Preoperative multimodal protocol reduced postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing mastectomy with reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is a high-risk cohort for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Known risk factors for PONV include female gender, prior PONV history, nonsmoker, age < 50, and postoperative opioid exposure. The objective of this observational, cohort analysis was to determine whether a standardized preoperative protocol with nonopioid and anti-nausea multimodal medications would reduce the odds of PONV. METHODS: After IRB approval, retrospective data were collected for patients undergoing mastectomy with or without a nodal resection, and immediate subpectoral tissue expander or implant reconstruction. Patients were grouped based on treatment: those receiving the protocol - oral acetaminophen, pregabalin, celecoxib, and transdermal scopolamine (APCS); those receiving none (NONE), and those receiving partial protocol (OTHER). Logistic regression models were used to compare PONV among treatment groups, adjusting for patient and procedural variables. MAIN FINDINGS: Among 305 cases, the mean age was 47 years (21-74), with 64% undergoing a bilateral procedure and 85% having had a concomitant nodal procedure. A total of 44.6% received APCS, 30.8% received OTHER, and 24.6% received NONE. The APCS group had the lowest rate of PONV (40%), followed by OTHER (47%), and NONE (59%). Adjusting for known preoperative variables, the odds of PONV were significantly lower in the APCS group versus the NONE group (OR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.20, 0.88 p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Premedication with a relatively inexpensive combination of oral non-opioids and an anti-nausea medication was associated with a significant reduction in PONV in a high-risk cohort. Use of a standardized protocol can lead to improved care while optimizing the patient experience.

Optimal utilization of a breast care advanced practice clinician.

BACKGROUND: Incorporation of "lean" business philosophy within health care has the goal of adding value by reducing cost and improving quality. Applying these principles to the role of Advance Practice Clinicians (APCs) is relevant because they have become essential members of the healthcare team. METHODS: An independent surgical breast care clinic directed by an APC was created with measurements of success to include the following: time to obtain an appointment, financial viability, and patient/APC/MD satisfaction. RESULTS: During the study period, there was a trend toward a decreased median time to obtain an appointment. Monthly APC charges increased from $388 to $30,800. The mean provider satisfaction score by Press Ganey was 96% for the APC and 95.8% for the surgeon. Both clinicians expressed significant satisfaction with clinic development. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, initiation of an APC breast clinic met the proposed goals of success. The use of lean philosophy demonstrates that implementation of change can result in added value in patient care.