Anesthesiology Journal's podcast

Moderator: James P. Rathmell, M.D. Participants: Mark Bicket, M.D., Ph.D. and Lynn Kohan, M.D. Articles Discussed: Trends in Use of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder among Commercially Insured U.S. Surgical Patients, 2016-2022 Rising Treatment for Substance Use Disorder Presents New Challenges for Anesthesiologists as Perioperative Medicine Specialists Transcript

Creator: James P. Rathmell, M.D. February 2026, Volume 144, Issue 2 Overview of February issue original studies. Transcript

Moderator: BobbieJean Sweitzer, M.D. Participants: Mark D. Neuman, M.D., M.Sc. Articles Discussed: Neonatal Outcomes with Regional versus General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Transcript

Join Elliott Bennett-Guerrero, a seasoned anesthesiology professor and clinical researcher, alongside Juan P. Cata, an expert in perioperative oncology. They delve into the GA CARES trial, revealing intriguing insights about anesthesia types and their impact on cancer surgery outcomes. Key discussions include the surprising lack of overall survival benefit with propofol, the comparison of volatile agents, and the critical questions remaining in perioperative oncology. Their analysis combines rigorous research with clinical implications, promising to reshape future practices.

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.

Moderator: BobbieJean Sweitzer, M.D. Participants: Leah Acker, Ph.D., M.D. Articles Discussed: Mixed-Methods Analysis of Preoperative Distress and Postoperative Outcomes in a Prospective, Observational Cohort of Older Transcript

Discover groundbreaking research on propofol's impact on pediatric respiratory events and the effectiveness of warming blankets in preventing hypothermia. Dive into the growing yet small field of anesthesiology trials, and learn how ketamine can help sensitive patients post-mastectomy. Explore alarming links between chronic pain and cognitive decline, the benefits of buprenorphine for opioid use during pregnancy, and the push for opioid-free anesthesia. Plus, gain insights into the need for training in EEG interpretation for critically ill patients.

Moderator: James Rathmell, M.D. Participants: Jie Sun, M.D., Ph.D. and Clyde Matava, M.B.Ch.B.., M.Med., M.H.S.C. Articles Discussed: Effect of Intravenous, Inhalational, or Combined Anesthesia Maintenance on Postoperative Respiratory Adverse Events in Children Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy (AmPRAEC): A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial Choice of Anesthetic Maintenance Is Not Merely a Matter of Preference, but One of Safety: Insights from the AmPRAEC Study Transcript

Join Kristin L. Schreiber, a leader in regional anesthesia and expert in pain management, alongside Eric S. Schwenk, a professor focused on individualized care in perioperative medicine. They dive into a groundbreaking trial exploring ketamine’s role in managing acute pain after breast surgery. Discover how patient traits influence pain responses, the surprising prevalence of chronic pain post-surgery, and the complexities of balancing standardized care with individual patient needs. Their insights on central sensitization and the nuances of ketamine's efficacy are both illuminating and essential for future pain management strategies.

Rutger van der Schrier, M.D., Ph.D., a postdoctoral scholar at Leiden University, and Steven L. Shafer, M.D., a professor emeritus of anesthesiology, dive into fentanyl's impact on ventilation. They discuss how fentanyl's ventilatory depression is complicated by individual variability and environmental factors, revealing surprising insights from their study on healthy volunteers. The conversation explores ethical concerns, opioid receptor complexities, and innovative modeling techniques to predict respiratory effects. A must-listen for anyone interested in opioid pharmacology!