Incidence of perioperative hypersensitivity reactions: A single-center, prospective, US cohort experience.

Background: A previous study, using administrative data, reported an incidence of perioperative anaphylaxis (POA) of 1:6537 procedures in the United States. Objective: We sought to determine the incidence of POA in a prospective US cohort. Methods: Adult participants undergoing a procedure at a single tertiary care center were studied prospectively between April 2018 and January 2022. Subinvestigators recorded vital signs and skin checks preoperatively, 15 minutes into induction, and hourly thereafter until 1 hour into the postoperative period. If participants developed an adverse reaction, additional variables were documented: causal agent(s) exposure, type of nonallergic adverse reaction, Sixth National Audit Project severity score, evidence of mast cell activation by serum acute and baseline tryptase pairing, Allergy consult, and causal agent identification. Results: Among 939 procedures (mean age, 59.25 ± 14.78 years; 58% females; 87% White), there were 12 (1.3%) cases with an identified adverse reaction. Nine cases were classified as nonhypersensitivity adverse reactions (1%) and 3 as possible hypersensitivity reactions (0.3%); 1 case was classified as suspected perioperative hypersensitivity and 2 as POA (0.2%). Both POA cases were males, had previous procedures, had evidence of mast cell activation, had a Sixth National Audit Project score of 3, and were referred to Allergy for further evaluation. There were 9 participants who developed a nonhypersensitivity adverse reaction: relative overdose of anesthetic (n = 6), transient rash (n = 2), and isolated bronchospasm (n = 1). All transient rashes were observed during undraping protocol. Conclusions: In our prospective study, the incidence of POA is 1:470 procedures. Our study suggests that the incidence of POA may be higher than previously reported.

Reducing Infection Rates with Enhanced Preoperative Diabetes Mellitus Diagnosis and Optimization Processes.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperglycemia and increased preoperative hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) are associated with perioperative morbidity and death. For nonurgent operations, adequate glycemic control before surgery is recommended. Our surgical practice needed a process for preoperative diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis and glycemic optimization. METHODS: Our review of the existing preoperative evaluation process found that patients without a DM diagnosis but with random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL received no additional screening. Patients with DM routinely receive neither preoperative HbA1c screening nor DM management when HbA1c is ≥8.0%. RESULTS: A new preoperative evaluation process was designed. HbA1c screening was automatically performed for patients with random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL. For patients with a DM diagnosis, an HbA1c test was performed. Specialty consultation was prompted for patients with known DM and HbA1c ≥8.0% and those with no DM diagnosis but HbA1c ≥6.5%. In the first year postimplementation, 9320 patients received a basic metabolic panel; 263 had random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL that triggered an HbA1c check. In total, 123 patients (99 with and 24 without a DM diagnosis) were referred to endocrinology; 13 received a new DM diagnosis. Twenty patients had surgery delayed for DM treatment. All of the patients received individualized medication instructions for the perioperative period. Among patients with random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL, incidence rates for surgical site infection pre- and postimplementation were 47.8/1000 and 3.8/1000 population. CONCLUSIONS: The implemented process benefited patients scheduled for nonurgent procedures by optimizing glucose control and lowering infection rates through earlier preoperative DM diagnosis, glycemic management, and standardized patient medication instruction.

Impact of Preoperative Testing on Patients Undergoing Ophthalmologic Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Routine medical testing is not recommended before cataract surgery, but no consensus exists about preoperative testing before general ophthalmologic surgery. We aimed to assess the impact of preoperative testing on patients undergoing ophthalmologic surgery by analyzing their surgical outcomes and complications. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed electronic health records of patients who had preoperative evaluations before cataract or noncataract ophthalmologic surgery at a tertiary care center from January 1, 2015, through December 31, 2019. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 2268 patients (1270 [56.0%] women). The most frequent ophthalmologic procedure was cataract extraction (n = 1450 [63.9%]). Laboratory tests results were available for 489 patients (33.7%) in the cataract group; of these, 275 results (56.2%) had abnormal values, and 18 patients (6.5%) required preoperative interventions. Preoperative test results were available for 772 out of 818 patients (94.4%) having noncataract procedures. Of these, 384 results (49.7%) had abnormal values, and 10 patients (2.6%) required additional intervention. No significant differences were observed for the rate of surgery cancellations between the cataract and noncataract patient groups (0.6% vs 1.0%; P = .24). Of the 12 patients (0.5%) who had complications, all had undergone preoperative testing. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in outcomes and complications were observed among patients who underwent cataract or noncataract surgery. It is reasonable to consider avoiding preoperative testing in patients undergoing ophthalmologic surgery.

Perioperative Resumption of Direct Oral Anticoagulants: Review of the Mayo Clinic Experience.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to review recommendations for the postoperative resumption of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and report complications 30 days postoperatively. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients receiving DOAC therapy who underwent preoperative evaluations from January 1, 2015 through May 30, 2018. We noted days that DOAC therapy was withheld, postoperative time until resumption of the DOAC, and complications within 30 postoperative days. RESULTS: A total of 317 patients were included. Ten had complications. Complication rates among patients stratified by time to resumption were not significantly different, except for the deep vein thrombosis rate when DOACs were resumed after 72 hours (n = 2 [4.17%]; P = 0.02). The total time without DOACs did not affect the complication rates. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest withholding DOACs for 48 to 72 hours before surgery and resuming them 48 to 72 hours after surgery, if safe. The interruption of therapy was not associated with an increase in thrombotic events for patients who resumed DOACs within 72 hours postoperatively. Patients who resumed DOACs after 72 hours postoperatively had a low rate of thrombotic complications.

Retrospective Evaluation of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Postoperative Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rates Following Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy.

Objective: To evaluate the association between the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) preoperatively with changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). Methods: Patients undergoing RAPN at our institution from February 2008 through April 2019 were evaluated. ACEIs/ARBs were held on the morning of the surgery and resumed on postoperative day number one in all patients. Associations of ACEIs/ARBs use with postoperative eGFR were explored by using a linear mixed-effects regression model with random patient-specific intercepts. We included eGFR measurements at the following time points: preoperatively, postoperative day 1 (POD1), 1 month postoperative, 6 months postoperative, and 12 months postoperative. p-Values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: One hundred and seventy-one (44.0%) of 389 patients were on ACEIs/ARBs therapy preoperatively. The ACEIs/ARBs patients were older and had higher rates of comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus. The ACEIs/ARBs patients tended to have lower preoperative eGFR (mean ± standard deviation, 70.4 ± 17.5 vs 78.0 ± 19.2 mL/minute/1.73 m2; p < 0.001). However, this was not significant after adjustment for potentially confounding variables (mean difference, -1.7 mL/minute/1.73 m2; 95% confidence interval, -6.4 to 3.1 mL/minute/1.73 m2; p = 0.48). There was no evidence of an association of ACEIs/ARBs use with postoperative renal function after adjustment for potentially confounding variables (adjusted mean difference in change in eGFR from baseline was -1.1, -1.2, -0.3, and -1.2 mL/minute/1.73 m2 at POD1, 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively; all p ≥ 0.51). Conclusion: Continuation of ACEIs and ARBs throughout the perioperative period is not associated with change in post-RAPN eGFR.

Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A New Surgical Patient Flow Utilizing the Preoperative Evaluation Clinic.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the study institution recognized the importance of providing preoperative COVID-19 testing and symptom screening to ensure patient safety. A multidisciplinary quality improvement team used Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control methodology to understand the issues, identify solutions, and streamline patient flow. The existing preoperative evaluation (POE) clinic was utilized as a centralized entity to provide COVID-19 testing, symptom screening, and infection prevention education in addition to routine preoperative medical optimization. With the new process, the percentage of patients with COVID-19 testing results returned before surgery increased from 10% to 100%. Of the 593 asymptomatic patients screened by the POE clinic, 2 were found to have positive results. These patients had their surgeries postponed until proper recovery. The study institution has extended this new process to all surgical patients, warranting facility readiness for the resumption of elective surgery.

COVID-19 infection: Strategies on when to discontinue isolation, a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Add to available understanding of COVID-19 to help decrease further spread of SARS-CoV-2 by providing protocol providers can consider when giving patients recommendations to retest as well as length of time for self-isolation. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from the electronic medical record of patients in the Mayo Clinic Florida's COVID Virtual Clinic. Hundred and eighteen patients with detectable results for the virus were followed. Data reviewed in this study included (1) length of time from detectable to undetectable results; (2) length of time from onset of symptoms to undetectable result; (3) length of time from resolution of fever to undetectable result. RESULTS: Fifty-three percent of studied patients eligible for discontinuation of self-isolation had detectable viral RNA, and therefore, underwent repeat testing. In these patients, the mean from the date of their first detectable result to attaining an undetectable result was 14.89 days. The mean time for onset of symptoms to undetectable testing was 21.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Hundred and eighteen patients with detectable results for SARS-CoV-2 were followed in the Mayo Clinic Florida COVID Virtual Clinic; 53% of patients still showed detectable viral RNA despite meeting CDC guidelines for discontinuation of self-isolation, prompting us to propose following a more cautious guideline that other providers could consider as a strategy to discontinue self-isolation, including increasing length of days since symptom onset.

Improving Value of Care: Cessation of Screening Urine Culture Prior to Orthopedic and Spinal Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of cessation of screening urine cultures on surgical site infection (SSI) incidence in clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study included patients undergoing hip replacement, knee replacement, spinal fusion, and laminectomy 12 months before (preintervention) and after (postintervention) cessation of preoperative screening urine cultures on June 1, 2017, at our institution. Urine cultures and urinalyses performed within 30 days before surgery during the 12 months before and after cessation were reviewed. SSI surveillance was performed in accordance with the methods of the National Healthcare Safety Network. RESULTS: A total of 2754 patients were included (1286 preintervention and 1468 postintervention). In the preintervention period, 1141 urine cultures were performed, compared to 153 in the postintervention period; 35 and 6 episodes of asymptomatic bacteriuria were treated, respectively. The occurrence of SSI did not differ noticeably between time periods (1.2% vs 0.7%, P=.24), and quarterly incidences of SSI were unchanged. The rate of SSI was significantly lower in the postintervention period for laminectomy (3.0% vs 0.3%, P=.02). CONCLUSION: An 86.6% (153 vs 1141) reduction in screening urine cultures over a 12-month period was associated with a reduction of 988 unnecessary urine cultures, an 82.8% (6 vs 35) decline in inappropriate antibiotic treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria, and no increase in SSI incidence after hip replacement, knee replacement, spinal fusion, or laminectomy procedures. No value of screening urine cultures before clean surgery was identified.

Improving satisfaction with postoperative pain management for patients with persistent pain: a preoperative pain medicine consultation intervention.

PURPOSE: Preoperative pain medicine consultations with opioid-tolerant patients allow for an accurate medication history, patient involvement in the postoperative plan, and realistic goal setting. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase attendance at preoperative pain consultations, thereby increasing patient satisfaction. METHODS: Retrospective chart reviews identified patients who had a preoperative pain consultation ordered from May through July 2016. Patient interviews determined reasons for not attending appointments, involvement in goal setting, engagement in pain management planning, and satisfaction with postoperative pain management. RESULTS: Retrospective chart reviews and interviews were conducted after the intervention (May-July 2017). Scheduling changes increased attendance at preoperative pain consultations by 14 percentage points (50% vs 64%). Those who attended consultations were more involved in goal setting and decisions and were more satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative pain consultations with opioid-tolerant patients can increase satisfaction through realistic goal setting and involvement in the pain management plan.

Cost-Utility of Routine Testing in Chronic Urticaria/Angioedema: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria/angioedema (CUA) guidelines recommend limiting tests to diagnose and assess prognosis, activity, and severity. Routine testing in CUA might substantially increase cost of disease without benefiting outcome. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of tests in CUA and how they influence the cost of disease. METHODS: We reviewed 725 electronic medical records of patients who were evaluated for CUA between 2010 and 2018 at a tertiary care center. The sample was gathered through the search of International Classification of Diseases Ninth and Tenth Revision codes pertaining to CUA. Analyses were made to evaluate changes in outcome for patients on whom at least 1 test was performed to evaluate CUA, the costs generated by these tests, and the tendencies to order specific tests from 2010 through 2018. RESULTS: Of 725 patients (age median, 47 years; women, 73.1%), 543 (74.8%) had at least 1 test performed. Tests had an elevated percentage of normal results (>90%). Five patients (0.9%) had a change in outcome and 8 patients were given a different diagnosis (0.1% each). Evaluation, management, and tests accounted for most of the costs. Costs remain similar between 2010-2014 (mean, $569) and 2015-2018 (mean, $569). CONCLUSIONS: In CUA, tests rarely uncover underlying conditions or lead to changes in management and outcome, but they substantially increase the costs generated by the disease. Adherence to current recommendations to limit testing might help in reducing the financial burden of CUA and improve delivery of care.

Preoperative Evaluation Clinic Redesign: An Initiative to Improve Access, Efficiency, and Staff Satisfaction.

In 2008, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, developed the preoperative evaluation (POE) clinic under the department of anesthesiology to provide preoperative history and physical examination, and medical optimization. Over time, the POE clinic expanded to accommodate more than 90% of surgical patients, outgrowing the initial practice model. The increased patient volume with shortened turnaround times bottlenecked patient access. A multidisciplinary quality improvement team used Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control methodology to understand the issues, test potential solutions, and develop sustainable processes. With progressive Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, it moved from small internal tests of change to implementation throughout the institution. Patient access improved by 14% (P < .001) and triage efficiency by 30% (P < .001). These elements led to a 14% improvement in operating margin and a 24% improvement in staff satisfaction. Sustainability was ensured with an accessible dashboard of performance indicators.

Perioperative Management of Female Hormone Medications.

BACKGROUND: No clear guideline exists for the management of female hormone therapy in the perioperative period. Besides oral contraceptives (OCPs), hormone medications have been prescribed to treat cancer, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms. Since the introduction of OCPs in the 1960s, the thromboembolic risk associated with these medications has been studied and alterations have been made in the hormone content. The continuation of hormone therapy in the perioperative period and its possible interactions with commonly used anesthetic agents are important information for all perioperative health care providers. OBJECTIVE: A review was done on the current guideline and available literature for the mechanisms of action and perioperative management of OCPs, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and antineoplastic hormonal modulators. METHOD: Available guidelines and literature were reviewed and summarized. RESULTS: Based on the available literature, no definite guidelines have been established for perioperative management of OCPs and HRT. However, manufacturers have recommended that these medications should be held perioperatively. Other antineoplastic hormonal modulators have increased the risk of venous thromboembolism and have perioperative implications that should be discussed with the prescribing physicians and addressed with the patient. CONCLUSION: Until additional studies are performed, the risks and benefits must be weighed on an individual basis with consideration of prophylaxis when a decision is made to continue these medications in the perioperative period. Part of this decision making includes the risk of fetal harm in an unwanted pregnancy in preparation for nonobstetric surgery versus an increased risk of venous thromboembolism.

Pharmacologic and Perioperative Considerations for Antihypertensive Medications.

BACKGROUND: As the prevalence of hypertension continues to increase, physicians routinely encounter patients preoperatively receiving one or more cardiovascular medications to manage hypertension. Thus, the physician's knowledge of perioperative antihypertensive medication management is crucial to ensure patient safety. OBJECTIVE: We discuss the decisions to continue or stop antihypertensive medications to reduce the risk of perioperative complications. METHOD: We conducted a review of the original research studies, review articles, and editorials present on PubMed within the past 60 years. The authors included peer-reviewed articles that they deemed relevant to current practice. Search terms of perioperative surgical home, preoperative medication instruction, surgery, and perioperative management were used in combination with the key words α-agonist, antihypertensive, ß-blocker, calcium-channel blocker, diuretic, hypertension, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor, and vasodilator. The reference lists of each selected article were also reviewed for additional sources of information. RESULTS: The number of articles about perioperative management of antihypertension medications increased in more recent years. Evidence showed clear support of the continuation or withholding of most medications. However, no clear recommendation was found on the continuation of reninangiotensin- aldosterone system inhibitors in the perioperative period. CONCLUSION: Current evidence supports the perioperative continuation of ß-blockers, calciumchannel blockers, and α-2 agonists. However, diuretics should be discontinued on the day of the surgery and resumed in the postoperative period. Debates persist about the continuation of reninangiotensin- aldosterone system inhibitors.

Perioperative Management of Anticoagulants.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of anticoagulant use has increased in the United States. Medical providers have the responsibility to explain to patients the management of anticoagulant regimens before an invasive procedure. The pharmacologic characteristics of these medications, specifically their half-lives, are important in timing an interruption of anticoagulant therapy. OBJECTIVE: The authors review the current guidelines and recommendations for therapeutic interruption of anticoagulants and the involved pharmacologic factors. METHODS: Guidelines and other literature are summarized with discussion on the pharmacology of each medication. Recommendations on how and when to provide bridging for anticoagulants are discussed. Newer oral anticoagulants also are discussed, along with interruption recommendations. RESULTS: Literature reveals a conservative approach for using bridging when anticoagulation is interrupted because of higher risks of bleeding. Caution is advised when resuming anticoagulant therapy when neuraxial anesthesia is used. CONCLUSION: Perioperative healthcare providers need to balance risks and benefits of anticoagulant therapy with its interruption preoperatively.

Pharmacology and Perioperative Considerations for Diabetes Mellitus Medications.

BACKGROUND: Given the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in modern society, health care providers are frequently tasked with managing glucose control in the perioperative period. When determining perioperative diabetes management, the clinician must balance the need to maintain relative euglycemia at the time of surgery with preventing hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in a fasting surgical patient. This balance requires an understanding of the pharmacology of these medications, the type of surgery, and the patient's degree of diabetic control. OBJECTIVE: We discuss the various medications used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and the current recommendations regarding perioperative care. METHOD: A review of the current literature present on Pubmed and Medline was conducted between the years 2000-2016. The reference lists of each selected article were also reviewed for additional sources of information. CONCLUSION: Perioperative control of blood glucose levels is associated with less morbidity and improved surgical outcomes in patients with and without DM. Preoperatively, clinicians need to thoughtfully adjust diabetic medications on the basis of patient comorbidities, the duration of the fasting period, and the duration of surgery. Intraoperative and postoperative strategies typically use insulin to maintain blood glucose levels in the range of 80 to 180 mg/dL.

Perioperative Management of Beta Blockers and Other Antiarrhythmic Medications.

BACKGROUND: Antiarrhythmic medications are an important tool in preventing recurrence of intraoperative and postoperative arrhythmias. OBJECTIVE: To review current literature and recommendations for perioperative management of antiarrhythmic medications. METHODS: Literature review is presented along with the pharmacology of antiarrhythmics. RESULTS: Antiarrhythmic medications should be continued perioperatively for the prevention of arrhythmias intra- and postoperatively. However, beta blockers have had controversies regarding their perioperative safety profile. CONCLUSION: Continuation of antiarrhythmic medications is safe perioperatively. However, initiation of beta blockers should be patient-tailored and titrated to a target heart rate in advance surgery.

Proximal tubular dysfunction associated with tenofovir and didanosine causing Fanconi syndrome and diabetes insipidus: a report of 3 cases.

We report 3 cases of patients with HIV/AIDS in whom Fanconi syndrome and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus developed secondary to use of an antiretroviral regimen containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and didanosine. These patients presented with a history of polydipsia, polyuria, weight loss, anorexia, and wasting. Interestingly, 1 patient was not taking protease inhibitors. This response is a well-documented yet uncommon complication of tenofovir use in the HIV population. We recommend continued monitoring for renal toxicity when using NRTI combination of tenofovir and didanosine.