Individualized Perioperative Hemodynamic Management Using Hypotension Prediction Index Software and the Dynamics of Troponin and NTproBNP Concentration Changes in Patients Undergoing Oncological Abdominal Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal oncologic surgeries pose significant risks due to the complexity of the surgery and patients' often weakened health, multiple comorbidities, and increased perioperative hazards. Hypotension is a major risk factor for perioperative cardiovascular complications, necessitating individualized management in modern anesthesiology. AIM: This study aimed to determine the dynamics of changes in troponin and NTproBNP levels during the first two postoperative days in patients undergoing major cancer abdominal surgery with advanced hemodynamic monitoring including The AcumenTM Hypotension Prediction Index software (HPI) (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) and their association with the occurrence of postoperative cardiovascular complications. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted, including 50 patients scheduled for abdominal cancer surgery who, due to the overall risk of perioperative complications (ASA class 3 or 4), were monitored using the HPI software. Hypotension was qualified as at least one ≥ 1 min episode of a MAP < 65 mm Hg. Preoperatively and 24 and 48 h after the procedure, the levels of NTproBNP and troponin were measured, and an ECG was performed. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 46 patients and found that 82% experienced at least one episode of low blood pressure (MAP < 65 mmHg). However, the quality indices of hypotension were low, with a median time-weighted average MAP < 65 mmHg of 0.085 (0.03-0.19) mmHg and a median of 2 (2-1.17) minutes spent below MAP < 65 mmHg. Although the incidence of perioperative myocardial injury was 10%, there was no evidence to suggest a relationship with hypotension. Acute kidney injury was seen in 23.9% of patients, and it was significantly associated with a number of episodes of MAP < 50 mmHg. Levels of NTproBNP were significantly higher on the first postoperative day compared to preoperative values (285.8 [IQR: 679.8] vs. 183.9 [IQR: 428.1] pg/mL, p < 0.001). However, they decreased on the second day (276.65 [IQR: 609.4] pg/mL, p = 0.154). The dynamics of NTproBNP were similar for patients with and without heart failure, although those with heart failure had significantly higher preoperative concentrations (435.9 [IQR: 711.15] vs. 87 [IQR: 232.2] pg/mL, p < 0.001). Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery showed a statistically significant increase in NTproBNP. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that advanced HPI monitoring in abdominal cancer surgery effectively minimizes intraoperative hypotension with no significant NTproBNP or troponin perioperative dynamics, irrespective of preoperative heart failure.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Pectoral Nerve-2 Block (PECS 2) in Breast Cancer Surgery.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the pectoral nerves interfacial plane block (PECS II) in breast cancer surgery focusing on postoperative pain management and patient satisfaction. A prospective study was conducted, including 200 patients scheduled for breast cancer surgery. The participants were randomly assigned to the PECS II block and control groups. The PECS II block group received a preoperative interfascial plane block, while the control group received standard analgesia. Postoperative pain scores at 4 h intervals for the first 3 postoperative days, as well as opioid consumption and patient-reported satisfaction, were measured and compared between both groups. The PECS II block group demonstrated significantly lower postoperative pain scores at all measured time points (p < 0.001). Additionally, the PECS II block group showed reduced opioid consumption (p < 0.001), reported higher levels of patient satisfaction compared to the control group, and had a notably shorter stay in the postoperative care unit (p < 0.001). Integrating the PECS block with general anesthesia in breast cancer surgeries enhances pain management, reduces opioid use, and shorten postanesthesia care unit stay. The evident benefits suggest PECS as a potential standard in breast surgeries. Future research should further investigate its long-term impacts and broader applications.

The impact of ultrasound-guided recruitment maneuvers on the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing general anesthesia.

Introduction: Postoperative pulmonary complications are among the most frequent problems in perioperative care. The risk of their development depends not only on the parameters associated with the patient's initial clinical condition, but also on the employed anesthesia technique, the method of mechanical ventilation, and the type and technique of the surgical procedure. Atelectasis is the most common complication, affecting nearly 90% of the patients undergoing general anesthesia. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether it was possible to positively impact the postoperative period and reduce the frequency of postoperative pulmonary complications via patient-based intraoperative ultrasound-guided recruitment maneuvers. Methodology: The course of the postoperative period was analyzed in two groups of patients. One of them comprised 100 patients in whom no recruitment maneuvers were performed during general anesthesia. The other group (100 patients) consisted of patients in whom patient-based ultrasound-guided pulmonary recruitment maneuvers were performed. Results: In the recruitment group, the postoperative hospitalization was statistically significantly shorter (p = 0.003) and the risk of intensive care treatment significantly lower. Additionally, the need for prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation was reduced, as was the risk of respiratory tract infections. Conclusions: Intraoperative ultrasound-guided recruitment maneuvers reduce the frequency of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Editorial "Minute Zero: an essential assessment in peri-operative ultrasound for anaesthesia".

I have attentively read the article "Minute Zero: an essential assessment in peri-operative ultrasound for anaesthesia" by Elena Segura-Grau et al. [1]. The authors have suggested using point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) as part of a comprehensive anaesthetic assessment in the perioperative period. Such an extension of the standard perioperative examination aimed at searching for pathologies that may affect the intra- and postoperative course performed by an anaes-thesiologist seems fully justified and may have a significant impact on treatment outcomes [2]. In the "Minute Zero" model, the authors have suggested that POCUS assessment of anaesthetised patients should be carried out twice - on admission to the operating theatre and before transfer to the postoperative ward. The described scheme is based on the well-known eFAST, FATE and BLUE protocols (assessment to determine the presence of free fluid in the body cavities, basic cardiac assessment, including IVC, and lung ultrasound assessment). The examination conducted in the manner specified by the authors provides a general but holistic picture of the patient, focused at detecting life-threatening pathologies. It is right to include a preoperative assessment of the filling of the stomach in the protocol, as the surface area of the pylorus found on ultrasound scans indicates the risk of aspiration during the induction of general anaesthesia [3, 4]. This may be of particular importance in patients undergoing emergency procedures, with gastrointestinal obstruction or in those with difficult contact (mainly children and the elderly). In the algorithm described, the assessment of bladder filling in the postoperative period has been emphasised. This is a huge asset, which is often overlooked and, as the authors rightly point out, can cause postoperative delirium, especially in the elderly. The authors have developed an examination card that enables to document the examination in a simple and transparent manner based on markings of the appropriate blanks, which makes the protocol very friendly. The additional pros of the publication are the attached sample ultrasound images, which perfectly illustrate the ease of diagnosis of basic pathologies.

Lung Ultrasound Examination in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has, by necessity, contributed to rapid advancements in medicine. Owing to the necessity of following strict anti-epidemic sanitary measures when taking care of infected patients, the accessibility of standard diagnostic methods may be limited. Consequently, the significance and potential of bedside diagnostic modalities increase, including lung ultrasound (LUS). METHOD: Multicenter registry study involving adult patients with confirmed COVID-19, for whom LUS was performed. RESULTS: A total of 228 patients (61% males) qualified for the study. The average age was 60 years (±14), 40% were older than 65 years of age. In 130 from 173 hospitalized patients, HRCT (high-resolution computed tomography) was performed. In 80% of patients, LUS findings indicated interstitial pneumonia. In hospitalized patients multifocally located single B-lines, symmetrical B-lines, and areas of white lung were significantly more frequent as compared to ambulatory patients. LUS findings, both those indicating interstitial syndrome and consolidations, were positively correlated with HRCT images. As compared to HRCT, the sensitivity and specificity of LUS in detecting interstitial pneumonia were 97% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: As compared to HRCT, LUS is characterized by a very high sensitivity and specificity in detecting interstitial pneumonia in COVID-19 patients. Potentially, LUS can be a particularly useful diagnostic modality for COVID-19 patients pneumonia.

Clinical Impact of Vertical Artifacts Changing with Frequency in Lung Ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: This study concerns the application of lung ultrasound (LUS) for the evaluation of the significance of vertical artifact changes with frequency and pleural line abnormalities in differentiating pulmonary edema from pulmonary fibrosis. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was designed as a diagnostic test. Having qualified patients for the study, an ultrasound examination was performed, consistent with a predetermined protocol, and employing convex and linear transducers. We investigated the possibility of B-line artifact conversion depending on the set frequency (2 MHz and 6 MHz), and examined pleural line abnormalities. RESULTS: The study group comprised 32 patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) (and fibrosis) and 30 patients with pulmonary edema. In total, 1941 cineloops were obtained from both groups and analyzed. The employment of both types of transducers (linear and convex) was most effective (specificity 91%, specificity 97%, positive predictive value (PPV) 97%, negative predictive value (NPV) 91%, LR(+) 27,19, LR(-) 0.097, area under curve (AUC) = 0.936, p = 7 × 10-6). INTERPRETATION: The best accuracy in differentiating the etiology of B-line artifacts was obtained with the use of both types of transducers (linear and convex), complemented with the observation of the conversion of B-line artifacts to Z-line.

Lung Ultrasonography in the Monitoring of Intraoperative Recruitment Maneuvers.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative respiratory failure is a serious problem in patients who undergo general anesthesia. Approximately 90% of mechanically ventilated patients during the surgery may develop atelectasis that leads to perioperative complications. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine whether it is possible to optimize recruitment maneuvers with the use of chest ultrasonography, thus limiting the risk of respiratory complications in patients who undergo general anesthesia. METHODOLOGY: The method of incremental increases in positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) values with simultaneous continuous ultrasound assessments was employed in mechanically ventilated patients. RESULTS: The study group comprised 100 patients. The employed method allowed for atelectasis reduction in 91.9% of patients. The PEEP necessary to reverse areas of atelectasis averaged 17cmH2O, with an average peak pressure of 29cmH2O. The average PEEP that prevented repeat atelectasis was 9cmH2O. A significant improvement in lung compliance and saturation was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided recruitment maneuvers facilitate the patient-based adjustment of the process. Consequently, the reduction in ventilation pressures necessary to aerate intraoperative atelectasis is possible, with the simultaneous reduction in the risk of procedure-related complications.

Lung ultrasound in the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection - A case series and review of the literature.

COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and spreading worldwide has become a serious challenge for the entire health care system as regards infection prevention, rapid diagnosis, and treatment. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a dynamically developing diagnostic method used in intensive care, cardiology and nephrology, it can also be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring pneumonia. Interstitial pneumonia appears to be the most common clinical manifestation of coronavirus infection. We present 4 case reports of COVID-19 involving the lungs, in which transthoracic lung ultrasound was successfully utilized as a constituent of bedside diagnostics and a review of the literature concerning potential use of LUS in COVID-19 diagnostics. The possibility to perform this examination repeatedly, its non-invasiveness and high sensitivity make it an important element of care provided for patients with viral pneumonia.