patients having epidural analgesia as part of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programme

AIM

Early removal of the urethral catheters is part of the enhanced postoperative recovery programme (ERAS). The effect of epidural anaesthesia on urinary retention was investigated in patients after colorectal resection.

METHOD

A prospective cohort study of all patients having colorectal surgery within an ERAS programme that included insertion of an epidural catheter over the last 5 years.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and ten patients had an epidural and a urethral catheter postoperatively. The duration of catheterization was not recorded in one patient who was therefore excluded from the study. One-hundred and eighteen patients had a trial without catheter (TWOC) prior to stopping the epidural (early TWOC). Ninety-one patients had TWOC after the epidural was stopped (late TWOC). Sixteen (7.6%) patients went into urinary retention (14 early TWOC and two late TWOC). The rate of urinary retention in the early TWOC group was significantly higher than that in the late TWOC group (11.9% vs 2.2%; χ(2), P = 0.009). Those who underwent a laparoscopic resection were significantly more likely to have undergone an early TWOC (χ(2), P = 0.001); however, there was no difference in retention rates between open and laparoscopic surgery (χ(2), P = 0.402). Pelvic surgery was not significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative urinary retention (χ(2), P = 0.627). Male sex was not significantly associated with urinary retention (χ(2), P = 0.087). In the early TWOC group 86% had the catheter removed within 24 hours of surgery.

CONCLUSION

Early TWOC with epidural analgesia running significantly increases the risk of urinary retention; however, it was still successful in 88% of patients.

Intrathecal analgesia and restrictive perioperative fluid management within enhanced recovery pathway: hemodynamic implications

BACKGROUND

Intrathecal analgesia and avoidance of perioperative fluid overload are key items within enhanced recovery pathways. Potential side effects include hypotension and renal dysfunction.

STUDY DESIGN

From January 2010 until May 2010, all patients undergoing colorectal surgery within enhanced recovery pathways were included in this retrospective cohort study and were analyzed by intrathecal analgesia (IT) vs none (noIT). Primary outcomes measures were systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate for 48 hours after surgery. Renal function was assessed by urine output and creatinine values.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-three consecutive colorectal patients (127 IT and 36 noIT) were included in the analysis. Both patient groups showed low blood pressure values within the first 4 to 12 hours and a steady increase thereafter before return to baseline values after about 24 hours. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were significantly lower until 16 hours after surgery in patients having IT compared with the noIT group. Low urine output (<0.5 mL/kg/h) was reported in 11% vs 29% (IT vs noIT; p = 0.010) intraoperatively, 20% vs 11% (p = 0.387), 33% vs 22% (p = 0.304), and 31% vs 21% (p = 0.478) for postanesthesia care unit and postoperative days 1 and 2, respectively. Only 3 of 127 (2.4%) IT and 1 of 36 (2.8%) noIT patients had a transitory creatinine increase >50%; no patients required dialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative hypotension affects approximately 10% of patients within an enhanced recovery pathway and is slightly more pronounced in patients with IT. Hemodynamic depression persists for <20 hours after surgery; it has no measurable negative impact and therefore cannot justify detrimental postoperative fluid overload.

Fast-track colorectal surgery: protocol adherence influences postoperative outcomes

PURPOSE

This single-center prospective cohort study, conducted outside of a clinical trial, tried to identify the importance of each fast-track surgery procedure and protocol adherence level on clinical outcomes after colorectal surgery.

METHODS

From a prospectively maintained database, 606 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic or open colorectal resection within a well established fast-track surgery (FT) protocol, between 2005 and 2011, were identified. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to assess the relationship between each FT procedure with an adherence rate <100 % and the outcome variables (length of stay-LOS, 30-day morbidity and readmission rate). Patients were divided into four adherence level groups to FT procedures-100 %, 85-95 %,70-80 %, and <65 %. Each adherence group was compared with the other groups to evaluate differences in clinical outcome variables.

RESULTS

Group comparisons revealed that higher levels of FT protocol adherence corresponded to significantly improved LOS and morbidity rates. Readmission rates were only significantly different between the full fast-track pathway and the less implemented groups. Multivariate analyses revealed that the fast removal of bladder catheter positively influenced length of stay (p < 0.0001) and 30-day morbidity (p < 0.0001). Laparoscopy surgery, no drain positioning and enforced mobilization improved LOS (p = 0.027, p < 0.0001, p = 0.002, respectively). Early solid feeding improved LOS (p < 0.0001), morbidity (p < 0.0001) and readmission rate (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative outcomes after colorectal surgery are directly proportional to FT protocol adherence. The early removal of the bladder catheter and early postoperative solid feeding independently influenced the length of hospital stay and 30-day morbidity rates.

Regional anaesthesia with sedation protocol to safely debride sacral pressure ulcers

A treatment challenge for patients with sacral pressure ulcers is balancing the need for adequate surgical debridement with appropriate anaesthesia management. We are functioning under the hypothesis that regional anaesthesia has advantages over general anaesthesia. We describe our regional anaesthesia protocol for perioperative and postoperative management.

Guidelines for perioperative care in elective colonic surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society recommendations

BACKGROUND

This review aims to present a consensus for optimal perioperative care in colonic surgery and to provide graded recommendations for items for an evidenced-based enhanced perioperative protocol.

METHODS

Studies were selected with particular attention paid to meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials and large prospective cohorts. For each item of the perioperative treatment pathway, available English-language literature was examined, reviewed and graded. A consensus recommendation was reached after critical appraisal of the literature by the group.

RESULTS

For most of the protocol items, recommendations are based on good-quality trials or meta-analyses of good-quality trials (quality of evidence and recommendations according to the GRADE system).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the evidence available for each item of the multimodal perioperative-care pathway, the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society, International Association for Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition (IASMEN) and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) present a comprehensive evidence-based consensus review of perioperative care for colonic surgery.

Early removal of urinary catheter leads to greater post-void residuals in patients with thoracic epidural

BACKGROUND

A recent study showed that the removal of a bladder catheter is safe in presence of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA). However, the ability to void satisfactorily can be affected. The aim of this investigation is to determine whether patients with TEA are able to recover the micturition process.

METHODS

On the morning after the surgery patients were randomised into two groups: the early removal group (ERG) (n = 101), with the bladder catheter removed at the same time, and the standard group (SG) (n = 104), where the bladder catheter was kept as long as TEA was functioning (on average 3-5 days after surgery). Following the first micturition, patients underwent regular ultrasound scanning of the bladder until a post-void residual (PVR) less than 200 ml was reached.

RESULTS

All of the patients in the ERG and in the SG started to void and recovered satisfactorily their ability to void, reaching a PVR < 200 ml without requiring a transurethral catheterisation. However, the length of time to reach a PVR < 200 ml in the ERG was significantly longer compared with the SG (345 min ± 169 vs. 207 min ± 122, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In the presence of TEA, the removal of the bladder catheter on the morning after surgery leads to a transient impairment of the lower urinary tract function with no need for re-catheterisation.

Evidence basis for regional anesthesia in multidisciplinary fast-track surgical care pathways

Fast-track programs have been developed with the aim to reduce perioperative surgical stress and facilitate patient's recovery after surgery. Potentially, regional anesthesia and analgesia techniques may offer physiological advantages to support fast-track methodologies in different type of surgeries. The aim of this article was to identify and discuss potential advantages offerred by regional anesthesia and analgesia techniques to fast-track programs.In the first section, the impact of regional anesthesia on the main elements of fast-track surgery is addressed. In the second section, procedure-specific fast-track programs for colorectal, hernia, esophageal, cardiac, vascular, and orthopedic surgeries are presented. For each, regional anesthesia and analgesia techniques more frequently used are discussed. Furthermore, clinical studies, which included regional techniques as elements of fast-track methodologies, were identified. The impact of epidural and paravertebral blockade, spinal analgesia, peripheral nerve blocks, and new regional anesthesia techniques on main procedure-specific postoperative outcomes is discussed. Finally, in the last section, implementations required to improve the role of regional anesthesia in the context of fast-track programs are suggested, and issues not yet addressed are presented.

Neuraxial anesthesia and bladder dysfunction in the perioperative period: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Urinary retention requiring catheterization carries the risk of infection. Neuraxial anesthesia causes transient impairment of bladder function ranging from delayed initiation of micturition to frank urinary retention. We undertook a review of the literature to determine the elements of neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia that prolong bladder dysfunction and increase the incidence of urinary retention.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases (from January 1980 to January 2011) to identify studies where neuraxial anesthesia and/or analgesia were employed and at least one of the following outcomes was reported: urinary retention, time to micturition, or post void residual. We included randomized controlled trials and observational studies published in the English language and we excluded case reports. The randomized trials were graded according to the Jadad score.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Our search yielded 94 studies, and in 16 of these studies, the authors reported time to micturition after intrathecal anesthesia of varying local anesthetics and doses. Intrathecal injections were performed in 41 of these studies, epidural anesthesia/analgesia was used in 39 studies, and five studies involved both the intrathecal and epidural routes. Meta-analysis was not possible because of the heterogeneity of interventions and reported outcomes. The duration of detrusor dysfunction after intrathecal anesthesia is correlated with local anesthetic dose and potency. The incidence of urinary retention displays a similar trend and is further increased by the presence of neuraxial opioids, particularly long-acting variants. Urinary tract infection secondary to catheterization occurred rarely.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuraxial anesthesia/analgesia results in transient detrusor dysfunction. The duration of dysfunction depends on the potency and dose of medication used; however, it does not appear to result in significant morbidity.

Multimodal optimization of surgical care shows beneficial outcome in gastrectomy surgery

BACKGROUND

The aim of this trial was to compare multimodal optimization with conventional perioperative management in a consecutive series of patients undergoing gastrectomy procedures.

METHODS

According to randomized controlled studies and conclusions made by meta-analyses in colorectal surgery, optimized perioperative measures were designed and applied in gastrectomy surgery. Thirty-three patients were randomized to the optimized group and 30 patients to a control group. Two groups were treated in 1 center by a single surgical team in different wards. Both groups used patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative analgesia. The primary end point was length of postoperative hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included bowel function recovery after surgery, perioperative changes of inflammatory factors, glucocorticoid, insulin resistance, and body composition. Perioperative complications and adverse events were also recorded.

RESULTS

The groups were similar in terms of age, sex ratio, and Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM score). The optimized group was associated with a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay compared with the conventional care group (P < .001). Durations of urinary catheterization and abdominal drainage were also less (P < .001). The diet program in the optimization group was well tolerated and was associated with an earlier recovery of gut function (P < .001). Proinflammatory factors were less elevated and body composition was more stable in the optimized group than in controls. There were no differences in morbidity or mortality between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimization of care in gastrectomy can shorten postoperative hospital stay and provides multiple beneficial outcomes, including hastening the return of gut function, without increasing morbidity.

Effects of thoracic epidural analgesia on lower urinary tract function in women

AIMS

The need for an indwelling transurethral catheter in patients with postoperative thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) is a matter of controversy. Subjective observations are ambivalent and the literature addressing this issue is scarce. As segmental blockade can be achieved with epidural analgesia, we hypothesized that analgesia within segments T4-T11 has no or minimal influence on lower urinary tract function. Thus, we evaluated the effect of TEA on lower urinary tract function by urodynamic studies.

METHODS

In 13 women with no preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms undergoing open kidney surgery by lumbotomy under TEA, we prospectively assessed changes in urodynamic parameters the day before and 2-3 days after surgery with the patients under TEA.

RESULTS

Before versus during TEA, there was a significant increase in postvoid residual (median, 5 ml vs. 220 ml, P<0.001) and a significant decrease in maximum detrusor pressure (median, 23 cmH(2) O vs. 5 cmH(2) O, P=0.001), detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (median, 18 cmH(2) O vs. 5 cmH(2) O, P=0.001), maximum flow rate (median, 12 ml/sec vs. 3 ml/sec, P<0.001), and voided volume (median, 250 ml vs. 40 ml, P<0.001). In addition, maximum urethral closure pressure at rest decreased significantly under TEA from median 75 cmH(2) O to 56 cmH(2) O (P=0.002). Bladder sensation, maximum cystometric capacity, compliance, and functional profile length at rest were not influenced by TEA.

CONCLUSIONS

TEA has a significant effect on bladder emptying with clinically relevant postvoid residual (PVR) necessitating (indwelling or intermittent) catheterization or monitoring of PVR.

Optimal duration of urinary catheterization after thoracotomy in patients under postoperative patient-controlled epidural analgesia

BACKGROUND

Epidural analgesia is widely used for efficient pain relief after major surgery. However, it may cause urinary retention, leading to delayed removal of bladder catheters with prolonged patient discomfort. Using a specific regimen in patient controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA), we examined the optimal duration of urinary catheterization in patients undergoing major thoracic surgery.

METHODS

Seventy-eight patients scheduled for elective thoracotomy were prospectively randomized into two groups: Group 1, removal of the transurethral catheter on the first postoperative day (n = 38); Group 2, removal of the catheter after discontinuation of PCEA (n = 40). The PCEA regimen was a mixture containing low-dose morphine, bupivacaine and neostigmine and was given for 3 days after surgery in all subjects. Micturition problems, pain scores assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS), and side effects were evaluated during and after PCEA treatment.

RESULTS

The average duration of urinary drainage after surgery was 30.2 + or - 5.1 hours and 78.5 + or - 7.3 hours in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. After removal of the bladder catheter, no patient in either group required re-catheterization for urinary retention or encountered catheter-related infection. VAS scores were significantly lower in Group 1 at rest and at 24, 36 and 48 hours after cessation of PCEA. VAS scores were significantly higher in Group 2 patients, possibly due to catheter-induced pain related to prolonged catheterization.

CONCLUSION

Routine continuous bladder catheterization may not necessarily be required after thoracotomy in patients with ongoing continuous thoracic epidural analgesia.

Less urinary tract infection by earlier removal of bladder catheter in surgical patients receiving thoracic epidural analgesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

It is common practice to catheterize the bladder in the presence of epidural analgesia and to leave the bladder catheter in situ to avoid postoperative urinary retention. However, bladder catheterization carries the risk for urinary tract infection (UTI). The objective of this randomized control trial was to assess whether the incidence of UTI will differ among patients receiving standard care and patients who have the bladder catheterization discontinued on the morning after surgery with the epidural still functioning.

METHODS

Patients at low risk for postoperative urinary retention, scheduled for thoracic and abdominal surgery and receiving continuous thoracic epidural analgesia, were randomized on the morning after surgery to 2 groups: in the early removal group (n = 105), the bladder catheter was removed on the same morning after surgery, whereas in the standard group (SG) (n = 110), the bladder catheter was removed when epidural analgesia was discontinued (3-5 days). Urinary bladder volume was assessed by ultrasound. Primary and secondary outcomes were the incidence of UTI and rate of recatheterization.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifteen patients were randomized. There were 17 UTI cases in total, with 15 (14%) in the SG and 2 (2%) in the early removal group (P = 0.004). The incidence of recatheterizations was not different between the 2 groups (P = 0.09) and did not correlate with the site of epidural insertion. When matched for the types of surgery, the duration of hospital stay was longer in the patients who contracted UTI (P = 0.004). There were more patients older than 65 years in the SG.

CONCLUSIONS

Leaving the bladder catheter as long as the epidural analgesia is maintained results in a higher incidence of UTI and prolonged hospital stay. Removal of the bladder catheter on the morning after surgery does not lead to higher rate of catheterizations.

Incidence of urinary retention in patients with thoracic patient-controlled epidural analgesia (TPCEA) undergoing thoracotomy

Up to 100% of patients treated with epidural analgesia can experience urinary retention, which may be related to dermatomal level of the epidural block, epidural medication, and surgical procedure. This study was designed to identify the incidence of urinary retention in patients who receive thoracic patient-controlled epidural analgesia (TPCEA) after thoracotomy. Forty-nine patients were enrolled and received epidural infusion of ropivacaine 0.2% or mixture of bupivacaine 0.1% with hydromorphone 0.015 mg/mL. Epidural catheter placement level was verified by chest X-rays. Indwelling urinary catheters were removed between 12 and 48 h after surgery when no longer required for fluid monitoring. Four hours later, patients were assessed for urinary retention using bladder ultrasound. Residual bladder volume was recorded, and urinary retention was defined as an inability to void or a bladder volume of greater than 600 mL at 4 h. Twenty-four hours after the catheter removal, patients completed a questionnaire to assess their perception of the indwelling catheter before and after its removal. Five participants (approximately 10%) with epidural catheters between T3 and T5 with bupivacaine/hydromorphone epidural solution were recatheterized. No association was established between catheter level, drug type, infusion rate, and urinary retention. Although 76% of patients did not report any physical discomfort with the indwelling urinary catheter, 66% felt relief after its removal and 18% did not ambulate with the inserted urinary catheter. The incidence of postoperative urine retention was low (10%), indicating that unless required for other purposes, indwelling urinary catheters may be removed between 12 and 48 h after surgery while receiving TPCEA.

Fast track--different implications in pancreatic surgery

Concepts in "fast-track" surgery, which provide optimal perioperative care, have been proven to significantly reduce complication rates and decrease hospital stay. This study explores whether fast-track concepts can also be safely applied and improve the outcomes of major pancreatic resections. Perioperative data from 255 consecutive patients, who underwent pancreatic resection by means of fast-track surgery in a high-volume medical center, were analyzed using univariate and multivariate models. Of the 255 patients, 180 received a pancreatic head resection and 51 received distal, 15 received total, and 9 received segmental pancreatectomies. The patients were discharged on median day 10 with a 30-day readmission rate of 3.5%. The in-hospital mortality was 2%, whereas medical and surgical morbidities were 17 and 25%, respectively. Fast-track parameters, such as first stools, normal food, complete mobilization, and return to normal ward, correlated significantly with early discharge (p < 0.05). Patients' age, operation time, and early extubation proved to be independent factors of early discharge, shown through multivariate analysis (odds ratio: 4.0, 2.0, and 2.8, respectively; p < 0.05). Low readmission, mortality, and morbidity rates demonstrate that fast-track surgery is in fact feasible and safe and promotes earlier discharge without compromising patient outcomes.

[Accelerated postoperative recovery after colorectal surgery]

Accelerated recovery programs are clinical pathways which outline the stages, and streamline the means, and techniques aiming toward the desired end a rapid return of the patient to his pre-operative physical and psychological status. Recovery from colo-rectal surgery may be slowed by the patient's general health, surgical stress, post-surgical pain, and post-operative ileus. Both surgeons and anesthesiologists participate throughout the peri-operative period in a clinical pathway aimed at minimizing these delaying factors. Key elements of this pathway include avoidance of pre-operative colonic cleansing, early enteral feeding, and effective post-operative pain management permitting early ambulation (usually via thoracic epidural anesthesia). Pre-operative information and motivation of the patient is also a key to the success of this accelerated recovery program. Studies of such programs have shown decreased duration of post-operative ileus and hospital stay without an increase in complications or re-admissions. The elements of the clinical pathway must be regularly re-evaluated and updated according to local experience and published data.

Programas de rehabilitación multimodal (fast-track) en cirugía laparoscópica colorrectal

For the last two decades, general and digestive surgeons have attempted to improve the postoperative course of surgical patients. Classical perioperative treatment can be described as a period of preoperative dehydration caused by fasting and intensive colon preparation followed by fluid overload generally due to excessively prolonged serum therapy. There is also perioperative surgical stress, the trauma of surgery itself, and a long period of drainage and nasogastric tubes. The patient is thus literally confined to bed and mobilization is, at the very least, difficult. Moreover, the use of opiates delays intestinal peristalsis and consequently oral nutrition. All together, these factors prolong the length of hospital stay and hamper recovery. All these perioperative treatment modalities have been questioned by Kehlet, resulting in a set of new, more realistic and evidence-based modalities, currently known as the fast-track program. The aim of this program is to decrease perioperative stress, reduce organ involvement produced by surgical trauma and hasten the patient's general recovery. Major advantages of this program consist not only of shorter length of hospital stay but also of a concurrent improvement in patients' quality of life and a reduction in mortality. The present review article analyzes all these modalities, with special emphasis on laparoscopic colorectal surgery. This approach is presented as one of the elements of the fast-track program.

[Rehabilitation after abdominal surgery]

A combined strategy of anesthetic and surgical care defines postoperative rehabilitation, which aims to accelerate recovery from surgery, shorten convalescence, and reduce postoperative morbidity. Preoperative and early postoperative oral feeding, a relatively "dry" fluid regimen, and the avoidance of or early removal of drains, gastric tubes and bladder catheters all contribute to decreasing postoperative morbidity after abdominal surgery. Postoperative pain control, prevention of nausea and vomiting, shortening the duration of postoperative ileus, and early ambulation can also help to decrease postoperative morbidity. The use of multimodal fast-track clinical rehabilitation programs should improve outcomes and quality of life, reduce hospital stays, and save money.

Successful voiding after trial without catheter is not synonymous with recovery of bladder function after colorectal surgery

PURPOSE

The need for monitoring postoperative urine output and the possibility of lower urinary tract dysfunction following colorectal surgery necessitates temporary urinary drainage. Current practice assumes recovery of lower urinary tract function to coincide with successful micturition after removal of urethral catheter. The aim of this study was to analyze the recovery of bladder function following colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Patients undergoing colorectal operations underwent preoperative and postoperative uroflowmetry and residual urine estimation. All patients were catheterized suprapubically at surgery. Uroflowmetry and postvoid residual volumes were recorded postoperatively until recovery of bladder function was complete.

RESULTS

Thirty consecutive patients underwent suprapubic catheterization, 25 of whom completed the study. Seventeen (68 percent) patients were able to pass urine within 72 hours of surgery. Recovery of lower urinary tract function was delayed in patients undergoing rectal vs. colonic resections (median, 6 vs. 3 days, P = 0.0015). Postvoid residual volumes greater than 200 ml were noted in three (20 percent) patients following rectal resections beyond the tenth postoperative day, with complete emptying achieved by six weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Apparent successful micturition following rectal resections does not always indicate recovery of bladder function. The use of suprapubic catheters, in addition to being safe and effective, allows assessment of residual volumes postoperatively and smoothes the path to full recovery of lower urinary tract function.

Care after colonic operation--is it evidence-based? Results from a multinational survey in Europe and the United States

BACKGROUND

Despite clinical evidence showing that steps can be taken perioperatively to enhance postoperative recovery and decrease morbidity in colonic operation patients, there is no comprehensive information on how widespread such practices are, or the combination of such steps into effective multimodal rehabilitation (fast-track) colonic surgery programs to decrease hospital stay. This survey investigated clinical practice around colonic operations across Europe and the United States.

METHODS

The survey was conducted in 295 hospitals in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United States. Details of perioperative care and postoperative recovery were recorded for 1,082 patients who had undergone elective colonic operations and who were discharged (or died) over a 2-week period (United States: up to 4 weeks).

RESULTS

Preoperative bowel clearance was used in >85% of patients. A nasogastric tube was left in situ postoperatively in 40% versus 66% of patients in the United States and Europe, respectively, and was removed about 3 days postoperatively. It took 3 to 4 days until 50% of the patients first tolerated liquids and 4 to 5 days until 50% of patients were eating and having a bowel movement. Postoperative ileus was found to persist for over 5 days in approximately 45% of patients. Mean length of postoperative hospital stay was over 10 days in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and 7 days in the United States, compared with 2 to 5 days reported in trials of fast-track colonic surgery programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies that can contribute to improved recovery and reduced complications after colonic operations do not appear to be applied optimally in clinical practice across Europe and the United States. These findings indicate a potential for major improvements in outcomes and reduction of costs if peri- and postoperative care can be adjusted to be in line with published evidence.

Enhanced recovery after surgery: a consensus review of clinical care for patients undergoing colonic resection

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Clinical care of patients undergoing colonic surgery differs between hospitals and countries. In addition, there is considerable variation in rates of recovery and length of hospital stay following major abdominal surgery. There is a need to develop a consensus on key elements of perioperative care for inclusion in enhanced recovery programmes so that these can be widely adopted and refined further in future clinical trials.

METHODS

Medline database was searched for all clinical studies/trials relating to enhanced recovery after colorectal resection. Relevant papers from the reference lists of these articles and from the authors' personal collections were also reviewed. A combination of evidence-based and consensus methodology was used to develop the resulting enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) clinical care protocol.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Within traditional perioperative practice there is considerable evidence supporting a range of manoeuvres which, in isolation, may improve individual aspects of recovery after colonic surgery. The present manuscript reviews these issues in detail. There is also growing evidence that an integrated multimodal approach to perioperative care can result in an overall enhancement of recovery. However, effects on major morbidity and mortality remain to be determined. A protocol is presented which is in current use by the ERAS Group and may provide a standard of care against which either current or future novel elements of an enhanced recovery approach can be tested for their effect on outcome.

Epidural Analgesia for Postoperative Pain

Epidural analgesia provides superior analgesia compared with other postoperative analgesic techniques. Additionally, perioperative epidural analgesia confers physiologic benefits, which may potentially decrease perioperative complications and improve postoperative outcome. However, there are many variables (eg, choice of analgesics, catheter-incision congruency, and duration of analgesia) that may influence the efficacy of epidural analgesia. In addition, the use of epidural analgesia should be evaluated on an individual basis because there are risks associated with this technique.

Strategies for postoperative pain management

Despite advances in our understanding of the neurobiology of nociception, postoperative pain continues to be undertreated. There are many modalities that may provide effective postoperative analgesia, including systemic (e.g. opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents) and regional analgesic options. The particular modality or modalities utilized for a particular patient will depend on the risk-benefit profile and patient preferences. Ideally, analgesic options should be incorporated into a multimodal approach to facilitate patient recovery after surgery.

Multimodal strategies to improve surgical outcome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of modifying perioperative care in noncardiac surgical patients on morbidity, mortality, and other outcome measures.

BACKGROUND

New approaches in pain control, introduction of techniques that reduce the perioperative stress response, and the more frequent use of minimal invasive surgical access have been introduced over the past decade. The impact of these interventions, either alone or in combination, on perioperative outcome was evaluated.

METHODS

We searched Medline for the period of 1980 to the present using the key terms fast track surgery, accelerated care programs, postoperative complications and preoperative patient preparation; and we examined and discussed the articles that were identified to include in this review. This information was supplemented with our own research on the mediators of the stress response in surgical patients, the use of epidural anesthesia in elective operations, and pilot studies of fast track surgical procedures using the multimodality approach.

RESULTS

The introduction of newer approaches to perioperative care has reduced both morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. In the future, most elective operations will become day surgical procedures or require only 1 to 2 days of postoperative hospitalization. Reorganization of the perioperative team (anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, and physical therapists) will be essential to achieve successful fast track surgical programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding perioperative pathophysiology and implementation of care regimes to reduce the stress of an operation, will continue to accelerate rehabilitation associated with decreased hospitalization and increased satisfaction and safety after discharge. Developments and improvements of multimodal interventions within the context of "fast track" surgery programs represents the major challenge for the medical professionals working to achieve a "pain and risk free" perioperative course.