Keyuri Popat

The global burden of cancer

The global burden of cancer is increasing. By 2020, the global cancer burden is expected to rise by 50% owing to the increasingly elderly population. The delivery of cancer care is likely to increase the need for perioperative physicians for both operative procedures and pain management, offering new professional challenges. Specifically, these challenges will include volume and financial management, as well coordination of cancer treatment and pain management. Coordinated, team-based cancer care will be essential to ensure value-based care. Short and long-term outcome measurement is an integral part of the process.

Spinal Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy: A Novel Alternative to Surgery for Metastatic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression.

BACKGROUND Although surgery followed by radiation effectively treats metastatic epidural compression, the ideal surgical approach should enable fast recovery and rapid institution of radiation and systemic therapy directed at the primary tumor. OBJECTIVE To assess spinal laser interstitial thermotherapy (SLITT) as an alternative to surgery monitored in real time by thermal magnetic resonance (MR) images. METHODS Patients referred for spinal metastasis without motor deficits underwent MR-guided SLITT, followed by stereotactic radiosurgery. Clinical and radiological data were gathered prospectively, according to routine practice. RESULTS MR imaging-guided SLITT was performed on 19 patients with metastatic epidural compression. No procedures were discontinued because of technical difficulties, and no permanent neurological injuries occurred. The median follow-up duration was 28 weeks (range 10-64 weeks). Systemic therapy was not interrupted to perform the procedures. The mean preoperative visual analog scale scores of 4.72 (SD ± 0.67) decreased to 2.56 (SD ± 0.71, P = .043) at 1 month and remained improved from baseline at 3.25 (SD ± 0.75, P = .021) 3 months after the procedure. The preoperative mean EQ-5D index for quality of life was 0.67 (SD ± 0.07) and remained without significant change at 1 month 0.79 (SD ± 0.06, P = .317) and improved at 3 months 0.83 (SD ± 0.06, P = .04) after SLITT. Follow-up MR imaging after 2 months revealed significant decompression of the neural component in 16 patients. However, 3 patients showed progression at follow-up, 1 was treated with surgical decompression and stabilization and 2 were treated with repeated SLITT. CONCLUSION MR-guided SLITT can be both a feasible and safe alternative to separation surgery in carefully selected cases of spinal metastatic tumor epidural compression. ABBREVIATIONS cEBRT, conventional external beam radiation therapyESCC, epidural spinal cord compressionSLITT, spinal laser interstitial thermotherapySSRS, stereotactic spinal radiosurgeryVAS, visual analog scale.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Postoperative Thoracic Epidural Analgesia Versus Intravenous Patient-controlled Analgesia after Major Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery

Objectives: The primary objective of this randomized trial was to compare thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) for pain control over the first 48 hours after hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery. Secondary endpoints were patient-reported outcomes, total narcotic utilization, and complications. Background: Although adequate postoperative pain control is critical to patient and surgeon success, the optimal analgesia regimen in HPB surgery remains controversial. Methods: Using a 2.5:1 randomization strategy, 140 patients were randomized to TEA (N = 106) or intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (N = 34). Patient-reported pain was measured on a Likert scale (0–10) at standard time intervals. Cumulative pain area under the curve was determined using the trapezoidal method. Results: Between the study groups key demographic, comorbidity, clinical, and operative variables were equivalently distributed. The median area under the curve of the postoperative time 0- to 48-hour pain scores was lower in the TEA group (78.6 vs 105.2 pain-hours, P = 0.032) with a 35% reduction in patients experiencing ≥7/10 pain (43% vs 62%, P = 0.07). Patient-reported outcomes and total opiate use further supported the benefit of TEA on patient experience. Anesthesia-related events requiring change in analgesic therapy were comparable (12.2% vs 2.9%, respectively, P = 0.187). Grade 3 or higher surgical complications (6.6% vs 9.4%), median length of stay (6 days vs 6 days), readmission (1.9% vs 3.1%), and return to the operating room (0.9% vs 3.1%) were similar (all P > 0.05). There were no mortalities in either group. Conclusions: In major HPB surgery, TEA provides a superior patient experience through improved pain control and less narcotic use, without increased length of stay or complications.

Enhanced recovery after surgery for oncological craniotomies

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) initiatives in the fields of gastrointestinal and pelvic surgery have contributed to improved postoperative functional status for patients and decreased length of stay. A similar comprehensive protocol is lacking for patients undergoing craniotomy for tumor resection. A literature search was performed using PubMed. These references were reviewed with a preference for recent high quality studies. Cohort and retrospective studies were also included if higher levels of evidence were lacking. A literature search was conducted for scalp blocks and minimally invasive craniotomies. Papers were scored using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria for evidence level and recommendation grade. Seventeen ERAS items were reviewed and recommendations made. The current body of evidence is insufficient to create a standardized protocol for craniotomy and tumor resection. However, this initial review of the literature supports pursuing future research initiatives that explore modalities to improve functional recovery and decrease length of stay in craniotomy patients.

Intraoperative serum lactate is not a predictor of survival after glioblastoma surgery

BACKGROUND Cancer cells can produce lactate in high concentrations. Two previous studies examined the clinical relevance of serum lactate as a biomarker in patients with brain tumors. Patients with high-grade tumors have higher serum concentrations of lactate than those with low-grade tumors. We hypothesized that serum lactic could be used of biomarker to predictor of survival in patients with glioblastoma (GB). METHODS This was a retrospective study. Demographic, lactate concentrations and imaging data from 275 adult patients with primary GB was included in the analysis. The progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were compared in patients who had above and below the median concentrations of lactate. We also investigated the correlation between lactate concentrations and tumor volume. Multivariate analyses were conducted to test the association lactate, tumor volume and demographic variables with PFS and OS. RESULTS The median serum concentration of lactate was 2.3mmol/L. A weak correlation was found between lactate concentrations and tumor volume. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated similar survival in patients with higher or lower than 2.3mmol/L of lactate. The multivariate analysis indicated that the intraoperative levels of lactate were not independently associated with changes in survival. On another hand, a preoperative T1 volume was an independent predictor PFS (HR 95%CI: 1.41, 1.02-1.82, p=0.006) and OS (HR 95%CI: 1.47, 1.11-1.96, p=0.006). CONCLUSION This retrospective study suggests that the serum concentrations of lactate cannot be used as a biomarker to predict survival after GB surgery. To date, there are no clinically available serum biomarkers to determine prognosis in patients with high-grade gliomas. These tumors may produce high levels of lactic acid. We hypothesized that serum lactic could be used of biomarker to predictor of survival in patients with glioblastoma (GB). In this study, we collected perioperative and survival data from 275 adult patients with primary high-grade gliomas to determine whether intraoperative serum acid lactic concentrations can serve as a marker of prognosis. The median serum concentration of lactate was 2.3mmol/L. Our analysis indicated the intraoperative levels of lactate were not independently associated with changes in survival. This retrospective study suggests that the serum concentrations of lactate cannot be used as a biomarker to predict survival after GB surgery.

Subcostal Transverse Abdominis Plane Block for Acute Pain Management: A Review

The subcostal transverse abdominis plane (SCTAP) block is the deposition of local anesthetic in the transverse abdominis plane inferior and parallel to the costal margin. There is a growing consensus that the SCTAP block provides better analgesia for upper abdominal incisions than the traditional transverse abdominis plane block. In addition, when used as part of a four-quadrant transverse abdominis plane block, the SCTAP block may provide adequate analgesia for major abdominal surgery. The purpose of this review is to discuss the SCTAP block, including its indications, technique, local anesthetic solutions, and outcomes.

Implementation of an enhanced recovery programme in spine surgery

85.1%, the use of multimodal analgesia 80.6%, and the use of a monitor to direct GDFT 50.8%. A minimally invasive (MIS) approach accounted for 71.7% of cases. 80% compliance was associated with a decrease in 30-day morbidity 15.7% vs. 33.3%, and decreased pulmonary complications 3.93% vs. 15% (p<0.05) Conclusion: Our overall compliance with intraoperative ERAS components was high with the exception of GDFT. GDFT may be reserved for high-risk patients, and procedures with significant fluid shifts.. Increased adherence to the intraoperative ERAS components show a trend to decreasing the incidence of major complications, and highlight the impact of the anaesthetic management on postoperative morbidity. References: 1. Gustafsson U, et al. Arch Surg 2011:146:571-4. Disclosure of Interest: K. Mayson Speaker Bureau of: 3M Canada, L. Stobart: None declared, A. Bisaillon: None declared, T. Hong: None declared

Positioning and Anesthesia Challenges In a Morbidly Obese Patient Undergoing Cervical Spine Surgery

Background Context: By itself, the perioperative anesthesia management of morbidly obese patients is challenging; this task is further complicated when such patients have to be placed in the prone position for surgery. In these cases, challenges may include positioning, intubation and ventilation. Purpose: Herein, we describe the safe perioperative anesthesia care of a morbidly obese patient undergoing cervical spine surgery for an enlarging schwannoma. Study Setting: Morbidly obese patient care at a tertiary cancer institute. Patient Sample: Single case report. Methods: Describing the preparation and planning for this complex case and the perioperative care of a patient with several comorbidities. No conflict of interest to report for any of the authors. Results: Good patient outcome. Conclusion: Careful multi-disciplinary planning facilitates, good patient outcome, given the challenging nature of the case. Highlighting the use of a trial run in the operating prior to the day of surgery.