Anesthesiology Journal's podcast January 2026 Editor-in-Chief Podcast
8 snips
Dec 4, 2025 In this discussion, the impact of anesthetics on cancer surgery survival is scrutinized, revealing surprising findings from the GA CARES trial. The use of esketamine emerges as a game-changer in reducing postoperative delirium for hip and knee surgeries. A digital thermometer links preoperative distress to worse recovery outcomes, emphasizing emotional well-being. Concerns arise over the accuracy of NIRS for children with darker skin tones, highlighting issues of equity. Fascinating insights into the parafacial zone indicate a connection between consciousness and respiration during anesthesia.
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No Survival Advantage For Propofol
- The GA CARES trial showed no survival or disease-free survival benefit of propofol versus volatile anesthetics in cancer resection.
- James P. Rathmell notes anesthesiologists can choose either approach without oncologic outcome concern.
Esketamine Cuts Postoperative Delirium
- Esketamine substantially reduced postoperative delirium after hip or knee arthroplasty in older adults.
- James P. Rathmell emphasizes esketamine as a promising tool to decrease delirium in elective orthopedic surgery.
Screen For Preoperative Distress
- Screen geriatric patients preoperatively for distress using tools like a digital distress thermometer.
- Identifying high distress helps personalize care and flag patients at higher risk for pain, longer stay, and delirium.