LISTA DE REFERENCIAS CON LOS RESUMENES DISPONIBLES ACERCA DE ANESTESIA Y COSTOS

ESTRATEGIA DE BUSQUEDA: "Costs and Cost Analysis" and anesthesia por P Ibarra Mayo 02

Everett, L. L. (2002). "Can the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting be identified and lowered during the preoperative assessment?" Int Anesthesiol Clin 40(2): 47-62.

Lockwood, G. G. and D. C. White (2001). "Measuring the costs of inhaled anaesthetics." Br J Anaesth 87(4): 559-63.
The cost of inhalation anaesthesia has received considerable study and is undoubtedly reduced by the use of low fresh gas flows. However, comparison between anaesthetics of the economies achievable has only been made by computer modelling. We have computed anaesthetic usage for MAC-equivalent anaesthesia with isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane in closed and open breathing systems. We have compared these data with those derived during clinical anaesthesia administered using a computer-controlled closed system that measures anaesthetic usage and inspired concentrations. The inspired concentrations allow the usage that would have occurred in an open system to be calculated. Our computed predictions lie within the 95% confidence intervals of the measured data. Using prices current in our institution, sevoflurane and desflurane would cost approximately twice as much as isoflurane in open systems but only about 50% more than isoflurane in closed systems. Thus computer predictions have been validated by patient measurements and the cost saving achieved by reducing the fresh gas flow is greater with less soluble anaesthetics.

Lennox, P. H., C. Chilvers, et al. (2002). "Selective spinal anesthesia versus desflurane anesthesia in short duration outpatient gynecological laparoscopy: a pharmacoeconomic comparison." Anesth Analg 94(3): 565-8; table of contents.
We compared the cost and effectiveness of selective spinal anesthesia (SSA) with a desflurane-based general anesthetic (DES) for outpatient gynecological laparoscopy. A prospective analysis was undertaken of 10 patients randomized to receive SSA and compared with 10 patients randomized to receive DES. The groups were well matched in their demographic characteristics. The mean cost (in 2000 Canadian dollar values) of anesthesia supplies, drugs, and nursing for the SSA group of $62.31 was less than that for the DES group of $92.31 (P < 0.01). Recovery costs of both groups were similar. Time to administer anesthesia and time spent in the postanesthetic care unit were also similar. Postoperative analgesia was required by 50% of the DES group but in no patient receiving SSA (P < 0.01). SSA is a cost-effective alternative to DES in these patients. IMPLICATIONS: Small-dose spinal anesthesia is an effective alternative to a desflurane general anesthetic in terms of cost and recovery profiles in ambulatory gynecological laparoscopy.

Westphal, V. and M. R. Krogsgaard (2001). "[Diagnostic knee arthroscopy under local anesthesia in hospital. An assessment of the diagnostic reliability, course of the treatment and health care costs]." Ugeskr Laeger 164(1): 60-4.
INTRODUCTION: Outpatient knee arthroscopy under local analgesia can be performed solely as a diagnostic procedure. The aim was to estimate the diagnostic precision of such arthroscopy as compared to the diagnosis made during a secondary therapeutic operation, and to describe the flow of patients and the costs of this treatment strategy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of 371 consecutive patients, who had a diagnostic knee arthroscopy performed under local analgesia, were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis made during the diagnostic arthroscopy (371 patients) and a later therapeutic operation (135 patients) were extracted and the patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire. RESULTS: The diagnostic arthroscopy could not be completed in 11 cases. No further operation was necessary in 188 patients. A secondary therapeutic operation was performed in 135 patients. In only 54% of these was the same diagnosis made during the diagnostic and the therapeutic operations. Only half of the 278 patients (75%) who returned the questionnaire, found that the diagnostic procedure had been pain free. DISCUSSION: With respect to the costs, the diagnostic arthroscopy cannot be recommended. Most economic was the strategy in which the diagnostic and therapeutic operations were performed together as an outpatient procedure. The relatively poor diagnostic precision of arthroscopy is surprising and should be kept in mind when patients continue to have unexplained complaints in the knee, despite a normal arthroscopy.

Tebbetts, J. B. (2002). "Achieving a predictable 24-hour return to normal activities after breast augmentation: part I. Refining practices by using motion and time study principles." Plast Reconstr Surg 109(1): 273-90; discussion 291-2.
The purpose of this study was to develop techniques to predictably return patients receiving inframammary and axillary, subpectoral breast augmentation to full normal activities within 24 hours of their primary breast augmentation. This 5-year study applies motion and time study principles to refine practices in augmentation mammaplasty to reduce perioperative morbidity and shorten patient recovery. Retrospective data for operative times, medications administered, recovery times, times to discharge, and time to return to normal activities were collected from patient chart reviews and patient contacts from 1982 to 1984 (group 1, n = 16, axillary partial retropectoral augmentations) and 1990 (group 2, n = 16, inframammary partial retropectoral augmentations). Videotapes from operative procedures of groups 1 and 2 were analyzed with macromotion and micromotion study principles, and tables of events were formulated for all operating room personnel, detailing every step of each function they performed. The events tables were then refined into detailed scripts by using motion and time study principles. Scripts were used for surgeon and personnel training and for reference during operative procedures. Extensive changes in all aspects of patient care, including patient education, preparation, operative planning, implant selection, anesthesia techniques, surgical techniques, instrumentation, and postoperative care derived from data and videotape studies of patients in groups 1 and 2 were then applied to a third group of patients (group 3), collecting prospective data over a 3-year period (1998 to 2000). Group 3 (n = 627) data included timed events, medications, and time to return to normal activities. Patients in group 3 had substantially shorter anesthesia, operation, and postanesthesia care unit times and time to discharge and time to return to normal activities compared with groups 1 and 2. Of the patients in group 3, 96 percent were able to return to normal activities, lift their arms above their heads, lift normal-weight objects, and drive their car without any narcotic medications, drains, bandages, special bras, or other adjunctive treatments within 24 hours after their partial retropectoral breast augmentation. Applying motion and time study principles to analysis and refinement of surgeon and personnel actions and surgical techniques resulted in a substantial reduction in perioperative morbidity and a simpler, shorter 24-hour return to normal activities without intercostal blocks, narcotic pain medications, drains, bandages, or other adjunctive devices in 96 percent of 627 augmentation patients.

Yagiela, J. A. (2001). "Making patients safe and comfortable for a lifetime of dentistry: frontiers in office-based sedation." J Dent Educ 65(12): 1348-56.
Conscious sedation administered in the office setting is one important method for helping people obtain necessary dental care. Patients who may benefit from sedation include the dentally fearful, young children, the behaviorally or medically challenged, and individuals who are undergoing invasive procedures or have problems with gagging or local anesthesia. In-office sedation is effective in reducing apprehension and can improve patient behavior without adversely affecting the patient's physiological status. Mortality and serious morbidity are exceedingly rare in modern practice. Although behavioral strategies are clearly more cost-effective for the patient receiving routine dental care, in-office sedation is usually the least expensive alternative for patients requiring pharmacologic management. Future advances in conscious sedation may include agents and techniques currently thought to be dangerous for nongeneral anesthesia-trained dentists because of their ability to produce rapid changes in anesthetic depth. However, delivery devices such as infusion pumps for drugs like propofol, when coupled with computers to help regulate the infusion rate and monitor the sedative effect, may provide the necessary control for safe administration of propofol and similar drugs by these individuals. A final approach to drug delivery may involve patient-controlled sedation in which the patient self-infuses small boluses incrementally until the desired effect is achieved.

White, P. F. and M. F. Watcha (2001). "Pharmacoeconomics in anaesthesia: what are the issues?" Eur J Anaesthesiol Suppl 23: 10-5.
Newer anaesthetic agents provide a faster onset, easier titration and a more rapid recovery than the older agents, but are more expensive. In assessing the financial consequences associated with their use, it is important to examine the total costs (including personnel costs) and not just the acquisition costs of new drugs. Claims of cost savings from new drugs should be subjected to close scrutiny, with studies designed to demonstrate that the preferential use of the newer drug is associated with actual decreased payments for personnel, an earlier return to normal activities by the patient and/or their caretakers, or the completion of an additional case in the same operating session. It may be necessary to alter work patterns to obtain the full benefits of the new drugs (e.g. bypass of the labour-intensive [phase I] postanaesthetic care unit). Finally, greater cost savings in the operating room can be achieved by increasing efficiency in resource utilization. A delay in starting a case, or a prolonged turnover time between cases, can negate any cost savings related to the anaesthetist's choice of drugs.

Huang, J. J., S. Fogel, et al. (2001). "Cost analysis in vitrectomy: monitored anesthesia care and general anesthesia." Aana J 69(2): 111-3.
A retrospective study was performed to compare differences in hospital charges between monitored anesthesia care with retrobulbar block and general anesthesia among patients having vitrectomy. Of 128 consecutive patients undergoing vitrectomy between July 1996 and July 1997, group 1 received general anesthesia (n = 41), group 2 received monitored care anesthesia with retrobulbar block (n = 59), and 28 patients were eliminated from the study. There were significant differences in anesthesia charges, operating room charges, pharmacy charges, and total hospital charges between groups 1 and 2. Charges associated with monitored care anesthesia with retrobulbar block are 20% less than charges associated with general anesthesia. Fewer patients in group 2 required postoperative intravenous narcotics than in group 1.

Todd, D. W. (2002). "A comparison of endotracheal intubation and use of the laryngeal mask airway for ambulatory oral surgery patients." J Oral Maxillofac Surg 60(1): 2-4; discussion 4-5.
PURPOSE: This study compared current experience with the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) to previous experience with endotracheal intubation for ambulatory patients receiving general anesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective comparison of 157 patients (50 endotracheal intubation [ET] and 107 LMA cases) was conducted. The subjects were American Association of Anesthesiologist (ASA) Class I and II patients who underwent outpatient general anesthesia for dentoalveolar surgery. Procedure time, recovery time, and cost of techniques were compared. RESULTS: The patients undergoing a variety of outpatient dentoalveolar surgical procedures under general anesthesia in the LMA group had a shorter procedure time than the ET group (40 vs 44 minutes) and had a significantly shorter recovery time (54 vs 67 minutes). In addition, compared with the cost of delivering care with ET, the LMA provided slightly lower cost per case ($20 to $30 per case compared with $35 to $80 per case), depending on the anesthetic technique used. Comparing the 2 techniques for removal of 4 impacted third molars (25 patients ET and 68 patients LMA) revealed a similar procedure time of 39 minutes for both groups, but a shorter recovery time for the LMA group (54 vs 68 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Use of the LMA has advantages over endotracheal intubation for outpatients receiving general anesthesia for dentoalveolar surgery.

Ozkose, Z., B. Ercan, et al. (2001). "Inhalation versus total intravenous anesthesia for lumbar disc herniation: comparison of hemodynamic effects, recovery characteristics, and cost." J Neurosurg Anesthesiol 13(4): 296-302.
The clinical effects, recovery characteristics, and costs of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), sevoflurane, and isoflurane anesthesia have been measured in various out-patient operations, but have not been evaluated in patients undergoing laminectomy or discectomy. In the current study, the authors assessed the hemodynamic characteristics, recovery, and cost analyzes after laminectomy and discectomy operations, comparing TIVA, sevoflurane, and isoflurane anesthesia. Sixty American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II patients were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of 20 patients. Group I received propofol-alfentanil, Group 2 received sevoflurane-N2O, and Group 3 received isoflurane-N2O. At the end of surgery, the anesthetics were discontinued, and recovery from anesthesia was assessed by measuring the time until spontaneous eye opening and the time until response to verbal commands. The drug and delivery costs were calculated in United States dollars. No significant differences were found in the demographic data. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure decreased significantly after induction of anesthesia in the TIVA group, compared to the two other groups ( P < .05 for both comparisons). The fastest recovery was seen in the TIVA group. Incidences of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain were significantly reduced after TIVA ( P < .05 for both comparisons). Thus, TIVA patients required fewer additional drugs and showed the lowest additional costs in the post-anesthesia care unit. However, the total cost was significantly higher in the TIVA group than in the sevoflurane and isoflurane groups (52.73 dollars, 29.99 dollars, and 24.14 dollars, respectively) ( P < .05). Total intravenous anesthesia was associated with the highest intraoperative cost but provided the most rapid recovery from anesthesia, and the least frequent postoperative side effects.

Abouleish, A. E., D. S. Prough, et al. (2001). "The impact of longer-than-average anesthesia times on the billing of academic anesthesiology departments." Anesth Analg 93(6): 1537-43, table of contents.
Academic anesthesiology departments provide clinical services for surgical procedures that have longer-than-average surgical times and correspondingly increased anesthesia times. We examined the financial impact of these longer times in three ways: 1) the estimated loss in revenue if billing were done on a flat-fee system by using industry-averaged anesthesia times; 2) the estimation of incremental operating room (OR) sites necessitated by longer anesthesia times; and 3) the estimated potential gain in billed units if the hours of productivity of current anesthesia time were applied to surgical cases of average duration. Health Care Financing Administration average times per anesthesia procedure code were used as industry averages. Billing data were collected from four academic anesthesiology departments for 1 yr. Each claim billed with ASA units was included except for obstetric anesthesia care. All clinical sites that do not bill with ASA units were excluded. Base units were determined for each anesthesia procedure code. The mean commercial conversion factor (US$45 per ASA unit) for reimbursement was used to estimate the impact in dollar amounts. In all four groups, anesthesia times exceeded the Health Care Financing Administration average. The loss per group in billed ASA units if a flat-fee billing system were used ranged from 18,194 to 31,079 units per group, representing a 5% to 15% decrease (estimated billing decrease of US$818,719 to US$1,398,536 per group). The number of excess OR sites necessitated by longer surgical and anesthesia times ranged from 1.95 to 4.57 OR sites per group. The potential gain in billed units if the hours of productivity of current anesthesia time were applied to surgical cases of average duration was estimated to be from 13,273 to 21,368 ASA units. Longer-than-average anesthesia and surgical times result in extra hours or additional OR sites to be staffed and loss of potential reimbursement for the four academic anesthesiology departments. A flat-fee system would adversely affect academic anesthesiology departments. IMPLICATIONS: We examined the economic impact of longer-than-average anesthesia times on four academic anesthesiology departments in three ways: the estimated loss in revenue under a flat-fee system, the excess operating room sites staffed, and the potential gain in revenue if the surgeries were of average length. These results should be considered both in productivity measurements and strategies for operating room management.

Lee, J. Y., W. F. Vann, Jr., et al. (2001). "A cost analysis of treating pediatric dental patients using general anesthesia versus conscious sedation." Anesth Prog 48(3): 82-8.
The purpose of this pilot study is to report a cost comparison of general anesthesia (GA) versus oral conscious sedation (CS) for pediatric dental patients. The study sample included 22 children whose parents or guardians selected GA care for their child. Selection criteria limited inclusion to healthy children (American Society of Anesthesiologists' classification I) aged 24-60 months. The subjects acted as their own comparison group to an estimation CS model. Models were developed to assess societal costs for treatment under GA and CS. Treatment rendered was equalized using the dental relative based value unit scale.

Chan, V. W., P. W. Peng, et al. (2001). "A comparative study of general anesthesia, intravenous regional anesthesia, and axillary block for outpatient hand surgery: clinical outcome and cost analysis." Anesth Analg 93(5): 1181-4.
IV regional anesthesia can offer a more favorable patient recovery profile and shorter postoperative nursing care time and hospital discharge time than an isoflurane-based general anesthetic or brachial plexus block technique for hand surgery.

Ross, I. A. (1996). "Practice guidelines, patient interests, and risky procedures." Bioethics 10(4): 310-22.
A clinical scenario is described where an anaesthetist is concerned about the seemingly high risk/benefit ratio relating to laparoscopic versus standard inguinal hernia operations. Some options for further action by the anaesthetist are introduced. The remainder of the paper explores the question of who can legitimately assess the acceptability of risk/benefit ratios, and defends the use of practice guidelines at the expense of so called clinical freedom. It is argued that respect for persons is not breached by limiting the treatment options offered to patients to those therapies which have a 'reasonable' risk/benefit ratio. This 'reasonableness' is context dependent, and should be properly decided by those with expertise in the field.

Hasaniya, N. W., F. F. Zayed, et al. (2001). "Preinsertion local anesthesia at the trocar site improves perioperative pain and decreases costs of laparoscopic cholecystectomy." Surg Endosc 15(9): 962-4.
BACKGROUND: Local anesthesia at the trocar site in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is expected to decrease postoperative pain and hence expedite recovery. The aims of this prospective randomized study were to investigate the effect of local anesthesia and to discover whether it is cost effective. METHODS: For this study, 100 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into two groups. The 43 study patients were injected with 0.5% bupivacaine hydrochloride at the trocar site before the trocars were inserted. They then were compared with 41 control patients who received no local anesthesia. The remaining 16 patients were excluded from the study. The postoperative pain was evaluated at the standard four trocar sites at 4 h and 24 h after surgery on a scale 1 (the mildest pain the patient had ever experienced) to 10 (the most severe pain the patient had ever experienced). Postoperative pain medications and their cost were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups with regard to gender, age, weight, operative time, estimated operative blood loss, and bile culture. The patients who received bupivacaine at the trocar site clinically had less pain (p < 0.001 for all four sites) both at 4 and 24 h after surgery. The treatment group patients used less mepiridine and promethzine than the control group (p = 0.001 and 0.002, respectively) postoperatively. Overall, the patients who had local anesthesia used less postoperative pain and antiemetic medication than the control patients (p = 0.02). This afforded a significant decrease in the costs and charges of these medications (p = 0.004 and 0.005, respectively). Three patients in the study group were discharged from the hospital the day of surgery. Conclusion: Preinsertion of local anesthesia at the trocar site in laparoscopic cholecystectomy significantly reduces postoperative pain and decreases medication usage costs.

Reeves, S. W., D. S. Friedman, et al. (2001). "A decision analysis of anesthesia management for cataract surgery." Am J Ophthalmol 132(4): 528-36.
PURPOSE: To compare the trade-offs in cost and preference of various anesthesia management strategies for cataract surgery. METHODS: Six strategies, differing in sedation, local anesthetic, and monitoring approach, were chosen for comparison. For each strategy, potential complications, and conversions to different anesthesia approaches were modeled. A panel of physicians and anesthetists, well versed in the literature and practice of the anesthesia management of cataract surgery, assigned preference values to the strategies and potential outcomes (0 to 1 scale). Probability estimates were obtained from a study of 19,557 cataract surgeries and from the panel. Cost estimates were derived from several sources. The model was analyzed to determine the strategies associated with the highest expected preference and lowest expected cost. RESULTS: The strategy associated with the highest net preference was intravenous sedation with block anesthesia and an anesthesiologist present throughout the case. The expected net preference for this strategy was 19% greater than the net preference for the next most preferred strategy, oral sedation with block anesthesia and an anesthesiologist on call (0.88 versus 0.74), but the expected anesthesia costs per case were much greater ($324 versus $42). Results were sensitive to plausible variation in the preference values assigned to the six initial management strategies and to the cost of topical versus block anesthesia. CONCLUSION: This analysis emphasizes that cost and preference are important considerations when choosing an anesthesia management strategy for cataract surgery. For some surgeries, substantial cost savings may be available for a small change in preference.

Visser, K., E. A. Hassink, et al. (2001). "Randomized controlled trial of total intravenous anesthesia with propofol versus inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane-nitrous oxide: postoperative nausea with vomiting and economic analysis." Anesthesiology 95(3): 616-26.
BACKGROUND: To assess the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting after total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol versus inhalational anesthesia with isoflurane-nitrous oxide, the authors performed a randomized trial in 2,010 unselected surgical patients in a Dutch academic institution. An economic evaluation was also performed. METHODS: Elective inpatients (1,447) and outpatients (563) were randomly assigned to inhalational anesthesia with isoflurane-nitrous oxide or TIVA with propofol-air. Cumulative incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was recorded for 72 h by blinded observers. Cost data of anesthetics, antiemetics, disposables, and equipment were collected. Cost differences caused by duration of postanesthesia care unit stay and hospitalization were analyzed. RESULTS: Total intravenous anesthesia reduced the absolute risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting up to 72 h by 15% among inpatients (from 61% to 46%, P < 0.001) and by 18% among outpatients (from 46% to 28%, P < 0.001). This effect was most pronounced in the early postoperative period. The cost of anesthesia was more than three times greater for propofol TIVA. Median duration of stay in the postanesthesia care unit was 135 min after isoflurane versus 115 min after TIVA for inpatients (P < 0.001) and 160 min after isoflurane versus 150 min after TIVA for outpatients (P = 0.039). Duration of hospitalization was equal in both arms. CONCLUSION: Propofol TIVA results in a clinically relevant reduction of postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with isoflurane-nitrous oxide anesthesia (number needed to treat = 6). Both anesthetic techniques were otherwise similar. Anesthesia costs were more than three times greater for propofol TIVA, without economic gains from shorter stay in the postanesthesia care unit

Thomas, D., K. Wareham, et al. (2001). "Autologous blood transfusion in total knee replacement surgery." Br J Anaesth 86(5): 669-73.
We compared allogeneic blood usage for two groups of patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery (TKR). Patients were randomized to receive either their post-operative wound drainage as an autotransfusion (n=115) after processing or to have this wound drainage discarded (n=116). Allogeneic blood was transfused in patients of either group whose haemoglobin fell below 9 g dl(-1). Only 7% of patients in the autotransfusion group required an allogeneic transfusion compared with 28% in the control group (P<0.001). There was no hospital mortality and only 3% mortality from all causes at the study completion, which spanned 6 months to 3 yr. There was a higher incidence of infection requiring intervention in the allogeneic group (P<0.036). Total patient costs were Pound Sterling 113 greater in the autotransfusion group. We conclude that in this type of surgery post-operative cell salvage is a safe and effective method for reducing allogeneic blood use.

Engoren, M., G. Luther, et al. (2001). "A comparison of fentanyl, sufentanil, and remifentanil for fast-track cardiac anesthesia." Anesth Analg 93(4): 859-64.
Cardiac surgery is estimated to cost $27 billion annually in the United States. In an attempt to decrease the costs of cardiac surgery, fast-track programs have become popular. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three different opioid techniques for cardiac surgery on postoperative pain, time to extubation, time to intensive care unit discharge, time to hospital discharge, and cost. Ninety adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery were randomized to a fentanyl-based, sufentanil-based, or remifentanil-based anesthetic. Postoperative pain was measured at 30 min after extubation and at 6:30 AM on the first postoperative day. Pain scores at both times were similar in all three groups (P > 0.05). Median ventilator times of 167, 285, and 234 min (P > 0.05), intensive care unit stays of 18.8, 19.8, and 21.5 h (P > 0.05), and hospital stays of 5, 5, and 5 days (P > 0.05) for the Fentanyl, Sufentanil, and Remifentanil groups did not differ. Three patients needed to be tracheally reintubated: two in the Sufentanil group and one in the Fentanyl group. Median anesthetic costs were largest in the Remifentanil group ($140.54 [$113.54-$179.29]) and smallest in the Fentanyl group ($43.33 [$39.36-$56.48]) (P < or = 0.01), but hospital costs were similar in the three groups: $7841 (Fentanyl), $5943 (Sufentanil), and $6286 (Remifentanil) (P > 0.05). We conclude that the more expensive but shorter-acting opioids, sufentanil and remifentanil, produced equally rapid extubation, similar stays, and similar costs to fentanyl, indicating that any of these opioids can be recommended for fast-track cardiac surgery. IMPLICATIONS: To conserve resources for cardiac surgery, fentanyl-, sufentanil-, and remifentanil-based anesthetics were compared for duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit length of stay, hospital length of stay, and cost. The shorter-acting anesthetics, sufentanil and remifentanil, produced equally rapid extubation, similar stays, and similar costs to fentanyl; thus, any of these opioids can be recommended for fast-track cardiac surgery.

Levin, R. and L. Trivikram (2001). "Cost/benefit analysis of open tracheotomy, in the or and at the bedside, with percutaneous tracheotomy." Laryngoscope 111(7): 1169-73.
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: (1) To determine whether percutaneous dilational tracheotomy (PDT), open tracheotomy in the operating room (OT/OR), and open tracheotomy at the bedside (OT/BS) are equally safe; and (2) to determine which procedure was most cost effective. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of patient medical records and billing data. METHODS: Any adult patient (>20 y of age) on the medical or surgical services at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center who required a tracheotomy, elective or emergent, from September 1996 to July 1997 was included. The decision to perform OT in the OR, PDT, or OT at BS was made by the attending surgeon independent of this study. Each patient's course after tracheotomy was reviewed. All complications, perioperatively or postoperatively, for up to 10 days were documented. The complications were divided into two groups: major and minor. Determination of patient cost used surgical billing and OR materials staff records. The necessary equipment and staff for each procedure was determined, and an itemized cost list was retrospectively developed for a typical PDT, OT in OR, or OT at BS. The P values were calculated with the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) chi(2) test of association. RESULTS: All procedures were equally safe, with PDT being the most cost effective. CONCLUSION: This report confirms the results of several studies demonstrating that PDT, OT in the OR, and OT at the BS are equally safe; PDT appears to be most cost effective. Our analysis, however, does reveal several options for decreasing the cost of bedside tracheotomy to allow this procedure to be even more cost effective than PDT.

Stuart, K. A., H. Krakauer, et al. (2001). "Labor epidurals improve outcomes for babies of mothers at high risk for unscheduled cesarean section." J Perinatol 21(3): 178-85.
CONTEXT: Epidural placement for labor in the general population of laboring women is associated with increased incidence of operative deliveries, prolongation of labor, and may be associated with an increased cesarean section rate. The risks and benefits associated with epidural placement for labor in the subpopulation of mothers at high risk for cesarean section have not been studied. OBJECTIVE: To determine if a population of mothers and babies at high risk for cesarean section will have improved outcomes with labor epidural placement. DESIGN: A decision and cost analysis examining epidural placement for labor on a population of women who are at high risk for unscheduled cesarean section and may benefit from scheduled cesarean section as determined by threshold analysis was performed. Outcomes and probabilities were determined through analysis of the Department of Defense's 1996 National Quality Management Program (NQMP) Birth Product Line data set containing more than 7000 deliveries. Outcomes were defined using variables comprised of all documented conditions that occurred during the peripartum and neonatal hospitalizations. The 1997 NQMP data set was used to validate the results. SETTING: Military Treatment Facilities throughout the United States and abroad and civilian facilities in the United States providing care to military dependents. PATIENT POPULATION: Active duty and dependent pregnant women and babies. RESULTS: About 8% of mothers in this patient population were found to be at high risk for cesarean section. The decision and cost analyses showed that babies of the high risk mothers who received epidurals for labor had better clinical outcomes (p<0.05) and the procedure was cost neutral (p=0.23). The procedure did not increase the frequency of cesarean section, and there was no effect on maternal outcomes scores. These results were confirmed by the validation study. CONCLUSIONS: There is a sizable subpopulation of women at high risk for cesarean section whose babies may have better outcomes with epidural placement with no sacrifice in maternal outcomes or costs.

Bauer, M., A. Bach, et al. (2001). "[Inhalation anesthetics in financial contexts]." Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 36(6): 373-7.

Splinter, W. M. and L. A. Isaac (2001). "The pharmacoeconomics of neuromuscular blocking drugs: a perioperative cost-minimization strategy in children." Anesth Analg 93(2): 339-44 , 3rd contents page.
The purpose of this investigation was to compare the costs of intermediate-acting neuromuscular blocking drugs in children during routine ambulatory surgery. We studied 200 healthy, 2-10-yr-old children undergoing elective dental restorative surgery. During Part 1 of the study, children received an inhaled anesthetic with halothane and nitrous oxide, whereas in Part 2, the anesthetic was IV propofol with nitrous oxide. The study drugs were atracurium, cisatracurium, mivacurium, rocuronium, and vecuronium. Patients were initially administered 2x the effective dose for 95% of the study drug. After recovery to 10% of baseline neuromuscular function, the neuromuscular blockade was rigidly maintained with an infusion of the study drug at about 10% of baseline function. Neuromuscular drug costs were approximated as drug usage x cost/unit. The initial drug costs were not substantially different for both Parts 1 and 2, but over time, mivacurium became the most expensive drug and cisatracurium the least expensive. In conclusion, based on current costs, cisatracurium is the least expensive intermediate-acting neuromuscular drug. IMPLICATIONS: For children undergoing minor ambulatory procedures of 1-2 h, and continuous intraoperative neuromuscular blockade is indicated, cisatracurium currently is the least expensive drug.

Smith, I. (2001). "Cost considerations in the use of anaesthetic drugs." Pharmacoeconomics 19(5 Pt 1): 469-81.
Anaesthetic drugs typically comprise approximately 5% or less of a hospital pharmacy budget, yet they are a common target for cost reduction measures. In particular, there is considerable pressure to use less costly products where alternatives exist and to limit the introduction of expensive new items. In considering strategies to reduce a departmental drug budget, or in defending against restrictions imposed from outside, it is important to consider all of the costs associated with anaesthetic drug delivery. These costs comprise not only the expense of the anaesthetic drugs themselves, but also fixed and variable costs associated with their delivery and related to their effects. Elimination of drug waste will always be beneficial, since it has no direct effect on the patient yet clearly reduces cost. Waste is by no means confined to anaesthetic drugs, however. Using less expensive drugs may appear an attractive option and can reduce costs, provided that patient outcome is in no way affected. Rarely is this the case. Once patient care is modified, through changes in recovery times or complication rates, determining the true cost of the intervention becomes essential; there may be increases in indirect costs which dwarf the apparent savings. Sometimes indirect costs will rise by a lesser amount than savings in direct costs, such that there is still an overall benefit but less than that originally anticipated. Exactly how indirect effects result in indirect costs is highly variable. The requirement for additional drugs or supplies to treat an adverse event, such as emesis, will always have an associated cost. Delayed recovery or prolonged hospital stay will waste operating room time or increase the amount of time that a patient requires nursing care, but whether this carries an associated cost depends on what the staff would otherwise have been doing. Depending on the employment method, staff may have been sent home early (with less pay) or employed at identical cost but with less to do. Many studies which purport to consider all costs either ignore such issues, or make invalid assumptions. These issues are complex, but anyone involved with decisions concerning anaesthetic costs should be familiar with the underlying principles and be able to make a rational assessment of the likely indirect costs in their own institution.

Groudine, S. B. (2001). "The costs of Medicare compliance." Anesthesiology 94(5): 937-8.

Bauer, M., A. Bach, et al. (2001). "Cost optimization in anaesthesia." Minerva Anestesiol 67(4): 284-9.
As a result of the progress which has been made in medicine and technology and the increase in morbidity associated this demographic development, the need and thus the costs for medical care have increased as well. The financial resources which are available for medical care, however, are still limited and hence the funds which are available must be distributed more efficiently. Cost optimisation measures can help make better use of the profitability reserves in hospitals. The authors show how costs can be optimised in the anaesthesiology department of a clinic. Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of the new inhalation anaesthetics shows an example of how the cost structures in anaesthesia can be made more obvious and potential ways savings be implemented. To reduce material and personnel costs, a more rational means of internal process management is presented. According to cost-effectiveness analysis, medications are not divided into the categories inexpensive and expensive but rather cost-effective or non-cost-effective. By selecting a cost-effective drug it is possible to reduce cost at a hospital. For example, sevoflurane at a fresh gas flow of below 3 l/min has been shown to be a cost-effective inhalation anaesthetic which, in terms of the economics, is also superior to intravenous anaesthesia with propofol. In addition to these measures of reducing material costs, other examples are given of how personnel costs can be reduced by optimising work procedures: e.g. effective operating theatre co-ordination, short switchover times by overlapping anaesthesia induction and the use of multifunctional personnel. The gain in productivity which is a result of these measures can positively affect profits, and by optimising the organisation of procedures to shorten the times required to carry out a procedure, costs can be reduced.

Dexter, F., R. H. Epstein, et al. (2001). "A statistical analysis of weekday operating room anesthesia group staffing costs at nine independently managed surgical suites." Anesth Analg 92(6): 1493-8.
At many surgical suites, surgeons and patients schedule elective cases on whatever future workday they choose, resulting in there being no limit on the number of cases performed each day. Staff are then scheduled in the manner that satisfies the marketing guarantee to the surgeons, satisfies labor contracts, and minimizes staffing costs. We assessed weekday nurse anesthesia group staffing at nine such suites to determine whether statistical methods can identify staffing solutions whereby all the cases are covered but for which staffing costs are less than those obtained using the staffing plans implemented by anesthesia groups' managers. Two years of operating room information system case duration and staffing data were analyzed. First- and second-shift staffing was assessed using previously published algorithms. The statistical methods identified staffing solutions with significantly decreased labor costs than those currently being used at eight of the nine surgical suites. The statistical methods relied more on overtime than second-shift staffing. The incremental decrease in staffing costs achievable by using overlapping 8-, 10-, and 13-h shifts was negligible. Overall, we found that statistical methods can identify, for some surgical suites, staffing solutions whereby all the cases are covered but for which costs are significantly less and productivity significantly more than those obtained using the plans developed by the managers based on their experience and the data. IMPLICATIONS: Statistical methods can identify, for some surgical suites, anesthesia staffing solutions whereby all the cases are covered but for which labor costs are significantly less than those obtained using the staffing plans developed by the managers based on data and their experience.

O'Connor, M. F., S. M. Daves, et al. (2001). "BIS monitoring to prevent awareness during general anesthesia." Anesthesiology 94(3): 520-2.
BACKGROUND: Unexpected awareness is a rare but well-described complication of general anesthesia that has received increased scientific and media attention in the past few years. Transformed electroencephalogram monitors, such as the Bispectral Index monitor, have been advocated as tools to prevent unexpected recall. METHODS: The authors conducted a power analysis to estimate how many patients would be needed in an appropriately powered study to demonstrate the Bispectral Index monitor reduces awareness, as well as a cost analysis to assess the cost of using the monitor for this purpose alone. RESULTS: If unexpected recall is rare (1 in 20,000), it will require a large study to demonstrate that the monitor reduces awareness (200,000-800,000 patients), and the cost of using it for this purpose alone would be high ($400,000 per case prevented). If awareness is common (1 in 100), then the number of patients needed in a study to demonstrate that the monitor works becomes tractable (1,000-4,000 patients), and the cost of using the monitor for this purpose alone becomes lower ($2,000 per case prevented). Because there are reported cases of awareness despite Bispectral Index monitoring, the authors are certain that the effectiveness of the monitor is less than 100%. As the performance of the monitor decreases from 100%, the size of the study needed to demonstrate that it works increases, as does the cost of using it to prevent awareness. CONCLUSION: The contention that Bispectral Index monitoring reduces the risk of awareness is unproven, and the cost of using it for this indication is currently unknown.

Elliot, R. A. (2001). "The economics of anaesthesia." Eur J Anaesthesiol 18(4): 205-7.

Kern-Jeandel, D., S. Sacrista, et al. (2001). "[Is the use of sevoflurane in closed circuit in pediatric anesthesia really an economy?]." Ann Fr Anesth Reanim 20(3): 305.

Pate-Cornell, E. (1999). "Medical application of engineering risk analysis and anesthesia patient risk illustration." Am J Ther 6(5): 245-55.
The engineering risk analysis method can be extended to include some human and organizational factors and can be used in the medical domain; this transfer is illustrated by a description of a study of anesthesia patient risk. This study involves first a dynamic analysis of accident risks. The model is then extended by relating the basic events of accident scenarios to the state of the practitioner described by the probability of personal problems that may affect his or her level of competence and alertness. These potential problems, in turn, are linked (by probabilistic relations) to the way the system is managed. This extension of the analytical framework allows assessment of the effect of particular types of practitioner problems and therefore of corresponding risk mitigation measures on the probability of the different accident scenarios. The risk analysis model can then be used as a management tool that permits setting priorities among patient safety measures, based either on the sole benefits of the corresponding decrease of patient risk or on a cost-to-benefit ratio. This probabilistic approach constitutes a departure from the classic risk studies exclusively based on statistical frequencies because it involves both available statistics and expert opinions. It is commonly used in engineering for systems for which there is not enough information at the time when decisions need to be made. I show here how the probabilistic model can be used in the medical field to support patient safety decisions before complete data sets can be gathered or in cases in which some key factors are not directly observable.

Koch, T. (2001). "[Effectiveness and cost-benefit ratio of regional anesthesia procedures]." Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 36(3): 178-80.

Dexter, F. and A. Macario (2001). "Optimal number of beds and occupancy to minimize staffing costs in an obstetrical unit?" Can J Anaesth 48(3): 295-301.
PURPOSE: We describe how the science of analyzing patient arrival and discharge data can be used to determine the optimal number of staffed OB beds to minimize labour costs. METHODS: The number of staffed beds represents a balance between having as few staffed beds as possible to care properly for parturients vs having enough capacity to assure available staff for new admissions. The times of admission and discharge of patients from the OB unit can be used to calculate an average census. From this average census, and the properties of the Poisson distribution, the optimal number of staffed beds can be estimated. This calculation requires specification of the risk of having all in-house and on-call staff caring for patients, such that additional staff are unavailable should another parturient arrive. As an example, patient admission and discharge times were obtained for 777 successive patients cared for at an obstetrical unit. The numbers of patients present in the OB unit each two-hour period were calculated and analyzed statistically. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: There was variation in the average census among hours of the day and days of the week. Poisson distributions fit the data for each of four periods throughout the week. Simply benchmarking the current average occupancy and comparing it to a desired occupancy would have been inadequate as this neglected consideration of the risk of being unable to appropriately care for an additional patient. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal number of beds and occupancy of an OB unit to minimize staffing costs can be determined using straightforward statistical methods.

Chilvers, C. R., A. Goodwin, et al. (2001). "Selective spinal anesthesia for outpatient laparoscopy. V: pharmacoeconomic comparison vs general anesthesia." Can J Anaesth 48(3): 279-83.
PURPOSE: To compare the cost and effectiveness of small-dose spinal anesthesia (SP) with general anesthesia (GA) for outpatient laparoscopy. METHODS: A retrospective record analysis of 24 patients who received SP were compared with 28 patients who received GA in our Daycare centre. The costs of anesthesia and recovery were calculated, from an institutional perspective, using 1997 Canadian Dollar values. Effectiveness was measured in terms of time for anesthesia and recovery, and postoperative antiemetic and analgesic requirements. RESULTS: Both groups were well matched for age, weight, duration and type of surgery. The mean total cost for the SP group of $53.45 +/- 10.40 was no different from that for the GA group of $48.92 +/- 10.25 (95% CI -10.3, 1.2). Time to administer anesthesia was longer in the SP group with a mean time of 18 +/- 8 min compared with 10 +/- 3 min in the GA group (CI -11.3, -4.7). Recovery time in the PACU was longer in the SP group 123 +/- 51 min compared with 94 +/- 48 min (CI -56.6,-1.4). Postoperative antiemetic requirements were similar: 8% in SP group vs 14% in GA group, whereas analgesic requirements were less in the SP group with 25% receiving analgesia compared with 75% in the GA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The total cost of anesthesia and recovery using SP is similar to that for GA when used for outpatient laparoscopy. Spinal anesthesia was less effective than GA in time to administer anesthesia and in duration of recovery. Postoperative analgesic requirements were reduced using SP.

Reinelt, H., T. Marx, et al. (2001). "Xenon expenditure and nitrogen accumulation in closed-circuit anaesthesia." Anaesthesia 56(4): 309-11.
The high price of xenon has prevented its use in routine, clinic anaesthetic practice. Xenon therefore has to be delivered by closed-circuit anaesthesia. The accumulation of nitrogen is a significant problem within the closed circuit and necessitates flushing, which in turn increases gas expenditure and costs. In previous investigations, nitrogen concentrations between 12% and 16% have been reported in closed-circuit anaesthesia. In order to avoid such nitrogen accumulation, we denitrogenised seven pigs using a non-rebreathing system and connected the animals to a system primed with a xenon/oxygen mixture. In comparison, seven pigs were anaesthetised with xenon using a standard low-flow anaesthetic procedure. Anaesthesia time was 2 h. Nitrogen concentrations in the closed system ranged from 0.08 to 7.04% and were not significantly different from those observed during low-flow anaesthesia. Closed-circuit anaesthesia reduced the xenon expenditure 10-fold compared with low-flow anaesthesia.

Epple, J., J. Kubitz, et al. (2001). "Comparative analysis of costs of total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol and remifentanil vs. balanced anaesthesia with isoflurane and fentanyl." Eur J Anaesthesiol 18(1): 20-8.
BACKGROUND AND AIM: We evaluated the costs and benefits of total intravenous anaesthesia compared with a balanced anaesthesia regimen. METHODS: One-hundred and twenty-four patients undergoing cataract surgery were randomized to either a propofol/remifentanil or an isoflurane/fentanyl group. In the propofol/remifentanil group, both drugs were used for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia; in the isoflurane/fentanyl group, anaesthesia was induced with etomidate and fentanyl and maintained with isoflurane and fentanyl. All patients received mivacurium for muscle relaxation and the lungs were ventilated mechanically. The use of propofol and remifentanil resulted in a faster emergence and an overall savings per case of [symbol: see text] 12.25 due to a reduction in personnel costs which outweighs the higher drug acquisition costs. RESULTS: In the propofol and remifentanil group, more patients were satisfied and would accept the same anaesthetic again. CONCLUSION: We conclude that propofol and remifentanil is more cost-effective than isoflurane/fentanyl due to its better recovery profile, reduced total direct costs and higher patient satisfaction.

Yeo, K. S., S. W. Kua, et al. (2001). "The use of thiopentone/propofol admixture for laryngeal mask airway insertion." Anaesth Intensive Care 29(1): 38-42.
An admixture of thiopentone and propofol was evaluated against propofol for laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion. Eighty-one ASA 1 and 2 18- to 65-year-old patients, premedicated with 7.5 mg midazolam orally were assigned randomly to receive either propofol 1% or an admixture of thiopentone and propofol (1.25% and 0.5% respectively), both at a dose of 0.25 ml x kg(-1). Satisfactory conditions for insertion were achieved with the admixture, which was comparable to propofol (73% vs 85%, P>0.05). There was no statistical difference in the incidence or severity of gagging, coughing, inadequate jaw relaxation and laryngospasm. The incidence of hypotension was lower in the admixture group (51% vs 78%, P=0.02). The duration of apnoea was not different between the admixture and propofol group (mean 103s vs 109s respectively, P>0.05). We conclude that thiopentone/propofol admixture can be a suitable alternative to propofol for LMA insertion, producing less hypotension while allowing cost savings of up to 45%. An admixture of thiopentone and propofol (1.25% and 0.5% respectively) can produce suitable conditions compared to propofol 1%, for laryngeal mask insertion. In addition to cost containment, the admixture also produces less hypotension.

Naraynsingh, V., D. Maharaj, et al. (2001). "Cost-effective carotid endarterectomy." Br J Surg 88(3): 469-70.

Gress, F., C. Schmitt, et al. (2001). "Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus block for managing abdominal pain associated with chronic pancreatitis: a prospective single center experience." Am J Gastroenterol 96(2): 409-16.
OBJECTIVE: In our previous randomized trial, we suggested a possible role for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided celiac plexus block in the treatment of abdominal pain associated with chronic pancreatitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our prospective experience with EUS-guided celiac plexus block for controlling pain attributed to chronic pancreatitis, including follow-up on response rates and complications. METHODS: All subjects enrolled had documented chronic pancreatitis by ERCP and EUS criteria and presented with chronic abdominal pain unresponsive to current treatment options. All were treated with EUS-guided celiac plexus block under the guidance of linear array endosonography using a 22-gauge FNA needle (GIP, Mediglobe Inc., Tempe, AZ) inserted on each side of the celiac area, followed by injection of 10 cc bupivacaine (0.25%) and 3 cc (40 mg) triamcinolone on each side of the celiac plexus. Individual pain scores, based on a visual analog scale (0-10), were determined preblock and postblock by a nurse at 2, 7, 14 days and monthly thereafter. Subjects also rated their overall comfort level during the EUS procedure. RESULTS: EUS-guided celiac plexus block was performed in 90 subjects (40 males, 50 females) having a mean age of 45 yr (range 17-76 yr) between July 1, 1995 and December 30, 1996. A significant improvement in overall pain scores occurred in 55% (50/90) of patients. The mean pain score decreased from 8 to 2 post EUS celiac block at both 4 and 8 wk follow-up (p < 0.05). In 26% of patients there was persistent benefit beyond 12 wk, and 10% still had persistent benefit at 24 wk, including three patients who were pain-free between 35 and 48 wk. Younger patients (<45 yr of age) and those having previous pancreatic surgery for chronic pancreatitis were unlikely to respond to the EUS-guided celiac block. Three patients experienced diarrhea post EUS celiac block, which resolved in 7-10 days; however, it is unclear whether this diarrhea was due to the block or to refractory disease. A cost comparison between the EUS ($1200) and CT ($1400) techniques shows the EUS celiac block to be less costly and perhaps more cost efficient in a subset of subjects. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided celiac plexus block appears to be safe, effective, and economical for controlling pain in some patients with chronic pancreatitis. Younger patients (<45 yr) and those having prior pancreatic surgery for chronic pancreatitis do not appear to benefit from this technique. Prophylactic antibiotics should be considered if acid suppressing agents are being taken.

Kleinschmidt, S., U. Grundmann, et al. (2000). "[Anesthesia with remifentanil combined with desflurane or sevoflurane in lumbar intervertebral disk operations]." Anaesthesiol Reanim 25(6): 151-7.
Recovery characteristics, haemodynamic profile, analgesic requirement and costs were evaluated and compared in patients undergoing elective lumbar discectomy with remifentanil-based anaesthesia using either desflurane or sevoflurane as the volatile anaesthetic agent. Sixty-two patients (ASA I/II status) were randomly assigned to receive either desflurane and remifentanil or sevoflurane and remifentanil (in oxygen/air) for anaesthesia. After induction with 0.5 microgram/kg/min remifentanil, 4 to 5 mg/kg thiopentone and 0.5 mg/kg atracurium, the patients received 0.25 microgram/kg/min remifentanil and 0.5 +/- 0.05 MAC of one of the volatile anaesthetic agents for further maintenance of anaesthesia. At the end of surgery, early emergence from anaesthesia was recorded by assessing the time to sufficient spontaneous respiration, eye opening and tracheal extubation. The total demand of piritramide in the postoperative period was determined using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA device). Quality of pain therapy was assessed via a verbal ranking scale (VRS). Side-effects such as postoperative nausea, vomiting or shivering were recorded in the postanaesthetic care unit. In both groups, the haemodynamic profile was nearly identical. Mean arterial pressure (-18%) and heart rate (-23%) were significantly reduced throughout anaesthesia in both groups. All recovery parameters were significantly shorter in the desflurane group in comparison with the sevoflurane group (e.g. time to tracheal extubation: 8.5 +/- 3.0 min vs. 11.9 +/- 4.6 min). No significant differences between the groups were observed concerning the amount of piritramide required, side-effects such as nausea and vomiting or the total cost of anaesthesia. In conclusion, both anaesthetic techniques provide adequate haemodynamic stability and postoperative pain control in a surgical procedure with minimal trauma. Incidence and severity of side-effects such as nausea, vomiting or shivering did not differ between the groups and were acceptable under clinical conditions. Costs for desflurane were significantly higher than those for sevoflurane, but total costs were not different between the groups. Concerning recovery profile, desflurane/remifentanil seems to have small advantages over sevoflurane/remifentanil in patients undergoing lumbar vertebral disc resection.

Vaagenes, P., D. Helgo, et al. (2000). "[Day surgery of hernia]." Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 120(28): 3386-9.
INTRODUCTION: Reduced economic resources have been a stimulus for increased day-case surgery, and an incentive for improving surgical technique and anaesthetic methods. In hernia surgery it is important to avoid recurrence and reoperation, which seems to be more easily achieved by the use of mesh prosthetics. For anaesthesia, costs may possibly be reduced by the use of spinal blockade instead of general anaesthesia, but also local infiltration anaesthesia is regaining popularity. We found it appropriate to evaluate and compare relevant factors associated with the use of these two anaesthetic techniques in our day-case surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Evaluation and analysis of the anaesthetic and postoperative notes on 413 adult patients with inguinal hernia operated in local anaesthesia and 121 patients operated in spinal anaesthesia. RESULTS: Cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological problems were more frequent and more severe in the spinal than in the local anaesthesia group, whereas the need for extra analgesia and sedation perioperatively was higher in the local group. Time spent in the operating room was shorter, and early ambulation appeared to lead to less discomfort in the local anaesthesia group. INTERPRETATION: The results indicate that local infiltration is a safe, simple and effective technique when used for operations of abdominal hernias in adult patients, and can be recommended for day-case surgery of reducible inguinal hernias.

Oral, H., B. P. Knight, et al. (2000). "Cost analysis of transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation with and without ibutilide pretreatment." J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 5(4): 259-66.
BACKGROUND: Ibutilide may result in chemical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and facilitates transthoracic cardioversion by lowering the defibrillation energy requirement. Whether routine pretreatment with ibutilide increases or decreases the cost of cardioversion is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare the cost of outpatient transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation with and without ibutilide pretreatment. METHODS: Using a model based on published literature and hospital accounting information, a hypothetical group of 100 patients with atrial fibrillation and a left ventricular ejection fraction >0.30 underwent 2 strategies of outpatient cardioversion: transthoracic cardioversion with and without routine pretreatment with 1 mg ibutilide, and with and without involvement of an anesthesiologist for sedation. If transthoracic cardioversion was unsuccessful in patients who did not receive ibutilide, transthoracic cardioversion was repeated after administration of ibutilide. RESULTS: If an anesthesiologist was involved, transthoracic cardioversion with ibutilide was associated with incremental cost-savings as the efficacy of ibutilide alone in restoring sinus rhythm increased above the critical values of 20%, 27%, and 35% when the efficacy of transthoracic cardioversion alone was 60%, 80%, and 100%, respectively. In the absence of an anesthesiologist, routine pretreatment with ibutilide increased the cost of cardioversion at all success rates of transthoracic cardioversion. CONCLUSIONS: In the presence of an anesthesiologist, whether or not routine pretreatment with ibutilide lowers the mean cost of cardioversion is determined by the success rates of chemical cardioversion with ibutilide and transthoracic cardioversion. In the absence of an anesthesiologist, ibutilide pretreatment increases the cost of cardioversion.

Tazi, K., S. M. Moudouni, et al. (2000). "[Percutaneous nephrostomy: indications, techniques and results. Retrospective study of 81 cases]." Ann Urol (Paris) 34(6): 391-7.
A retrospective study has been made of 81 cases of percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) which were treated during the period 1989-1998. The mean patient age was 41 years (age range: 21-66 years). The reasons for the diversion via nephrostomy catheter were oligoanuria (43 cases), pyonephrosis (34 cases), and evaluation of renal function (four cases). The initial disease was found to be malignant in 23.25% of cases of oligoanuria, with six cancers of the cervix, three bladder cancers and one prostate cancer. Lithiasis was the main etiology in subjects with benign disease, and was the causative factor of oligoanuria in 55.8% and pyonephrosis in 67.6% of cases, i.e., a total of 47 cases (58%). PCN catheter placement was successfully carried out in 100% of cases, and resulted in improved renal function, and/or in the treatment of the initial infectious syndrome in the majority of cases. PCN is an excellent technique for upper urinary tract drainage due to its simplicity, efficacy, ease of insertion, low cost and satisfactory results. It is a minimally invasive technique, which necessitates only the use of a local anesthetic, a sound knowledge of the human anatomy involved, a trained operator and a minimum of material.

Thomson, I. R., G. Harding, et al. (2000). "A comparison of fentanyl and sufentanil in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery." J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 14(6): 652-6.
OBJECTIVE: To compare fentanyl and sufentanil, administered in equipotent concentrations by target-controlled infusion, as components of a balanced anesthetic in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial. SETTING: A university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one patients undergoing nonemergent, primary CABG surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients received fentanyl (group F, n = 10) or sufentanil (group S, n = 11) by target-controlled infusion throughout the pre-cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) period. To ensure equipotency, the target effect-site concentrations employed (fentanyl, 8.1 ng/mL, and sufentanil, 0.68 ng/mL) were equal to the IC50 for electroencephalographic effect. Isoflurane was administered as needed to maintain pre-CPB hemodynamics near preoperative baseline values. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Hemodynamics and end-tidal isoflurane concentration were measured every 15 to 30 seconds. Serum opioid concentrations were measured 5 times between induction and CPB. Opioid cost was based on the number of ampules opened to provide the administered dose. The 2 groups were similar demographically. The pre-CPB serum opioid concentrations were constant and averaged fentanyl, 5.8 +/- 1.9 ng/mL, and sufentanil, 0.59 +/- 0.13 ng/mL. Pre-CPB hemodynamics were stable and similar in both groups. Pre-CPB end-tidal isoflurane requirements did not differ between groups and averaged 0.46 +/- 0.21% in group F and 0.56 +/- 0.24% in group S. The duration of post-operative endotracheal intubation was 9.1 +/- 5.0 hours in group F and 8.0 +/- 3.2 hours in group S (p = NS). The cost per patient of fentanyl (Canadian $6.12 +/- 1.04) was less than that of sufentanil (Canadian $17.47 +/- 4.65). CONCLUSIONS: When administered in a constant 10:1 concentration ratio, fentanyl and sufentanil do not differ in their ability to facilitate pre-CPB hemodynamic control. Although both opioids were relatively inexpensive, the acquisition cost of fentanyl was less than sufentanil. A recommendation regarding the opioid of choice for routine use in patients undergoing CABG surgery awaits more rigorous studies of recovery and cost after equipotent doses of fentanyl and sufentanil. When combined with isoflurane, effect-site opioid concentrations near the IC50 for electroencephalographic effect provide excellent pre-CPB hemodynamic control in patients undergoing CABG surgery.

Beers, R. A., J. R. Calimlim, et al. (2000). "A comparison of the cost-effectiveness of remifentanil versus fentanyl as an adjuvant to general anesthesia for outpatient gynecologic surgery." Anesth Analg 91(6): 1420-5.
The unique pharmacokinetic properties of remifentanil make it a potentially useful adjuvant during general anesthesia for ambulatory surgery. Fentanyl, inexpensive and easy to administer, is the most common opioid used for this purpose. As an adjuvant to general anesthesia for outpatient gynecologic surgery, we questioned if remifentanil was cost-effective as an alternative to fentanyl. Thirty-four patients undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy or hysteroscopy were prospectively and randomly assigned to a standard practice (n = 18) or a study (n = 16) group. Standard practice patients received fentanyl (3 microg/kg) before induction; study patients received remifentanil by continuous infusion (0.5 microg x kg. min(-1) at induction, then 0.2 microg x kg x min(-1)). Sevoflurane was titrated to a Bispectral index value of 40-55. We investigated recovery profiles, patient and health care professional satisfaction, and drug costs. The incidence of rescue antiemetic treatment (2 of 16 vs. 8 of 18; P = 0.013) and the nausea visual analog scale scores during second stage recovery (0.2 vs. 0.6; P = 0.044) were more frequent in the study group. However, the incidence of intraoperative adverse events and other postoperative sequelae, recovery times, pain and nausea visual analog scale scores, opioid analgesic dosage requirements in the postanesthetic care unit, and satisfaction survey responses were similar between groups. Perioperative drug costs per patient were $17.72 more in the remifentanil (vs. fentanyl) group.

Edomwonyi, N. P., M. O. Obiaya, et al. (2000). "A study of co-induction of anaesthesia U.B.T.H. experience." West Afr J Med 19(2): 132-6.
Co-induction is the concurrent administration of two or more drugs that facilitate induction of anaesthesia. Some combinations have been shown to have pharmacological advantages. In addition to the safety and comfort of the patient, it is also important to find a cost effective combination in view of the rather stringent economy of the times. This project was undertaken to study the response of Nigerian patients to co-induction (midazolam and propofol) by comparison with the traditional thiopentone or propofol alone, and to study the cost implications. 45 patients who came in for various surgical procedures were randomly assigned to three different groups. The first group was induced with thiopentone alone. The second group had a combination of midazolam and propofol and the third group had propofol alone. In all other respects except for the surgery the patients had the same treatment. The induction was satisfactory in all groups. The cardiovascular and respiratory changes were within clinically acceptable limits but the emergence was best with propofol, followed by midazolam/propofol and thiopentone in that order. Although thiopentone was the cheapest in terms of absolute cost, the combination of midazolam and propofol was most cost-effective.

Kendell, J., J. A. Wildsmith, et al. (2000). "Costing anaesthetic practice. An economic comparison of regional and general anaesthesia for varicose vein and inguinal hernia surgery." Anaesthesia 55(11): 1106-13.
A computerised database of operating theatre activity was used to estimate the costs of regional and general anaesthesia for varicose vein and inguinal hernia surgery. Data retrieved for each procedure included the anaesthetic technique and drugs used, and the duration of anaesthesia, surgery and recovery. The costs of anaesthetic drugs and disposables, salary costs of the anaesthetic personnel and maintenance costs for anaesthetic equipment were considered. Drugs and disposables accounted for approximately 25% of the total cost of an anaesthetic. Anaesthetic times were 5 min longer for regional anaesthesia, but recovery times were 10 min shorter following regional anaesthesia for varicose vein surgery. Staff costs were dependent on the length of time each staff member spent with the patient. Although the number of cases was small, provision of a field block and sedation for inguinal hernia repair was considerably cheaper than other anaesthetic techniques.

Biddle, C. (2000). "The cost effectiveness of anesthesia workforce models: the creation of a procrustean bed." Anesth Analg 91(5): 1312-3.

Martin-Sheridan, D. (2000). "The cost effectiveness of anesthesia workforce models: a critique." Anesth Analg 91(5): 1312.

Brodner, G., N. Mertes, et al. (2000). "Acute pain management: analysis, implications and consequences after prospective experience with 6349 surgical patients." Eur J Anaesthesiol 17(9): 566-75.
An acute pain service (APS) was set up to improve pain management after operation. We attempted to reduce the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) of patients undergoing major surgery and to improve their homeostasis and rehabilitation using a multimodal approach (pain relief, stress reduction, early extubation). Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) was a keystone of this approach. If PCEA was not applicable, patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) instead. Brachial plexus blockade (BPB) was used for surgery of the upper limbs. A computer based documentation system was used to help evaluate prospectively (a) the quality of analgesia, (b) adverse effects and risks of the special pain management techniques, and (c) cost-effectiveness. Patients receiving PCEA (n = 5.602) received a patient-titrated continuous infusion into the epidural space of either bupivacaine 0.175% or ropivacaine 0.2%, with 1 microg sufentanil mL(-1) added, followed by patient-controlled boluses of 2 mL (lockout time 20 min). For patients receiving PCIA (n = 634) an initial bolus of 7.5-15 mg piritramide was given, and the subsequent bolus was 2 mg (lockout time 10 min). A continuous infusion of bupivacaine 0.25% was administered to patients receiving BPB (n = 113). The dose was titrated to a dynamic visual analogue scale (VAS) scores < 40. The mean treatment periods were: BPB = 4.33 days, PCEA = 5.6 days, PCIA = 5.0 days. In the case of PCEA, the quality of pain relief, vigilance and satisfaction were superior compared with the PCIA method, which resulted in greater sedation and nausea. Although personal supervision was higher for the PCEA-treated patients, cost analysis revealed final savings of Euro 91,620 for the year 1998 obviating the need for an ICU stay totalling 433 days. Provided that PCEA is part of a fast-track protocol employing early tracheal extubation and optimal perioperative management, the associated initial higher costs will be recouped by the benefits to patients of better pain relief after surgery and fewer days subsequently spent in the ITU.

Ortega, A., C. Sarobe, et al. (2000). "Cost analysis of neuromuscular blocking agents in the operating room: cisatracurium, atracurium, vecuronium and rocuronium." Pharm World Sci 22(3): 82-7.
Cisatracurium (C), Atracurium (A), Rocuronium (R) and Vecuronium (V) are four neuromuscular blockers (NMB) used in the operating room with similar efficacy, defined as adequate muscle relaxation, but different pharmacokinetics. C and A have organ-independent elimination, A is associated with histamine release and R has a shorter onset time. The objective of this study was to economically compare these four NMB from the hospital point of view in order to facilitate drug selection. A cost analysis was performed. Only direct costs were considered and data were collected through a retrospective chart review. A total of 151 patient charts were randomly selected. Differences between patients receiving one of the four NMB were evaluated by ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Then a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. In the chart review, no significant difference was observed between the four groups of patients in age, weight or surgery duration (p > 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that atracurium was on average PTA 237 (1 Euro = PTA 166) cheaper per surgery than any other NMB after adjusting for other factors (p < 0.01) and there is no significant difference in cost between the other three NMBs (p > 0.1). We recommend the use of rocuronium when a quick onset is needed and the patient does not have hepatic failure, cisatracurium when a haemodynamic instability is possible and atracurium in the remaining cases. If just one NMB can be included in the drug formulary we would select cisatracurium due to its pharmacological advantages over atracurium with a small increment in cost.

Khalfaoui, F., N. Gharbi, et al. (2000). "[Plastic surgery in ambulatory practice]." Tunis Med 78(4): 251-3.
We have analysed 283 patient studies operated of ambulatory during the last two years. These patients represent only 12% of the patient group. It's especially a matter of patients operated urgently. The local anaesthesia in the regional local was practised in terms of 90% of cases. The complications where exceptional. We wanted to insist on the necessary guidelines and pitfalls to forget during the practice of that surgery and we wanted to focus on its advantages.

Vallejo, M. C., G. L. Mandell, et al. (2000). "Postdural puncture headache: a randomized comparison of five spinal needles in obstetric patients." Anesth Analg 91(4): 916-20.
This prospective, blinded, randomized study compares the incidence of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) and the epidural blood patch (EBP) rate for five spinal needles when used in obstetric patients. One thousand two women undergoing elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were recruited. We used two cutting needles: 26-gauge Atraucan and 25-gauge Quincke, and three pencil-point needles: 24-gauge Gertie Marx (GM), 24-gauge Sprotte, and 25-gauge Whitacre. The needle for each weekday was chosen randomly. Cutting needles were inserted parallel to the dural fibers. The incidences of PDPH were, respectively, 5%, 8.7%, 4%, 2.8%, and 3.1% for Atraucan, Quincke, GM, Sprotte, and Whitacre needles (P = 0.04, chi(2) analysis), and the corresponding EBP rates in those with PDPH were 55%, 66%, 12.5%, 0%, and 0% (P = 0.000). The Quincke needle had a more frequent PDPH rate than the Sprotte or the Whitacre needle (P = 0.02) and a more frequent EBP rate than the GM, Sprotte, or the Whitacre needle (P = 0.01). The Atraucan needle had a more frequent EBP rate than the Sprotte or Whitacre needle (P = 0.05). Neither the PDPH rate nor the EBP rates differed among the pencil-point needles. The cost of EBP must be taken into consideration when choosing a spinal needle. We conclude that pencil-point spinal needles should be used for subarachnoid anesthesia in obstetric patients.

Song, D., N. B. Greilich, et al. (2000). "Recovery profiles and costs of anesthesia for outpatient unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy." Anesth Analg 91(4): 876-81.
The use of an ilioinguinal-hypogastric nerve block (IHNB) as part of a monitored anesthesia care (MAC) technique has been associated with a rapid recovery profile for outpatients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy procedures. This study was designed to compare the cost-effectiveness of an IHNB-MAC technique with standardized general and spinal anesthetics techniques for inguinal herniorrhaphy in the ambulatory setting. We randomly assigned 81 consenting outpatients to receive IHNB-MAC, general anesthesia, or spinal anesthesia. We evaluated recovery times, 24-h postoperative side effects and associated incremental costs. Compared with general and spinal anesthesia, patients receiving IHNB-MAC had the shortest time-to-home readiness (133+/-68 min vs. 171+/-40 and 280+/-83 min), lowest pain score at discharge (15+/-14 mm vs. 39+/-28 and 34+/-32 mm), and highest satisfaction at 24-h follow-up (75% vs. 36% and 64%). The total anesthetic costs were also the least in the IHNB-MAC group ($132.73+/-33.80 vs. $172.67+/-29.82 and $164.97+/-31.03). We concluded that IHNB-MAC is the most cost-effective anesthetic technique for outpatients undergoing unilateral inguinal herniorrhaphy with respect to speed of recovery, patient comfort, and associated incremental costs.

Suttner, S. and J. Boldt (2000). "Low-flow anaesthesia. Does it have potential pharmacoeconomic consequences?" Pharmacoeconomics 17(6): 585-90.
Healthcare reform has placed increasing pressure on anaesthetists to consider the costs of current anaesthesia strategies. Although the cost of anaesthesia constitutes only a small proportion of total healthcare costs, anaesthetic drug expenditures have been a focus of cost-containment efforts. Low-flow anaesthesia is a simple method of reducing the fresh gas flow rate for anaesthetic gases during inhalational anaesthesia. A knowledge of the pharmacokinetic behaviour of inhaled anaesthetics and the use of modern equipment and monitoring technology meet the requirements for safe application of this anaesthetic technique. Millions of patients receive general anaesthesia each year, and thus the use of this technique could generate substantial savings in anaesthetic drug expenditure without reducing the patient's comfort or increasing adverse events. The new inhaled anaesthetics desflurane and sevoflurane, which have low tissue solubility, provide promising options when used in low-flow anaesthesia. Apart from the economic advantages, low-flow anaesthesia helps to reduce environmental pollution and is associated with several physiological benefits for the patient. Low-flow anaesthesia is a simple but highly effective method of cost minimisation that can be applied to a large number of patients without any compromise in patient care or safety.

McFarlane, M. E. (2000). "Analgesia-sedation for day-case inguinal hernia repair. A review of patient acceptance and morbidity." West Indian Med J 49(2): 158-60.
The objective of this study was to determine whether analgesia-sedation improved patient acceptance of day-case herniorrhaphy and to evaluate the extent of patient morbidity. A total of 98 patients (mean age 34 years, range 17-75 years) were studied before and after herniorrhaphy to determine their response to the procedure. All patients were unpremedicated and underwent herniorrhaphy using a Bassini repair technique with a standard local anaesthetic block. Sedation was obtained with titrated intravenous midazolam(Hypnovel, Roche Products Ltd.) without narcotic analgesia. Patients were evaluated with a simple questionnaire after surgery. The maximum dose of midazolam used was 5 mg (median dose 3.5 mg). Monitoring of vital signs with pulse oximetry during the operative period was routine though oxygen therapy was not required. All patients were able to walk without assistance and were discharged under responsible supervision. Operative morbidity was low (5%). Adverse reactions to the procedure such as nausea, vomiting and headache were not seen. In conclusion, conscious sedation allows amnesia to be achieved with low morbidity in the majority of patients undergoing local anaesthetic procedures. This should result in increased patient acceptance.

Eger, E. I., P. F. White, et al. (2000). "Clinical and economic factors important to anaesthetic choice for day-case surgery." Pharmacoeconomics 17(3): 245-62.
Clinical and economic factors that are important to consider when selecting anaesthesia for day-case surgery can differ from those for inpatient anaesthesia. Patients undergoing day-case surgery tend to be healthier and have shorter durations of surgery. They expect less anxiety before surgery, amnesia for the surgical experience, a rapid return to normal (normal mentation with minimal pain and nausea) after surgery, and lower expenses. However, the latter 2 expectations can conflict; older generic drugs have lower acquisition costs but often impose longer recovery times. Longer recovery periods can increase costs by prolonging the time to discharge from labour-intensive areas such as the operating suite or the post-anaesthesia recovery unit. The challenge for today's anaesthetist is to use newer drugs judiciously to minimise their expense without compromising the rate or quality of recovery. Several approaches can secure these aims. Most apply the least anaesthetic needed. 'Least anaesthetic' may mean the particular form of anaesthetic (e.g. local infiltration with monitored anaesthesia care versus a general anaesthetic), or may mean the delivery of the smallest effective dose, perhaps guided by anaesthetic monitors such as end-tidal analysers or the bispectral index. For patients requiring general anaesthesia, a combination of several drugs usually secures the closest approach to the ideal. Drug combinations used usually include a short-acting properative anxiolytic (e.g. midazolam), intravenous propofol (a short-acting potent anxiolytic and amnestic agent) for induction of anaesthesia (and sometimes for maintenance) and primary maintenance of anaesthesia with inhaled nitrous oxide combined with a poorly soluble (low solubility produces rapid recovery; the least soluble is desflurane) potent inhaled anaesthetic delivered at a low inflow rate (to minimise cost). Although old, nitrous oxide is inexpensive and has favourable pharmacokinetic and cardiovascular advantages; however, it is limited in its anaesthetic/amnestic potency, and has the capacity to increase nausea. In children, induction of anaesthesia is often accomplished with sevoflurane rather than desflurane; although sevoflurane is modestly more soluble than desflurane, it is non-pungent whereas desflurane is pungent. Moderate- or short-acting opioids (fentanyl is popular) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (especially ketorolac), or local anaesthetics are added to secure analgesia during and after surgery. Similarly, when needed, moderate- or short-acting muscle relaxants are selected. Before the end of anaesthesia, an intravenous antiemetic may be given. With this drug combination, patients usually awaken within minutes after anaesthesia and can often move themselves to the vehicle for transport to the recovery unit. These combinations of anaesthetics and techniques minimise use of expensive drugs while expediting recovery (again minimising cost) with minimal or no compromise in the quality of recovery.

Morris, K. T., R. F. Pommier, et al. (2000). "Office-based wire-guided open breast biopsy under local anesthesia is accurate and cost effective." Am J Surg 179(5): 422-5.
BACKGROUND: Mammographic abnormalities found to be malignant by stereotactic biopsy still require a wire-guided biopsy (WGB) in most cases. We have previously described a simplified method of WGB that allows the procedure to be done with a minimum of dissection and under local anesthesia in the office setting. We hypothesized that this procedure can be used to produce cost-effective, office-based breast preservation therapy (BPT). METHODS: We reviewed our recent experience with this WGB method to determine applicability and accuracy in the office setting. A cost-effectiveness analysis was also performed to determine potential charge reductions when this method is used to avoid operating room (OR) usage for either lumpectomy or lumpectomy plus sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). RESULTS: Of the 164 biopsies reviewed, 114 (70%) were performed in the office setting under local anesthesia and 50 (30%) were performed in the OR. The most common reasons for choosing the OR setting included performance of biopsy during an unrelated procedure requiring the OR (16 cases), patient preference (12), deep lesions (6), and the inability of the patient to cooperate with local anesthesia (5). The complication rates were similar between the two settings (7% for office-based and 4% for OR; P = 0.697), and in neither setting were any lesions missed. A cost-effectiveness analysis using our Current Procedure Terminology (CPT)-based charges revealed a potential per-case charge reduction of $4,632 for office-based lumpectomy and $4306 for office-based lumpectomy/SLNB, using our method of WGB and local anesthesia, compared with the OR setting. CONCLUSIONS: Office-based WGB using our previously described method is accurate and can be applied to at least 70% of patients. Based on the favorable results of our cost analysis and rising support for SLNB, we anticipate increased utilization of the clinic setting and local anesthesia for BPT in the future.

Baum, J., B. Sievert, et al. (2000). "[Nitrous oxide free low-flow anesthesia]." Anaesthesiol Reanim 25(3): 60-7.
The routine use of nitrous oxide as a component of the carrier gas has been unanimously called into question in recent surveys, in fact, its use is now recommended in indicated cases only. Whereas a lot of contraindications are listed in the surveys, precise definitions of justified indications are not given. In clinical routine practice, there are absolutely no problems in carrying out inhalational anaesthesia without nitrous oxide. The missing analgetic effect can be compensated for by moderately increasing the additively used amount of opioids, while the missing hypnotic effect can be achieved by raising the expired concentration of the inhalational anaesthetic by not more than 0.2-0.25 x MAC. Thus, when isoflurane is used, an expired concentration of 1.2 vol% is desired, in the case of sevoflurane of 2.2 vol% and with desflurane of 5.0 vol%. In addition, doing without nitrous oxide facilitates the performance of low flow anaesthetic techniques considerably. Since the patient only inhales oxygen and the volatile anaesthetic, the total gas uptake is reduced significantly. Washing out nitrogen is no longer necessary. This means that the initial phase of low flow anaesthesia, during which high fresh gas flows have to be used, can be kept short. Its duration is now determined by the wash-in of the volatile anaesthetic. Since there is no uptake of nitrous oxide, a considerably greater volume of gas is circulating within the breathing system, minimizing the possibility of accidental gas volume deficiency. Thus, if anaesthesia machines with highly gas-tight breathing systems are used, even the performance of non-quantitative closed system anaesthesia becomes possible in routine clinical practice. The carrier gas flow can be reduced to just that amount of oxygen which is really taken up by the patient. This oxygen volume can be roughly calculated by applying the Brody's formula. Using fresh gas flows as low as 0.25 l/min, however, will result in a significant decrease of the output of conventional vaporizers outside the circuit. Thus, it becomes nearly impossible to maintain an expired isoflurane concentration of 1.2 vol%. With respect to their pharmcokinetic properties, the newer low soluble volatile agents sevoflurane and desflurane are better suited for use with flows corresponding to the basal oxygen uptake. Our own clinical experience, gained in the last six months from a trial involving over 1,800 patients, shows that the increase in opioid consumption resulted in additional costs of about 0.25-0.50 DM per patient. The increased concentration of inhalational agents brought additional costs of 3.00 to 5.00 DM for a two-hour anaesthesia. On the other hand, doing without nitrous oxide saved 2.61 DM per one-hour anaesthesia, whereby our consumption of nitrous oxide is extremely low as minimal flow anaesthesia is performed consistently. Furthermore, these calculations disregard the cost of the technical maintenance fo the central gas piping system and of the regular measurement of workplace contamination with nitrous oxide by a certified institute, which in Germany, ad least, is obligatory. The additional costs of nitrous oxide-free inhalational anaesthesia seem to be balanced by the savings. Given the numerous justified arguments against the routine use of nitrous oxide, the lack of precisely-defined indications and the clinical experience showing that doing without nitrous oxide is uncomplicated, self-financing and ecologically beneficial, the use of nitrous oxide should be given up completely.

Fernandez-Gonzalez, F., F. Seijo, et al. (2000). "[Neurophysiological monitoring in the treatment of pain]." Rev Neurol 30(6): 567-76.
INTRODUCTION: The concept of transynaptic deafferentation secondary to a lesion is the basis of the therapeutic criteria of functional neurosurgery. DEVELOPMENT: Pain due to deafferentation requires clinical neurophysiological techniques for characterization, and when appropriate, for localization of the level of the lesion and the ectopic focus or foci which cause the pain syndrome. However, monitoring therapeutic interventions in the pain clinic is an ever increasing need, and obliges the clinical neurophysiologist to master the range of techniques involved in his specialty, so that he can use the most suitable techniques and methods as required by each condition and/or case. The use of techniques such as micro-recordings of the unitary or multiunitary activity of the nerves or nuclei, intracerebral evoked potentials, nociceptive evoked potentials, reflexology, polysomnography and topography, together with techniques such as percutaneous objective localization of deep nerves, allows quantitative evaluation pre-, intra- and postoperative. CONCLUSION: The development of neuromodulation, and in particular of acute or long-term neurostimulation by use of percutaneous techniques, offers an effective therapeutic option in the field of clinical neurophysiology.

Whyman, R. A. (2000). "Dental care for children under general anaesthesia by private dental practitioners in New Zealand." N Z Dent J 96(423): 14-7.
An overall reduction of approximately one-third in the availability of private dental care under general anaesthesia in New Zealand has occurred in the past 5 years. Private dentists providing dental care under general anaesthesia are disproportionately located in Auckland. Specialist anaesthetists or general medical practitioners are used to provide almost all the general anaesthetics; approximately half the dentists providing this service continue to use their dental surgeries for the procedure. Private dentists provide approximately one-third of the dental care under general anaesthesia for children each month in New Zealand, but utilise a greater number of sessions per month than the public-sector hospitals. Fees associated with dental care under general anaesthesia for children provided by private dentists are predominantly privately funded. Barriers to dental care for children provided by private dentists are primarily cost, difficulties for the dentists and anaesthetists to fit a general anaesthetic session into the practising day, and difficulties providing care for children under 3 years of age and for those with medical problems and disabilities.

Suttner, S., J. Boldt, et al. (2000). "Economic aspects of different muscle relaxant regimens." Anasthesiol Intensivmed Notfallmed Schmerzther 35(5): 300-5.
OBJECTIVE: At a time of cost reduction in medical care efforts to manage the ever-increasing costs of new pharmaceutical drugs become increasingly important. Costs of four different muscle relaxant regimens including the new intermediate-acting neuromuscular blocking drugs (NMBD) cisatracurium and rocuronium will be analyzed. METHODS: Eighty patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were prospectively studied. All patients received standardized general anaesthesia with desflurane/fentanyl. Muscle relaxation was achieved with atracurium, cisatracurium, vecuronium, or rocuronium with 20 patients in each group. Intraoperatively muscle relaxants were added to maintain two twitches of the train-of-four (TOF) assessment. RESULTS: There were no differences among the four groups regarding biometric data, duration of surgery and anesthesia, number of patients with reversal of neuromuscular blockade, and time of extubation. Length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and the incidence of side effects were similar in all groups. Total costs of used drugs were significantly lowest in the atracurium-treated patients (per patient: 18.27 Euro) and significantly highest in the cisatracurium group (26.71 Euro) compared with the other groups (vecuronium: 22.61 Euro; rocuronium: 22.63 Euro). CONCLUSION: It is summarized that the use of cisatracurium was associated with higher costs compared to a standard muscle relaxant regimen using atracurium, whereas patient outcome was the same in all study groups. The routine use of the newer NMBDs can only be justified economically, if considerable improvements to clinical practice can be demonstrated.

Movaghar, M., S. Kodsi, et al. (2000). "Probing for nasolacrimal duct obstruction with intravenous propofol sedation." J Aapos 4(3): 179-82.
BACKGROUND: Nasolacrimal duct obstruction occurs in 5% to 6% of neonates. Many studies advocate the probing of nasolacrimal duct obstruction under general inhalational anesthesia in patients at a late age (12 to 13 months) because a high percentage will resolve spontaneously. Others support early surgical intervention in patients aged younger than 6 to 9 months without anesthesia. We present late nasolacrimal duct probing under intravenous propofol sedation as an alternative approach to the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction with a decrease in cost and time compared with probing under general inhalational anesthesia. METHODS: We made a retrospective review of patient charts of children who underwent nasolacrimal duct probing with intravenous propofol sedation from April 1996 to September 1997. Procedure time and cost of procedure were compared for patients who had probings under propofol sedation to patients who had probings under general anesthesia. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients (31 eyes) underwent nasolacrimal duct probing with propofol sedation; the patients' ages ranged from 11.5 to 39 months (average age, 17.8 months). Twenty-six (84%) of 31 eyes had resolution of the symptoms. The average total time for procedure under propofol sedation was 10.5 minutes, compared with 43.6 minutes under general inhalational anesthesia. The average total recovery time under propofol sedation was 13.6 minutes, compared with 121.1 minutes with general inhalational anesthesia. The cost of probing under propofol sedation was one third less than the cost of probing under general inhalational anesthesia. DISCUSSION: Late probing for nasolacrimal duct obstruction under intravenous propofol sedation is comparable in efficacy to late probing under general inhalational anesthesia with a shorter time for the procedure and decreased expense.

Petrou, S., D. Coyle, et al. (2000). "Cost-effectiveness of a delayed pushing policy for patients with epidural anesthesia. The PEOPLE (Pushing Early or Pushing Late with Epidural) Study Group." Am J Obstet Gynecol 182(5): 1158-64.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the economic efficiency of a policy of delayed pushing for nulliparous women who have full dilatation while they are under epidural anesthesia.Study Design: A cost-effectiveness evaluation was based on a randomized controlled trial. Resource use and clinical effectiveness data were collected for 1862 women who were randomly allocated to either a delayed pushing group (n = 936) or an early pushing group (n = 926). Costs (in 1997 Canadian dollars) were collected for each item of resource use. Sensitivity analysis was used to examine the robustness of the main results. RESULTS: Delayed pushing was effective at reducing the number of difficult deliveries (relative risk, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.66 to 0.95). The mean cost of intrapartum care was significantly higher in the delayed pushing group ($625.86 vs $557.64; P <.0005). There were no significant differences in mean costs of postnatal care ($2146.67 vs $2133.54; P =.871) or total hospital care ($2772.53 vs $2691.18; P =.324). The incremental cost per difficult delivery prevented was estimated at $1743.06. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio remained fairly robust with variations in the values of key parameters incorporated into the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this economic evaluation should inform decision makers determining whether to advocate a policy of delayed pushing for nulliparous women who have full dilatation while they are under epidural anesthesia.

Absalom, A. and A. Troy (2000). "Costs of sevoflurane and propofol anaesthesia." Br J Anaesth 84(3): 417-8.

Lake, C. L. (2000). "Fast tracking the paediatric cardiac surgical patient." Paediatr Anaesth 10(3): 231-6.

Miguel, R. (2000). "Interventional treatment of cancer pain: the fourth step in the World Health Organization analgesic ladder?" Cancer Control 7(2): 149-56.
BACKGROUND: For most patients with cancer pain, the World Health Organization's three-step analgesic ladder provides adequate management with oral or transdermal options. However, some cancer patients are not well palliated with these approaches. METHODS: The author reviews interventional options that include nerve blocks, spinal administration of local anesthetics, opioids, alpha-2 agonists, spinal cord stimulation, and surgical interventions. RESULTS: Numerous interventional options are readily accessible and most can be performed on an outpatient basis. They can be used as sole agents for the control of cancer pain or as useful adjuncts to supplement analgesia provided by opioids, thus decreasing opioid dose requirements and side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer-related pain can be controlled with several interventions when oral or transdermal opioids are inadequate. A risk:benefit ratio should be considered before implementing invasive analgesic methods.

Rozenberg, P., F. Goffinet, et al. (2000). "External cephalic version with epidural anaesthesia after failure of a first trial with beta-mimetics." Bjog 107(3): 406-10.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy, tolerance, and cost of external version under epidural anaesthesia and beta-mimetic tocolysis after the failure of an initial attempt with tocolysis alone. DESIGN: Prospective open study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-eight women with breech presentation at around 36 weeks of gestation and an attempted external cephalic version under salbutamol that failed, who consented to try a second attempt under epidural anaesthesia. RESULTS: The overall success rate under epidural anaesthesia was 39.7% (27/68), and complications occurred in two cases. The total cost of attempting external version was higher than the cost of expectant management. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of external cephalic version under epidural reduces the rate of caesarean sections associated with breech presentation, but its relative safety remains in question. Moreover, our economic analysis discourages the hope of lowered costs suggested by earlier reports that this technique is more expensive than expectant management, except in institutions with a policy of systematic caesarean sections when version fails.

Kanellis, M. J., P. C. Damiano, et al. (2000). "Medicaid costs associated with the hospitalization of young children for restorative dental treatment under general anesthesia." J Public Health Dent 60(1): 28-32.
OBJECTIVE: This paper examines the cost to the Iowa Medicaid program of hospitalizing young children for restorative dental care under general anesthesia, and describes the dental services received in this setting. METHODS: Medicaid dental claims for young children receiving restorative dental care under general anesthesia during fiscal year 1994 were matched with corresponding hospital and anesthesia claims. RESULTS: The total cost to the Medicaid program of treating a child in the hospital under general anesthesia was $2,009 per case. Less than 2 percent of Medicaid-enrolled children under 6 years of age who received any dental service accounted for 25 percent of all dollars spent on dental services for this age group, including hospital and anesthesia care. The most frequent type of procedure was stainless steel crowns (SSCs), with an average of almost six per case. CONCLUSIONS: Early identification, prevention, and intervention are critically important to prevent the costly treatment of children with ECC in hospital operating rooms.

Kovac, A. L. (2000). "Prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting." Drugs 59(2): 213-43.
Pain, nausea and vomiting are frequently listed by patients as their most important perioperative concerns. With the change in emphasis from an inpatient to outpatient hospital and office-based medical/surgical environment, there has been increased interest in the 'big little problem' of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Currently, the overall incidence of PONV is estimated to be 25 to 30%, with severe, intractable PONV estimated to occur in approximately 0.18% of all patients undergoing surgery. PONV can lead to delayed postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) recovery room discharge and unanticipated hospital admission, thereby increasing medical costs. The aetiology and consequences of PONV are complex and multifactorial, with patient-, medical- and surgery-related factors. A thorough understanding of these factors, as well as the neuropharmacology of multiple emetic receptors [dopaminergic, muscarinic, cholinergic, opioid, histamine, serotonin (5-hydroxy-tryptamine; 5-HT)] and physiology [cranial nerves VIII (acoustic-vestibular), IX (glossopharyngeal) and X (vagus), gastrointestinal reflex] relating to PONV are necessary to most effectively manage PONV. Commonly used older, traditional antiemetics for PONV include the anticholinergics (scopolamine), phenothiazines (promethazine), antihistamines (diphenhydramine), butyrophenones (droperidol) and benzamides (metoclopramide). These antiemetics have adverse effects such as dry mouth, sedation, hypotension, extrapyramidal symptoms, dystonic effects and restlessness. The newest class of antiemetics used for the prevention and treatment of PONV are the serotonin receptor antagonists (ondansetron, granisetron, tropisetron, dolasetron). These antiemetics do not have the adverse effects of the older, traditional antiemetics. Headache and dizziness are the main adverse effects of the serotonin receptor antagonists in the dosages used for PONV. The serotonin receptor antagonists have improved antiemetic effectiveness but are not as completely efficacious for PONV as they are for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Older, traditional antiemetics (such as droperidol) compare favourably with the serotonin receptor antagonists regarding efficacy for PONV prevention. Combination antiemetic therapy improves efficacy for PONV prevention and treatment. In the difficult-to-treat PONV patient (as in the chemotherapy patient), suppression of numerous emetogenic peripheral stimuli and central neuroemetic receptors may be necessary. This multimodal PONV management approach includes use of: (i) multiple different antiemetic medications (double or triple combination antiemetic therapy acting at different neuroreceptor sites); (ii) less emetogenic anaesthesia techniques; (iii) adequate intravenous hydration; and (iv) adequate pain control.

Lee, J. Y., W. F. Vann, et al. (2000). "A cost analysis of treating pediatric dental patients using general anesthesia versus conscious sedation." Pediatr Dent 22(1): 27-32.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study is to report a cost comparison of general anesthesia (GA) versus oral conscious sedation (CS) for the treatment of pediatric dental patients. METHODS: The study sample included 22 children whose parents/guardian selected GA care for their child. Selection criteria limited inclusion to healthy children (ASA I) ages 24-60 m.o. The subjects acted as their own comparison group to an estimation CS model. Models were developed to assess societal costs for treatment under GA and CS. Treatment rendered was equalized using the dental Relative Based Value Units Scale (RBVU). RESULTS: Ordinary Least Squares Regression analysis techniques showed the association of RBVU to the total societal costs of GA and CS to be significant (P < 0.01) with an adjusted R2 of .64 and .78 respectively. When regression lines were plotted, the intersection represented RBVU level at which societal costs of GA and CS were the same. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this pilot study, it is concluded that CS costs exceed GA costs at a RBVU level of 66.4, which would equate to more than three CS appointments.

Saidman, L. J. (2000). "Inappropriate statements can lead to misleading conclusions." Anesth Analg 90(3): 765-6.

Glance, L. G. (2000). "The cost effectiveness of anesthesia workforce models: a simulation approach using decision-analysis modeling." Anesth Analg 90(3): 584-92.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the incremental cost effectiveness of anesthesia workforce staffing scenarios, as a function of skill mix, by using the technique of decision analysis. A decision tree model was constructed to compare the incremental cost effectiveness of alternative delivery systems for anesthesia care from the perspective of the payer. Five different staffing scenarios, ranging from physician-intensive to nurse-intensive, were modeled. In the nurse-intensive model, low- and intermediate-risk patients were cared for by solo certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and high-risk patients were cared for by physicians. In the physician-intensive model, physicians anesthetized all patients. In the first-, second-, and third-team models, all high-risk patients were cared for by physicians working alone, and all intermediate-risk patients were cared for using an anesthesia care team approach with a ratio of one physician to two CRNAs. The low-risk patients were managed by using an anesthesia care team approach with physician to CRNA ratios of 1:2, 1:4, and 1:8 in the first-, second-, and third-team models, respectively. The findings of this decision-analysis model suggest that physician-only anesthesia is not cost effective. However, the third-team model is cost effective when compared with the nurse-intensive model. IMPLICATIONS: An anesthesia care-team approach with a physician to certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) ratio of 1:2 is the preferred staffing scenario for intermediate-risk patients. Although medical direction of CRNAs caring for low-risk patients is cost-effective, the small improvement in outcome resulting from increasing the physician to CRNA ratio from 1:8 to 1:4 may not be justified by the added cost.

Heidvall, M., A. Hein, et al. (2000). "Cost comparison between three different general anaesthetic techniques for elective arthroscopy of the knee." Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 44(2): 157-62.
INTRODUCTION: We compared three anaesthetic techniques for elective knee arthroscopy with special reference to cost-effectiveness. METHOD: Seventy-five ASA I-II patients having elective arthroscopy of the knee joint were randomised to receive an anaesthetic technique based on propofol, fentanyl for induction followed by sevoflurane in oxygen:nitrous oxide (1:2 l/min) for maintenance of one of two intravenous techniques: propofol alfentanil or propofol-remifentanil infusions in combination with oxygen in air. RESULTS: All patients had an uncomplicated course. No differences were seen with regard to emergence, postoperative pain or emesis or time to discharge. The anaesthetic technique based on sevoflurane was associated with the lowest cost US$ 14.7 as compared to US$ 18 for the propfol/alfentanil and US$ 19.9 for the propofol/remifentanil technique, including both cost for wastage as well as premedication and other fixed drug costs. Looking only at the anaesthetic drugs consumed, the cost per minute was US$ 0.56 for sevoflurane/nitrous oxide as compared to US$ 0.68 and 0.63 per minute for the propofol/alfentanil and proprofol/remifentanil, respectively. When the cost for wastage was taken into account, the difference in mean anaesthetic drug cost was more pronounced: the sevoflurane anaesthetic technique US$ 0.58, the propofol/alfentanil US$ 0.74 and the propofol/remifentanil US$ 0.84 per minute respectively. CONCLUSION: From a cost-minimisation point of view, anaesthesia based on sevoflurane in oxygen:nitrous oxide is the technique of choice.

Vassilopoulos, P. P. and N. Kelessis (2000). "Continent gastrostomy." J Surg Oncol 73(2): 115-6.

Meurisse, M. (1999). "[Thyroid and parathyroid surgery under hypnosis: from fiction to clinical application]." Bull Mem Acad R Med Belg 154(2): 142-50; discussion 150-4.
Since 1992, we have used hypnosis routinely in more than 1400 procedures in plastic surgery. Our clinical success and experience with this technique led us to test wether hypnosis using active patient collaboration, could be used as an effective adjunct to conscious intravenous sedation ("hypnosedation", (HS)) for endocrine surgery, as an alternative to general anaesthesia. On a total of 1905 cervical endocrine surgical procedures performed between 1995 and 1998, 296 thyroidectomies and 33 cervical explorations for hyperparathyroidism were conducted under HS. Conversion to GA was needed in three cases (0.9%). All patients having HS reported a very pleasant experience and had significantly less postoperative pain while analgesic use was significantly reduced in this group. Hospital stay was also significantly shorter, providing a substantial reduction of the costs of medical care. The postoperative convalescence was significantly improved after HS and full return to social or professional activity was significantly shortened. We conclude that HS is a very efficient technique that provide physiological, psychological and economic benefits to the patient.

Smith, I., P. A. Terhoeve, et al. (1999). "A multicentre comparison of the costs of anaesthesia with sevoflurane or propofol." Br J Anaesth 83(4): 564-70.
Day-case anaesthesia requires rapidly eliminated anaesthetics which are relatively expensive. This multinational, multicentre European study assessed the relative costs of propofol or sevoflurane anaesthesia in 211 patients. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with propofol in group 1, with propofol and sevoflurane in group 2, and with sevoflurane in group 3. Drug and delivery costs were calculated in US$. Induction of anaesthesia was fastest in groups 1 and 2, although spontaneous ventilation resumed earliest in group 3. Emergence times and times at which patients were fit for discharge were similar in all groups. Group 2 had the lowest costs based on actual drug use (mean $14.2 (SEM 0.8) vs $18.7 (0.8) and $17.3 (0.8) in groups 1 and 3, respectively). Anaesthetic drug wastage and disposable costs were highest in group 1 and lowest in group 3. Consequently, total costs were highest in group 1 ($31.9 (0.9)) compared with groups 2 ($19.7 (0.9)) and 3 ($18.8 (0.9)). Although we observed increased nausea and vomiting in groups 2 and 3 and reduced patient satisfaction in group 3, these differences should be balanced against the greater cost of propofol anaesthesia.

Crozier, T. A. and D. Kettler (1999). "Cost effectiveness of general anaesthesia: inhalation vs i.v." Br J Anaesth 83(4): 547-9.

Biacabe, B., O. Laccourreye, et al. (2000). "[Replacement of tracheo-esophageal Provox prosthesis]." Ann Otolaryngol Chir Cervicofac 117(1): 34-9.
OBJECTIVES: To compare anesthesic techniques used between 1992 and 1997 at Laennec Hospital for replacement by tracheo-esophageal Provox prosthesis: local and general anesthesia. Theoretical financial cost for replacement was estimated according to anaesthetic techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Provox in situ lifetime was calculated in 58 patients who underwent 115 and 49 replacements under general and local anaesthesia respectively. Age, sex, surgical and radiotherapy backgrounds, complications and anaesthetic techniques were studied as potential factors correlated with Provox in situ lifetime. Theoretical financial cost for replacement was estimated according to anaesthetic techniques. RESULTS: In 1992, 12% of Provox prosthesis were inserted under local anaesthesia and 54% in 1997. Provox in situ lifetime was either not influenced by anaesthetic techniques or other factors under analysis. The theoretical financial cost was estimated at 14, 341 FFrs and 6,048 FFrs for replacement under general and local anaesthesia respectively. CONCLUSION: Due to increased control of health care costs, we advocated local anaesthesia for Provox prosthesis replacement if control endoscopy is not required.

Lindheim, S. R., S. Kavic, et al. (2000). "Operative hysteroscopy in the office setting." J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 7(1): 65-9.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the feasibility of operative hysteroscopy in the office setting. DESIGN. Descriptive study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University-based private practice. PATIENTS: Women undergoing assisted reproduction in whom diagnostic evaluation revealed uterine cavity pathology. INTERVENTION: Patients were offered office hysteroscopy and allowed to choose between paracervical block anesthesia supplemented with mild intravenous sedation or full conscious sedation, administered by an anesthesiologist. A MicroSpan Hysteroscopy system or HysteroSys Flexible Hysteroscope system was used for diagnostic purposes. When pathology was identified, resection was performed with 2-mm operative instruments or a VersaPoint hysteroscopic electrosurgical electrode using bipolar coagulation through an expandable operating channel. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 69 women with abnormal sonohysterographic and hysterosalpingogram studies, 44 agreed to office hysteroscopy. Thirty-three (48%) underwent VersaPoint resection and/or scissors resection, which was successfully accomplished in 32 (97%). Significant cervical stenosis in one woman precluded resection because of concern of creating a false passage. Concomitant diagnostic laparoscopy and operative hysteroscopy was performed in one patient. Average operating and anesthesia times were 45.2 +/- 20.3 minutes and 67.2 +/- 28.4 minutes, respectively. One uterine perforation occurred (3.3%) during resection of intrauterine adhesions. CONCLUSION: Office hysteroscopy is a time-efficient and cost-effective procedure, made possible by the development of small instruments. Proper patient selection and training of office personnel are mandatory to minimize complications and maximize efficacy.

Harman, D. M. (2000). "Combined sedation and topical anesthesia for cataract surgery." J Cataract Refract Surg 26(1): 109-13.
PURPOSE: To determine whether lidocaine jelly is as efficacious as tetracaine drops for obtaining ocular anesthesia and to evaluate sublingual lorazepam as premedication for sedation in cataract surgery. SETTING: An ambulatory surgical center dedicated to ophthalmic surgery. METHODS: The study was divided into 2 phases. In the first, 100 patients were divided into 2 groups of 50 each. The first group received tetracaine 0.5% drops for anesthesia. The second group received lidocaine 2% jelly for topical anesthesia. In the second stage, 100 patients were divided into 2 groups of 50 each. The first 50 patients were given 1 mg of sublingual lorazepam before surgery. The second group had cataract surgery without sublingual lorazepam. All patients were operated on by the same surgeon in an ambulatory surgical center. The technique was temporal clear corneal cataract surgery with foldable intraocular lens implantation. Exclusions from the study were the need to convert to peribulbar or retrobulbar anesthesia, intraocular complications, and altered mental status. RESULTS: In the first phase of the study, lidocaine 2% jelly was as efficacious as tetracaine 0.5% drops for topical anesthesia in cataract surgery. In the second phase of the study, overall, patients in the lorazepam group had less anxiety, greater amnesia, and lower blood pressure than those not receiving lorazepam as sedation for topical anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine 2% jelly combined with sublingual lorazepam provided excellent cost-effective anesthesia and sedation for topical anesthesia in cataract surgery and enhanced patient satisfaction with the procedure.

Daggan, R., A. Zefeiridis, et al. (1999). "High-quality filtration allows reuse of anesthesia breathing circuits resulting in cost savings and reduced medical waste." J Clin Anesth 11(7): 536-9.
STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine if the new Filta-Therm filter prevents contamination and allows the reuse of breathing circuit with considerable cost and environmental savings. DESIGN: Prospective study. PATIENTS: 52 ASA physical status I, II, III, and IV patients, aged 18 to 75 years. INTERVENTIONS: Each morning a new breathing circuit was assembled. The Filta-Therm filter (Intersurgical, Inc., Liverpool, NY) elbow, and mask, but not the circuit, were changed between patients. The filter was placed between the Y-piece and the elbow of the breathing circuit. Prior to anesthesia, samples were obtained at the Y-piece, and the inspiratory and expiratory ports of breathing circuit. Following anesthesia, samples were obtained at the Murphy eye of endotrachael tube, and at the Y-piece. T