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BackgroundIt is speculated that opioid-free anesthesia may provide adequate pain control while reducing postoperative opioid consumption. However, there is currently no evidence to support the speculation. The authors hypothesized that opioid-free balanced anesthetic with dexmedetomidine reduces postoperative opioid-related adverse events compared with balanced anesthetic with remifentanil.MethodsPatients were randomized to receive a standard balanced anesthetic with either intraoperative remifentanil plus morphine (remifentanil group) or dexmedetomidine (opioid-free group). All patients received intraoperative propofol, desflurane, dexamethasone, lidocaine infusion, ketamine infusion, neuromuscular blockade, and postoperative lidocaine infusion, paracetamol, nefopam, and patient-controlled morphine. The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative opioid-related adverse events (hypoxemia, ileus, or cognitive dysfunction) within the first 48 h after extubation. The main secondary outcomes were episodes of postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and postoperative nausea and vomiting.ResultsThe study was stopped prematurely because of five cases of severe bradycardia in the dexmedetomidine group. The primary composite outcome occurred in 122 of 156 (78%) dexmedetomidine group patients compared with 105 of 156 (67%) in the remifentanil group (relative risk, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.33; P = 0.031). Hypoxemia occurred 110 of 152 (72%) of dexmedetomidine group and 94 of 155 (61%) of remifentanil group patients (relative risk, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.40; P = 0.030). There were no differences in ileus or cognitive dysfunction. Cumulative 0 to 48 h postoperative morphine consumption (11 mg [5 to 21] versus 6 mg [0 to 17]) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (58 of 157 [37%] versus 37 of 157 [24%]; relative risk, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.90) were both less in the dexmedetomidine group, whereas measures of analgesia were similar in both groups. Dexmedetomidine patients had more delayed extubation and prolonged postanesthesia care unit stay.ConclusionsThis trial refuted the hypothesis that balanced opioid-free anesthesia with dexmedetomidine, compared with remifentanil, would result in fewer postoperative opioid-related adverse events. Conversely, it did result in a greater incidence of serious adverse events, especially hypoxemia and bradycardia.Editor’s PerspectiveWhat We Already Know about This TopicWhat This Article Tells Us That Is New

Radical cystectomy is associated with a high postoperative mortality and morbidity in older patients. We aimed to define the predictive value of comorbidity scores and determine the prognostic factors of postoperative complications. Preoperative associated morbidities were collected and graded according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score system, the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation (ACE) scale and the Charlson comorbidity index. Surgical complications were graded according to Clavien classification. Early and late complications were recorded. Data are from 49 consecutive patients aged ≥ 75 years who had an open surgery for bladder cancer. The most commonly associated conditions were smoking, renal insufficiency, and arterial hypertension. Incidence of early and late complications was 49% and 16%, respectively. Four and 25 death events occurred during the early and late follow-up, respectively. The incidence of morbidity and mortality were not related to ASA, ACE or Charlson scores. Preoperative malnutrition, renal insufficiency, higher need of perioperative blood transfusions, and prolonged ileus were identified as risk factors of postoperative morbidity. Late complications seemed related to low weight.

Objective To compare the results of retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy using the antegrade and retrograde approach. Materials and Methods We performed an analysis of a single-center series of 279 retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies from 1996 to 2010. We compared 172 cases performed with an antegrade approach and 107 with a retrograde approach without dissection of the renal hilum and initial control of the adrenal vein in comparable populations. Results The operative time was shorter in the group treated with the retrograde technique, 101 ± 51 vs 140 ± 40 minutes, respectively (Student's t test, P

The esCCO monitor (ECG- estimated Continuous Cardiac Output, Nihon Kohden(®)) is a new non-invasive tool for estimating cardiac output (CO). It derives CO from the pulse wave transit time (PWTT) estimated by the ECG and the plethysmographic wave. An initial calibration is needed to refine the relation linking pulse pressure (measured by arterial pressure cuff) to PWTT. To assess the accuracy and reliability of the esCCO system, we performed an analysis of agreement of CO values obtained by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).Thirty-eight intensive care unit patients were prospectively included. CO was determined simultaneously using esCCO (CO(esCCO)) and TTE (CO(TTE)) as our reference method.A total of 103 paired readings from 38 patients were collected. The correlation coefficient between CO(esCCO) and CO(TTE) was 0.61 (P0.001). The Bland and Altman analysis corrected for repeated measures showed a bias of -1.6 litre min(-1) and limits of agreement from -4.7 to +1.5 litre min(-1), with a percentage error (2 sd/mean CO) of 49%. The correlation for CO changes was significant (R=0.63, P0.001), but the concordance rate was poor (73%). Polar plot analysis showed an angular bias of -9° with radial limits of agreement from -54° to +36°. The bias appeared to correlate with systemic vascular resistance (R=-0.45, P0.001).In critically ill patients, the performance of the esCCO monitor was not clinically acceptable, and this monitor cannot be recommended in this setting. Moreover, the esCCO failed to trend CO data reliably.

To determine the tools of therapeutic decision that push towards surgical treatment in non metastatic prostate cancer eligible to local treatment. The optimized assessment of the disease and eventual comorbidities improves the selection of patients. Patient's files will be presented in the uro-oncological multidisciplinary discussions to validate the customized therapeutic approach proposed.Literature review using Medline (National library of medicine, Pubmed) and Med Science databases based on the scientific pertinence. Research was focused on the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the evaluation of the disease and patient's characteristics, and finally the elements that are with a surgical treatment (past medical history, past surgical history, functional status, patient's comorbidities, and life expectancy).The pretherapeutic oncologic evaluation allows to estimate the risks associated with prostate cancer; it is an essential aspect of therapeutic decision. Several clinical, biological, imaging and pathological criteria allow to guide decision-making according to tumor aggressiveness and risk of recurrence, estimating the results of the different treatments proposed. On the other hand, the evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary continence and sexual function, the integration of anatomical data, past medical and past surgical history are all essential for the therapeutic decision, in addition to the comorbidities (Charlson, ASA, ICD). These elements should be taken all together in order to decide for a radical or conservative management of PCa, they guide decision-making in patients candidate for surgery. For example, age plays a key role in the choice of treatment, even in older men at risk of developing high-risk PCa that can affect overall survival.The combined evaluation of the patient and disease characteristics is of utmost importance in oncology, and especially in the treatment of non-metastatic PCa. The role of the anesthesiologist in the analysis and interpretation of comorbidities remains primordial and it is essential for the selection of the right candidates for surgery after being well informed, and orienting them toward surgery in agreement with the prerogatives programs of customized care.

Objective The study's objective was to comparatively evaluate surgery and stent-graft repair of acute or subacute traumatic aortic rupture. Methods A total of 76 patients (14–76 years old; mean, 37 years; male/female ratio, 63/11) with a traumatic aortic injury were admitted to our hospital between 1981 and 2003. Six patients died within 1 to 9 days of another associated severe traumatic lesion. The 70 remaining patients were divided according to the type of rupture repair. In group 1, 35 patients were treated surgically: 28 with immediate repair and 7 with delayed repair (average time interval 66 days, 5–257 days). In group 2, 29 patients were treated with stent grafting of the aortic isthmus. In group 3, 6 patients with minor aortic lesions were treated medically with a close follow-up. Results In the 28 patients treated surgically in the emergency department, the mortality and paraplegia rates were 21% and 7%, respectively. No death or paraplegia was observed in the group with delayed surgical repair. With stent grafting, complete exclusion of the pseudoaneurysmal sac was observed in all patients. Except for 1 iliac rupture treated during the same procedure, there was no major morbidity or mortality during the mean follow-up of 46 months (13–90 months). No major complication was observed in group 3. Conclusions In stable rupture of the aorta, initial conservative treatment is safe and allows management of the major associated lesions. Stent grafting of the aortic isthmus is a valuable therapeutic alternative to surgical repair, especially in patients considered high risk for conventional thoracotomy.

Background —Stent grafting is emerging as a new treatment for several pathological conditions involving the thoracic aorta. We studied the feasibility and safety of this technique for delayed treatment of ruptures of the aortic isthmus. Methods and Results —Nine patients (14 to 76 years old; mean, 37 years; male/female ratio, 8/1) underwent stent grafting of the aortic isthmus in subacute (n=5) or chronic (n=4) aortic traumatic rupture after a motor accident. In subacute ruptures, this treatment was delayed (1 to 8 months; mean, 5.4 months) because of the severity of other associated injuries. Stent grafting was technically successful (defined as complete exclusion of the pseudoaneurysmal sac) in all patients. Short-term fever and biological inflammatory syndrome occurred in 3 patients. Two major complications occurred: in 1 patient, an early occlusion of the left subclavian artery was treated by placement of 2 Palmaz stents. In another patient, an atelectasis related to an increase of preexisting compression of the left main bronchus by the pseudoaneurysmal sac was successfully treated by temporary placement of an endobronchial silicone stent. Mean follow-up was 11.6 months (range, 3 to 21 months). Thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysmal sac was found in all patients. Conclusions —In the absence of available extended follow-up about the safety and effectiveness of endovascular grafting, this approach seems to be a viable therapeutic option for traumatic rupture of the aortic isthmus, but appropriately controlled prospective studies are needed before we can recommend its widespread use.

The surgical care pathway of neurologic patients has two aims: preventing urinary morbidity and mortality and improving their quality of life. It requires taking into account the specificities of disabilities in domains of body functions: circulatory, ventilation and digestive physiology, motor functions, sensory functions, mental functions, and skin fragility which are responsible of dependencies in this heterogeneous group of patients. This management is necessarily multidisciplinary to be optimal and through specific clinical care pathway, providing guidance to the surgical procedure: preparation of the surgery, its realization, and post-operative rehabilitation. The indication for surgery must be coordinated and validated in neuro-urology multidisciplinary staff. Preoperative stay in a physical and rehabilitation medicine center may be useful to ensure a complete assessment and anticipate problems related to surgery. The patient will be hospitalized in the urology department in a single room suited to their disabilities and handicaps. The chronic treatments should be not modified if possible. The lack of sensitivity does not dispense anesthesia to prevent autonomic hyperreflexia, the most severe complication after high complete spinal cord injury. The laparoscopy and sub-peritoneal surgery, the early removal nasogastric tube and early refeeding make it possible to early resumption of intestinal transit. In many cases, the patients should be transferred to a physical and rehabilitation medicine during post-operative period where the nursing care will be most suitable. A quickly adapted rehabilitation must be able to reduce loss of function and physical dependence.

Age should not be a limiting factor for optimal surgical care of cancer. Preoperative assessment and therapeutic line decision must be a multidisciplinary team work. A specific geriatric oncology consultation would help assessing the level of autonomy or dependence, the patient cognitive functions and his nutritional status. The preoperative interview and clinical examination aim to assess the overall general health of the patient and to detect cardiovascular, pulmonary and neurological disorders which are the main postoperative factors of morbidity and mortality, other than related to tumor itself. Many scores of surgical risk assessment have been proposed. The Charlson index and the CIRS-G are the most widely used. Because of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes related to age, new anesthesia techniques, such as target intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), which allow fine adjustment of anesthesia level according to the patient individual parameters (age, weight, height, sex) will be preferred. The most frequent postoperative complications are those related to hypothermia, pain and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. The main objective of the preoperative care of the elderly person is a rapid return to autonomy in a familiar environment.

To evaluate compliance with clinical practice guidelines concerning prophylactic antibiotics in urological surgery.Thirty per cent of the medical charts for the first 288 patients operated in 2005 and requiring prophylactic antibiotics were selected at random. On this sample of 84 patients, compliance with the CHU de Toulouse (Toulouse teaching hospital) and société française d'anesthésie et de réanimation (SFAR) (French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care), prophylactic antibiotic guidelines were investigated according to the method recommended by the Centre de coordination de da lutte dontre des infections nosocomiales (CCLIN) Ouest (Nosocomial Infection Control Coordination Centre) which analyses the indication, type of antibiotic, time of administration and duration of treatment.The compliance rate with the indication was 88.1%. When prophylactic antibiotics were effectively administered, compliance with guidelines were 91.9% for type of antibiotic and 72.9% for time of administration. The duration was excessive in one case. The overall compliance rate was 58.3%.Prophylactic antibiotic guidelines were inadequately applied, especially concerning the time of administration. Further progress must be made in terms of compliance with guidelines and recording of administration, which must be repeatedly evaluated.

Swallowing and respiration are well-coordinated and interdependent functions. When one of these processes is impaired, the consequence may be negative for the other. This article describes the mechanisms of the disorders of swallowing, the effects of tracheotomy or intubation and mechanical ventilation on swallowing, and the procedures used to assess and treat perturbation of swallowing. Combining a basic understanding of these concepts with practical management can increase safe and efficient oral intake in patients after artificial ventilation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of endovascular repair in acute traumatic aortic rupture on the basis of our experience with 16 patients.From January 1996 to December 2001,16 patients, with a mean age 36 years, underwent repair of traumatic rupture of the aorta with the use of stent-grafts. All patients presented with coexisting injuries and 9 of 16 patients were hemodynamically unstable because of other injury. After a delay ranging from 9 to 245 days (mean 78 days), aortic stent-grafting was performed by a multidisciplinary team. All patients had regular follow-up with spiral CT and transesophageal echocardiogram.Stent-graft placement was successful in all patients with exclusion of false aneurysm. The duration of the procedure was about 120 min and mechanical respiratory assistance could be removed immediately in 80% of patients. Mean stay in the intensive care unit was 24 hours. One complication was noted: compression of the left main stem bronchus successfully treated with endoprosthesis. Maximum follow-up was 7 years.Endovascular stent-graft repair is a valuable technique and is emerging as an alternative technique for treating thoracic aortic injury in patients in whom coexisting injury increases the surgical risk.

To review the current data on the duration of an antibiotic treatment.Analysis of recent and older articles on criteria of discontinuation of an antibiotic treatment in intensive care patients.In intensive care patients the initiation of an antibiotic therapy is more or less codified, in spite of numerous existing problems. The duration of its maintenance, although based on scientific data depends mainly on a multitude of variables. The first step is to assess the therapeutic efficiency in considering the regression of clinical manifestations, the normalization of the acute phase reactants, the sterility of bacteriological samples and the absence of relapse at therapy discontinuation. An assessment after 48 hours is essential, in order to decide the maintenance or the modification of therapy. Finally the indication of bitherapy is considered. The theoretical duration of antibiotic therapy is determined in taking into account the involved microbial agent(s), the centre of infection, the bacterial inoculum, the patient, the presence of foreign material, and the administered antibiotic.

Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical gas and a short-lived messenger which has many paracrine functions. Direct assessment of NO production is very difficult in vivo. However, the paranasal cavities generate a high amount of NO which diffuses in the nasal cavity where it can be easily measured. Several studies have suggested alterations of the NO production in heart failure. Thus, we assessed nasal NO concentration in normal subjects and in heart failure patients. The nasal NO concentration averaged 227 +/- 10 ppb in the control group (n = 20), and 210 +/- 10, 198 +/- 20 and 159 +/- 54 ppb in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II (n = 30), III (n = 28) and IV (n = 7) patients, respectively (mean +/- standard error [SE], not significant using analysis of variance [ANOVA]). Nasal NO level was not influenced by age, sex or etiology of the heart failure or by treatment with frusemide, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or digoxin. However, treatment with NO-releasing drugs (nitrates or molsidomine) significantly decreased the nasal NO level in heart failure patients. A two-way ANOVA revealed that treatment with a NO-releasing drug influenced nasal NO concentration (P = 0.0005), whereas NYHA class did not (P = 0.23), with a trend towards an interaction between the two parameters (P = 0.09): the inhibitory effect of NO-releasing drug on nasal NO concentration was more pronounced in severe heart failure. In an additional group of 12 patients (NYHA class II or III), the nasal NO concentration was 174 +/- 19 ppb during NO-releasing drug treatment and increased to 231 +/- 27 ppb 3 days after withdrawal of the nitrates (P = 0.0007 using paired t-test). Conversely, the nasal NO concentration in another group of seven patients (NYHA class II or III) was 219 +/- 32 ppb without nitrate treatment and decreased to 188 +/- 28 ppb 7 days after nitrate addition (P = 0.02 using paired t-test). In contrast, the nasal NO concentration in another group of ten ischemic patients without heart failure was 203 +/- 25 ppb without nitrate treatment and was similar (207 +/- 28 ppb) 7 days after nitrate addition (not significant using paired t-test). In conclusion, nasal NO production is normal in heart failure, except in patients receiving NO-releasing drugs. Nasal NO concentration could be useful for investigating the mechanism(s) by which exogenous NO donors decrease endogenous NO production.