Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2024
ReviewPerioperative pain optimization in the age of the opioid epidemic.
The opioid epidemic remains a constant and increasing threat to our society with overdoses and overdose deaths rising significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Growing evidence suggests a link between perioperative opioid use, postoperative opioid prescribing, and the development of opioid use disorder (OUD). As a result, strategies to better optimize pain management during the perioperative period are urgently needed. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent multimodal analgesia (MMA) recommendations, summarize evidence for efficacy surrounding the increased utilization of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, and discuss the implications for rising use of buprenorphine for OUD patients who present for surgery. In addition, this review will explore opportunities to expand our treatment of complex patients via transitional pain services. ⋯ Perioperative physicians must be aware of the impact of the opioid epidemic and explore methods like MMA techniques, ERAS protocols, and transitional pain services to improve the perioperative pain experience and decrease the risks of opioid-related harm.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2024
ReviewAnesthesia for gender-affirming surgery: a practical review.
Gender-affirming surgery (GAS) is an effective, well studied, and often necessary component of gender-affirming care and mitigation of gender dysphoria for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. GAS is categorized as chest surgeries, genitourinary surgeries, facial feminization/masculinization, and vocal phonosurgery. Despite increased incidence of GAS during recent years, there is a gap in knowledge and training on perioperative care for TGD patients. ⋯ Anesthesiology professionals must attend to the surgical and anesthetic nuances of various GAS procedures. However, as many considerations are based on common practice, research is warranted on anesthetic implications and outcomes of GAS.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Jun 2024
ReviewSimulation in pediatric anesthesiology: current state and visions for the future.
Simulation is a well established practice in medicine. This review reflects upon the role of simulation in pediatric anesthesiology in three parts: training anesthesiologists to care for pediatric patients safely and effectively; evaluating and improving systems of care for children; and visions for the future. ⋯ Simulation plays a key role in developing and achieving peak performance in the perioperative care of infants and children. Although simulation already has a great impact, its full potential is yet to be harnessed.