Obesity is independently associated with spinal anesthesia outcomes: a prospective observational study

Increased Body Mass Index is Associated With Increased Cost for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Exclusive of Readmissions and Complications

Background

Surgeons participating in alternative payment models may encounter financial disincentives in caring for high-cost patients. While prior studies have shown a relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cost in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), this question has not been examined using recent data in a nationally-representative dataset. We sought to use recent data to assess the relationship between BMI and cost in TKA.

Methods

We queried the 2016-2022 PINC AI Healthcare Dataset for primary TKAs identified by the Current Procedural Terminology code 27447. Baseline patient demographics, characteristics, and outcomes were gathered. Patient costs included index and 90-day period costs starting from the surgical encounter. A multivariate generalized linear model estimated patient costs across eight BMI categories (WHO BMI categories, with BMI >40 grouped into BMI 40-45, BMI 45-50, and BMI >50), and a linear regression model assessed the effect of BMI on costs. Both models controlled for age, sex, payer, race, ethnicity, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index.

Results

A total of 24,064 primary TKAs were included. Patient characteristics were age (mean 68 years, SE 0.06), sex (62.3% female), payer (63.8% Medicare), race (88.6% white), ethnicity (3.1% Hispanic), and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (mean 2.07, SE 0.01). The mean BMI was 32.0 (SE 0.1), with mean index and 90-day costs of $14,051 ± $32.6 and $17,377 ± 107.3, respectively. Predicted patient index and 90-day costs were both highest in the BMI >50.0 category at $15,555 and $20,716, respectively. Predicted index and 90-day costs were lowest in the 25.0-29.9 ($13,765) and <18.5 ($16,403) categories, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that patient index and 90-day costs increased by $23.20 (P < .001) and $48.10 (P < .01), respectively, per one-point increase in BMI.

Conclusions

Higher patient BMI is associated with increased index and 90-day episodic costs for primary TKA. Stakeholders may consider incorporating this information in bundled payment models and other value-based reimbursement models.

Failed Spinal Anesthesia: Incidence and Associated Factors

Introduction Spinal anesthesia, a commonly used technique for lower abdominal, pelvic, and lower extremity surgeries, involves injecting a local anesthetic into the subarachnoid space to temporarily block sensory, motor, and sympathetic nerves. Despite its high success rate, the failure of spinal anesthesia, which can lead to adverse patient outcomes, remains a concern. The failure rate varies widely, from 1% to 17%, influenced by factors such as technical challenges, patient anatomy, and practitioner experience. This study aims to determine the incidence and causes of spinal anesthesia failure in a university hospital setting. Methodology This cross-sectional, prospective observational study was conducted at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. Data were collected from patients aged ≥18 years who underwent spinal anesthesia over one year. The study recorded various parameters, including patient demographics, surgical details, and anesthetic techniques. Failed spinal anesthesia was categorized into total failure (no block achieved) and partial failure (need for additional analgesia). Statistical analysis was performed to identify the incidence and contributing factors to spinal anesthesia failure. Results Out of 3933 patients receiving spinal anesthesia, 72 experienced failure, resulting in an incidence rate of 1.83%. The majority of failures were total (87.5%), with partial failures accounting for 12.5%. Among the cases of failed spinal anesthesia, failures were most common in obstetric surgeries (37.5%), followed by orthopedic (25%), general (22.22%), and urologic (15.28%) surgeries. The highest failure rate according to surgery type in all patients receiving spinal anesthesia was seen in orthopedic surgery (3.46%) followed by urologic surgery (2.17%). Elective surgeries had a lower failure rate (1.39%) compared to emergency surgeries (3.87%). Quincke-type needles were predominantly used, and spinal anesthesia was most often administered at the L3-L4 intervertebral space in the sitting position. Notably, first-year residents had the highest failure rate (43.06%), while more experienced practitioners had lower failure rates. Conclusion The incidence of spinal anesthesia failure in our study was 1.83%, with total failures being more common than partial failures. Factors such as surgical type, emergency status, and practitioner experience can impact the failure rate. The higher failure rate among less experienced practitioners underscores the need for improved training and expertise. Regular monitoring and refinement of spinal anesthesia techniques are essential to enhance patient safety and optimize anesthetic care.

Incidence and factors associated with failed spinal anaesthesia among patients undergoing surgery: a multi- center prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Failed spinal anaesthesia causes prolonging of operation time, insufficient analgesia for surgery and needs repeating spinal anaesthesia which in turn causes local anaesthesia toxicity, high spinal and total spinal, and conversion to general anaesthesia. However, the problem remains unexplored in Amhara regional state comprehensive specialized hospitals.

OBJECTIVE

To determine incidence and factors associated with failed spinal anaesthesia among patients undergoing surgery in selected Amhara National Regional State comprehensive specialized hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023.

METHODS

Multi-center prospective observational study was conducted. Data was collected using questionnaire and checklist. All consecutive scheduled emergency and elective patients were included in the study. Data was transformed from Epi data to SPSS and logistic regression analysis was done. Both crude and adjusted odds ratio were used to assess the strength of association. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 532 patients were included in this study with a response rate of 98%. Incidence of failed spinal anaesthesia was 22.4% (CI = 19-25.9). Emergency surgery (AOR = 7.01, CI = 4.5-12.7), dose of bupivacaine of ≤ 10 mg (AOR = 3.02, CI = 1.3-10.2), work experience of anaesthetist < 2 years (AOR = 3.1, CI = 1.7-5.72), bloody CSF (AOR = 8.5, CI = 2.53-18.5), hyperbaric local anaesthetic drug (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI = 3.2-8.2) and local anaesthetist without adjuvants (AOR = 5.25, CI = 2.62-14.2) were associated failed spinal anaesthesia.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The incidence of failed spinal anaesthesia was high in Amhara Region comprehensive specialized hospitals. We suggest that anaesthesia providers should minimize failure by using adjuvants and appropriate dose of local anaesthetic. Additionally, simulation training should be given for anaesthesia trainees to improve their skills and to produce competent professionals.

Comprehensive insights into lumbar epidural varicose veins: Three clinical cases and surgical strategies

Lumbar epidural varicose veins (LEVs) present a challenging clinical scenario with limited literature. This series addresses the scarcity of comprehensive understanding, emphasizing the need for nuanced exploration. Varied prevalence estimates and clinical oversights underscore the urgency for a standardized approach to surgical interventions. We present three diverse clinical cases: (1) segmental varicose veins causing radicular pain, (2) local varicosities leading to lower paraparesis, and (3) widespread varicose veins with prolonged symptoms. Surgical tactics involved targeted coagulation, crossing of veins, and preservation of collateral blood flow. Advanced imaging techniques guided interventions. Tailoring interventions based on varicose vein subtype, preserving collateral flow, and adopting a staged postoperative approach contribute to successful outcomes. This series provides valuable insights into LEV management, emphasizing the significance of advanced imaging in diagnosis and surgical planning.

Preoperative echocardiography as a predictor of spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension in older patients with mild left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension (SAH) frequently occurs in older patients, many of whom have mild left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, often asymptomatic at rest. This study investigated the association between preoperative echocardiographic measurements and SAH in older patients with mild LV diastolic dysfunction.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective observational study using data from electronic medical records. The patients ≥ 65 years old who underwent spinal anesthesia for urologic surgery between January 2016 and December 2017 and whose preoperative echocardiography within 6 months before surgery revealed grade I LV diastolic dysfunction were recruited. SAH was investigated using the anesthesia records. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 163 patients were analyzed. SAH and significant SAH developed in 55 (33.7%) patients. The mitral inflow E velocity was an independent risk factor for SAH (odds ratio [OR], 0.886; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.845-0.929; P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for mitral inflow E velocity to predict SAH was 0.819 (95% CI, 0.752-0.875; P < 0.001). If mitral inflow E velocity was ≤ 60 cm/s, SAH was predicted with a sensitivity of 83.6% and specificity of 70.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative mitral inflow E velocity demonstrated the greatest predictability of SAH in older patients with mild LV diastolic dysfunction. This may assist in identifying patients at high risk of SAH and guiding preventive strategies in the future.

Effective Dose Range of Intrathecal Isobaric Bupivacaine to Achieve T5–T10 Sensory Block Heights for Elderly and Overweight Patients: An Observational Study

Background and Objectives: The dose selection for isobaric bupivacaine determines the success of spinal anesthesia (SA). A dose higher than the optimal dose causes high SA, whereas an underdose leads to inadequate spread of cephalad. As it involves anatomical and physiological alterations, the dosing should be reduced with advancing age and body mass index values. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the association between the isobaric bupivacaine dose and block height, and to determine the dose intervals of bupivacaine to achieve the T5–T10 sensory block with a low probability of high SA in elderly and overweight patients. Material and Methods: This retrospective observational study recruited 1079 adult patients who underwent SA with 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine from 2018 to 2021. The patients were divided into four categories: category 1 (age < 60, BMI < 25), category 2 (age < 60, BMI ≥ 25), category 3 (age ≥ 60, BMI < 25), and category 4 (age ≥ 60, BMI ≥ 25). The bupivacaine dose and sensory block height (classified into three levels: high (T1–T4), favorable (T5–T10), and low (T11–L2)) were recorded. Results: The sensory block level increased significantly with increasing doses of bupivacaine for patients in categories 1 and 2. The suggested dose ranges for the favorable block heights were 15–17 and 10.5–16 mg in patient categories 1–2 and 3–4, respectively. In these dose ranges, the probability range of high SA was 10–15%. Conclusions: The sensory block height following SA was associated with the bupivacaine dose in patients aged <60 years. Regardless of the BMI, the suggested dose ranges of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine are 15–17 mg (3.0–3.4 mL) and 10.5–16 mg (2.1–3.2 mL) for patients aged <60 and ≥60 years, respectively.

Relationship of Abdominal Circumference and Trunk Length With Spinal Anesthesia Block Height in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Transurethral Resection of Prostate

INTRODUCTION

Spinal anesthesia is commonly used for various surgical procedures. Prediction of spinal anesthesia block height is always a challenging task for anesthetists. Higher than desired levels of spinal anesthesia blocks are associated with serious side effects, while inadequate block height does not provide satisfactory surgical anesthesia. In this study, we observed the relationship between the ratio of trunk length (TL) and square of the abdominal circumference (AC²) and spinal anesthesia sensory block height in geriatric patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

MATERIAL & METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan, on geriatric patients undergoing TURP under spinal anesthesia. Forty-three elderly patients (American Society of Anaesthesiology level I-III) between 60 and 80 years were recruited for the study. In hospital wards, trunk length (TL) and abdominal circumference were recorded before the procedure. In the operating rooms, spinal anesthesia was performed at L3-L4 intervertebral space with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 10mg (2mls). Block height was measured by the placement of ice pads at different dermatomes. Spearman rank correlation coefficient was used to analyze the physical parameters (TL/AC²) and spinal anesthesia block height.  Results: The ratio of trunk length and square of the abdominal circumference (TL/AC²) correlates with spinal anesthesia block height in geriatric patients, where the spearman rank correlation coefficient was r =-0.284 with p = 0.015.

CONCLUSION

The ratio of the long axis (TL) and transection area of the abdomen (AC²), which coincides with (TL/AC²), correlated with spinal anesthesia sensory block height. Hence, elderly patients with a low TL/AC² ratio will have higher block height after spinal anesthesia.

Type, management, and associated factors of failed spinal anesthesia in cesarean section. Prospective cohort study

Background

Spinal anesthesia is an anesthesia technique suitable for cesarean section to avoid respiratory complications. However, the management of spinal anesthesia is very important because spinal anesthesia may fail and the patient may be exposed to pain and discomfort.

Objective

To assess the type, management, and related factors of failure of spinal anesthesia at cesarean section.

Methods

Multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted at a public hospital in Addis Ababa on 794 mothers who met the criteria for cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Data collection methods were adopted, including chart reviews and observations of spinal anesthesia procedures. The data collected was entered in Epi info version 7 and analyzed in SPSS version 20. Independent variables with dependent variables were analyzed using logistic regression. A p-value of 0.05 for & it; was considered a statistically significant test cutoff.

Result

Of 121 failed spinal anesthesia 35 were complete and 86 were partial failed spinal anesthesia from those complete failed spinal anesthesia were managed by repeating spinal and converting to general anesthesia and partial failed spinal anesthesia were managed by the supplementary drug. Experience of the anesthetist <1 (AOR = 4.12, 95% CI, 2.47-6.90), patient position (AOR = 14.43,95%CL, 2.65-78.61), number of attempts>1 (AOR = 9.26, 95% CI, 5.69-15.01), bloody CSF (AOR = 6.37, 95%CI, 2.90-13.96), BMI ≥30kgm2 (AOR = 2.03, 95%CI, 1.12-3.68) and dose of bupivacaine <10 mg (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI, 1.33-5.53) were found to be statistically significant associated with failed spinal anesthesia.

Conclusion and recommendation

Experience of anesthetists (<1 year), obesity, bupivacaine dose <10 mg, bloody appearance of CSF, number of attempts> 1 were associated factors for failed spinal anesthesia in cesarean section. Our failed spinal management is not the same among hospitals and does not follow recommended failed spinal management. Up-skilling of anesthesia professionals should be considered on identified associated factors of failed spinal anesthesia and management of failed spinal anesthesia should be based on the recommended guidelines.

The impact of height on the spread of spinal anesthesia and stress response in parturients undergoing caesarean section: a prospective observational study

Background

The spread of spinal anesthesia was influenced by many factors, and the effect of body height on spinal anesthesia is still arguable. This study aimed to explore the impact of height on the spread of spinal anesthesia and the stress response in parturients.

Methods

A total of ninety-seven parturients were allocated into two groups according to their height: the shorter group (body height was shorter than 158 cm) and taller group (body height was taller than 165 cm). Spinal anesthesia was performed with the same amount of 12 mg plain ropivacaine in mothers of different heights. The primary outcome of the study was the success or failure of the spinal anesthesia. The secondary outcomes of the study were stress response, time to T6 sensory level, the incidence of hypotension, the satisfaction of abdominal muscle relaxation and patient VAS scores.

Results

The rate of successful spinal anesthesia in the shorter group was significantly higher than that in the taller group (p = 0.02). The increase of maternal cortisol level in the shorter group was lower than that in the taller group at skin closure (p = 0.001). The incidence of hypotension (p = 0.013), time to T6 sensory block (p = 0.005), the quality of abdominal muscle relaxation (p <  0.001), and VAS values in stretching abdominal muscles and uterine exteriorization (p <  0.001) in the shorter group were significantly different from those in the taller group. Multivariate analysis showed that vertebral column length (p <  0.001), abdominal girth (p = 0.022), amniotic fluid index (p = 0.022) were significantly associated with successful spinal anesthesia.

Conclusions

It’s difficult to use a single factor to predict the spread of spinal anesthesia. Patient’s vertebral column length, amniotic fluid index and abdominal girth were the high determinant factors for predicting the spread of spinal anesthesia.

Trials registration

ChiCTR-ROC-17012030 (Chictr.org.cn), registered on 18/07/2017.

Changing practice to increase rates of spinal anaesthesia for total joint replacement

BACKGROUND

Neuraxial anaesthesia for lower extremity total joint replacement surgery has several advantages over general anaesthesia; however, we encountered resistance to routine use of spinal anaesthesia and standardised analgesic regimens at our large, tertiary hospital. Our Perioperative Surgical Home led to multidisciplinary education and enhanced communication to change practice, with the purpose of increasing rates of neuraxial anaesthetics for these surgeries.

METHODS

Team members from anaesthesia, nursing and surgery participated in the development and adoption of the care pathway. After implementation, we performed a retrospective analysis to examine the impact of the pathway on primary anaesthetic choice. Data were analysed using Student's t-test and interrupted time series analysis.

RESULTS

The rate of neuraxial anaesthetics increased following implementation of the total joint pathway.

CONCLUSION

With multidisciplinary collaboration, we were able to change practice towards spinal anaesthesia, despite a large and diverse group of practitioners.

Japanese parturient body mass index and the role in initial nerve block height of women undergoing cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia

The present retrospective cohort study was designed to determine body mass index (BMI) at the delivery in women undergoing cesarean section in a Japanese urban area, and whether the nerve block height after spinal anesthesia upon the cesarean delivery relates to the lower maternal BMI, less gestational age, or underweight fetus at birth in the population.A total of 401 pregnant women undergoing cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia were evaluated retrospectively. We examined background differences, including BMI at the delivery, gestational age, and fetal birth weight between the cases with and without the adequate initial nerve block height less than the sixth thoracic vertebral level (Th6) after the spinal dose administration.The data demonstrated advanced maternal age pregnancy (median 35.5 years) and normal BMI (median 24.7) at the delivery in the population. The patients with the inadequate initial nerve block height immediately after the spinal dose administration documented significantly lower block height compared with those with adequate block height (Th8 [n = 55] vs Th4 [n = 346], P < 0.001). There was a risk of the low initial block height caused by either preoperative BMI <23, gestational age <37 weeks, or fetal birth weight <2500 g in the population.In a Japanese urban area, parturient median BMI undergoing cesarean delivery is in the normal range. Such lower BMI, in addition to less gestational age or underweight fetus, seems one of the factors causing the low initial block height upon spinal anesthesia.

The influence of Body Roundness Index on sensorial block level of spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section: an observational study

In this prospective trial, we investigate the effectiveness of maternal Body Roundness Index in predicting the spread of spinal anaesthesia and vasopressor requirement in parturients receiving spinal anaesthesia during the elective caesarean section. We prospectively enrolled 175 parturients. Spinal anaesthesia performed with 10 mg 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine at the L3-L4 intervertebral space and the optimal cut-off points of the BRI evaluated as 6.59 by receiver operating characteristic analysis calculating area under the curve. Parturients were divided into two groups with BRI <6.59 and BRI ≥6.59 for analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test for a relationship between variables and maximum sensory block level and vasopressor requirement. BRI was found as an independent risk factor associated with maximum sensory block level (OR = 1.378, 95% CI: 1.125-1.687, p = 0.002). Hypotension and bradycardia events after spinal anaesthesia was not associated with BRI and other variables. The present study indicates that BRI was a practical tool to predict spinal drug distribution in term parturients undergoing caesarean delivery.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Spinal anaesthesia is a commonly used anaesthetic technique for the caesarean section. However, the spinal drug distribution is highly unpredictable. Anthropometric variables may predict the intrathecal drug distribution in parturients. Body Roundness Index (BRI) captures body circumference regarding height to predict body fat percentage, consider the shape of the human body as an ellipse. An ellipsoid body shape might affect the spread of spinal anaesthesia.What do the results of this study add? Our results show that the BRI was as an independent risk factor associated with maximum sensory block level in term parturients undergoing caesarean delivery.What are the implications of these findings for future clinical practice and/or further research? A future study would present the possibility to design a formula for the exact amount of local anaesthetic to be used in spinal anaesthesia with the aid of maternal BRI.

Severe lumbar radiculopathy with epidural venous plexus engorgement in a morbidly obese pediatric patient: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Engorgement of the epidural venous plexus (EVP) is a rare cause of nerve root impingement. Dilated epidural veins cause compression of the thecal sac and spinal nerve roots, leading to lumbar radiculopathy.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here we describe a case of severe lumbar radiculopathy in a 15-year-old morbidly obese boy.

DIAGNOSIS

Enhanced lumbar magnetic resonance imaging revealed left sided L1-L2 disc protrusion and engorgement of the lumbar EVP, resulting in narrowing of the thecal sac in the entire lumbar spine. There was no evidence of an intra-abdominal mass, thrombosis of the inferior vena cava, or vascular malformation.

INTERVENTIONS

A caudal epidural block was administered under fluoroscopic guidance. The patient reported a 30% reduction in pain intensity for just 1 day.

OUTCOMES

The patient has been followed up for 2 years. He continues to take medication, including morphine sulfate 15 mg, gabapentin 300 mg, and oxycodone 20 mg per day. He is on a diet with exercise for weight reduction.

CONCLUSION

An engorged EVP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of radiculopathy in morbidly obese patients.

Peri-operative management of overweight and obese children and adolescents

Obesity has become endemic, even in children. Systemic complications associated with obesity include metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory compromise. These comorbidities require adequate investigation, targeted optimisation, and, if surgery is required, specific management during the peri-operative period. Specific peri-operative strategies should be used for paediatric patients who are overweight or obese to prevent postoperative complications, and optimising the respiratory function during surgery is particularly crucial. This Review aims to provide up-to-date information on peri-operative management for physicians who are caring for children and adolescents (usually younger than 18 years) who are overweight or obese undergoing surgery, including bariatric surgery. We have particularly focussed on the physiological consequences of obesity-namely, obstructive sleep apnoea, respiratory compromise, and pharmacological considerations.