Health Systems Update | USPharmacist

November 2018

Preoperative Anticholinergic Medication Overload Risks
New research published in the Annals of Surgery reveals findings related to the preoperative use of anticholinergic medications and a potentially extended postsurgical length of stay. The scientists determined that anticholinergic medications are associated with negative postoperative outcomes in elective noncardiac surgery patients older than age 66 years. Read more.

Assessing Inhaled Versus
IV Anesthesia
A new study published in the journal Anesthesiology explores the impact of the type of anesthesiology used and the potential for recurrence of cancer. While this topic has been controversial, the research team compared anesthesiology-administration alternatives to recurrence-free survival following surgery for breast cancer. Read more.

Is Gabapentin a Safe
Sedative Solution?
In new research published September 2018 in the Journal of Anesthesia, investigators examined the potentially beneficial sedative effects of gabapentin during anesthesia in patients receiving IV sedation. The team found that oral gabapentin administration just prior to surgery resulted in a reduced need for propofol while still achieving adequate sedation levels. Read more.

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