Anesthesiology
Audio Summaries

Effect of In-line Clinical Decision Support to Improve Accuracy of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Documentation: A Two Center Evaluation of a Quality Intervention

Sep 22, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an in-line Clinical Decision Support (CDS) system in improving the accuracy of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) documentation, which is known for its inter-rater variability. Their study found that the implementation of the CDS significantly increased the proportion of patients classified as ASA PS 3 or greater at one academic medical center, while a control site showed only a minimal increase. This suggests that the CDS effectively enhances the accuracy of ASA PS assessments by addressing potential under-classification.

Persistent genito-pelvic pain 2 months after vaginal birth: a nationwide population-based analysis from the 2021 French National Perinatal Survey

Sep 21, 2026

The authors aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors for persistent genito-pelvic pain two months after vaginal birth using data from the 2021 French National Perinatal Survey. They found that 12.8% of women experienced such pain, with higher prevalence associated with the severity of perineal tears and various maternal factors, including psychological status and satisfaction with pain management. The study highlights the need for further research on preventive measures and improving maternal experiences during childbirth to mitigate persistent pain.

A Contemporary Survey of The Impact of Perioperative Catastrophes on Anesthesiologists

Sep 21, 2026

The authors aimed to reassess the impact of perioperative catastrophes on anesthesiologists, following a landmark survey in 2012, in light of evolving practices and increased attention to clinician well-being. Their findings reveal that a significant majority of anesthesiologists experience substantial emotional and physical distress after such events, with many reporting impaired clinical performance and a lack of adequate institutional support. The study highlights the ongoing need for improved peer support and recovery strategies to enhance clinician well-being and patient safety.

Prospective, randomized comparison of electromyographic neuromuscular responses from the adductor pollicis and abductor digiti minimi muscles during rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block

Sep 17, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the neuromuscular responses of the adductor pollicis (AP) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles during rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block and subsequent recovery. The study found no significant differences in onset and recovery times between the two muscles when monitored simultaneously; however, recovery was faster in the ADM muscle when monitored on the dominant hand. Overall, the findings suggest that both muscles are equivalent for routine monitoring, with notable differences in recovery times depending on handedness.

Short-term Modification of Postoperative Ventilation Phenotypes With Electrical Impedance Tomography-guided Positive End-expiratory Pressure Titration

Sep 17, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether electrical impedance tomography (EIT)-guided positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration could acutely modify postoperative ventilation inhomogeneity and improve cardiopulmonary function in mechanically ventilated patients. Their study found that this approach successfully achieved immediate conversion to a more homogeneous ventilation pattern in 96.7% of patients, with associated improvements in respiratory compliance and oxygenation. The findings suggest that EIT-guided PEEP titration may be a viable strategy for enhancing regional ventilation and reducing the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Anesthesia TeleConsultation for Pediatric preoperative assessment: a large national prospective multicentric study in children (TeleCCCAP)

Sep 16, 2026

The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of anesthesia teleconsultation for pediatric preoperative assessments in a large national cohort. Results indicated a 73% success rate for teleconsultations, with technical issues being the primary cause of failure. The findings suggest that addressing these technical and organizational challenges is crucial for enhancing the reliability and clinical utility of teleconsultations in pediatric anesthesia.

Anesthesia and the Periprocedural Management of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Narrative Review

Sep 15, 2026

The authors review the current evidence regarding the use of anesthesia in the management of large vessel occlusion strokes treated with mechanical thrombectomy, questioning whether procedural sedation or general anesthesia yields better functional outcomes. They highlight that while general anesthesia may enhance reperfusion rates, careful hemodynamic and ventilatory management is essential for optimizing patient outcomes. The paper calls for further research to identify the best anesthetic strategies based on patient characteristics and stroke subtypes.

Association of Intraoperative End-Tidal CO₂, Ventilation, and Hypotension With Postoperative Mortality in Noncardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Sep 10, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether low intraoperative end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETco₂) levels are independently associated with increased postoperative mortality in noncardiac surgery, accounting for the effects of intraoperative hypotension and minute ventilation. Their retrospective cohort study of over 185,000 patients found that lower ETco₂ was significantly linked to higher in-hospital mortality, independent of these factors, suggesting that ETco₂ may serve as a valuable marker for assessing postoperative risk.

Associations between reduction of hypotension and treatment intensity in hypotension prediction index studies

Sep 9, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate whether reductions in hypotension, as measured by the Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI), are associated with greater treatment intensity in randomized trials. Their analysis of 20 trials revealed that a significant majority of those demonstrating hypotension reduction also reported increased treatment intensity, suggesting a correlation between effective hypotension management and more aggressive hemodynamic interventions. This finding indicates that successful hypotension reduction in HPI-guided trials is often linked to enhanced treatment efforts.

Medicare's 2026 to 2030 Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM): Implications for Anesthesiologists

Sep 9, 2026

The authors examine the implications of Medicare's Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) for anesthesiologists, focusing on how this shift from fee-for-service to bundled payments will impact their practice and reimbursement. They explore the expanded roles of anesthesiologists in perioperative care and the necessity for them to define and measure outcomes that reflect their contributions to patient recovery within this new accountability framework. Ultimately, the paper highlights the importance of aligning anesthesiology practices with episode-level metrics to demonstrate their value in surgical care.