Study on the application of segmented nursing pathway in daytime anorectal surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Standardised management of day surgery for haemorrhoids and achieving standardised nursing in the painless ward of colorectal surgery are important. OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of segmented nursing pathways in patients undergoing day surgery for anorectal procedures and to provide theoretical and practical guidance for day surgery nursing. METHODS: A total of 146 patients undergoing anorectal surgery in our day surgery ward between April 2023 and July 2023 were selected as the study participants, with 74 patients in the control group receiving routine nursing and 72 patients in the experimental group receiving segmented nursing. The preoperative preparedness, preoperative anxiety, complication rate, discharge preparedness and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The experimental group had higher rates of admission before 8:30 am (77.78% vs 45.95%), awareness of the day surgery process (63.89% vs 24.32%), completion rate of preoperative preparation (81.94% vs 59.46%), satisfaction with preoperative preparation (94.44% vs 74.32%), discharge preparedness (112.42 ± 3.28 vs 95.82 ± 3.41) and nursing satisfaction (97.22% vs 70.27%) compared with the control group (P< 0.05). After the intervention, the self-rating anxiety scale score (43.14 ± 12.44 vs 52.51 ± 13.21) and the self-rating depression scale score (45.03 ± 11.37 vs 55.37 ± 10.14) were lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Segmented nursing pathways can improve the preoperative preparedness of patients undergoing day surgery for anorectal procedures, alleviate patient anxiety, enhance discharge preparedness, improve the quality of nursing care and increase nursing satisfaction.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Oral Magnesium with Oral Ketorolac for Postoperative Pain Management in Anorectal Surgery: A Double-blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Due to the presence of postoperative pain in patients undergoing anorectal surgery, and since the pain affects the quality of life of patients, we aimed to compare the analgesic effectiveness of oral magnesium with oral ketorolac to choose the right analgesic drug for these patients. METHODS: This study was a double-blind, randomized clinical trial performed on 104 candidates undergoing anorectal surgery. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received oral magnesium (250 mg daily), and group 2 received oral ketorolac (10 mg daily). The medicine was given to the patient 2 hours after the operation and every 12 hours for 10 days. Pain measurements were recorded at 24-hour intervals after surgery based on the visual analog scale and numerical rating scale. RESULTS: This study found that postoperative pain was reduced in patients taking magnesium tablets, similar to the ketorolac group. A similar decreasing trend was observed in the group receiving ketorolac; however, the reduction was more pronounced in the magnesium group and was statistically significant on days 1, 3, and 5 (p < 0.001). However, insignificant differences were noted between the two groups on the seventh (p = 0.093) and tenth (p = 0.088) postoperative days. CONCLUSION: Taking magnesium tablets after surgery has a suitable analgesic effect, which is similar to oral ketorolac tablets from the fifth day onwards, but in the initial days, it is less effective than ketorolac statistically.

General anesthesia with local infiltration reduces urine retention rate and prolongs analgesic effect than spinal anesthesia for hemorrhoidectomy.

Introduction: Postoperative pain and complications pose significant challenges following a hemorrhoidectomy. Attaining effective anesthesia with minimal complications is crucial. The ideal anesthesia method for ambulatory hemorrhoidectomy remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate whether the combination of general anesthesia plus local infiltration (GAL) is associated with lower complications and reduced pain compared to spinal anesthesia (SA) in the context of hemorrhoidectomy. Methods: This retrospective single-center cohort study, conducted in a tertiary medical center in East Asia, evaluated excisional hemorrhoidectomies performed between January 1, 2017, and March 31, 2023, utilizing GAL or SA. Data on the six most common complications-pain, constipation, acute urine retention (AUR), bleeding, nausea, and headache-were extracted from medical records. A total of 550 hemorrhoidectomies were included: 220 in the GAL group and 330 in the SA group. Patient characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Results: The AUR rate was significantly lower in the GAL group compared to the SA group (15.5% vs. 32.1%, P < 0.001). Although the proportion of pain scores ≥4 did not differ significantly between the GAL and SA groups (36.2% vs. 39.8%, P = 0.429), the pain score curve indicated a stable trend. Overall, the GAL group exhibited a lower rate of adverse effects (56.9% vs. 67.4%, P = 0.023). There were no significant differences in the rates of other complications and emergency department readmission between the GAL and SA groups. Discussion: GAL emerges as a favorable choice for anesthesia in hemorrhoidectomy, demonstrating a lower incidence of urine retention and a prolonged analgesic effect in multiple hemorrhoidectomies. These findings support the conclusion that GAL represents an optimal anesthetic method for enhancing the postoperative experience in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy.

Postoperative analgesic efficacy of nefopam after anorectal surgery: a retrospective observational study

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of nefopam on postoperative pain control after anorectal surgeries. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who underwent anorectal surgeries from January 2019 to March 2022 at two medical centers. The data were divided into nefopam and conventional groups. The primary outcome was the number of patients who requested additional opioids in the 24-h postoperative period. The secondary outcomes were numeric rating pain scores (NRPS) within a 24-h postoperative period and analgesic drugs-related side effects. Results: Eighty-seven patients in the conventional group and 60 in the nefopam group were recruited. The nefopam group reported less additional opioid consumption than the conventional group in all dimensions of analysis, including overall, adjusted to anesthetic techniques and types of surgery. However, these did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.093). Only patients in the nefopam group who underwent hemorrhoidectomy under TIVA or spinal anesthesia significantly required fewer additional opioids (P = 0.016, 60% mean difference). Similarly, the 24-h postoperative morphine consumption was lower in the nefopam group (mean difference = -3.4, 95%CI: 0.72,6.08). Furthermore, significantly lower NRPS were reported in the nefopam group during the 12-18 h postoperative period (P = 0.009). On the other hand, analgesic drugs related side effects were similar in both groups. Conclusions: The administration of nefopam after major anorectal surgery is beneficially evident in reducing postoperative opioid requirements. (AU)

Major complications of caudal block: A prospective survey of 973 cases in adult anorectal surgery.

Background: We conducted a prospective study of surgical inpatients at a teaching hospital to assess the incidence and potential risk factors for major complications of caudal anesthesia in anorectal surgery. Methods: A total of 973 patients undergoing anorectal surgery under caudal block were included in this prospective, observer-blinded trial after providing consent. Demographic information, detailed perioperative information, anesthesia-related complications and postoperative follow-up information were recorded. Meanwhile, the incidence and risk factors for major caudal anesthesia-related complications were analyzed. Results: A total of 973 patients underwent caudal block. The effective rate was 95.38 % (928 cases). However, there were still 38 (3.91 %) cases with insufficient block and 7 (0.72 %) cases with no block. The major anesthesia-related complications were local anesthetic systemic toxicity (9, 0.92 %), cauda equine syndrome (1, 0.10 %), transient neurological symptoms (3, 0.31 %) and localized pain at the caudal insertion site (30, 3.08 %). The identified risk factor for local anesthetic systemic toxicity was multiple attempts locating the caudal space (OR = 5.30; 1.21-23.29). The identified risk factor for localized pain at the caudal insertion site was multiple attempts locating the caudal space (OR = 10.57; 4.89-22.86). Conclusion: The main complications of caudal block in adult patients are transient neurological symptoms, cauda equine syndrome, serious local anesthetic systemic toxicity and localized pain at the caudal insertion site. Overall, the incidence of complications is low and symptoms are mild. Caudal block is still a safe and reliable method for anesthesia in adult anorectal surgery.

Hemorrhoidal Artery Ligation for the Treatment of Grade II-III Hemorrhoids: Is it Worth the Use of Doppler Guide in Long-Term Follow-Up?: A Single-Center Cohort Study.

Background: Hemorrhoidal artery ligation (HAL) may reduce postoperative pain and complications and shorten patients' recovery when compared to standard hemorrhoidectomy. It is unclear if the Doppler guide (DG) is useful in reducing recurrence risk. Objective: To compare two groups of patients (treated with DG-HAL or HAL) in terms of recurrence risk and patients' satisfaction grade. Methods: Between January 1, 2014 and January 31, 2021, 122 patients affected by grade II-III hemorrhoidal prolapse underwent DG-HAL or HAL at Chivasso Hospital, Italy. Mucopexy was routinely performed. After discharge, patients were subjected to 1-week, 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month clinical assessment. Thereafter, they were interviewed by telephone annually. Results: Seventy-six (62.3%) DG-HAL and 46 (37.7%) HAL procedures were performed. Median surgical time was 30 (15-45) minutes for DG-HAL versus 25 (15-40) minutes for HAL (P = 0.005). No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperative bleeding needing surgery occurred in 2 (1.6%) patients in the DG-HAL group. During a median follow-up of 46 months (6-86), we registered 18 (23.7%) recurrences in the DG-HAL group and 13 (28.3%) in the HAL one (P = 0.574). No cases of incontinence or anal stenosis occurred. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of patients' satisfaction. At multivariate analysis, age ≥ 65 years resulted a protective factor for recurrence (odds ratio 0.31; 95% confidence interval 0.09-0.98; P = 0.047). Conclusions: In our study, the use of DG did not reduce recurrence risk. Operative time was significantly increased in the DG-HAL group.

The "hands" teaching methods applied to the anatomy related to anorectal surgery.

AIM: The knowledge of the regional anatomy could assist us in performing various operations very well. However, mastering the regional anatomy very well is often a challenge, especially for a young surgeon. METHOD: "Hands" teaching methods (using gesture to simulate anatomical structure) is a simple, impressive and interesting teaching method in medical education. Our goal is to find some simple gestures that could mimic some important anatomical structures in current anorectal surgery. RESULTS: We have obtained a series of interesting and simple gestures that could exactly mimic many important anatomical structures in current anorectal surgery field, see video. These anatomical structures are involved in many common diseases, such as hemorrhoid, anorectal abscess, anal fistula, pilonidal sinus disease, and rectal cancer etc. CONCLUSION: From a synthetic and practical point of view, these "hands" teaching methods would assist the surgeons in having a better understanding of various anorectal operations. Surgeons could use these "hands" teaching methods anytime, even during surgery.

Moxibustion for Managing Postoperative Urinary Retention After Hemorrhoidectomy and Anorectal Surgeries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: Common surgical procedures for conditions affecting the anus and rectum such as hemorrhoidectomy are associated with high risks of postoperative urinary retention (POUR). Little is known about the efficacy of moxibustion in managing POUR after such surgical procedures. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review the related literature and synthesize data on the effectiveness of moxibustion in managing POUR after common anorectal surgeries. DESIGN: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP information, and Wanfang databases were searched to October 1, 2021 using the keywords urinary retention, moxibustion, and moxa. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating patients who had developed POUR after hemorrhoidectomy or other anorectal surgeries were eligible for inclusion. Patients receiving moxibustion formed the intervention group and the control group received usual care alone. Primary outcomes were markedly effective rate, defined as spontaneous voiding with complete symptom relief within 30 to 60 minutes after treatment; and total effective rate (ie, markedly effective rate plus effective rate, defined as spontaneous voiding with partial relief of symptoms within 60 minutes to 4 hours after treatment). Secondary outcome was time to first urination after treatment. FINDINGS: Thirty-four RCTs met the eligibility criteria. Pooled analysis revealed that the markedly effective rate was significantly higher in the moxibustion group than that in the control group (pooled RR = 2.53, 95% CI = 2.17-2.95), and the total effective rate in the moxibustion group was also higher than that in the control group (pooled RR = 5.02, 95% CI = 4.01-6.28). The intervention group had significantly shorter times to first urination than controls (pooled effect = -2.81, 95% CI = -2.06 to -3.56). CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion appears superior to usual care in relieving POUR after common anorectal surgeries. Future studies are still warranted to confirm these findings.

Comparison of Different Local Anesthetic Volumes for Saddle Block Anesthesia in Ambulatory Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Saddle block anesthesia (SBA) is a frequently preferred method for ambulatory anorectal surgery. This study aimed to observe the effects of two different dose SBAs on discharge times and perioperative block characteristics in patients undergoing ambulatory anorectal surgery. METHODS: The study was conducted as a prospective, randomized controlled study. Patients over the age of 18 who were scheduled for ambulatory anorectal surgery and had American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II were included in the research. Patients were divided into two groups: 5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (Group I; n=34) and 3 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5% (Group II; n=34). The primary outcome was discharge time. Characteristics of the spinal block like time to reach S4 blockade, maximum blocked dermatome, regression time of sensorial, first analgesic need time, voiding time, mobilization time, and side effects were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients were included in the study. The groups were similar in terms of demographic and surgical characteristics (p > 0.05). In Group II, S4 sensory dermatome blockade time was statistically longer (p: 0.007) and the time to the disappearance of the sensory block was statistically shorter (p < 0.001). Also, voiding time and discharge times were statistically shorter in Group II (p: 0.049, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: SBA provided adequate anesthesia, and the complication rates were limited. Saddle block can be considered an advantageous technique because of conditions that adversely affect recoveries, such as postoperative cognitive problems, nausea, and vomiting due to general anesthesia. In addition, better recovery results and optimal surgical condition with 3 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine in our study suggest that this dose may be a good alternative.

Opioid Utilization in Outpatient Anorectal Surgery: An Opportunity for Improvement.

INTRODUCTION: The opioid epidemic has resulted in close examination of postsurgical prescribing patterns. Little is known about postoperative opioid use in outpatient anorectal procedures. This study evaluated patient opioid use and created prescribing recommendations for these procedures. METHODS: One hundred and four patients undergoing outpatient anorectal procedures from January to May 2018 were surveyed on opioid consumption, surgical experience, and pain satisfaction. Patients were grouped into three tiers based on opioid usage. Multivariable models were used to determine factors associated with poor pain control. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction with pain control was 85.6%. Twenty five percent of patients reported leftover medication and 9.6% of patients requested opioid refills. Opioid prescribing recommendations were generated for each tier using 50th percentile with interquartile ranges. On multivariable modeling, the high-tier group was associated with poorer pain control. CONCLUSIONS: We created opioid quantity prescribing guidelines for common outpatient anorectal procedures. A multimodal approach to pain control utilizing nonopioids may reduce healthcare utilization.

Pain Trajectory after Short-Stay Anorectal Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study.

The evolution of pain after anorectal surgery has not been well characterized. The main objective of this study is to evaluate patterns in acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing short-stay anorectal surgery. A total of 217 patients were included in the study, which used group-based trajectory modeling to estimate postoperative pain and then examined the relationships between sociodemographic or surgical factors and pain trajectories. Three distinct postoperative pain trajectories were determined: hemorrhoidectomy (OR, 0.15), higher anxiety (OR, 3.26), and a higher preoperative pain behavior score (OR, 3.15). In multivariate analysis, they were associated with an increased likelihood of being on the high pain trajectory. The pain trajectory group was related to postoperative analgesic use (p < 0.001), with the high-low group needing more nonsteroidal analgesics. The study showed that there were three obvious pain trajectories after anorectal surgery, including an unreported low-moderate-low type. More than 60% of patients maintained moderate to severe pain within 7 days after the operation. These postoperative pain trajectories were predominantly defined by surgery factors and patient factors.

Care burden and outcome of the surgical management of ulcerative colitis: A retrospective analysis of the last 20 years in a tertiary hospital in Spain.

AIM: To analyze the surgical burden of UC care in the last two decades, analyzing the characteristics of the patients, surgical indications along with the short and long-term results. METHOD: Single-center retrospective cohort analysis of UC patients undergoing abdominal and anorectal surgery between January 2000 and December 2020. The care burden, clinical data and results were analyzed according to distribution by decades. RESULTS: 128 patients, 37% female, underwent 376 surgical interventions (296 intestinal procedures and 80 anorectal). Mean follow-up for the cohort was 106±64 months. Timing from diagnosis to first surgery was under 5 years in 53.3%. In the second decade of the study there were fewer operated patients (73 vs. 48) as well as the total number of interventions per patient (2.7 vs. 2.0). The proportion between elective and urgent surgery was reversed in the second decade, observing an increase in laparoscopic surgery (70% vs. 8%) together with a decrease in major postoperative morbidity (Clavien-Dindo≥IIIa) (20% vs 8.4%). 80 patients underwent a restorative proctocolectomy, with a failure of 5% at 1 year but 23.7% in the long term. 37 patients required anorectal surgery, of which 26 (71%) were serial interventions, most due to septic complications of the pouches. CONCLUSIONS: The number of colectomies and interventions per patient decreased in the last decade, while there were improvements in morbidity and surgical approach. The need for sequential surgeries and long-term active instrumental surveillance for possible functional deterioration constitutes a significant clinical burden.

Care burden and outcome of the surgical management of ulcerative colitis: A retrospective analysis of the last 20 years in a tertiary hospital in Spain / Carga asistencial y resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la colitis ulcerativa: un análisis retrospectivo de los últimos 20 años en un hospital terciario de España

Aim: To analyze the surgical burden of UC care in the last two decades, analyzing the characteristics of the patients, surgical indications along with the short and long-term results. Method: Single-center retrospective cohort analysis of UC patients undergoing abdominal and anorectal surgery between January 2000 and December 2020. The care burden, clinical data and results were analyzed according to distribution by decades. Results: 128 patients, 37% female, underwent 376 surgical interventions (296 intestinal procedures and 80 anorectal). Mean follow-up for the cohort was 106±64 months. Timing from diagnosis to first surgery was under 5 years in 53.3%. In the second decade of the study there were fewer operated patients (73 vs. 48) as well as the total number of interventions per patient (2.7 vs. 2.0). The proportion between elective and urgent surgery was reversed in the second decade, observing an increase in laparoscopic surgery (70% vs. 8%) together with a decrease in major postoperative morbidity (Clavien-Dindo≥IIIa) (20% vs 8.4%). 80 patients underwent a restorative proctocolectomy, with a failure of 5% at 1 year but 23.7% in the long term. 37 patients required anorectal surgery, of which 26 (71%) were serial interventions, most due to septic complications of the pouches. Conclusions: The number of colectomies and interventions per patient decreased in the last decade, while there were improvements in morbidity and surgical approach. The need for sequential surgeries and long-term active instrumental surveillance for possible functional deterioration constitutes a significant clinical burden. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar la carga quirúrgica asistencial por CU en 20 años, analizando las características de los pacientes, indicaciones quirúrgicas y resultados a corto y largo plazo. Método: Análisis retrospectivo unicéntrico de pacientes intervenidos de enero del 2000 a diciembre del 2020. La carga asistencial, los datos clínicos y los resultados se analizaron según distribución por décadas. Resultados: Ciento veintiocho pacientes, 37% mujeres, con 376 intervenciones quirúrgicas (296 procedimientos intestinales y 80 anorrectales). El seguimiento medio de la cohorte fue de 106±64 meses. El lapso entre el diagnóstico y la primera cirugía fue <5 años en el 53,3%. En la segunda década del estudio hubo menos pacientes operados (73 frente a 48) y un menor número de intervenciones por paciente (2,7 frente a 2,0). La proporción entre cirugía electiva y urgente se revirtió en la segunda década, observándose un aumento de la cirugía laparoscópica (70% vs. 8%) junto con una disminución de la morbilidad postoperatoria mayor (Clavien-Dindo≥IIIa) (20% vs 8.4%). Se realizó una proctocolectomía restauradora a 80 pacientes, con un fracaso al año del 5% pero del 23,7% a largo plazo. Treinta y siete pacientes requirieron cirugía anorrectal, de los cuales 26 (71%) fueron intervenciones seriadas, la mayoría por complicaciones sépticas de los reservorios. Conclusiones: El número de colectomías y de intervenciones por paciente disminuyó en la última década, a la vez que hubo mejorías en la morbilidad y el abordaje quirúrgico. La necesidad de cirugías secuenciales y de una vigilancia instrumental activa a largo plazo por el posible deterioro funcional constituye una importante carga clínica. (AU)

Care burden and outcome of the surgical management of ulcerative colitis: A retrospective analysis of the last 20 years in a tertiary hospital in Spain / Carga asistencial y resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la colitis ulcerativa: un análisis retrospectivo de los últimos 20 años en un hospital terciario de España

Aim: To analyze the surgical burden of UC care in the last two decades, analyzing the characteristics of the patients, surgical indications along with the short and long-term results. Method: Single-center retrospective cohort analysis of UC patients undergoing abdominal and anorectal surgery between January 2000 and December 2020. The care burden, clinical data and results were analyzed according to distribution by decades. Results: 128 patients, 37% female, underwent 376 surgical interventions (296 intestinal procedures and 80 anorectal). Mean follow-up for the cohort was 106±64 months. Timing from diagnosis to first surgery was under 5 years in 53.3%. In the second decade of the study there were fewer operated patients (73 vs. 48) as well as the total number of interventions per patient (2.7 vs. 2.0). The proportion between elective and urgent surgery was reversed in the second decade, observing an increase in laparoscopic surgery (70% vs. 8%) together with a decrease in major postoperative morbidity (Clavien-Dindo≥IIIa) (20% vs 8.4%). 80 patients underwent a restorative proctocolectomy, with a failure of 5% at 1 year but 23.7% in the long term. 37 patients required anorectal surgery, of which 26 (71%) were serial interventions, most due to septic complications of the pouches. Conclusions: The number of colectomies and interventions per patient decreased in the last decade, while there were improvements in morbidity and surgical approach. The need for sequential surgeries and long-term active instrumental surveillance for possible functional deterioration constitutes a significant clinical burden. (AU)

Objetivo: Analizar la carga quirúrgica asistencial por CU en 20 años, analizando las características de los pacientes, indicaciones quirúrgicas y resultados a corto y largo plazo. Método: Análisis retrospectivo unicéntrico de pacientes intervenidos de enero del 2000 a diciembre del 2020. La carga asistencial, los datos clínicos y los resultados se analizaron según distribución por décadas. Resultados: Ciento veintiocho pacientes, 37% mujeres, con 376 intervenciones quirúrgicas (296 procedimientos intestinales y 80 anorrectales). El seguimiento medio de la cohorte fue de 106±64 meses. El lapso entre el diagnóstico y la primera cirugía fue <5 años en el 53,3%. En la segunda década del estudio hubo menos pacientes operados (73 frente a 48) y un menor número de intervenciones por paciente (2,7 frente a 2,0). La proporción entre cirugía electiva y urgente se revirtió en la segunda década, observándose un aumento de la cirugía laparoscópica (70% vs. 8%) junto con una disminución de la morbilidad postoperatoria mayor (Clavien-Dindo≥IIIa) (20% vs 8.4%). Se realizó una proctocolectomía restauradora a 80 pacientes, con un fracaso al año del 5% pero del 23,7% a largo plazo. Treinta y siete pacientes requirieron cirugía anorrectal, de los cuales 26 (71%) fueron intervenciones seriadas, la mayoría por complicaciones sépticas de los reservorios. Conclusiones: El número de colectomías y de intervenciones por paciente disminuyó en la última década, a la vez que hubo mejorías en la morbilidad y el abordaje quirúrgico. La necesidad de cirugías secuenciales y de una vigilancia instrumental activa a largo plazo por el posible deterioro funcional constituye una importante carga clínica. (AU)

Preemptive analgesia for hemorrhoidectomy: study protocol for a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoidectomy is associated with intense postoperative pain that requires multimodal analgesia. It includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and local anesthetics to reach adequate pain control. There are data in literature preemptive analgesia could decrease postoperative pain after hemorrhoidectomy. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of preemptive analgesia with ketoprofen 100 mg 2 h before procedure per os with spinal anesthesia to decrease postoperative pain according to visual analog scale and to reduce the opioids and other analgesics consumption. METHODS: Patients of our clinic who meet the following inclusion criteria are included: hemorrhoids grade III-IV and the planned Milligan-Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. After signing the consent all participants are randomly divided into 2 groups: the first one gets a tablet with 100 mg ketoprofen, the second one gets a tablet containing starch per os 2 h before surgery (72 participants per arm). Patients of both arms receive spinal anesthesia and undergo open hemorrhoidectomy. Following the procedure the primary and secondary outcomes are evaluated: opioid administration intake, the pain at rest and during defecation, duration, and frequency of other analgesics intake, readmission rate, overall quality of life, time from the procedure to returning to work, and the complications rate. DISCUSSION: Multimodality pain management has been shown to improve pain control and decrease opioid intake in patients after hemorrhoidectomy in several studies. Gabapentin can be considered as an alternative approach to pain control as NSAIDs have limitative adverse effects. Systemic admission of ketorolac with local anesthetics also showed significant efficacy in patients undergoing anorectal surgery. We hope to prove the efficacy of multimodal analgesia including preemptive one for patients undergoing excisional hemorrhoidectomy that will help to hold postoperative pain levels no more than 3-4 points on VAS with minimal consumption of opioid analgesics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT04361695 . Registered on April 24, 2020, version 1.0.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Caudal Epidural Blocks and Spinal Anesthesia for Anorectal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to observe the effect of spinal anesthesia (SA) and ultrasound-guided caudal epidural blocks (CEB) on perioperative satisfaction in patients undergoing anorectal surgery. METHODS: A group of 106 patients were randomly allocated to receive either SA (the SA group) or CEB (the CEB group), and 11 patients were excluded. Finally, 95 patients were left, with 48 in the SA group and 47 in the CEB group for data analysis. The primary endpoint was patient satisfaction with the quality of their anesthetic technique. The secondary outcome measures included postoperative pain at 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 48 h after surgery at rest, time to first analgesic request, analgesia requirements, incidence of phantom limb syndrome (PLS), time until return of bowel function, time to ambulation, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) reduction > 20% from baseline, and surgeon satisfaction. RESULTS: A significantly lower proportion of patients in the SA group was highly satisfied with the quality of their anesthetic technique compared with the CEB group (20.8% versus 68.1%). NRS scores at rest were significantly lower at 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after surgery in the CEB group compared with the SA group. The time to first analgesic request was significantly earlier for patients in the SA group compared with patients in the CEB group. Analgesia requirements, the incidence of PLS, the incidence of PONV, and intraoperative MAP reduction > 20% from baseline were significantly decreased in the CEB group. There were no significant differences between the groups in time until return of bowel function, surgeon satisfaction, or time to ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided caudal epidural blocks have higher patient satisfaction compared with spinal anesthesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR 2000041026) on 06/12/2020.

Use of Preoperative Laboratory Testing Among Low-Risk Patients Undergoing Elective Anorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Many low-risk patients receive preoperative laboratory testing (PLT) prior to elective outpatient surgery, with no effect on postoperative outcomes. This has not been studied in patients undergoing anorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to determine if PLT in this population was predictive of perioperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2015-2018 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) databases were queried for elective ambulatory anorectal surgeries. PLT was defined as chemistry, hematology, coagulation, or liver function studies obtained ≤30 days preoperatively. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class 1 and 2 patients were included who underwent elective, ambulatory, benign anorectal surgery. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative outcomes were compared between those who did and did not receive PLT. Postoperative outcomes were defined as wound-related, procedure-related, major complications, unplanned readmission, and death occurring within 30 days. Multivariate regression analysis determined patient characteristics predictive of receiving testing. RESULTS: Of 3309 patients studied, 48.6% received PLT. On multivariate analysis, older age, female sex, Black race, ASA class 2, and comorbidities were predictive of receiving testing. The complication rates were similar between patients who did and did not receive testing (4.3% versus 3.5%, P = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: PLT is performed in over half of low-risk patients receiving elective anorectal surgery. There was no difference in the rate of postoperative complications between patients who received testing or not, nor with normal versus abnormal results. PLT can be used more judiciously in this population.