Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now often an ambulatory procedure, but dependent on short-term post-operative complaints of pain and post-operative nausea and vomiting ( PONV). The efficacy of post-anaesthesia care units (PACUs) is therefore important to facilitate return to normal functions. We investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a standardized, evidence-based anaesthesia/ analgesic regime to identify residual problems in the early post-operative phase. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-four consecutive patients admitted for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Hvidovre University Hospital between 15 March and 30 September 2005 were included in the study. The standardized, evidence-based regime consisted of total intravenous (i.v.) anaesthesia ( propofol- remifentanil), well-defined fluid therapy, dexamethasone, ketorolac, ondansetron, sufentanil and incisional bupivacaine intra-operatively, and in the PACU on demand (prn) administration of sufentanil, morphine, paracetamol, ondansetron, droperidol, oral fluids and oxygen (if SpO(2) < 93%) with PACU discharge using a modified Aldrete score. RESULTS: Protocol violations were moderate and occurred unsystematically, 8% had medical violations and 10% did not receive the pre-planned fluid amount. Severe PONV was seen in 2%. Thirteen per cent experienced severe pain, and the presence of any pain and/or PONV were predictors of an extended PACU stay. Mean oxygen demand was 46 min (range, 0-300 min), which influenced time to discharge (mean, 88 min). There were on average 2.7 treatment interventions (range, 0-11) before discharge. CONCLUSION: An evidence-based, multimodal approach to the anaesthetic/ analgesic management in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is feasible and advantageous in the early post-operative phase. Pain and PONV are predictors of a complicated recovery profile and deserve further attention. Transient oxygen desaturations postpone discharge from the PACU, but the clinical significance of this fact is questionable.
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Authors | K Jensen, H Kehlet, C M Lund |
Journal | Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
(Acta Anaesthesiol Scand)
Vol. 51
Issue 4
Pg. 464-71
(Apr 2007)
ISSN: 0001-5172 [Print] England |
PMID | 17378786
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Anesthetics, Combined
- Oxygen
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Anesthesia Recovery Period
- Anesthetics, Combined
(therapeutic use)
- Child
- Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic
(methods)
- Cohort Studies
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Elective Surgical Procedures
(methods)
- Feasibility Studies
- Female
- Humans
- Intraoperative Care
(methods)
- Length of Stay
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Oxygen
(administration & dosage)
- Pain Measurement
(methods)
- Postoperative Complications
(epidemiology)
- Prospective Studies
- Risk Factors
- Treatment Outcome
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