Comparison of the Effects of Sugammadex, Neostigmine, and Pyridostigmine on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Propensity Matched Study of Five Hospitals

Comparative efficacy of sugammadex and neostigmine in postoperative nausea and vomiting management: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are frequent complications that can occur after surgical procedures. Sugammadex, known for its effectiveness as a muscle relaxant antagonist, offers several advantages over neostigmine, however, there is still insufficient evidence to demonstrate its superiority in reducing PONV. This meta-analysis sought to assess the efficacy of sugammadex versus neostigmine in the management of PONV. Two independent investigators conducted a comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) across PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager software. Our meta-analysis scrutinized twenty studies that included 3248 participants. The results showed that sugammadex was effective in reducing postoperative nausea (RR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.88) versus neostigmine. Sugammadex reduced the dosage of opioids (SMD = 0.55, 95% CI -0.18 to 1.27) compared with neostigmine when the time of administration is T2 (RR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.93). The use of sugammadex markedly lowered the occurrence of nausea during non-laparoscopic surgical procedures (RR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.65). This study demonstrated that sugammadex outperformed neostigmine in reducing PONV. Various factors, including the type of surgical procedure, timing of drug administration and dosage, might influence the efficacy of sugammadex.

Effect of sugammadex with neostigmine on postoperative bowel function and on recovery of neuromuscular functions: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Early recovery of neuromuscular and bowel function after abdominal surgery are important clinical indicators of postoperative recovery. This study aimed to investigate the effects of sugammadex, and neostigmine added to sugammadex, on postoperative bowel function and recovery from neuromuscular blocking agents.

METHODS

Ninety gynecological surgery patients, aged 18 to 65 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists of 1 to 2 were randomly assigned to 3 groups: sugammadex 2 mg/kg (Group S), sugammadex 1 m/kg with neostigmine 20 µg/kg + atropine 10 µg/kg (Group S1N), and sugammadex 1.5 mg/kg with neostigmine 20 µg/kg + atropine 10 µg/kg (Group S2N), for reversal at the end of surgery during moderate block (train-of-four [TOF] count 1-2). Propofol, remifentanil, rocuronium, and sevoflurane were used for general anesthesia, and neuromuscular function was assessed using kinemyography. The primary outcomes assessed the effects of sugammadex alone and in combination with neostigmine on the time to first flatus. The secondary outcomes included time to first defecation and recovery time; defined as the administration of reversal agent to TOF ratio 90%.

RESULTS

Data from 90 female patients who underwent abdominal gynecological surgery were analyzed. No significant differences were found between the groups in term of the time to first flatus, defecation, or postoperative nausea and vomiting after surgery. However, significant differences were observed in the time to reach a TOF ratio 90% (P < .001) and extubation time (P = .003).

CONCLUSION

The addition of neostigmine to sugammadex did not affect bowel function recovery. However, combining 20 μg/kg neostigmine with 1.5 mg/kg sugammadex or 2 mg/kg sugammadex alone antagonized moderate-depth nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockade with similar efficacy.

Effect of Pharmacoprophylaxis on Postoperative Outcomes in Adult Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study within an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Framework

BACKGROUND

The application of enhanced recovery after surgery principles decreases postoperative complications (POCs), length of stay (LOS), and readmissions. Pharmacoprophylaxis decreases morbidity, but the effect of specific regimens on clinical outcomes is unclear.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Records of 476 randomly selected adult patients who underwent elective colorectal surgeries (ECRS) at 10 US hospitals were abstracted. Primary outcomes were surgical site infection (SSI), venous thromboembolism (VTE), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pain, and ileus rates. Secondary outcomes included LOS and 7- and 30-day readmission rates.

RESULTS

POC rates were SSI (3.4%), VTE (1.5%), PONV (47.9%), pain (58.1%), and ileus (16.1%). Cefazolin 2 g/metronidazole 500 mg and ertapenem 1 g were associated with the shortest LOS; cefotetan 2 g and cefoxitin 2 g with the longest LOS. No SSI occurred with ertapenem and cefotetan. More Caucasians than Blacks received oral antibiotics before intravenous antibiotics without impact. Enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously daily was the most common inpatient and discharge VTE prophylaxis. All in-hospital VTEs occurred with unfractionated heparin. Most received rescue rather than around-the-clock antiemetics. Scopolamine patches, spinal opioids, and IV lidocaine continuous infusion were associated with lower PONV. Transversus abdominis plane block with long-acting local anesthetics, celecoxib, non-anesthetic ketamine bolus, ketorolac IV, lidocaine IV, and pregabalin were associated with lower in-hospital pain severity rates. Gabapentinoids and alvimopan were associated with lower ileus rates. Acetaminophen, alvimopan, famotidine, and lidocaine patches were associated with shorter LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences in pharmacotherapy regimens that may improve primary and secondary outcomes in ECRS were identified. In adult ECRS, cefotetan or ertapenem may be better regimens for preventing in-hospital SSI, while ertapenem or C/M may lead to shorter LOS. The value of OA to prevent SSI was not demonstrated. Inpatient enoxaparin, compared to UFH, may reduce VTE rates with a similar LOS. A minority of patients had a documented PONV risk assessment, and a majority used as-needed rather than around-the-clock strategies. Preoperative scopolamine patches continued postoperatively may lower PONV and PDNV severity and shorter LOS. Alvimopan may reduce ileus and shorten LOS. Anesthesia that includes TAP block, ketorolac IV, and pregabalin use may lead to reduced pain rates. Acetaminophen, alvimopan, famotidine, and lidocaine patches may shorten LOS. Given the challenges of pain management and the incidence of PONV/PDNV found in this study, additional studies should be conducted to determine optimal opioid-free anesthesia and the benefit of newer antiemetics on patient outcomes. Moreover, future research should identify latent pharmacotherapy variables that impact patient outcomes, correlate pertinent laboratory results, and examine the impact of order or care sets used for ECRS at study hospitals.

Predictive Modeling and Integrated Risk Assessment of Postoperative Mortality and Pneumonia in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients through Clustering and Machine Learning: Retrospective Study

This study harnessed machine learning to forecast postoperative mortality (POM) and postoperative pneumonia (PPN) among surgical traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Our analysis centered on the following key variables: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), midline brain shift (MSB), and time from injury to emergency room arrival (TIE). Additionally, we introduced innovative clustered variables to enhance predictive accuracy and risk assessment. Exploring data from 617 patients spanning 2012 to 2022, we observed that 22.9% encountered postoperative mortality, while 30.0% faced postoperative pneumonia (PPN). Sensitivity for POM and PPN prediction, before incorporating clustering, was in the ranges of 0.43-0.82 (POM) and 0.54-0.76 (PPN). Following clustering, sensitivity values were 0.47-0.76 (POM) and 0.61-0.77 (PPN). Accuracy was in the ranges of 0.67-0.76 (POM) and 0.70-0.81 (PPN) prior to clustering and 0.42-0.73 (POM) and 0.55-0.73 (PPN) after clustering. Clusters characterized by low GCS, small MSB, and short TIE exhibited a 3.2-fold higher POM risk compared to clusters with high GCS, small MSB, and short TIE. In summary, leveraging clustered variables offers a novel avenue for predicting POM and PPN in TBI patients. Assessing the amalgamated impact of GCS, MSB, and TIE characteristics provides valuable insights for clinical decision making.

Use of sugammadex is associated with reduced incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting in adult patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery: a post-hoc analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common but troublesome complication in patients who undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery (LBS). Whether sugammadex use is related to the persistent decrease in the occurrence of PONV during postoperative inpatient hospitalization, which is critical for the rehabilitation of patients after LBS, remains unknown.

METHODS

The study was based on a randomized controlled trial conducted in an accredited bariatric centre. A total of 205 patients who underwent LBS were included in the analysis. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify the significant variables related to PONV. Then propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were employed to compare outcomes between the sugammadex and neostigmine groups. The primary outcome was the incidence of PONV within 48 h after LBS. The secondary endpoints included the severity of PONV, time to first flatus, need for rescue antiemetic therapy, and water intake.

RESULTS

The incidence of PONV was 43.4% (89/205) within the first 48 h after LBS. In multivariable analysis, sugammadex use (OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01-0.09, P < 0.001) was an independent protective factor of PONV. After IPTW adjustment, sugammadex use was associated with lower incidence of PONV (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.48-0.61, P < 0.001), postoperative nausea (PON) (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.67-0.88, P < 0.001), and postoperative vomiting (POV) (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.53-0.68, P < 0.001) within postoperative 48 h. The severity of PON as well as the incidence and severity of POV within the first 24 h were also lower in the sugammadex group (all P < 0.05). Reduced need for rescue antiemetic therapy within the first 24 h, increased water intake for both periods, and earlier first passage of flatus were observed in the sugammadex group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with neostigmine, sugammadex can reduce the incidence and severity of PONV, increase postoperative water intake, and shorten the time to first flatus in bariatric patients during postoperative inpatient hospitalization, which may play a pivotal role in enhanced recovery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100052418, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=134893 , date of registration: October 25, 2021).

Effects of sugammadex versus neostigmine on postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia in adult patients:a single-center retrospective study

We aimed to compare the effect of sugammadex to that of neostigmine with respect to the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) during the first 24 h following general anesthesia. This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia in 2020 at an academic medical center in Seoul, South Korea. The exposure groups were determined according to whether the patient received sugammadex or neostigmine as a reversal agent. The primary outcome was PONV occurrence during the first 24 h postoperatively (overall). The association between the type of reversal agent and primary outcome was investigated using logistic regression while adjusting for confounding variables using stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (sIPTW). Of the 10,912 patients included in this study, 5,918 (54.2%) received sugammadex. Sugammadex was associated with a significantly lower incidence of overall PONV (15.8% vs. 17.7%; odds ratio, 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-0.97; P = 0.010) after sIPTW. In conclusion, compared with neostigmine/glycopyrrolate, sugammadex use has a lower risk of PONV during the first 24 h following general anesthesia.

Effect of the preoperative physical status on postoperative nausea and vomiting risk: a matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

The American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System is commonly used for preoperative assessment. Patient physical status before surgery can play an important role in postoperative nausea and vomiting. However, the relationship between the physical status classification and postoperative nausea and vomiting has not been well defined.

METHODS

Adults aged ≥ 18 years who underwent procedures under anesthesia between 2015 and 2020 were included in the study. We analyzed the relationship of postoperative nausea and vomiting with physical status classification score using propensity score matching and Cox hazard regression. Differences in intraoperative use of vasopressor and inotropes and invasive monitoring were investigated according to the classification.

RESULTS

A total of 163,500 patients were included in the study. After matching, classification 1 versus 2 included 43,400 patients; 1 versus ≤ 3, 13,287 patients; 2 versus ≤ 3, 23,530 patients (absolute standardized difference, 0-0.06). Patients with physical status classification ≤ 3 had a significantly lower postoperative nausea and vomiting risk than those with classification 1-2 (physical status classification 1 vs. ≤ 3, hazard ratio 0.76 [0.71-0.82], P < 0.001; 2 versus ≤ 3, hazard ratio 0.86 [0.82-0.91], P < 0.001). Intraoperative use of vasopressor or inotrope and invasive monitoring were noted more in the high physical status classification than the low physical status classification (absolute standardized difference [0.19-1.25]).

CONCLUSION

There were differences in intraoperative invasive monitoring and use of vasopressor or inotrope among the classifications, and a score of 3 or higher reduced the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting more than a score of 1-2.

Comparison of the Effect of Sugammadex and Pyridostigmine on Postoperative Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Analysis

Background and Objectives: As the use of sugammadex for reversing neuromuscular blockade during general anesthesia increases, additional effects of sugammadex have been reported compared to cholinesterase inhibitors. Here, we compare the incidence of postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) between sugammadex and pyridostigmine/glycopyrrolate treatments for reversing neuromuscular blockade. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients aged ≥ 18 years who underwent surgery under general anesthesia, received sugammadex or pyridostigmine with glycopyrrolate to reverse neuromuscular blockade, and had a urinary catheter in the post-anesthesia care unit between March 2019 and February 2021. After applying the exclusion criteria, 1179 patients were included in the final analysis. The incidence and severity of CRBD were collected from post-anesthesia recovery records. Results: The incidence was 13.7% in the sugammadex group (n = 211) and 24.7% in the pyridostigmine group (n = 968). Following propensity score matching, 211 patients each were included in the pyridostigmine and sugammadex matched group (absolute standardized difference (ASD), 0.01–0.05). Compared to the pyridostigmine group, the odds ratio for CRBD occurring in the sugammadex group was 0.568 (95% confidential interval, 0.316–1.021, p = 0.059). Conclusions: Sugammadex has a similar effect on the occurrence of postoperative CRBD compared with pyridostigmine.

Pharmacotherapeutic prophylaxis and post-operative outcomes within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) program: A randomized retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Pharmacotherapy prophylaxis embedded in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) protocols is largely unknown because data related to agent choice, dosing, timing, and duration of treatment currently are not collected in the ERAS Interactive Audit System (EIAS®). This exploratory retrospective randomized cohort study characterized pharmacologic regimens pertaining to prophylaxis of surgical site infections (SSI), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of 250 randomly-selected adult patients that underwent elective colorectal (CR) and gynecologic/oncology procedures (GO) at an ERAS® site in North America were abstracted using REDCap. In addition to descriptive statistics, bivariate associations between categorical variables were compared.

RESULTS

Rates of SSI, VTE, & PONV were 3.3%, 1.1%, and 53.6%, respectively. Mean length of stay (LOS) for CR was 6.9 days and for GO, 3.5 days (p < 0.001). The most common antibiotic prophylaxis was one-time combination cefazolin 2 g and metronidazole 500 mg between 16 and 30 min preoperatively after chlorhexidine skin preparation. The most frequent VTE prophylaxis was tinzaparin 4500 units SC daily continued for at least 7 days after hospital discharge in oncology patients. PONV was related to longer LOS in both groups. Total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) was positively related to PONV and LOS in both CR & GO groups.

CONCLUSION

Guideline-consistent pharmacologic prophylaxis for SSI and VTE for both CR and GO patients was associated with low complication, LOS, and readmission rates. LOS in both groups was highly influenced by total MME, incidence of PONV and multi-modal anesthesia.