Cost-effective analysis and budget comparison of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer treatment in a health insurance system in Thailand

Objectives: To compare the total medical cost and post-operative quality of life between laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and to discuss the cost differences of each approach. Materials and Methods: Data were retrospectively reviewed from patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and who underwent LRP (n=68) or RALP (n=104) during a 36-month period. The prostate cancers of all patients were classified as low, intermediate, or high risk. Patient variables, inpatient hospital charges, outpatient total medical costs within 24 months and post-operative quality of life were compared. Results: The baseline patient characteristics were similar between each group. Rates of positive margins and the need for further cancer treatment were correlated with the burden of disease (highest in the high risk group). The RALP inpatient hospital charges were higher in all risk groups. However, the mean total outpatient hospital charges were comparable. The RALP group demonstrated a trend towards better sexual-related quality of life in all risk groups. However, urinary incontinence, urinary-related, bowel-related, vitality-related quality of life were not significantly different between LRP and RALP. Conclusion: From the payer’s perspective, RALP costs are higher than LRP costs. The clinical and quality of life benefits associated with RALP may not convert into a net savings of total medical costs within 24 months after surgery.

Studies to Evaluate the Safety of Constant Rate Infusions of Dexmedetomidine, Ketamine and Lidocaine Alone or in Combination during Isoflurane Anesthesia in Horses

Background: Horses mount a huge stress response to anesthesia when compared to other animals, hence are risky candidates for anesthesia. Inhalant anesthetic agents offer more control to anesthetic depth and facilitate rapid recovery, hence are considered to be safer than intravenous agents for surgical procedures requiring more than an hour, however, newer drug combinations are being explored to minimize the undesired consequences and dose rate of inhalant agents. The present study explored the safety of dexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocaine constant rate infusion alone or as a combination along with Isoflurane for safer anesthesia in horses.Methods: The study was conducted on 28 horses divided into S, D, DK and DKL groups having 7 animals in each. Xylazine (1 mg/kg) and butorphanol (0.05mg/kg) were given intravenously for premedication. Ketamine (2 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) were used for induction and anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. Normal saline (1000ml/hour), Dexmedetomidine (2µg/kg/hr), Dexmedetomidine and ketamine (2 µg/kg/hr and 2 mg/kg/hr) and Dexmedetomidine, ketamine and lidocaine (2 µg/kg/hr, 2 mg/kg/hr and 2 mg/kg/h) were given as CRI in groups S, D, DK and DKL, respectively. Thiopentone sodium (250mg bolus, 5%) was given as a fast intravenous bolus whenever required. Anesthetic efficacy was evaluated based on clinical, haemato-biochemical, hemodynamic, and endocrine variables.Result: A significant decline in mean arterial pressure was noticed in group DKL but changes in CVP and SpO2 in different groups were non-significant. Higher Blood glucose and low Insulin levels were seen in group DK during 45-60 min. Constant rate infusions of Dexmedetomidine, Ketamine and Lidocaine alone or in combination produced a significant sparing effect on Isoflurane and thiopentone while they improved peri-operative quality of anesthesia in horses.

Influence of Reversal with Sugammadex or Neostigmine on Post-Operative Quality of Recovery Following a Single Bolus Dose of Rocuronium: A Prospective, Randomised, Double-Blinded, Controlled Study

There is a lack of data comparing sugammadex with anticholinesterase for the quality of anaesthesia recovery, especially following a single bolus dose of rocuronium. Thus, we evaluated the influence of reversal with sugammadex or neostigmine on post-operative quality of recovery by using the Post-operative Quality Recovery Scale (PQRS). A total of 86 patients undergoing trans-pars plana vitrectomy (TPPV) under general anaesthesia were intubated following a single bolus dose of rocuronium (0.6 mg/kg). At the end of surgery, patients were received either neostigmine or sugammadex. The quality of recovery was assessed using the PQRS at 15 minutes and 40 minutes after surgery, and on post-operative day 1. The recovery rate in the physiological domain was higher in the sugammadex group at 15 minutes after surgery (P = 0.02). Though there were no significant differences in the overall cognitive recovery domain, patients in the sugammadex group could recall more numbers in reverse order. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in the other domains of the PQRS. The use of sugammadex may increase the quality of the post-operative physiological recovery at early post-operative periods compared with neostigmine use following a single bolus dose of rocuronium in patients undergoing TPPV with general anaesthesia.

Prospective comparison of post-operative quality of life (QOL) after laparoscopic total extra-peritoneal (TEP) and trans-abdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP) repair of indirect inguinal hernia

Background: As the laparoscopic method is becoming a popular choice of repair, the need to evaluate its impact on the patient’s quality of life (QOL) is also warranted. This study was undertaken to compare post operative QOL in patients undergoing Totally Extraperitoneal (TEP) and Transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair for indirect inguinal hernia.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, from June 2016 to March 2018. Patients with uncomplicated indirect inguinal hernia were included in the study after obtaining their informed consent. Post-operative QOL was evaluated using EuraHS-QOL scale at 24 hours and 1, 3 and 6 months after the surgery.Results: A total of sixty patients were enrolled-30 in TEP group and 30 in TAPP group. There was no statistical significant difference in scores at 24 hours follow-up except cosmetic discomfort domain, with higher scores in TAPP (p-value=0.014). Statistical significant difference was present at 1 month follow up with higher scores in TAPP (p-value=0.011). At 3 and 6 months, no statistical difference was found in the scores.Conclusions: Present study demonstrates a significant advantage of TEP over TAPP up to 1-month follow-up, in terms of post-operative QOL. Choosing a superior laparoscopic method between TEP and TAPP requires high powered RCTs with long term follow up to assess the technical advantages and post-operative complications along with post-operative quality of life in patients.