Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and cardiopulmonary morbidity in patients undergoing major head and neck surgery.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is used as a risk stratification tool for patients undergoing major surgery. In this study, we investigated the role of CPET in predicting day five cardiopulmonary morbidity in patients undergoing head and neck surgery. This observational cohort study included 230 adults. We recorded preoperative CPET variables and day five postoperative cardiopulmonary morbidity. Full data from 187 patients were analysed; 43 patients either had incomplete data sets or declined surgery/CPET. One hundred and nineteen patients (63.6%) developed cardiopulmonary morbidity at day five. Increased preoperative heart rate and duration of surgery were independently associated with day five cardiopulmonary morbidity. Those with such morbidity also had lower peak V̇O2 11.4 (IQR 8.4-18.0) vs 16.0 (IQR 14.0-19.7) ml.kg-1.min-1, P<0.0001 and V̇O2 at AT 10.6 (IQR 9.1-13.1) vs 11.5 (IQR 10.5-13.0) ml.kg-1.min-1, p=0.03. Logistic regression model containing peak V̇O2 and duration of surgery demonstrated that increased peak V̇O2 was associated with a reduction in the likelihood of cardiopulmonary complications OR 0.92 (95%CI 0.87 to 0.96), p=0.001. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for this model was 0.75(95%CI 0.68 to 0.82), p<0.0001, 64% sensitivity, 81% specificity. CPET can help to predict day five cardiopulmonary morbidity in the patients undergoing head and neck surgery. A model containing peak V̇O2 allowed identification of those with such complications.

Tracheostomies for the non-expert 1: indications and techniques.

Recent reports have emphasized shortcomings in routine and emergency care leading to adverse outcomes in patients with tracheostomies. This two-part article provides a guide to the principles of care for staff looking after adult patients with tracheostomies in the hospital. The first part looks at indications and techniques.

Tracheostomies for the non-expert 2: routine and emergency care.

Recent reports have emphasized shortcomings in routine and emergency care leading to adverse outcomes in patients with tracheostomies. This two-part article provides a guide to the principles of care for staff looking after adult patients with tracheostomies in the hospital. The second part looks at routine and emergency care.

Perioperative anaesthetic practice for head and neck free tissue transfer -- a UK national survey.

BACKGROUND: Anaesthetic management of microvascular head and neck free flap surgery is based on physiological principles, but data on how these affect clinical outcomes in this challenging group are limited. There are no evidence-based guidelines available in this area. METHODS: To establish current perioperative anaesthetic practice by surveying all UK centres performing head and neck free flap surgery. Anaesthetists from 73 centres performing head and neck microvascular reconstructive surgery in the UK were asked to complete a structured online survey. The survey included general questions, a hypothetical clinical scenario with multiple choice questions and questions about perioperative management. The main outcomes measured were protocols of pre-operative assessment, perioperative fluid and blood pressure strategies, monitoring and post-operative management. RESULTS: Seventy-three units were contacted, and fifty-five responded (75%). Most respondents performed up to two cases per month. Opinion was divided as to how best to manage intra-operative blood pressure, fluid balance, pre-operative assessment and monitoring. Notably 52% preferred crystalloid infusion to increase blood pressure, while 35% stated crystalloids were contraindicated. CONCLUSIONS: Currently in the UK, anaesthetic perioperative management for head and neck free flap transfer is varied, reflecting the paucity of high-quality data in this area; but some techniques, in particular avoidance of excessive crystalloid use, is associated with improved flap outcome.