Audit of Pain Management After Colorectal Surgeries in a Tertiary Care Cancer Hospital

Surgery for gastrointestinal malignancy is associated with severe post-operative pain, which if inadequately treated, can lead to pulmonary complications and, in addition, delayed mobilization leading to delayed recovery and discharge. We audited our practices looking at the various pain modalities used and their effects on the post-operative recovery in colorectal surgeries, in a tertiary care cancer centre during the era of ERAS. The primary aim of the study was to assess the average pain score on movement in the first 72 h of post-operative period among patients. The secondary aim was to study the various modalities of pain management used and complications, perioperative vasopressor requirement, post-operative resumption of enteral feeding, ambulation, duration of hospital stay, duration of ICU/HDU stay, and worst pain scores in the first 72 h. We analyzed a total of 174 patients who underwent colorectal surgeries for the period of 1 year from 1st January 2018 till 31st December 2018. Out of the 174 patients, 86 (49.4%) patients received epidural analgesia and 88 (50.6%) patients who did not receive epidural analgesia, belong to the non-epidural group. Average pain scores on movement at 72 h in the epidural group was 2 [2, 3] and 2 [1, 2] in the non-epidural group (p < 0.001). Worst pain score at post-operative 72 h in epidural group was 3 [3, 4] and 3 [2, 4] in the non-epidural group (p = 0.016). In conclusion, we conclude, that the analgesic efficacy of epidural analgesia was not found to be superior in our study in patients undergoing major colorectal surgeries.

An observational cohort study on the effects of extended postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis on surgical-site infections in low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

Worldwide, approximately one in six inpatient antibiotic prescriptions are for surgical-infection prophylaxis, including postoperative prophylaxis. The WHO recommends against prolonged postoperative antibiotics to prevent surgical-site infection. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis is common due to perceptions that it protects against surgical-site infection and data informing recommendations against antibiotic administration are largely derived from high-income countries. The aim of this study was to describe postoperative antibiotic-prescribing patterns and related surgical-site infection rates in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries.

METHODS

Patients from 19 hospitals in Ethiopia, Madagascar, India, and Bolivia with wound class I and II operations were included. Data on antibiotic administration, indication, surgical-site infection, length of hospital stay, and adherence to perioperative infection-prevention standards were collected by trained personnel. The association between postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for greater than or equal to 24 h and surgical-site infection was analysed via modified robust Poisson regression, controlling for patient and procedural factors and degree of adherence to perioperative infection-prevention practices.

RESULTS

Of 8714 patients, 92.9% received antibiotics for prophylaxis after surgery and 27.7% received antibiotics for greater than or equal to 24 h. Patients receiving postoperative prophylaxis for greater than or equal to 24 h did not have lower surgical-site infection rates (Relative risk 1.09 (95% c.i. 0.89 to 1.33); P = 0.399), but the length of hospital stay was 1.4 days longer (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Prolonged postoperative antibiotics did not reduce surgical-site infection, but pervasive use was associated with a longer length of hospital stay, in resource-limited healthcare systems. With the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, surgical initiatives to implement antimicrobial stewardship programmes in low- and middle-income countries are critical.

A prospective study to evaluate the use of surveillance venous ultrasonography to detect incidence of deep venous thrombosis following neurosurgical excision of brain tumors

Objectives

Patients with brain tumors are prone to develop deep venous thrombosis (DVT) following neurosurgical excision of tumor. However, there is a deficiency of knowledge about the screening method, optimum frequency, and duration of the surveillance to diagnose DVT in the post-operative period. The primary objective was to find the incidence of DVT and associated risk factors. The secondary objectives were to find the optimum duration and frequency of surveillance venous ultrasonography (V-USG) in patients undergoing neurosurgery.

Materials and Methods

Hundred consecutive adult patients undergoing neurosurgical excision of brain tumors were included after their consent, over a period of 2 years. The risk factors for DVT were assessed in all the patients preoperatively. All patients underwent surveillance duplex V-USG of the upper and lower limbs at pre-planned time intervals in the perioperative period, by experienced radiologists and anesthesiologists. The occurrence of DVT was noted using the objective criteria. The association between the perioperative variables and the incidence of DVT was assessed using univariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The most common prevalent risk factors were - malignancy (97%), major surgery (100%), and age >40 years (30%). Asymptomatic DVT was detected in the right femoral vein in one patient who underwent suboccipital craniotomy for high-grade medulloblastoma, on the 4th and 9th postoperative day, making the incidence of DVT 1%. The study found no association with perioperative risk factors and could not suggest the optimum duration and frequency of surveillance V-USG.

Conclusion

A low incidence of DVT (1%) was detected in patients undergoing neurosurgeries for brain tumors. Prevalent thromboprophylaxis practices and a shorter period of post-operative surveillance could be the reasons for the low incidence of DVT.

Patient Safety in Intensive Care Unit: What can We Do Better?

Patient safety is an important step in providing high-quality health care. Every intensive care unit (ICU) is unique and its needs would be different; it is thus necessary to build a safety culture based on local and cultural characteristics. Various measures such as regular training, the use of bundles of care, and a blame-free environment can promote patient safety in ICUs. These measures are simple to implement even in resource-limiting settings and can go a long way in improving patient outcomes in our country.

How to cite this article

Patil SJ, Ambulkar R, Kulkarni AP. Patient Safety in Intensive Care Unit: What can We Do Better? Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(3):163-165.

Enhanced recovery pathway in open and minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery: a prospective study on feasibility, compliance, and outcomes in a high-volume resource limited tertiary cancer center

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery program (ERP) has demonstrated improved postoperative outcomes with increased compliance to pathway. However, there is scarce data on feasibility and safety in resource limited setting. The objective was to assess compliance with ERP and its impact on postoperative outcomes and return to intended oncological treatment (RIOT).

METHODS

A single center prospective observational audit was conducted from 2014 to 2019, in elective colorectal cancer surgery. Before implementation, multi-disciplinary team was educated regarding ERP. Compliance to ERP protocol and its elements was recorded. Impact of quantum of compliance (≥80% vs. <80%) to ERP on postoperative morbidity, mortality, readmission, stay, re-exploration, functional GI recovery, surgical-specific complications, and RIOT was evaluated for open and minimal invasive surgery (MIS).

RESULTS

During study, 937 patients underwent elective colorectal cancer surgery. Overall compliance with ERP was 73.3%. More than 80% compliance was observed in 332 (35.4%) patients in the entire cohort. Patients with <80% compliance had significantly higher overall, minor and surgery-specific complications, longer postoperative stay, delayed functional GI recovery for both open and MIS procedures. RIOT was observed in 96.5% patients. Duration to RIOT was significantly shorter following open surgery with ≥80% compliance. Compliance <80% to ERP was identified as one of the independent predictors for developing postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates beneficial impact of increased compliance to ERP on postoperative outcomes following open and minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer. Within a resource limited setting, ERP was found to feasible, safe, and effective in both open and minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery.

Impact of enhanced recovery pathway in 408 gallbladder cancer resections

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the sixth most common gastrointestinal malignancy with poor prognosis. Enhanced Recovery Pathway (ERP) is associated with improved outcomes following abdominal surgical procedures. Currently, there is no study evaluating ERP in patients undergoing GBC surgery. The objective was to assess compliance with ERP elements and evaluate its impact on postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

Prospective study conducted from February 2014-2019, including elective GBC surgery. Team was educated prior to ERP implementation. Compliance with the protocol, functional gastrointestinal (GI) recovery, mobilisation, and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Impact of degree of compliance (more or less than 80%) with ERP and postoperative outcomes was evaluated.

RESULTS

In 408 patients, compliance with ERP was 84.6% (53.8-100%). Compliance >80% with ERP elements was observed in 245 patients (60%). Patients with >80% compliance had lower rate of minor (18.8% vs. 27%, p = 0.050) and significantly less major (0.8% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.002) and postoperative stay (5.84 ± 4.86 vs. 7.55 ± 6.6 days, p < 0.001) and earlier functional GI recovery. Intraoperative blood loss more than 600 ml, lower compliance (<80%) with ERP and preoperative albumin independently predicted postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates safety and efficacy of enhanced recovery pathway in gallbladder cancer. Higher compliance with the pathway was associated with significantly improved postoperative outcomes following gallbladder cancer surgery.

Patient satisfaction with anaesthesia services in a tertiary care cancer centre. (SAY study)

Background and Aims:

Patient satisfaction is an important measure of quality of health care. Its assessment leads to a balanced evaluation of the structure, process and outcome of service at an institution. The aim of our study was to assess patient satisfaction with perioperative anaesthesia services provided in our institution and identify factors leading to dissatisfaction which could be preventable or addressed to improve patient care and experience.

Material and Methods:

A convenient sample size of 200 patients was accrued after written informed consent. A questionnaire to suit local needs of institute was developed, validated and a language appropriate questionnaire was administered by a trained research nurse 24–48 hours post anaesthesia to accrued patients. Data was summarised in percentages and satisfaction scores were compared across demographic variables using Chi square test.

Results:

A total of 96% (192/200) patients were satisfied with the overall interaction with the anaesthetists in the perioperative period; with 99% (198/200) patients being satisfied with acute pain services provided, postoperatively. As regards to recovery room, 96.5% (193/200) patients were satisfied with the services provided. Satisfaction scores of the pre-anaesthetic clinic (PAC), pain team and anaesthesia services compared across demographic variables – age, gender and education qualifications were found to be statistically non-significant.

Conclusion:

High rate of patients were satisfied with perioperative anaesthesia care services at our institute. Good and effective preoperative communication with the patient, effective management of postoperative pain and complications significantly contributed towards overall high patient satisfaction.

Pre-induction Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Gastric Residual Volume in Elective Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgeries

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents during elective surgery remains a major cause of airway-related mortality and morbidity. The preoperative fasting times for solids and liquids have been standardized across various anesthesia society guidelines. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines now advocate liberal clear fluid intake with carbohydrate loading up to 2 h preoperatively. The aim of the study was to assess whether practicing both ASA fasting guidelines and ERAS protocol makes the patients prone to a full stomach. The supine position standard curvilinear ultrasound probe (2-5 MHz) with Sonosite M-Turbo ©system was used to obtain the images. Gastric residual volume (GRV) was derived from the cross-sectional area (CSA) using the Perlas and colleagues model. A total of 102 patients were recruited and analyzed. The mean age and BMI were 50.65 years ± 13.35 years and 22.23 kg/m² ± 3.7 kg/m², respectively. A total of four patients (3.92%) had gastric volume > 1.5 ml/kg; out of these four patients, three were female and one was male. We did not observe any case of pulmonary aspiration in any of our patients. In conclusion, even though for elective surgeries, the current fasting guidelines are adequate, these findings cannot be extrapolated to patients with risk factors for high gastric residual volume where further studies need to be performed.

A randomized controlled trial comparing McGRATH series 5 videolaryngoscope with the Macintosh laryngoscope for nasotracheal intubation

Background and Aims:

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of McGRATH series 5 videolaryngoscope (VL) with Macintosh laryngoscope for nasotracheal intubation (NTI) in patients without anticipated difficult airways undergoing head and neck cancer surgeries.

Material and Methods:

We randomized 60 adult patients for NTI by experienced anesthetists with either Macintosh laryngoscope or McGRATH series 5 VL (VL group). The primary objective was to compare time taken for intubation (TTI). The secondary objectives included success rates, number of attempts, need for optimization maneuvers, Cormack and Lehane (CL) grade, and percentage of difficult intubations.

Results:

The mean TTI in the VL group was 43 (±10.6) versus 75 (±38.0) s in the Macintosh group (99% CI: 12.5; –51.6 s; P < 0.001). The overall intubation success rate was 100% in both groups. All 29 (100%) patients in the VL group were intubated in the first attempt versus 26 (86%) patients in the Macintosh group (99% CI –5; 33%; P = 0.11). In the Macintosh group, 20 (66%) patients needed optimization maneuver versus none in the VL group (99% CI 40; 91%; P < 0.001). In the VL group, 28 (96%) patients had a CL grade 1 view versus 9 (31%) in Macintosh group (99% CI 38; 92%; P < 0.001). There were no difficult intubations in the VL group versus 3 (10%) in the Macintosh group (99% CI: 7; 28%; P = 0.237). There was no trauma to oropharyngeal structures in either group.

Conclusion:

The McGRATH series 5 VL has faster TTI, better glottic visualization, and less need for optimization maneuvers than the Macintosh laryngoscope for NTI in patients with unanticipated difficult airways, when performed by experienced anesthetists.

Accuracy of ultrasound imaging versus manual palpation for locating the intervertebral level

Background and Aims:

Efficacy of epidural analgesia depends on placement of the epidural catheter at the appropriate level. Manual palpation using surface landmarks to identify the desired intervertebral level may not be a reliable method. Ultrasonography (USG) is an alternative technique but requires training and may increase procedure time. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of ultrasound (US) imaging with manual palpation for locating the intervertebral level.

Material and Methods:

We included postoperative adult patients without an epidural catheter who were scheduled to have a chest radiograph in the recovery room. A radio-opaque marker was placed at random at an intervertebral space along the thoracic or lumbar spine of the patient (in the field of the chest radiograph). The level of intervertebral space corresponding to the radio-opaque marker was determined by palpation technique by one anesthetist. Two other anesthetists (A and B) blinded to the result of manual palpation, independently used USG to determine the level of intervertebral space. A consultant radiologist assessed the radiographs to determine the correct position of the marker, which was judged to be the accurate space.

Results:

We recruited a total of 71 patients, of which 64 patients were included in the final analysis. Accurate identification by manual method was 31/64 (48%), by US A was 27/64 (42%) and by US B was 22/64 (34%). The difference in accuracy between manual palpation and US imaging was not statistically significant (P = 0.71).

Conclusion:

US imaging may not be superior to manual palpation for identifying intervertebral level.

Bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of clinical isolates in a tertiary care cancer center

Introduction:

This increased risk of bacterial infections in the cancer patient is further compounded by the rising trends of antibiotic resistance in commonly implicated organisms. In the Indian setting this is particularly true in case of Gram negative bacilli such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter spp. Increasing resistance among Gram positive organisms is also a matter of concern. The aim of this study was to document the common organisms isolated from bacterial infections in cancer patients and describe their antibiotic susceptibilities.

Methods:

We conducted a 6 month study of all isolates from blood, urine, skin/soft tissue and respiratory samples of patients received from medical and surgical oncology units in our hospital. All samples were processed as per standard microbiology laboratory operating procedures. Isolates were identified to species level and susceptibility tests were performed as per Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines -2012.

Results:

A total of 285 specimens from medical oncology (114) and surgical oncology services (171) were cultured. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter spp. were most commonly encountered. More than half of the Acinetobacter strains were resistant to carbapenems. Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae to cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones and carbapenems was >50%. Of the Staphylococcus aureus isolates 41.67% were methicillin resistant.

Conclusion:

There is, in general, a high level of antibiotic resistance among gram negative bacilli, particularly E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter spp. Resistance among Gram positives is not as acute, although the MRSA incidence is increasing.

Comparison between use of neuromuscular blocking agent and placebo with the intubating laryngeal mask airway

INTRODUCTION

The intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) is a specially-designed airway device that can be used for endotracheal intubation without direct laryngoscopy. The advantage of this device is that it allows blind endotracheal intubation with a predictably high success rate. The use of neuromuscular blocking agents in facilitating the use of the ILMA has been investigated in the Western population with a quoted successful intubation rate of 88-96 percent. This randomised, double-blind study aimed to see if the use of neuromuscular blocking agent is necessary for successful intubations.

METHODS

A total of 150 patients, rated categories 1 and 2 on the American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status Classification System, were induced with propofol 2.5 mg/kg and fentanyl 2 microg/kg. After insertion of the ILMA, the patients received either saline or 0.6 mg/kg of rocuronium. After 90 seconds, tracheal intubation was attempted using the specially-designed silicon endotracheal tube. In addition to the success rate of intubation, the incidence of complications was also recorded.

RESULTS

The success rate for tracheal intubation within three attempts was 93.3 percent for the saline group and 92.0 percent for the rocuronium group; this was statistically insignificant. The time to securing the airway was 11.5 seconds for the saline group, compared to 10.0 seconds in the rocuronium group, but this was statistically insignificant. The incidence of coughing during insertion of the endotracheal tube was 42.7 percent in the saline group as compared to 1.3 percent in the rocuronium group (p-value is less than 0.001). 12 percent of the patients in the saline group moved during intubation, while none was reported to move in the rocuronium group (p-value is 0.003). These results compared favourably with rates quoted in studies conducted on Western populations.

CONCLUSION

The intubating laryngeal mask airway-assisted intubation yields a high success rate, which was similar between the paralysed and non-paralysed patients, with no statistical significance. However, the non-paralysed patients were prone to coughing and movements during intubation, requiring supplemental propofol.