[Total knee and hip arthroplasty within 2 days : The Danish Fast-Track Model]. / Knie- und Hüfttotalendoprothese in 2 Tagen : Das dänische Fast-Track-Modell.

BACKGROUND: Patients in Denmark undergoing total knee or hip replacement are routinely discharged within 2 days of surgery. A critical examination of traditional treatment methods, combined with focused research, has during the last 20 years increasingly optimized the treatment course in such a way that it has become possible to radically reduce the length of stay (LOS). BASICS OF THE FAST-TRACK MODEL: The most important elements of this Fast-Track model are described. The patient motivation and transfer of partial responsibility to the patient through intensive information, optimized operation techniques, as well as modern multi-modal pain therapy with early mobilization are key issues. The relatively small and homogenous health care system of Denmark offers good research conditions and the possibility of a fast implementation of the latest results, as well as a lump-sum based re-imbursement system without minimum stay-both factors have been favorable for the development of the Fast-Track model.

Outpatient total hip or knee arthroplasty in ambulatory surgery center versus arthroplasty ward: a randomized controlled trial.

Background and purpose - Discharge on the day of surgery (DOS) in selected patients operated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to be feasible, but different factors may determine whether patients are discharged on the DOS or not and setting may be one of them. We investigated the importance of the setting in which the short stay following outpatient THA or TKA takes place: was there a difference between the proportion of patients being discharged on the DOS from an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) compared with patients staying on an arthroplasty ward?Patients and methods - 50 patients (30 TKA, 20 THA) were included in the study and postoperatively randomized to either staying in the ASC or the arthroplasty ward until discharge. All patients were operated under general anesthesia by the same experienced surgeon (HH) and were discharged upon fulfillment of standardized discharge criteria.Results - 24/25 of the patients who stayed in the ASC compared with 20/25 of the patients on the arthroplasty ward were discharged on the DOS following fulfillment of discharge criteria (p = 0.08). All THA patients were discharged on the DOS and significantly more TKA patients were discharged from the ASC (15/16) vs. from the ward (9/14) (p = 0.04).Interpretation - Despite fixed discharge criteria, the logistical setting may play a role for achieving discharge on DOS and the ASC may facilitate achieving discharge criteria earlier especially in TKA.

Low admittance rate after ambulatory laparoscopic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Reducing intra-abdominal pressure from 12 mmHg to 6-8 mmHg during laparoscopy may reduce pain after minor laparoscopic procedures. We hypothesised that post-operative pain following ambulatory laparoscopic surgery was a limiting factor for day surgery. The primary aim of the study was to analyse risk factors for hospital admittance following laparoscopic ambulatory surgery. METHODS: In this explorative prospective uncontrolled study, patients were included consecutively from 1 June 2013 to 31 March 2015 in an ambulatory setting using a standardised anaesthetic and post-operative multimodal analgesic regimen. Patients underwent the following three surgical procedures: laparoscoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic inguinal and umbilical hernia repair. In the post-anaesthesia care unit, pain was repeatedly recorded using a visual analogue scale. The need for intravenously administered on-demand sufentanil was registered. The main reason for admittance to hospital was registered in a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 1,212 consecutive patients were included. Post-operative pain was the main reason for admittance in 14 patients, and 97% of all patients were discharged after a median of 5 h post-operatively (range: 0.4-5.0 h). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing ambulatory laparoscopic surgery using a perioperative multimodal analgesic regimen, pain was the limiting factor for discharge in 1% of patients operated in an ambulatory set-up. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Danish Data Protection Agency: 2012-58-0004, Danish Health Authority: 3-3013-1435/1, Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT02782832.

Time-driven activity-based cost of outpatient total hip and knee arthroplasty in different set-ups.

Background and purpose - Length of stay (LOS) following total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) has been reduced over the years due to fast-track. Short stays of 2 days in fast-track departments in Denmark have resulted in low total costs of around US$2,550. Outpatient THA and TKA is gaining popularity, albeit in a limited and selected group of patients; however, the financial benefit of outpatient arthroplasty remains unknown. We present baseline detailed economic calculations of outpatient THA and TKA in 2 different settings: one from the hospital and another from the ambulatory surgery department. Patients and methods - Data from 6 patients (1 TKA, 1 uncemented THA, 1 cemented THA in each department) were collected prospectively using the Time Driven Activity Based Costing method (TDABC). Time consumed by different staff members involved in patient treatment in the perioperative period of outpatient THA and TKA was calculated in 2 different settings: one in the orthopedic department and one in the ambulatory surgery department. Results - LOS was around 11 h in the orthopedic department and around 7 h in the ambulatory surgery department, respectively. TDABC revealed minor differences in the operative settings between departments and similar expenses occurred during the short stay of US$777 and US$746, respectively. Adding the preoperative preparation and postoperative follow-up resulted in total cost of US$951 and US$942 for the ward and the ambulatory surgery department, respectively. Interpretation - Outpatient THA and TKA in hospital and ambulatory surgery departments results in similar cost using the TDABC method. Compared with the cost associated with 2-day stays, outpatient procedures are around two-thirds cheaper provided no increase occurs in complications or readmissions.

[Small amounts of milk added to coffee or tea can be allowed before surgery].

The ingestion of milk is not allowed within six hours before elective procedures requiring anaesthesia or sedation, because milk is considered a solid food. However, the impact of milk suspended in coffee or tea consumed up to two hours before anaesthesia is less certain, yet fasting guidelines demand surgery to be delayed or rescheduled. Studies investigating ingestion of liquids with small amounts of milk have not demonstrated delayed emptying of the stomach, thereby increasing the risk of aspiration in elective procedures. Maybe it is time to adjust the fasting recommendations.

[Fast-track hip arthroplasty].

Fast-track surgery implies a coordinated perioperative approach aimed at reducing surgical stress and facilitating post-operative recovery. The fast-track programme has reduced post-operative length of stay and has led to shorter convalescence with more rapid functional recovery and decreased morbidity and mortality in total hip arthroplasty. It should now be a standard total hip arthroplasty patient pathway, but fine tuning of the multiple factors in the fast-track pathway is still needed in patients with special needs or high comorbidity burden.

[Fast-track total knee arthroplasty].

Fast-track total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well-established concept including optimized logistics and evidence-based treatment, focusing on minimizing surgical stress and improved post-operative recovery, thus leading to lower mortality and morbidity as well as high patient satisfaction. All patients are eligible for fast-track TKA, and hence the fast-track concept should be standard at all joint replacement facilities. Future challenges of fast-track TKA include safe introduction of outpatient protocols, acute and chronic pain after surgery and optimal utilization of post-operative physiotherapy.

Fluorescence versus X-ray cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: protocol for a randomised trial.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative fluorescent cholangiography is a novel non-invasive imaging technique to visualise the extrahepatic biliary tract during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It has been proven feasible, fast and cost effective. Never-theless, there is only sparse data on the capacity of fluorescent cholangiography to visualise the biliary anatomy. METHODS: Based on a non-inferiority design, patients with complicated gallstone disease are randomised to either -intraoperative conventional X-ray cholangiography (reference group, n = 60) or intraoperative fluorescent cholangiography (n = 60). The primary outcome is visualisation of the junction between the cystic duct, the common hepatic duct and the common bile duct. CONCLUSION: The present study may show that fluorescent cholangiography is as valid for visualisation of important structures of the extrahepatic biliary tract as conventional X-ray cholangiography. This may lead to the introduction of online imaging of the extrahepatic tract during dissection of the gallbladder during cholecystectomy. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (No. NCT02344654), with the National Committee on Health Research Ethics (Reg. no. H-15000817) and with the Danish Data Protection Agency (Reg no. AHH- 2015-005).

The Effect of Botulinum Toxin A Injections in the Spine Muscles for Cerebral Palsy Scoliosis, Examined in a Prospective, Randomized Triple-blinded Study.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized triple-blinded cross-over design treating with either botulinum toxin A (BXT) or saline (NaCl). OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of BTX treatment in cerebral palsy scoliosis (CPS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Intramuscular injections with BTX have been used off label in treating CPS. 1 prospective study has been conducted, demonstrating in both radiological and clinical improvement, whereas showing no side effects or complications. METHODS: Subjects (brace-treated CPS between 2 and 18 yr) were injected using ultrasonic-guidance with either NaCl or BTX in selected spine muscles with 6 mo intervals (block randomization, sealed envelope). Radiographs of the spine and clinical follow-up were captured before and 6 weeks after each injection. Primary outcome parameter was radiological change in Cobb angle, where a 7° change was regarded as an effect (1 SD). Radiological parameters were measured before and 6 weeks after treatment by 3 experienced doctors separately. Moreover, clinical results were evaluated by the pediatric quality of life score and systematic open questioning of the parents about the child's wellbeing. Subjects, researchers, and monitors were blinded during the trial. Appropriate permissions (2008-004584-19) and no funding were obtained. RESULTS: 16 cerebral palsy patients (GFMCS III-V) with CPS were consecutively included, whereas 6 patients were excluded. There were no drop-outs to follow-up, but 1 possible serious adverse event of pneumonia resulting in death was recorded and the study was terminated. No significant radiological or clinical changes were detected when compared with NaCl injections using Wilcoxon matched pair signed-rank test. CONCLUSION: No positive radiological or clinical effects were demonstrated by this treatment, except for the parent's initial subjective but positive appraisal of the effect. However, the study was terminated due to 1 possible severe adverse event and scheduled numbers needed to treat (hence power) were not reached. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1.

Acceptable effect of multimodal analgesic treatment after a Bascom cleft lift operation.

INTRODUCTION: Information on multimodal analgesic efficacy in patients undergoing a Bascom cleft lift operation is limited. The aim of this prospective consecutive study was to evaluate early post-operative pain in patients receiving a standardised multimodal analgesic regimen. METHODS: A total of 48 patients undergoing a Bascom cleft lift operation were included over an 8-month period in a day-case set-up. The operation was performed under saddle block. In addition, patients received a standardised multi-modal analgesic regimen consisting of gabapentin, ketorolac, dexamethasone, acetaminophen (paracetamol) and ibuprofen. The intensity of pain was registered preoperatively and at 2, 24, 48 h, and 30 days post-operatively. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ability to void, morphine consumption and post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) time were registered. RESULTS: Thirty patients were available for analysis. Post-operative visual analogue scale pain scores were low (at 2, 24, and 48 h (median values: 0 (range: 0-40), 25 (0-70), and 30 (0-60), respectively), but changed significantly over time (p < 0.001). The median overall morphine consumption was 0 (range: 0-30). None of the patients experienced vomiting or dizziness. Only two patients reported mild nausea during the stay in the PACU. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the Bascom cleft lift operation is feasible with minimal post-operative pain when using a multimodal analgesic regimen together with saddle block. FUNDING: not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02196727. Regional Ethics Committee Reg. no.: H-3-2013-073. Danish Data Protection Agency Reg. no.: HVH-2013-031, with I-Suite no.: 02408.

Analgesic effect of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block after total abdominal hysterectomy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of bilateral ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block with ropivacaine compared with placebo as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial following the CONSORT criteria. SETTING: Hvidovre University Hospital. PATIENTS: Forty-six women scheduled for total abdominal hysterectomy. INTERVENTION: Women received either ropivacaine 0.75%, 20 mL (n = 24) or 0.9% saline, 20 mL (n = 24) in the transversus abdominis plane on each side. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was the 24-h postoperative morphine consumption. Secondary outcomes were pain scores at rest and during coughing, postoperative nausea and vomiting at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h, and time to first mobilization. RESULTS: There was no difference in the mean 24-h postoperative morphine consumption between the two groups (p = 0.733). The ropivacaine group had significantly lower median pain scores at 1 h (p = 0.008) and 2 h (p = 0.027) postoperatively at rest and at 8 h (p = 0.028) during coughing. There was no significant difference in other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was no reduction in 24-h morphine consumption when using an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy. As part of a multimodal regimen the transversus abdominis plane block showed some effect on pain scores at rest only in the early postoperative period.

Effect of systematic local infiltration analgesia on postoperative pain in vaginal hysterectomy: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of systematic local infiltration analgesia on postoperative pain in vaginal hysterectomy, and describe the technique in detail. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study following the CONSORT criteria. SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-seven patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy. METHODS: Patients received high-volume (50 mL) ropivacaine 0.50% (n = 20) or saline (n = 17) infiltration using a systematic technique ensuring uniform delivery to all tissues incised, handled or instrumented during the procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain, nausea, vomiting and opioid requirements were assessed for 32 h as well as time spent in the post-anesthesia care unit and time to first mobilization. RESULTS: Pain at rest was significantly reduced after one, four and eight hours in the ropivacaine group (p ≤ 0.001-0.01). Pain during coughing was significantly reduced after one and four hours (p ≤ 0.001 and p ≤ 0.003), and pain during movement was significantly reduced after four hours (p ≤ 0.02). Opioid requirements and time spent in the post-anesthesia care unit were significantly reduced in the ropivacaine group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), as well as the time to first mobilization (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Intra-operative systematic local infiltration analgesia reduces postoperative pain in patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy, facilities mobilization and improves early recovery.

[No evidence of malicious effect of NSAID treatment on bone healing]. / Manglende evidens for skadelig effekt på knogleheling ved behandling med NSAID.

The use of NSAIDs for postoperative pain management following orthopaedic surgery or during conservative treatment of fractures is controversial. Experimental animal models suggest NSAIDs inhibit bone healing. In a review of the literature, there was no clinical evidence to support categorical discard of NSAID for postoperative pain relief in uncomplicated cases. However, NSAID should be considered a potentiel risk factor of impaired bone healing and avoided in patients with a high risk of pseudoarthrosis. Recommended daily doses should be respected and duration of treatment should be limited.

[No evidence for routine use of tourniquet during orthopaedic surgery]. / Ingen evidens for rutinemæssig anvendelse af tourniquet til ortopædkirurgi.

The tourniquet is often used during orthopaedic surgery in order to optimize the view of the surgical field. The recommended guidelines for the use of tourniquet are not well known even though complications following tourniquet use are well documented. We have made a short review of the literature and found that the evidence for using tourniquet is very limited and that the use even might prolong the length of stay.

Why still in hospital after fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Length of stay (LOS) following total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA) has been reduced to about 3 days in fast-track setups with functional discharge criteria. Earlier studies have identified patient characteristics predicting LOS, but little is known about specific reasons for being hospitalized following fast-track THA and TKA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To determine clinical and logistical factors that keep patients in hospital for the first postoperative 24-72 hours, we performed a cohort study of consecutive, unselected patients undergoing unilateral primary THA (n = 98) or TKA (n = 109). Median length of stay was 2 days. Patients were operated with spinal anesthesia and received multimodal analgesia with paracetamol, a COX-2 inhibitor, and gabapentin-with opioid only on request. Fulfillment of functional discharge criteria was assessed twice daily and specified reasons for not allowing discharge were registered. RESULTS: Pain, dizziness, and general weakness were the main clinical reasons for being hospitalized at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively while nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sedation delayed discharge to a minimal extent. Waiting for blood transfusion (when needed), for start of physiotherapy, and for postoperative radiographic examination delayed discharge in one fifth of the patients. INTERPRETATION: Future efforts to enhance recovery and reduce length of stay after THA and TKA should focus on analgesia, prevention of orthostatism, and rapid recovery of muscle function.

[Targeted training in peripheral nerve blockade]. / Målrettet uddannelse i anlæggelse af perifer nerveblokade.

Peripheral nerve blockade (PNB) is an important part of the anaesthesiologist's armamentarium. It constitutes an alternative to general anaesthesia, thus it is important that all anaesthesiologists have adequate skills in this area. Lack of sufficient experience during training makes many graduates uncomfortable about performing PNB. An answer to this problem is to provide adequate education in PNB in the early stage of postgraduate training. This article presents how we, at our institution, have set up a PNB program that provides value.

Local infiltration analgesia in urogenital prolapse surgery: a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic effect of high-volume infiltration analgesia in urogenital prolapse surgery and provide a detailed description of the infiltration technique. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study following the CONSORT criteria. SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENTS: 48 patients undergoing posterior wall repair and perineorraphy. METHODS: Patients received high-volume (26 ml) ropivacaine 1% with epinephrine (n=23) or saline (n=22) infiltration using a systematic technique ensuring uniform delivery to all tissues incised, handled or instrumented during the procedure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pain and opioid requirements were assessed for 24 hours as well as time spent in the post-anesthesia care unit and time to first mobilization. RESULTS: Pain at rest, during coughing and movement was significantly reduced for the first four hours with the high-volume local anesthetic infiltration technique (p<0.001-0.006). Opioid requirements and time spent in the post-anesthesia care unit were significantly reduced in the ropivacaine group (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) as well as the time to first mobilization (p<0.014). CONCLUSION: Systematic high-volume infiltration analgesia is an effective analgesic technique in patients undergoing posterior wall repair and perineorraphy, and improves early recovery.

High-volume infiltration analgesia in bilateral hip arthroplasty. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: High-volume infiltration analgesia may be effective in postoperative pain management after hip arthroplasty but methodological problems prevent exact interpretation of previous studies. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 12 patients undergoing bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a fast-track setting, saline or high-volume (170 mL) ropivacaine (0.2%) with epinephrine (1:100,000) was administered to the wound intraoperatively along with supplementary postoperative injections via an intraarticular epidural catheter. Oral analgesia was instituted preoperatively with a multimodal regimen (gabapentin, celecoxib, and acetaminophen). Pain was assessed repeatedly for 48 hours postoperatively, at rest and with 45° hip flexion. RESULTS: Pain scores were low and similar between ropivacaine and saline administration. Median hospital stay was 4 (range 2-7) days. Interpretation Intraoperative high-volume infiltration with 0.2% ropivacaine with repeated intraarticular injections postoperatively may not give a clinically relevant analgesic effect in THA when combined with a multimodal oral analgesic regimen with gabapentin, celecoxib, and acetaminophen.