Episode 6: Neuraxial & General Anesthesia for TJA Show Similar Rates of Perioperative Complications

The impact of the type of anesthesia on perioperative outcomes has been the subject of much debate. Observational data suggests that neuraxial anesthesia may provide benefits over general anesthesia, especially in the orthopedic population; however, it remains unclear if these benefits can be materialized in all subpopulations. In this month’s RAPM Focus, Executive Editor Stavros Memtsoudis, MD, PhD, interviews Edward Yap, MD, the first author of “Neuraxial and general anesthesia for outpatient total joint arthroplasty result in similarly low rates of major perioperative complications: a multicentered cohort study,” first published online in January 2022 (https://rapm.bmj.com/content/47/5/294). The study used introspective data from cases performed in 21 centers in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California system between 2017-2019, with the primary goal to compare perioperative outcomes between procedures performed with neuraxial anesthesia and general anesthesia. Dr. Yap is a senior physician and anesthesiologist with the Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Group and a volunteer assistant professor with the University of California San Francisco. *The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice, and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement, patient care, or treatment. The views expressed by contributors are those of the speakers. BMJ does not endorse any views or recommendations discussed or expressed on this podcast. Listeners should also be aware that professionals in the field may have different opinions. By listening to this podcast, listeners agree not to use its content as the basis for their own medical treatment or for the medical treatment of others.

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