Authors: Bairwa K et al. Cureus 18(2): e104098, February 23, 2026 Summary This narrative review compares the efficacy of palonosetron–dexamethasone versus granisetron–dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), with specific emphasis on otologic surgeries such as tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy. Otologic procedures carry particularly high PONV risk due to vestibular stimulation and frequent use […]
Read MoreAuthors: Lor K et al. Cureus 18(2): e103832, February 18, 2026 Summary This case report describes the combined use of a tunneled thoracic epidural catheter and a second non-tunneled lumbar epidural catheter to manage severe acute postoperative pain in a medically complex, highly opioid-tolerant patient undergoing thoracoabdominal surgery. Clinical Scenario The patient had a tunneled […]
Read MoreAuthors: He J et al. Anesthesiology, February 24, 2026 Summary This preclinical study identifies a novel mechanism by which dexmedetomidine (Dex) modulates opioid reward circuitry, demonstrating that Dex promotes extinction of morphine-associated reward memory through gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter-1 (GAT1) inhibition—independent of its classical α₂-adrenergic receptor effects. Background Opioid use disorder (OUD) remains a global public […]
Read MoreAuthor: Patsy Newitt Becker’s ASC Review From anesthesia stipends to implant sticker shock, ASC leaders say the math between what it costs to run cases and what payers reimburse is breaking down. Twenty-two ASC leaders joined Becker’s to discuss which expenses are most out of sync with reimbursements. The most common pressure points were labor and anesthesia coverage […]
Read MoreBurnout or time away in pain, ICU, or administration doesn’t erase your anesthesia training—it just requires a structured path back. For many physicians, it simply means you stepped away to regroup. We work with anesthesiologists every day who want to return to clinical anesthesia after time away in: administration or leadership roles pain medicine critical […]
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