Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2023
ReviewSurgical left atrial appendage occlusion with concomitant cardiac surgical procedures: exacerbating heart failure or preventing stroke.
The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a common source of thromboembolic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Current guidelines recommend consideration of surgical LAA occlusion concomitant with other cardiac surgical procedures based mostly on observational data and a few small trials. Recently published results of several large retrospective studies and one prospective trial are reviewed herein. ⋯ Most patients with AF undergoing another cardiac surgical procedure should be considered for concomitant LAA occlusion as part of a heart team discussion. The choice of surgical closure technique is critical. There is insufficient data to recommend LAA occlusion as an alternative to anticoagulation.
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To highlight the importance of frailty assessment in thoracic surgery patients. ⋯ Frailty should be part of the routine preoperative evaluation for thoracic surgery. Frailty must be considered in assessing eligibility for surgery and in planning prehabilitation and rehabilitation if necessary.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2023
ReviewPresurgical radiation and chemotherapy in preparation for thoracic tumor resection.
This article aims at describing the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, radiation therapy as well the novel immunotherapy and targeted therapy in thoracic oncology with focus on anesthetic considerations of such treatments for the surgical patient. ⋯ Rather than a comprehensive review, the purpose of this work is to provide the reader with an overview of the most common neoadjuvant regimens used in current practice, with the corresponding most prevalent adverse effects as it pertains for patients with esophageal and lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma and mediastinal tumors. Considerations relevant to the anesthesiologist, including specific toxicities related to each treatment type, and the impact of each treatment type on perioperative outcomes and complications will be discussed.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2023
ReviewPostoperative/postdischarge nausea and vomiting: evidence-based prevention and treatment.
Postoperative/postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PONV/PDNV) remains a relevant issue in perioperative care. Especially in outpatient surgery, PONV can prevent discharge or lead to unplanned readmission. ⋯ A liberal, universal PONV management is now endorsed by the guidelines. Specific evidence concerning prevention and (at-home) treatment of PDNV is still scarce.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Feb 2023
ReviewCardiovascular disease, surgery and outcomes in women: are they any different.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death for women worldwide and continues to be a major determinant of significant morbidity. Several studies have investigated the marked differences in diagnosis, treatment and etiology in cardiovascular disease and how it relates to gender. In this review, several key studies highlight the stark differences and bring light to the disparity and potential opportunities for further research. ⋯ By highlighting the disparities in cardiovascular ischemic care, the hope is to bring attention and future research to a population group that is currently undertreated for their ischemic disease and suffering high mortality rates.