Supplemental peri‐operative intravenous crystalloids for postoperative nausea and vomiting: an abridged Cochrane systematic review

Intraoperative Hypotension Is Associated with Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in the PACU: A Retrospective Database Analysis

Multiple risk factors for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV)-a very distressing and outcome-related complication-have been identified, including female sex, absence of a history of smoking, history of PONV, and postoperative opioid use. Evidence of association of intraoperative hypotension with PONV is contradictory. A retrospective analysis of the perioperative documentation of 38,577 surgeries was conducted. The associations between different characterizations of intraoperative hypotension and PONV in the postoperative care unit (PACU) were investigated. First, the relationship between different characterizations of intraoperative hypotension with regard to PONV in the PACU was investigated. Secondly, the performance of the optimal characterization was assessed in an independent dataset derived via random split. The vast majority of characterizations showed an association of hypotension with the incidence of PONV in the PACU. In a multivariable regression, time with a MAP under 50 mmHg showed the strongest association with PONV in terms of the cross-validated Brier score. The adjusted odds for PONV in the PACU were estimated to be 1.34 times higher (95% CI: 1.33-1.35) when a MAP was under 50 mmHg for at least 1.8 min than when a MAP remained above 50 mmHg. The finding indicates that intraoperative hypotension may yet be another risk factor for PONV and therefore emphasizes the importance of intraoperative blood pressure management not only in patients at risk for cardiovascular complications but also in young and healthy patients at risk of PONV.

Postoperative/postdischarge nausea and vomiting: evidence-based prevention and treatment

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Postoperative/postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PONV/PDNV) remains a relevant issue in perioperative care. Especially in outpatient surgery, PONV can prevent discharge or lead to unplanned readmission.

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence on prophylaxis and treatment of PONV is growing, but implementation remains poor.

SUMMARY

A liberal, universal PONV management is now endorsed by the guidelines. Specific evidence concerning prevention and (at-home) treatment of PDNV is still scarce.

Supplemental intraoperative crystalloids for pediatric postoperative nausea and vomiting-A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative nausea and/or vomiting is a relatively frequent occurrence after general anesthesia in pediatric patients. Supplemental perioperative crystalloid fluid administration has been shown to have a positive effect on the incidence of nausea and/or vomiting in adults undergoing surgery. The question arises whether supplemental intraoperative intravenous fluids in pediatric patients offers beneficial results with regards to pediatric postoperative nausea and/or vomiting.

METHODS

Pubmed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched up to March 2022 to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials involving patients ≤18 years undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia, with one group receiving conventional intraoperative fluids therapy and the other group receiving supplemental intraoperative fluid therapy, with intravenous crystalloids. The outcomes included incidence of postoperative vomiting, postoperative nausea and vomiting, the need for rescue anti-emetics, postoperative thirst, and adverse events attributed to supplemental intravenous fluid therapy. Relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported for the outcomes using a random or fixed effects model.

RESULTS

Seven randomized controlled trials (864 patients) were included in the final analysis. Supplemental intraoperative crystalloids reduce postoperative vomiting (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39-0.80; p = .001), postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.37-0.74; p = .0003), postoperative thirst (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.13,0.34; p < .01), and the need for rescue anti-emetics postoperatively (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.49-0.74; p = .00001).

CONCLUSION

Supplemental intraoperative intravenous crystalloids significantly reduce several PONV outcomes in healthy children undergoing relatively simple and superficial surgeries under volatile agent-based general anesthesia.

[Postoperative nausea and vomiting-recommendations for its prevention and therapy in paediatric medicine]

Post-operative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV/POV) are among the biggest problems occurring in the paediatric recovery room and in the course of the following post-operative period. Apart from pain and emergence delirium, PONV is one of the main causes of post-operative discomfort in children. The DGAI Scientific Working Group on Paediatric Anaesthesia already worked out recommendations for the prevention and treatment of PONV in children years ago. These recommendations have now been revised by a team of experts, the current literature has been reviewed, and evidence-based core recommendations have been consented. Key elements of the new recommendations consist of effective individual measures for prevention and therapy, next to the implementation of a fixed dual prophylaxis in the clinical routine applicable to all children ≥ 3 years of age.

Management of postoperative nausea and vomiting in adults: current controversies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) continue to plague the surgical patient population with an adverse impact on postoperative outcomes. The aim of this review is to critically assess current evidence for PONV management, including studies evaluating baseline risk reduction and antiemetic prophylaxis, to provide a pragmatic approach to prevention and treatment of PONV in routine clinical practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multiple recent reviews and guidelines have been published on this topic with some limitations. In the current ERAS era, all patients irrespective of their PONV risk should receive two to three antiemetics for prophylaxis. Patients at a high risk of PONV [i.e. prior history of PONV, history of motion sickness, high opioid requirements after surgery (e.g. inability to use nonopioid analgesic techniques)] should receive three to four antiemetics for prophylaxis.

SUMMARY

This review provides a practical approach to PONV prevention based on recent literature.

Enhanced recovery after surgery: Current status and future progress

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways were first introduced almost a quarter of a century ago and represent a paradigm shift in perioperative care that reduced postoperative complications and hospital length of stay, improved postoperative quality of life, and reduced overall healthcare costs. Gradual recognition of the generalizability of the interventions and transferable improvements in postoperative outcomes, led them to become standard of care for several surgical procedures. In this article, we critically review the current status of ERAS pathways, address related controversies, and propose measures for future progress.

Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Pediatric Patients

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), postoperative vomiting (POV), post-discharge nausea and vomiting (PDNV), and opioid-induced nausea and vomiting (OINV) continue to be causes of pediatric morbidity, delay in discharge, and unplanned hospital admission. Research on the pathophysiology, risk assessment, and therapy for PDNV, OINV and pain therapy options in children has received increased attention. Multimodal pain management with the use of perioperative regional and opioid-sparing analgesia has helped decrease nausea and vomiting. Two common emetogenic surgical procedures in children are adenotonsillectomy and strabismus repair. Although PONV risk factors differ between adults and children, the approach to decrease baseline risk is similar. As PONV and POV are frequent in children, antiemetic prophylaxis should be considered for those at risk. A multimodal approach for antiemetic and pain therapy involves preoperative risk evaluation and stratification, antiemetic prophylaxis, and pain management with opioid-sparing medications and regional anesthesia. Useful antiemetics include dexamethasone and serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists such as ondansetron. Multimodal combination prophylactic therapy using two or three antiemetics from different drug classes and propofol total intravenous anesthesia should be considered for children at high PONV risk. "Enhanced recovery after surgery" protocols include a multimodal approach with preoperative preparation, adequate intravenous fluid hydration, opioid-sparing analgesia, and prophylactic antiemetics. PONV guidelines and management algorithms help provide effective postoperative care for pediatric patients.

Medicinal and Recreational Marijuana: Review of the Literature and Recommendations for the Plastic Surgeon

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

With the shift in public opinion and legalization of cannabis for therapeutic and recreational use, cannabis consumption has become more common. This trend will likely continue as decriminalization and legalization of marijuana and associated cannabinoids expand. Despite this increase in use, our familiarity with this drug and its associated effects remains incomplete. The aim of this review is to describe the physiologic effects of marijuana and its related compounds, review current literature related to therapeutic applications and consequences, discuss potential side effects of marijuana in surgical patients, and provide recommendations for the practicing plastic surgeon. Special attention is given to areas that directly impact plastic surgery patients, including postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting and wound healing. Although the literature demonstrates substantial support for marijuana in areas such as chronic pain and nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, the data supporting its use for common perioperative problems are lacking. Its use for treating perioperative problems, such as pain and nausea, is poorly supported and requires further research.

New insights into the pathophysiology and risk factors for PONV

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) affects patient outcomes and satisfaction. New research has centered on evaluation of post-discharge and opioid-related nausea and vomiting. Mechanical and drug effects stimulate the release of central nervous system neurotransmitters acting at receptors in the vomiting center, area postrema, and nucleus of the solitary tract. Brain surgery has allowed insight into specific central emetogenic areas. Stimuli from peripheral organs act through afferent vagus neurons and a parasympathetic response causing nausea and vomiting. Opioids stimulate mu receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and cholinergic receptors in the vestibular system. Opioids also affect gastrointestinal (GI) tract mechanics by decreasing gastric emptying, intestinal motility, GI peristalsis, and secretions. Regional blocks and non-opioid multimodal analgesia help to decrease nausea and vomiting. Patient, surgery, and anesthesia factors contribute to risk and degree of PONV experienced. Pharmacogenetics plays a role in gene typing as antiemetic medication metabolism results in varying drug effectiveness. Risk scoring systems are available. Individualized multimodal plans can be designed as part of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol.

Perioperative restrictive versus goal-directed fluid therapy for adults undergoing major non-cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

Perioperative fluid management is a crucial element of perioperative care and has been studied extensively recently; however, 'the right amount' remains uncertain. One concept in perioperative fluid handling is goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT), wherein fluid administration targets various continuously measured haemodynamic variables with the aim of optimizing oxygen delivery. Another recently raised concept is that perioperative restrictive fluid therapy (RFT) may be beneficial and at least as effective as GDFT, with lower cost and less resource utilization.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether RFT may be more beneficial than GDFT for adults undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following electronic databases on 11 October 2019: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, in the Cochrane Libary; MEDLINE; and Embase. Additionally, we performed a targeted search in Google Scholar and searched trial registries (World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov) for ongoing and unpublished trials. We scanned the reference lists and citations of included trials and any relevant systematic reviews identified.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing perioperative RFT versus GDFT for adults (aged ≥ 18 years) undergoing major non-cardiac surgery.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened references for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. We resolved discrepancies by discussion and consulted a third review author if necessary. When necessary, we contacted trial authors to request additional information. We presented pooled estimates for dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and for continuous outcomes as mean differences (MDs) with standard deviations (SDs). We used Review Manager 5 software to perform the meta-analyses. We used a fixed-effect model if we considered heterogeneity as not important; otherwise, we used a random-effects model. We used Poisson regression models to compare the average number of complications per person.

MAIN RESULTS

From 6396 citations, we included six studies with a total of 562 participants. Five studies were performed in participants undergoing abdominal surgery (including one study in participants undergoing cytoreductive abdominal surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)), and one study was performed in participants undergoing orthopaedic surgery. In all studies, surgeries were elective. In five studies, crystalloids were used for basal infusion and colloids for boluses, and in one study, colloid was used for both basal infusion and boluses. Five studies reported the ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) status of participants. Most participants were ASA II (60.4%), 22.7% were ASA I, and only 16.9% were ASA III. No study participants were ASA IV. For the GDFT group, oesophageal doppler monitoring was used in three studies, uncalibrated invasive arterial pressure analysis systems in two studies, and a non-invasive arterial pressure monitoring system in one study. In all studies, GDFT optimization was conducted only intraoperatively. Only one study was at low risk of bias in all domains. The other five studies were at unclear or high risk of bias in one to three domains. RFT may have no effect on the rate of major complications compared to GDFT, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR 1.61, 95% CI 0.78 to 3.34; 484 participants; 5 studies; very low-certainty evidence). RFT may increase the risk of all-cause mortality compared to GDFT, but the evidence on this is also very uncertain (RD 0.03, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.06; 544 participants; 6 studies; very low-certainty evidence). In a post-hoc analysis using a Peto odds ratio (OR) or a Poisson regression model, the odds of all-cause mortality were 4.81 times greater with the use of RFT compared to GDFT, but the evidence again is very uncertain (Peto OR 4.81, 95% CI 1.38 to 16.84; 544 participants; 6 studies; very low-certainty evidence). Nevertheless, sensitivity analysis shows that exclusion of a study in which the final volume of fluid received intraoperatively was higher in the RFT group than in the GDFT group revealed no differences in mortality. Based on analysis of secondary outcomes, such as length of hospital stay (464 participants; 5 studies; very low-certainty evidence), surgery-related complications (364 participants; 4 studies; very low-certainty evidence), non-surgery-related complications (74 participants; 1 study; very low-certainty evidence), renal failure (410 participants; 4 studies; very low-certainty evidence), and quality of surgical recovery (74 participants; 1 study; very low-certainty evidence), GDFT may have no effect on the risk of these outcomes compared to RFT, but the evidence is very uncertain. Included studies provided no data on administration of vasopressors or inotropes to correct haemodynamic instability nor on cost of treatment.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on very low-certainty evidence, we are uncertain whether RFT is inferior to GDFT in selected populations of adults undergoing major non-cardiac surgery. The evidence is based mainly on data from studies on abdominal surgery in a low-risk population. The evidence does not address higher-risk populations or other surgery types. Larger, higher-quality RCTs including a wider spectrum of surgery types and a wider spectrum of patient groups, including high-risk populations, are needed to determine effects of the intervention.