Anesthesiology: Resetting Our Sights on Long-term Outcomes: The 2020 John W. Severinghaus Lecture on Translational Science

Abstract

Anesthesiologists have worked relentlessly to improve intraoperative anesthesia care. They are now well positioned to expand their horizons and address many of the longer-term adverse consequences of anesthesia and surgery. Perioperative neurocognitive disorders, chronic postoperative pain, and opioid misuse are not inevitable adverse outcomes; rather, they are preventable and treatable conditions that deserve attention. The author’s research team has investigated why patients experience new cognitive deficits after anesthesia and surgery. Their animal studies have shown that anesthetic drugs trigger overactivity of “memory-blocking receptors” that persists after the drugs are eliminated, and they have discovered new strategies to preserve brain function by repurposing available drugs and developing novel therapeutics that inhibit these receptors. Clinical trials are in progress to examine the cognitive outcomes of such strategies. This work is just one example of how anesthesiologists are advancing science with the goal of improving the lives of patients.

2020 Severinghaus Lecture on Translational Science: Comment

“…The article “Anesthesiology: Resetting Our Sights on Long-term Outcomes: The 2020 John W. Severinghaus Lecture on Translational Science” describes the Ether Monument as if it were located in the Boston Common, the oldest city park in the United States. 1 This is not correct. The Ether Monument is located in the Public Garden near the intersection of Beacon and Arlington Streets.…”

2020 Severinghaus Lecture on Translational Science: Reply

“…In the 2020 John W. Severinghaus Lecture on Translational Science, I described the Ether Monument as a symbolic reminder of “relentless innovation.” 2 Only through such innovation will we ensure that all patients gain access to anesthesia care that improves their long-term outcomes. The Ether Monument, with its location now correctly identified, is well worth a visit the next time you are in Boston.…”

“…In fact, no living person is better suited to point out my oversight. 2 In 2006, Dr. Ortega published a book entitled Written in Granite: An Illustrated History of the Ether Monument . 3 He has also contributed to the restoration of the Ether Monument.…”

Manuscrits à fort impact dans le domaine de l’anesthésiologie : une étude transversale sur 10 ans

“…Anesthesiology is a key discipline that ensures safety and comfort during invasive procedures, improves surgical work efficiency, and coordinates the relationships among various disciplines. 1 – 3 In recent years, significant progress has been made in anesthesiology, involving perioperative organ protection, perioperative anesthesia management for the elderly, development of new anesthetic drugs, and basic research into the mechanisms of anesthesia and chronic pain. 4 – 11 Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, anesthesiologists played important roles 12 – 14 and undoubtedly saved many lives.…”

“… 4 – 11 Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, anesthesiologists played important roles 12 – 14 and undoubtedly saved many lives. Anesthesiology practice has been improved by the development of new anesthetics and monitoring equipment, 3 a better understanding of the physiologic changes during surgery and anesthesia, 15 and evidence of the clinical benefits of optimal perioperative management strategies. 16 Because of its multidisciplinary nature, anesthesiology research can be applied to neuroscience, surgery, cardiovascular medicine, respirology, critical care, and other fields.…”