Preoperative evaluation profile of patients undergoing arterial vascular surgery in a tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: Patients with peripheral arterial disease have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications in the postoperative period of arterial surgeries known as Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE), which includes acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, malignant arrhythmias, and stroke. The preoperative evaluation aims to reduce mortality and the risk of MACE. However, there is no standardized approach to performing them. The aim of this study was to compare the preoperative evaluation conducted by general practitioners with those performed by cardiologists. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients who underwent elective arterial surgeries from January 2016 to December 2020 at a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. The authors compared the preoperative evaluation of these patients according to the initial evaluator (general practitioners vs. cardiologists), assessing patients' clinical factors, mortality, postoperative MACE incidence, rate of requested non-invasive stratification tests, length of hospital stay, among others. RESULTS: 281 patients were evaluated: 169 assessed by cardiologists and 112 by general practitioners. Cardiologists requested more non-invasive stratification tests (40.8%) compared to general practitioners (9%) (p < 0.001), with no impact on mortality (8.8% versus 10.7%; p = 0.609) and postoperative MACE incidence (10.6% versus 6.2%; p = 0.209). The total length of hospital stay was longer in the cardiologist group (17.27 versus 11.79 days; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The increased request for exams didn't have a significant impact on mortality and postoperative MACE incidence, but prolonged the total length of hospital stay. Health managers should consider these findings and ensure appropriate utilization of human and financial resources.

Pilot of Outpatient Preoperative Evaluation Through Teleassistance.

The pilot project of pre-anesthetic evaluation through telemedicine at the Pedro Ernesto University Hospital (HUPE) of the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) is a commendable initiative that aims to address the challenges faced by patients in accessing preoperative care. The objective of this study was to reduce the waiting time between the surgical recommendation and its clinical clearance for the procedure. A service flow was established to enable patients to undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including examination and complementary tests, during a single visit with a general practitioner. Based on the type of surgery and the patient's comorbidities, the Teleconsultants Center assessed the case and provided the necessary guidance. A total of 20 patients were attended to in face-to-face sessions during morning shifts, with the participation of Internal Medicine and Anesthesiology. Subsequently, these patients' evaluations were scheduled for teleconsultation to assess their surgical risk. There has been a significant reduction in the time between the surgical recommendation and the clearance for the procedure with a notable improvement compared to the previous protocol. These initial outcomes demonstrate the project's potential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the preoperative evaluation process through teleassistance.

Importancia de la valoración perioperatoria en el paciente oncológico / Importance of perioperative evaluation in cancer patients

The importance of preoperative anesthetic evaluation in a cancer patient is indispensable. Enables the anesthesiologist and surgical team to realize whether the clinical status can be optimized or if a specific perioperative approach is required. However, with proper evaluation, the goal of prompt surgical therapy should be kept in mind. In cancer patients, the diagnostic approach is not far from the usual preoperative evaluation performed on any surgical patient, which focuses on medical comorbidities and current functional capacity. Nevertheless, in these patients, it becomes relevant to recognize the mass anatomical location, the compromise of adjacent structures, and the mass effects that the tumor may be causing. Also, it is essential to assess the nutritional status and patients' metabolic or neurohormonal consequences. On the other hand, the oncological disease itself or its associated therapies may trigger secondary organic repercussions that impact anesthetic management and perioperative care. All of which deserves meticulous surgical planning. Acknowledging these factors will enable us to face cancer surgery better, understand and reduce perioperative risks, and promote accelerated recovery.

La importancia de la evaluación preoperatoria anestésica en un paciente oncológico es relevante a la hora de detectar y conocer condiciones que puedan ser optimizadas o que requieran un manejo específico durante el perioperatorio, sin que esto retrase la oportuna entrega de la terapia definitiva, sea ésta cirugía, quimioterapia o radioterapia. Si bien este enfrentamiento no dista mucho de la evaluación preoperatoria habitual que se realiza a cualquier paciente quirúrgico, hay que dar relevancia en conocer el estado funcional actual y al estado nutricional con el que se presenta el paciente, así como sus condiciones médicas asociadas. También es importante los efectos de masa que puede estar provocando el tumor, su ubicación anatómica, el compromiso de otras estructuras y su funcionalidad, si es que la tiene. Por efecto de la propia enfermedad oncológica o de las terapias médicas y quirúrgicas, pueden presentarse alteraciones hematológicas y metabólicas importantes, que requieren manejos específicos y compensaciones previas, así como las repercusiones orgánicas e interacciones anestésicas que pueden tener las terapias neo- adyuvantes para una correcta y meticulosa planificación quirúrgica. El conocer estos factores nos posibilitará enfrentarnos de mejor manera a la cirugía oncológica, conocer y disminuir los riesgos perioperatorios, y favorecer una recuperación acelerada con menor tasa de complicaciones.

Valor predictivo prequirúrgico del EuroSCORE I, EuroSCORE II y STS score en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardíaca: informe preliminar / Pre-surgical predictive value of the EuroSCORE I, EuroSCORE II and STS score in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: preliminary report

RESUMEN Introducción: en cirugía cardiovascular, el EuroSCORE I, EuroSCORE II y STS score son herramientas que brindan pronóstico e información para la toma de decisiones. Es imperativo evaluar el valor predictivo real de los mismos en nuestro medio. Objetivo: evaluar el valor predictivo de los citados scores en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardíaca en el área de cardiología del Hospital Nacional. Metodología: estudio de cohortes, retrospectivo, con muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. La población estuvo constituida por pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiaca en el periodo comprendido entre enero 2020 a julio 2021. Fueron evaluadas 60 historias clínicas, excluidas 6, quedando finalmente 54 expedientes. Resultado: predominó el sexo masculino 57,14 %, la edad media fue de 60 ± 12 años (rango 26 - 82 años). El EuroSCORE II presentó un riesgo relativo de 10 (IC 95 % 1,3 ­ 90), p=0,004, sensibilidad 80 %, especificidad 78,43 %, VPP 26,67 % (IC 95 % 0,95 a 52,38) y VPN 97,56 % (IC 95 % 91,62 a 100 %). El EuroSCORE I presentó riesgo relativo de 1,6 (IC 95 % 0,2 ­ 10,9) p=0,50, sensibilidad 60 %, especificidad 52,94 %, VPP 11,11 % (IC 95 % 0,00 a 24,82) y VPN 93,10 % (IC 95 % 82,16 a 100 %). El STS score arrojó un riesgo relativo de 3,5 (IC 95 % 0,07 ­ 35), p=0,10, sensibilidad del 20 %, especificidad 93,33 %, valor predictivo positivo del 25 % (IC 95 % 0,00 a 79,93) y valor predictivo negativo 91,30 % (IC 95 % 82,07 a 100 %). La mortalidad global fue 8,93 % y morbilidad 93 %. Conclusión: se demostró un alto valor predictivo negativo en los scores, lo que determinó que pacientes con riesgo bajo e intermedio tuvieran una mortalidad baja.

ABSTRACT Introduction: in cardiovascular surgery, the EuroSCORE I, EuroSCORE II and STS score are tools that provide prognosis and information for decision making. It is imperative to evaluate their real predictive value in our environment. Objective: to evaluate the predictive value of the aforementioned scores in patients undergoing cardiac surgery in the Hospital Nacional cardiology area. Methodology: retrospective cohort study, with non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases. The population consisted of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in the period from January 2020 to July 2021. 60 medical records were evaluated, 6 excluded, finally leaving 54 records. Result: male sex predominated 57,14 %, the mean age was 60 ± 12 years (range 26 - 82 years old). The EuroSCORE II presented a relative risk of 10 (95 % CI 1.3 - 90), p = 0.004, sensitivity 80 %, specificity 78,43 %, PPV 26,67 % (95 % CI 0,95 to 52,38) and NPV 97,56 % (95 % CI 91,62 to 100 %). The EuroSCORE I presented a relative risk of 1.6 (95 % CI 0.2 - 10.9) p = 0.50, sensitivity 60 %, specificity 52,94 %, PPV 11,11 % (95 % CI 0.00 a 24,82) and NPV 93,10 % (95 % CI 82.16 to 100 %). The STS score yielded a relative risk of 3,5 (95 % CI 0.07 - 35), p = 0.10, sensitivity of 20 %, specificity 93,33 %, positive predictive value of 25 % (CI 95 % 0 .00 to 79.93) and negative predictive value 91,30 % (95 % CI 82.07 to 100 %). Overall mortality was 8,93 % and morbidity 93 %. Conclusion: a high negative predictive value was demonstrated in the scores, which determined that patients with low and intermediate risk had a low mortality.

Causas implicadas en la suspensión de pacientes tributarios para cirugía electiva / Causes for the suspension of elective surgery for eligible patients

Introducción: La suspensión de la intervención quirúrgica es una situación que ocasiona inconvenientes, va en contra de optimizar las actividades, reducir costos, evitar la pérdida de materiales y desarrollar el trabajo con la más alta calidad. Objetivo: Describir las principales causas implicadas en la suspensión de los pacientes tributarios para cirugía electiva. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en el Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, en el periodo comprendido de septiembre 2017-septiembre 2018. De una población de 4 511 cirugías anunciadas, se tomó una muestra de 1 289 pacientes que fueron suspendidos en la consulta de anestesia y en el preoperatorio inmediato. Resultados: La especialidad de cirugía general presenta el indicador más alto (26,9 por ciento) del total de las suspensiones en consulta, así de las 798 suspensiones en la consulta 476 (59,6 por ciento) fueron debidas a los pacientes, 341 por causas médicas (42,7 por ciento), es decir, más de la mitad de las suspensiones obedecieron a las alteraciones clínicas. Se le atribuye al hospital 386 suspensiones para 29,9 por ciento del total de las suspensiones. Conclusiones: La incidencia de las suspensiones anestésico-quirúrgicas es elevada tanto en la consulta anestésica como en el preoperatorio inmediato. Estas, junto a las causas relacionadas con el paciente, constituyen la experiencia práctica médico-asistencial más relevantes y es de tener en consideración por el anestesiólogo actuante, fundamentalmente ante la presencia de enfermos aquejados de comorbilidades cardiovasculares(AU)

Introduction: Suspension of the surgical intervention is a situation that causes inconveniences, goes against optimizing activities, reducing costs, avoiding loss of materials and developing the work with the highest quality. Objective: To describe the main causes for the suspension of elective surgery for eligible patients. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out at Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso General Teaching Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, in the period from September 2017 to September 2018. From a population of 4511 announced surgeries, a sample of 1289 patients was taken, who were interrupted for surgery during the anesthesia consultation and in the immediate preoperative period. Results: The specialty of general surgery presents the highest indicator (26.9 percent) of the total number of suspensions during consultation; thus, of the 798 suspensions during consultation, 476 (59.6 percent) were due to patients, and 341 were due to medical causes (42.7 percent), that is, more than half of the suspensions owed to clinical alterations. The hospital was attributed 386 suspensions, accounting for 29.9 percent of the total. Conclusions: The incidence of anesthetic-surgical suspensions is high both during anesthesiology consultation and in the immediate preoperative period. These, together with the causes related to the patient, constitute the most relevant medical-assistance practical experience and must be taken into consideration by the acting anesthesiologist, mainly in the presence of patients suffering from cardiovascular comorbidities(AU)

The Year in Cardiothoracic Transplantation Anesthesia: Selected Highlights from 2019.

The highlights in cardiothoracic transplantation focus on the recent research pertaining to heart and lung transplantation, including expansion of the donor pool, the optimization of donors and recipients, the use of mechanical support, the perioperative and long-term outcomes in these patient populations, and the use of transthoracic echocardiography to diagnose rejection.

Valoración preoperatoria del adulto mayor / Preoperative evaluation of the elderly

Resumen El envejecimiento de la población ha generado la necesidad de adecuar la valoración preoperatoria para el grupo de los adultos mayores, ya que además de las alteraciones fisiológicas consecuencia del envejecimiento, se añade la elevada comorbilidad y la presencia de síndromes geriátricos que deben considerarse para la estimación del riesgo quirúrgico, con el objetivo de disminuir complicaciones postoperatorias y favorecer la reintegración a su medio social en el menor tiempo posible y con el mayor grado de independencia. La valoración preoperatoria identificará en la anamnesis todas las comorbilidades y síndromes geriátricos que pueden impactar en el periodo perioperatorio. Deben solicitarse los estudios de laboratorio y gabinete indispensables para medir la severidad de enfermedades conocidas o establecer un nivel basal prequirúrgico, y de ninguna manera la edad justifica indicar pruebas extensas. Como en el adulto joven, la enfermedad cardiovascular es la comorbilidad más prevalente y es primordial su adecuada cuantificación. Un punto importante a determinar es el riesgo de desarrollar insuficiencia renal aguda y se debe enfatizar en las medidas preventivas para limitar esta complicación. Una condición asociada a la enfermedad cardiovascular es el uso de antiagregantes plaquetarios o anticoagulantes orales cuyo empleo no debe retrasar los procedimientos quirúrgicos, por lo que su correcto empleo mejorará el desenlace posoperatorio. Finalmente, el riesgo geriátrico debe orientarse a una adecuada evaluación nutricional para la instauración temprana de alimentación adecuada. Debemos determinar el estado basal de la funcionalidad para el inicio de rehabilitación temprana. La evaluación neuropsicológica debe incluir la identificación de factores de riesgo para delirium, presencia de depresión, deterioro cognitivo y alteraciones en el patrón de sueño. También es primordial identificar al adulto mayor con fragilidad, así como evaluar y limitar la polifarmacia.

Abstract The aging population has generated the need to adequate the preoperative evaluation for this population group. In the older adult, in addition to the physiological alterations resulting from aging, the high comorbidity and the presence of geriatric syndromes were added. These should be considered for the estimation of surgical risk in order to reduce postoperative complications and help in the reintegration to their social environment in the shortest time possible and with the highest degree of independence. The preoperative assessment should identify in the anamnesis all the comorbidities and geriatric syndromes that could impact the perioperative period. Only indispensable laboratory and cabinet studies should be requested to measure the severity of known diseases or establish a pre-surgical baseline level and in no way does age justify extensive tests. As in young adults, the cardiovascular disease has the most prevalent comorbidity and its adequate quantification is essential.. An important aspect is to determine the risk of developing an acute renal failure, and the preventive measures should be emphasized to limit this complication. A condition associated with cardiovascular diseases is the use of antiplatelet agents or oral anticoagulants. This condition should not delay the surgical procedures. Therefore, their adequate correction should improve the postoperative outcome. Finally, the geriatric risk should be oriented to an adequate nutritional evaluation for an early implementation of adequate food consumption. We must determine the baseline state of the functionality to initiate an early rehabilitation. Neuropsychological assessment should include the identification of risk factors for delirium, depression, cognitive impairment and alterations of the sleep pattern. It is essential to identify fragility in the elderly, to evaluate and limit polypharmacy.

Anesthesia preoperative evaluation clinic (APEC) restructuring plan for improving the quality of surgical patient flow

Introduction: Anesthesia preoperative evaluation clinics (APECs) are useful for high-risk surgical patient care, as they improve perioperative outcomes and optimize patient care flow. At Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, APEC assesses 20% of all patients undergoing surgery, showing the importance of implementing strategies to improve outpatient clinic efficiency by prioritizing high-risk patients. Methods: Using a specific quality management tool for process improvement (PDCA, which stands for Plan/Do/Check/Act), new protocols were developed for patient referral and preoperative evaluation. Clinical staff was trained in the new routines, and an electronic screening system for patient referral was adopted. Data on patient profiles, referring surgical specialties, type of surgery, and waiting times for appointment and surgical procedure were compared before and after the intervention. Results: APEC performed 1,286 appointments between 2013 and 2016, including 733 pre-intervention and 553 post-intervention. There was a significant decrease in the appointments for patients undergoing minor surgery and an increase in the appointments for those undergoing major surgery. The waiting time between referral to APEC and first APEC appointment reduced from 46 to 16 days. In addition, there was an increase in vascular, orthopedic, and urology referrals, as well as a reduction in ophthalmology and general surgery referrals. Conclusions: The PDCA method assisted with conceiving, executing, and monitoring the implemented strategies for changing the profile of patients evaluated at APEC. The major challenge is to measure the long-term impact of this intervention and expand care through specific strategies for surgical specialties and procedures.(AU)

Cirugía hepática: algunas consideraciones más allá de la técnica quirúrgica / Liver surgery: Considerations beyond the surgical technique

La mortalidad de la cirugía resectiva hepática es de 1-2%. Mejorar esto requerirá optimizar detalles que involucran a todos los encargados del cuidado de estos pacientes. El primero de estos puntos es la evaluación de la función hepática postoperatoria. Diversos métodos han sido utilizados para tratar de estimarla, sin resultados concluyentes respecto a cuál es el más adecuado. Estudios que evalúan la cantidad de parénquima residual y su relación con el desarrollo de falla hepática postoperatoria recomiendan que en presencia de un hígado sano debería quedar 20-25% del volumen hepático, 30-60% en casos de condiciones que deterioran la funcionalidad, y 40-70% en casos de cirrosis. El aporte de volumen y su relación con la morbilidad, el sangrado y el desarrollo de insuficiencia renal han sido muy estudiados. La restricción del volumen y el mantenimiento de presiones venosas bajas aparecen como estrategias recomendadas, pero no deben comprometer la perfusión sistémica. A diferencia de lo observado en pacientes críticos, especialmente sépticos, el uso de almidones aparece como una alternativa segura en pacientes sanos sometidos a procedimientos resectivos o trasplante hepático. Las alteraciones de exámenes de coagulación deben ser evaluadas y corregidas cuando corresponda, idealmente a través de métodos que permitan identificar la causa. El tromboelastograma aparece como una alternativa adecuada. La administración profiláctica de hemocomponentes no está indicada, pudiendo ser origen de morbilidad. La analgesia debe ser optimizada, siendo la peridural una buena alternativa en presencia de hígado sano y en procedimientos no mayores de una lobectomía.

The mortality of liver resection surgery is 1-2%. Improve this will require optimizing details involving all caregivers of these patients. The first of these points is the evaluation of postoperative liver function. Various methods have been used to estimate it, without conclusive results regarding what is the most appropriate. Several studies evaluating the amount of residual parenchyma and its relationship to the development of postoperative liver failure recommend that in the presence of a healthy liver should be 20-25% of liver volume, 30-60% in cases of conditions that impair the functionality and 40-70% in cases of cirrhosis. The contribution of fluids administration and its relationship with morbidity, bleeding and development of renal failure have been studied. The volume restriction, maintenance of low central venous pressures appear as recommended strategies but must not compromise systemic perfusion that can determine organ dysfunction. Unlike what was observed in critically ill patients, the use of starches appears as a safe alternative in healthy patients and those undergoing liver transplantation. Alterations in coagulation tests should be evaluated, ideally through methods that allow to identify the cause. The thromboelastography appears as a suitable alternative. Prophylactic administration of blood components is not indicated and can be a source of morbidity. Analgesia should be optimized, being epidural analgesia a good alternative in the presence of healthy liver and procedures involving no more than a lobectomy.

Indicación de cesación tabáquica en la evaluación preoperatoria: conociendo la realidad de nuestra práctica / Indication of smoking cessation in the preoperative assessment: knowing the reality of our practice

Introducción: El consumo de tabaco puede ser factor causal de múltiples complicaciones en el posoperatorio de personas fumadoras. El período previo a la cirugía es un momento de especial receptividad por parte de los pacientes para intentar la cesación tabáquica. Existen diversas intervenciones basadas en la mejor evidencia científica (MBE) para conseguir el éxito. El seguimiento de los pacientes luego del procedimiento estimula a mantener la cesación. Sin embargo, la actuación de los profesionales en la vida real no siempre coincide con dichas recomendaciones. Objetivos: Averiguar la conducta que adoptan los profesionales médicos ante el paciente tabaquista derivado para evaluación de riesgo quirúrgico, qué tipo de intervenciones aplican y si las mismas se basan en las evidencias científicas disponibles. Material y métodos: Diseño observacional, prospectivo de corte transversal. Se encuestó de manera voluntaria y anónima a médicos asistentes a un Congreso de Medicina Respiratoria. El cuestionario fue diseñado a los fines de la investigación y validado por el Método Delphi. Se compuso de 15 preguntas con respuesta de opciones múltiples excepto el último de los dominios que solicitó señalar bibliografía para basar la conducta asumida. Resultados: Se recopilaron 152 encuestas. Respondieron el cuestionario 86 mujeres (66,7%), la edad mayor a 30 años fue dominante y predominó la especialidad en neumonología. Casi el 50% realizaba evaluaciones de riesgo quirúrgico de 2 a 10 veces/ semana. Más del 80% de los profesionales indicaba cesación tabáquica preoperatoria en los casos en que se detectaba el hábito. El intervalo libre de consumo de tabaco previo a la cirugía que indicaron con mayor frecuencia fue 8 semanas (54,6%) y la intervención más seleccionada, la mixta (farmacológica y verbal) con 62%. El seguimiento posterior lo realizaba el 74,8%. Más de la mitad respondió que basaban su actitud en la propia experiencia y sólo 15,8% pudo citar bibliografía de referencia. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los encuestados adhiere a la necesidad de indicar tratamiento para cesación en los pacientes fumadores en la evaluación preoperatoria, más de la mitad hace su recomendación basándose en su propia experiencia y menos del 20% puede recordar algún tipo de bibliografía que justifique sus recomendaciones. Resulta necesario que las sociedades científicas, vinculadas a la valoración preoperatoria, incluyan este capítulo en la agenda de educación médica continua a fin de disminuir las complicaciones posoperatorias.

Introduction: Smoking can be a causal factor of multiple complications after surgery. The pre-surgical period is key for smoking patients to quit. According to different evidence-based medicine (EBM) interventions, postoperative follow-up to corroborate quitting stimulates sustainable smoking cessation. However, not all professionals follow these recommendations in their practice. Objectives: to determine how physicians act with smoking patients referred for surgical risk evaluation, which interventions they apply and to what extent they are evidence-based. Material and methods: it is an observational, prospective, cross-sectional design. Physicians attending a congress of respiratory medicine were voluntarily and anonymously interviewed. The questionnaire was designed for this research and it was validated by the Delphi method. It has 15 multiple-choice questions except for the last domain which requests mentioning bibliography supporting their behavior. Results: 152 surveys were collected. Respondents were mostly pulmonologists and over 30 years of age. 86 (66.7%) were women. Almost 50% performed surgical risk assessments on 2 to 10 patients per week. In the case of current smokers, over 80% of physicians advised smoking cessation. 54.6% recommended an 8 week smoking-free interval prior to surgery; and 62% applied a mixed (pharmacological and verbal) approach. 74.8% of this group referred they monitored patients postoperatively. More than half respondents said that their recommendations were empirical and only 15.8 per cent quoted reference bibliography. Conclusions: Most respondents agree to the need to indicate smoking cessation in the preoperative evaluation but only 15.8% mentioned bibliography that supports their recommendation. We can conclude that scientific associations related with surgical risk evaluation should include this subject in their continuous medical education programs in order to reduce postop complications and foster smoking cessation.

A utilização dos testes de função pulmonar na avaliação pré-operatória / Pulmonary function testing in the preoperative evaluation

A avaliação pulmonar pré-operatória é realizada para estimar o risco de ocorrência de complicações pulmonares no pós-operatório. Esse risco varia na dependência do sítio operatório, da anestesia utilizada e do estado clínico dos doentes, sendo que a presença de pneumopatia crônica pode elevá-lo. Os testes de função pulmonar durante a avaliação pré-operatória têm múltiplas finalidades: diagnosticar e graduar a intensidade dos distúrbios, indicar o melhor tratamento, otimizando-o, fornecer valores de corte que podem diferenciar risco aceitável de risco alto para complicações e eventualmente induzir a mudança de estratégia operatória ou descartar essa modalidade de tratamento. Inicialmente espirometria e gasometria arterial eram os únicos exames disponíveis para tal, mas, atualmente, podemos contar com outros exames como a medida da capacidade de difusão pulmonar para o monóxido de carbono, pressões respiratórias máximas, teste de exercício cardiopulmonar e testes de exercício de campo. O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar os testes de função pulmonar utilizados rotineiramente na avaliação pré-operatória e como eles são capazes de contribuir com essa avaliação.

Preoperative pulmonary evaluation is performed to estimate risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. Risk depends on the operative site, type of anesthesia and clinical status of patient. Chronic lung disease may increase this risk. Pulmonary function testing during the preoperative evaluation has multiple purposes: establish the diagnosis and severity of disorders, indicate the most appropriate treatment, provide cutoff values that can establish high risk for complications. In this case it is possible to change operative strategy or offer another treatment option. Initially spirometry and blood gases analysis were the only tests available for that, but now we can rely on other tests such as measurement of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, respiratory muscle strength, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and field testing. The aim of this review is to present the pulmonary function tests usually used in preoperative evaluation and how they are able to contribute in this field.

Anesthetic complications in a rehabilitation hospital: is the incidence related to the pre-anesthetic visit? / Complicação anestésica em hospital de reabilitação. A incidência tem relação com a consulta pré-anestésica? / Complicación anestésica en un hospital de rehabilitación. ¿La incidencia tiene relación con la consulta preanestésica?

Introduction: Approximately 234 million surgeries are done annually worldwide. There is a growing concern for the safety of the anesthetic act, and the pre-anesthetic consultation emerges as an important and widely recommended activity, used as a preventive measure for the emergence of a complication. Objectives: To describe the complications related to anesthesia, to identify the factors that contribute to its appearance and to reflect on ways to improve clinical practice. Methods: 700 patients, 175 cases and 525 controls, were evaluated over a period of 21 months. The data obtained through the pre-anesthetic consultation were evaluated descriptively and then tested with conditional univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: 175 cases of anesthesia-related complications (2.74%) out of 6365 anesthetic acts were evaluated. Hypotension was the most common complication (40 patients, 22.8%), followed by vomiting (24 patients, 13.7%) and arrhythmia (24 patients, 13.7%). Among the complications, 55% were due to patient conditions, 26% accidental, 10% predictable and 9% iatrogenic. The complications were classified as mild in 106 (61%), moderate in 63 (36%) and severe in six (3%) patients. Conclusion: Patients with more impaired physical status (American Society of Anaesthesiology 3 and 4), with airway disease, tumor or parenchymal disease, diabetes or disorder of lipid metabolism, thyroid disease, former smokers and very prolonged anesthetic acts present a higher risk of anesthesia-related complications. Therefore, they should be actively investigated in the pre-anesthetic evaluation consultation. .

introdução: Cerca de 234 milhões de cirurgias são feitas anualmente no mundo. É cada vez maior o interesse pela segurança do ato anestésico e a consulta pré-anestésica surge como atividade importante e amplamente recomendada, usada como medida preventiva para o surgimento de uma complicação. Objetivos: Descrever as complicações relacionadas à anestesia, identificar os fatores que contribuem para o seu surgimento e refletir sobre formas de melhoria na prática clínica. Métodos: foram avaliados 700 pacientes, 175 casos e 525 controles, em um período de 21 meses. Os dados obtidos por meio da consulta pré-anestésica foram avaliados descritivamente e em seguida testados com regressão logística condicional univariada e multivariada. Resultados: Foram avaliados 175 casos de complicação relacionada à anestesia (2,74%) dentre 6.365 atos anestésicos. A hipotensão foi a complicação mais comum (40 casos, 22,8%), seguida do vômito (24%, 13,7%) e arritmia (24%, 13,7%). Das complicações, 55% foram devidas às condições do paciente, 26% acidentais, 10% previsíveis e 9% iatrogênicas. As complicações foram classificadas como leves em 106 pacientes (61%), moderadas em 63 (36%) e graves em seis (3%). Conclusão: Pacientes com estado físico mais debilitado (ASA 3 e 4), com doença de vias aéreas, tumor ou doença parenquimatosa, com diabetes ou transtorno do metabolismo lipídico, com doença de tireoide, ex-fumantes e as anestesias muito prolongadas apresentam maior risco de complicações relacionadas à anestesia e, por isso, devem ser investigados ativamente na consulta de avaliação pré-anestésica. .

Introducción: Cerca de 234 millones de cirugías se hacen anualmente en todo el mundo. Cada vez crece más el interés por la seguridad de la anestesia, y la consulta preanestésica surge como una actividad importante y ampliamente recomendada, usada como medida preventiva para el surgimiento de una complicación. Objetivos: Describir las complicaciones relacionadas con la anestesia, identificar los factores que contribuyen a su aparición y reflexionar sobre las formas de mejorar la práctica clínica. Métodos: Se evaluaron 700 pacientes, 175 casos y 525 controles, en un período de 21 meses. Los datos que se obtuvieron por medio de la consulta preanestésica se calcularon descriptivamente y enseguida fueron testados con la regresión logística condicional univariada y multivariada. Resultados: Fueron evaluados 175 casos de complicación relacionada con la anestesia (2,74%) entre 6.365 anestesias practicadas. La hipotensión fue la complicación más común (40 casos; 22,8%), seguida del vómito (24%; 13,7%) y de la arritmia (24%; 13,7%). De las complicaciones, un 55% de debieron a las condiciones del paciente, un 26% accidentales, un 10% previsibles y un 9% iatrogénicas. Las complicaciones fueron clasificadas como leves en 106 pacientes (61%), moderadas en 63 (36%) y graves en 6 (3%). Conclusión: Los pacientes con estado físico más debilitado (ASA 3 y 4), con enfermedad de vías aéreas, tumor o enfermedad parenquimatosa, con diabetes o trastorno del metabolismo lipídico, con enfermedad de la tiroides, exfumadores y las anestesias muy prolongadas presentan un mayor riesgo de complicaciones relacionadas con la anestesia y por eso deben ser investigados activamente en la consulta de evaluación preanestésica. .

[Anesthetic complications in a rehabilitation hospital: is the incidence related to the pre-anesthetic visit?]. / Complicação anestésica em hospital de reabilitação. A incidência tem relação com a consulta pré-anestésica?

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 234 million surgeries are done annually worldwide. There is a growing concern for the safety of the anesthetic act, and the pre-anesthetic consultation emerges as an important and widely recommended activity, used as a preventive measure for the emergence of a complication. OBJECTIVES: To describe the complications related to anesthesia, to identify the factors that contribute to its appearance and to reflect on ways to improve clinical practice. METHODS: 700 patients, 175 cases and 525 controls, were evaluated over a period of 21 months. The data obtained through the pre-anesthetic consultation were evaluated descriptively and then tested with conditional univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: 175 cases of anesthesia-related complications (2.74%) out of 6365 anesthetic acts were evaluated. Hypotension was the most common complication (40 patients, 22.8%), followed by vomiting (24 patients, 13.7%) and arrhythmia (24 patients, 13.7%). Among the complications, 55% were due to patient conditions, 26% accidental, 10% predictable and 9% iatrogenic. The complications were classified as mild in 106 (61%), moderate in 63 (36%) and severe in six (3%) patients. CONCLUSION: Patients with more impaired physical status (American Society of Anaesthesiology 3 and 4), with airway disease, tumor or parenchymal disease, diabetes or disorder of lipid metabolism, thyroid disease, former smokers and very prolonged anesthetic acts present a higher risk of anesthesia-related complications. Therefore, they should be actively investigated in the pre-anesthetic evaluation consultation.

[Impact of thoracic and abdominopelvic surgery on the functional status in the elderly]. / Repercusión de la cirugía torácica y abdómino-pélvica en el estado funcional del anciano.

The quality of life of older people is determined by their functional capacity, rather than by the number or type of disease suffered. We analyzed 43 patients over 65 years undergoing major surgery. Longitudinally continued evolution of functional status by analyzing six variables, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), the get up and walk test, functional reach test of arm, strength of handgrip and walking speed, measured before surgery (baseline measurement) and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months after discharge. The objectives were to estimate the impact that surgery has on functional status in the elderly, determine how long each of the measurements returned to preoperative values at 4 months follow-up. Recovery curves compared the baseline AIVD, grip strength and hand speed on the fly, between two groups defined by baseline walking speed in slow (< 0.8 m/s) and fast (> 0.8 m/s). The impact of surgery on physical fitness showed a statistically significant decrease in ADL, IADL, and the get up and walk test and walking speed, with variable time recovery beyond convalescence. All return to baseline at 4 months except test walking speed that exceeded the baseline. Functional status can be evaluated quickly and should be included in the preoperative evaluation, since it allows planning strategies to meet the needs and limitations of patients and their families, in the immediate postoperative period.

Repercusión de la cirugía torácica y abdómino-pélvica en el estado funcional del anciano / Impact of thoracic and abdominopelvic surgery on the functional status in the elderly

La calidad de vida de los ancianos está determinada por su capacidad funcional, más que por el número o tipo de enfermedades que padecen. Se analizaron 43 pacientes mayores de 65 años sometidos a cirugías mayores. Se siguió longitudinalmente la evolución del estado funcional mediante el análisis de 6 variables, las actividades de la vida diaria (AVD), actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria (AIVD), la prueba de levántate y anda, prueba del alcance funcional del brazo, fuerza de prensión de la mano y velocidad de la marcha, medidas previas a la cirugía (medición basal) y a los 1, 2, 3 y 4 meses posteriores al alta. Los objetivos fueron: estimar la repercusión que la cirugía tiene en el estado funcional de ancianos, determinar el tiempo que cada una de las mediciones regresa a los valores del preoperatorio en el seguimiento a 4 meses, comparar las curvas de recuperación de los valores basales de AIVD, fuerza de prensión de la mano y velocidad en la marcha, entre 2 grupos definidos por la velocidad de la marcha basal, en lentos ( 0.8 m/s). La repercusión de la cirugía en la aptitud física presentó una disminución estadísticamente significativa en AVD, AIVD, la prueba de levántate y anda y velocidad en la marcha con recuperación en tiempo variable, más allá de la convalecencia. La evaluación del estado funcional permite planear estrategias tendientes a cubrir limitaciones y necesidades del paciente y su familia en el post operatorio mediato.

The quality of life of older people is determined by their functional capacity, rather than by the number or type of disease suffered. We analyzed 43 patients over 65 years undergoing major surgery. Longitudinally continued evolution of functional status by analyzing six variables, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), the get up and walk test, functional reach test of arm, strength of handgrip and walking speed, measured before surgery (baseline measurement) and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months after discharge. The objectives were to estimate the impact that surgery has on functional status in the elderly, determine how long each of the measurements returned to preoperative values at 4 months follow-up. Recovery curves compared the baseline AIVD, grip strength and hand speed on the fly, between two groups defined by baseline walking speed in slow ( 0.8 m/s). The impact of surgery on physical fitness showed a statistically significant decrease in ADL, IADL, and the get up and walk test and walking speed, with variable time recovery beyond convalescence. All return to baseline at 4 months except test walking speed that exceeded the baseline. Functional status can be evaluated quickly and should be included in the preoperative evaluation, since it allows planning strategies to meet the needs and limitations of patients and their families, in the immediate postoperative period.

Repercusión de la cirugía torácica y abdómino-pélvica en el estado funcional del anciano / Impact of thoracic and abdominopelvic surgery on the functional status in the elderly

La calidad de vida de los ancianos está determinada por su capacidad funcional, más que por el número o tipo de enfermedades que padecen. Se analizaron 43 pacientes mayores de 65 años sometidos a cirugías mayores. Se siguió longitudinalmente la evolución del estado funcional mediante el análisis de 6 variables, las actividades de la vida diaria (AVD), actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria (AIVD), la prueba de levántate y anda, prueba del alcance funcional del brazo, fuerza de prensión de la mano y velocidad de la marcha, medidas previas a la cirugía (medición basal) y a los 1, 2, 3 y 4 meses posteriores al alta. Los objetivos fueron: estimar la repercusión que la cirugía tiene en el estado funcional de ancianos, determinar el tiempo que cada una de las mediciones regresa a los valores del preoperatorio en el seguimiento a 4 meses, comparar las curvas de recuperación de los valores basales de AIVD, fuerza de prensión de la mano y velocidad en la marcha, entre 2 grupos definidos por la velocidad de la marcha basal, en lentos ( 0.8 m/s). La repercusión de la cirugía en la aptitud física presentó una disminución estadísticamente significativa en AVD, AIVD, la prueba de levántate y anda y velocidad en la marcha con recuperación en tiempo variable, más allá de la convalecencia. La evaluación del estado funcional permite planear estrategias tendientes a cubrir limitaciones y necesidades del paciente y su familia en el post operatorio mediato.(AU)

The quality of life of older people is determined by their functional capacity, rather than by the number or type of disease suffered. We analyzed 43 patients over 65 years undergoing major surgery. Longitudinally continued evolution of functional status by analyzing six variables, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), the get up and walk test, functional reach test of arm, strength of handgrip and walking speed, measured before surgery (baseline measurement) and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months after discharge. The objectives were to estimate the impact that surgery has on functional status in the elderly, determine how long each of the measurements returned to preoperative values at 4 months follow-up. Recovery curves compared the baseline AIVD, grip strength and hand speed on the fly, between two groups defined by baseline walking speed in slow ( 0.8 m/s). The impact of surgery on physical fitness showed a statistically significant decrease in ADL, IADL, and the get up and walk test and walking speed, with variable time recovery beyond convalescence. All return to baseline at 4 months except test walking speed that exceeded the baseline. Functional status can be evaluated quickly and should be included in the preoperative evaluation, since it allows planning strategies to meet the needs and limitations of patients and their families, in the immediate postoperative period.(AU)

Frecuencia de complicaciones respiratorias en cirugía electiva general. Experiencia en un hospital universitario / Frequency of respiratory complications in elective general surgery. Experience of a university hospital

Las complicaciones respiratorias post quirúrgicas (CRPq) son causa importante de morbimortalidad asociada a la cirugía general. Objetivos: 1-Estimar la frecuencia de CRPq en cirugía electiva general. 2- Identificar factores asociados con el riesgo de CRPq, simples y accesibles desde la perspectiva del neumonólogo. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y transversal. Pacientes y métodos: De una muestra de 233 evaluaciones prequirúrgicas respiratorias (EPR) consecutivas, en 156 pacientes operados en el Hospital de Clínicas “José de San Martín”, la edad, localización de la cirugía, tabaquismo, un score de riesgo respiratorio, espirometría, clasificación de la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiólogos (ASA), los hallazgos clínicos, la prescripción de medicamentos y la preexistencia de enfermedad respiratoria (EPOC y SAOS) fueron evaluados para predecir riesgo de CRPq, con prueba de X² para los respectivos intervalos de confianza (CI). El análisis de regresión logística múltiple buscó identificar predictores independientes de riesgo. Resultados: Se presentaron 26 complicaciones respiratorias en 19 pacientes (12%). El examen respiratorio anormal, el patrón obstructivo, la clasificación de ASA, el score de riesgo respiratorio y la cirugía torácica o abdominal superior se asociaron a CRPq en el análisis individual. La localización de la cirugía, la obstrucción severa de la vía aérea y el score de riesgo respiratorio resultaron predictores independientes de complicaciones. Conclusiones: Se hallaron CRPq en 12% de las cirugías estudiadas. Los factores hallados como predictores independientes coinciden en general con la revisión bibliográfica realizada. En este trabajo, el patrón ventilatorio obstructivo severo resultó un predictor significativo de CRPq.

Postoperative Respiratory Complications (PRCs) are important causes of morbidity and mortality associated to general surgery. Objectives: 1-To estimate the frequency of PRCs in General Elective Surgery. 2- To identify risk factors associated to PRCs from the pulmonologist’s perspective. Design: Prospective, descriptive and transversal study. Methods: In a sample of 233 consecutive preoperative respiratory evaluations, 156 patients were studied for PPCs risk before undergoing elective surgery at the Buenos Aires University Hospital. Age, surgery site, smoking habit, respiratory risk score, spirometry, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, clinical respiratory findings, prescribed medication, and respiratory concomitant disease (COPD, Obstructive Sleep Apnea) were assessed to predict the risk of PRCs, through Chi Square analysis (X²) for the corresponding confidence intervals. Variables significantly associated to PPCs were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: In 19 patients, 26 PPCs were observed (12% of surgical interventions). Abnormal clinical findings, obstructive and severe obstructive pattern in spirometry, ASA classification, respiratory risk score, thoracic and upper abdominal surgery were associated to PPCs in the monovariate analysis. Surgery site, severe airway obstruction, and respiratory risk score were significantly associated to PPCs, in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: PPCs was found in 12 % of performed surgeries. Respiratory risk factors were similar to those reported in the literature. Additionally, the analysis indicated that severe airway obstruction was a significant predictor of PRCs in this study.

Frecuencia de complicaciones respiratorias en cirugía electiva general. Experiencia en un hospital universitario / Frequency of respiratory complications in elective general surgery. Experience of a university hospital

Las complicaciones respiratorias post quirúrgicas (CRPq) son causa importante de morbimortalidad asociada a la cirugía general. Objetivos: 1-Estimar la frecuencia de CRPq en cirugía electiva general. 2- Identificar factores asociados con el riesgo de CRPq, simples y accesibles desde la perspectiva del neumonólogo. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo, descriptivo y transversal. Pacientes y métodos: De una muestra de 233 evaluaciones prequirúrgicas respiratorias (EPR) consecutivas, en 156 pacientes operados en el Hospital de Clínicas ôJosé de San Martínö, la edad, localización de la cirugía, tabaquismo, un score de riesgo respiratorio, espirometría, clasificación de la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiólogos (ASA), los hallazgos clínicos, la prescripción de medicamentos y la preexistencia de enfermedad respiratoria (EPOC y SAOS) fueron evaluados para predecir riesgo de CRPq, con prueba de X² para los respectivos intervalos de confianza (CI). El análisis de regresión logística múltiple buscó identificar predictores independientes de riesgo. Resultados: Se presentaron 26 complicaciones respiratorias en 19 pacientes (12%). El examen respiratorio anormal, el patrón obstructivo, la clasificación de ASA, el score de riesgo respiratorio y la cirugía torácica o abdominal superior se asociaron a CRPq en el análisis individual. La localización de la cirugía, la obstrucción severa de la vía aérea y el score de riesgo respiratorio resultaron predictores independientes de complicaciones. Conclusiones: Se hallaron CRPq en 12% de las cirugías estudiadas. Los factores hallados como predictores independientes coinciden en general con la revisión bibliográfica realizada. En este trabajo, el patrón ventilatorio obstructivo severo resultó un predictor significativo de CRPq. (AU)

Postoperative Respiratory Complications (PRCs) are important causes of morbidity and mortality associated to general surgery. Objectives: 1-To estimate the frequency of PRCs in General Elective Surgery. 2- To identify risk factors associated to PRCs from the pulmonologistÆs perspective. Design: Prospective, descriptive and transversal study. Methods: In a sample of 233 consecutive preoperative respiratory evaluations, 156 patients were studied for PPCs risk before undergoing elective surgery at the Buenos Aires University Hospital. Age, surgery site, smoking habit, respiratory risk score, spirometry, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, clinical respiratory findings, prescribed medication, and respiratory concomitant disease (COPD, Obstructive Sleep Apnea) were assessed to predict the risk of PRCs, through Chi Square analysis (X²) for the corresponding confidence intervals. Variables significantly associated to PPCs were evaluated with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: In 19 patients, 26 PPCs were observed (12% of surgical interventions). Abnormal clinical findings, obstructive and severe obstructive pattern in spirometry, ASA classification, respiratory risk score, thoracic and upper abdominal surgery were associated to PPCs in the monovariate analysis. Surgery site, severe airway obstruction, and respiratory risk score were significantly associated to PPCs, in the multivariate analysis. Conclusions: PPCs was found in 12 % of performed surgeries. Respiratory risk factors were similar to those reported in the literature. Additionally, the analysis indicated that severe airway obstruction was a significant predictor of PRCs in this study. (AU)

Evaluación preoperatoria en pacientes incluidos en el programa de cooperación Misión Milagro en Cienfuegos / Preoperative evaluation of patients included in Miracle Mission cooperation program in Cienfuegos province

Introducción: en la práctica médica se han creado, desde hace décadas, instrumentos que persiguen modificar y mejorar la condición previa a la cirugía. Objetivo: mejorar la evaluación preoperatoria en pacientes incluidos en el programa de cooperación Misión Milagro. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, en el Hospital-Hotel Pasacaballos, Cienfuegos, donde se evaluaron 7 956 pacientes de 12 países de América Latina y del Caribe, desde septiembre 2005 hasta abril 2007. Para la evaluación preoperatoria se propuso una metodología en cuatro etapas confeccionada en el centro. Se tomaron los siguientes datos de la base de datos en la institución: estado físico del paciente, causas del aplazamiento de la intervención, causas de cancelación por especialidades y enfermedad oftalmológica del paciente. Resultados: predominaron los pacientes clasificados en el tipo II, 55,8 porciento, según la Sociedad de Anestesia de los Estados Unidos de América. Las causas principales de aplazamiento de la cirugía fueron secreción ocular (22,6 porciento de los aplazados), hipertensión ocular (19,5 porciento), ingestión de aspirina (17,2 porciento) y diabetes mellitus descompensada (12,4 porciento). Se declararon no aptos para la intervención quirúrgica, 899 pacientes por oftalmología y 37 por medicina interna. Conclusiones: la metodología propuesta contribuye a mejorar la asistencia médica preoperatoria en pacientes incluidos en el programa de cooperación Misión Milagro en Cienfuegos

Introduction: for decades, instruments aimed at changing and improving the patient's condition before surgery have been created in the medical practice. Objective: to improve the preoperative evaluation of patients included in the Miracle Mission cooperation program. Methods: a retrospective and descriptive study was conducted at the hotel-hospital located in Pasacaballos, Cienfuegos, in which 7 956 patients from 12 Latin American and Caribbean countries were evaluated from September, 2005 to April, 2007. A customized four-phased methodology was submitted to evaluate preoperatively. The center's database provided the following pieces of information: physical status, causes of surgery postponement, causes of surgery cancellation by specialty and eye disease of the patient. Results: type II-classified patients predominated (55.8 percent), according to criteria of the US Society of Anesthesiology). The main causes of surgery postponement were ocular secretion (22.6 percent of the postponed cases), ocular hypertension (19.5 percent), aspirin taking (17.2 percent) and decompensate diabetes mellitus (12.4 percent). Eight hundred and ninety nine patients and thirty seven patients were considered non-eligible for surgery due to ophthalmological and internal medicine reasons respectively. Conclusions: The submitted methodology contributes to improving the preoperative medical care for patients included in the Miracle Mission cooperation program in Cienfuegos province. The achieved results suggested that it can be useful in limited financial resource settings

Evaluación preoperatoria / Preoperative evaluation

El texto que sigue muestra el enfrentamiento que tradicionalmente un anestesiólogo hace durante la evaluación preoperatoria de un paciente sea éste de urgencia o electivo. Esto consiste en interiorizarse de la historia, obteniendo la mayor cantidad de información de la condición médica actual y pasada del paciente, un examen físico dirigido, efectuar un análisis sistémico del paciente, solicitar y leer los exámenes pertinentes y dejar las indicaciones apropiadas. Toda la información anterior permitirá clasificar al enfermo de acuerdo a su condición física, evaluar su riesgo y planificar la conducta periopertoria.

These document lineament is given by the traditionally way for an anesthetist to perform the preoperative evaluation of a pacient even if he is an urgency or an elective pacient. This consists in reviewing the history, getting the most information about the present and past medical condition of the pacient, running a guided fisical exam, a sistemic analisis of the pacient, after wich the pertinent exams should be asked and read, then the appropiate indications should de made. All of the previous information will allow a clasification of the pacient acording to his physical condition, evaluate his risk and planning the perioperative.