European journal of anaesthesiology
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When considering whether a patient is fit for surgery, a comprehensive patient assessment represents the first step for an anaesthetist to evaluate the risks associated with the procedure and the patient's underlying diseases, and to optimise (whenever possible) the perioperative surgical journey. These guidelines from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (ESAIC) update previous guidelines to provide new evidence on existing and emerging topics that consider the different aspects of the patient's surgical path. ⋯ Each patient should have a tailored assessment of their fitness to undergo procedures requiring the involvement of an anaesthetist. The anaesthetist's role is essential in this phase to obtain a broad vision of the patient's clinical conditions, to coordinate care and to help the patient reach an informed decision.
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Clinical comparisons between intertransverse process block (ITPB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) are lacking. ⋯ Although ITPB demonstrated more consistent anterior dermatomal spread and improved immediate postoperative analgesia compared to ESPB, no additional benefits were identified for breast cancer surgery. Future studies may investigate the potential of ITPB for surgical anaesthesia.
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Stress due to surgical trauma decreases postoperative lymphocyte counts (LCs), potentially favouring the occurrence of postoperative infections (PIs). ⋯ POD1 lymphopaenia was associated with PIs in patients undergoing thoracic or gastrointestinal cancer surgery. To individualise care, patient characteristics and surgery duration should be taken into account.
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Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) lower blood sugar and reduce cardiovascular events and kidney failure. However, there have been increasing reports of euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA) linked to SGLT2-i medicines. ⋯ While taking SGLT2 inhibitors, diabetic patients undergoing heart surgery are at an increased risk of ketosis and possibly metabolic acidosis. This emphasises the importance of careful observation and effective treatment strategies within this group.