Race, ethnicity, and the use of regional anesthesia in cancer patients undergoing open abdominal surgery: A single-center retrospective cohort study.

Background: Where applicable, regional anesthesia has been shown to be superior to opioid or non-opioid analgesic modalities alone. However, some studies have shown ethnic-based disparities in the use of regional anesthesia in patients undergoing surgical procedures. In this study of patients who had undergone major oncologic surgery, our main objective was to compare the use of regional anesthesia between patients of different ethnicities. Methods: A retrospective review of adults who had undergone major open abdominal surgical procedures between 2016 and 2021 was performed. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between baseline patient characteristics and the use of regional anesthesia. Results: A total of 4,791 patients were included in the analysis. The median age was 60.5 years [interquartile range, 49, 69], the majority were female (65%), and of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Class (ASA) 3 (94.7%). Regional anesthesia was used in 2,652 patients (55.4%) and was not associated with race or ethnicity (p = 0.287). Compared to White patients, the odds of regional anesthesia use in other racial/ethnic groups were: Asian {odds ratio (OR) 0.851 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.660-1.097]; p = 0.2125}, Black/African American [OR 0.807 (95% CI, 0.651-1.001); p = 0.0508], Hispanic/Latino [OR 0.957 (95% CI, 0.824-1.154); p = 0.7676], Other race [OR 0.957 (95% CI, 0.627-1.461); p = 0.8376]. In the multivariable analysis, age [OR 0.995 (95% CI, 0.991-1.000); p = 0.0309] and female gender [OR 1.231 (95% CI, 1.090-1.390); p = 0.0008] were associated with the use of regional anesthesia. Conclusion: In this single-institution retrospective study of adults who had undergone major open abdominal surgery, the use of regional anesthesia was not associated with race or ethnicity. In the multivariable analysis, age and female gender were associated with the use of regional anesthesia.

A multi-institutional pilot survey of anesthesia practices during proton radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Physicians responsible for anesthesia and/or sedation (A/S) at emerging proton radiation therapy centers (PTCs) seek information about practices at established centers. We conducted a survey of A/S practices at established PTCs to provide this information for physicians at new PTCs. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A web-based survey was sent to physicians responsible for A/S at 37 established PTCs. Questions were based on practice patterns and the preferred method of A/S delivery during proton-radiation therapy. One representative per institution was surveyed. RESULTS: A response rate of 38%, with a combined case load of more than 15,000 anesthetics per year was obtained. Children younger than 4 years old often (72%) required A/S. The most favored A/S techniques involved total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and an unprotected airway (57%) or general anesthesia with sevoflurane and a laryngeal mask airway (36%). It was notable that 21% of facilities did not have dedicated recovery rooms. Also, anesthesia gas evacuation outlets were absent at 43% of treatment rooms. CONCLUSIONS: A/S is commonly delivered to patients undergoing proton radiation therapy, most often with total intravenous anesthesia. To avert potential obstacles to the safe delivery of care, anesthesiologists at emerging centers are encouraged to participate throughout the design and planning phases of new PTCs.

Non-invasive anesthesia for children undergoing proton radiation therapy.

BACKGROUND: Proton therapy is a newer modality of radiotherapy during which anesthesiologists face specific challenges related to the setup and duration of treatment sessions. PURPOSE: Describe our anesthesia practice for children treated in a standalone proton therapy center, and report on complications encountered during anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of anesthetic records for patients ⩽18years of age treated with proton therapy at our institution between January 2006 and April 2013 was performed. RESULTS: A total of 9328 anesthetics were administered to 340 children with a median age of 3.6years (range, 0.4-14.2). The median daily anesthesia time was 47min (range, 15-79). The average time between start of anesthesia to the start of radiotherapy was 7.2min (range, 1-83min). All patients received Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) with spontaneous ventilation, with 96.7% receiving supplemental oxygen by non-invasive methods. None required daily endotracheal intubation. Two episodes of bradycardia, and one episode each of; seizure, laryngospasm and bronchospasm were identified for a cumulative incidence of 0.05%. CONCLUSIONS: In this large series of children undergoing proton therapy at a freestanding center, TIVA without daily endotracheal intubation provided a safe, efficient, and less invasive option of anesthetic care.