Authors: Kuai S et al. Journal: Anesthesiology, December 11, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005897 SummaryThis preclinical neurocircuitry study investigated how noradrenergic signaling from the locus coeruleus (LC) modulates pain sensitivity through distinct downstream pathways involving the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVA) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Although LC projections to both the thalamus and cortex are known […]
Read MoreAuthors: Zhao X et al. Journal: Anesthesiology, December 9, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005826 SummaryThis preclinical mechanistic study investigated how acute stress alters anesthetic efficacy and emergence from isoflurane anesthesia, with a focus on sex-specific effects and underlying brainstem circuitry. Recognizing that preoperative stress contributes to variability in anesthetic depth and recovery, the authors aimed to define […]
Read MoreAuthor: Carly Behm Becker’s Spine Review In spine care, surgeons and nonsurgical pain management physicians have had some tensions over who addresses different procedures, especially as minimally invasive procedures become more widespread. However, interspecialty collaboration is becoming a bigger priority. William Mitchell, MD, president of the North American Spine Society, said this will be a […]
Read MoreAuthors: Bertoch T et al. Journal: Anesthesiology, December 11, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005825 SummaryThis reply addresses multiple commentaries regarding the clinical meaningfulness, demographic consistency, and comparative efficacy of suzetrigine for moderate-to-severe acute pain. The authors clarify points raised about subgroup effects, outcome interpretation, and comparison with established opioid analgesics. The authors emphasize that phase 3 randomized […]
Read MoreAuthors: Bayat S et al. Journal: Anesthesiology, December 12, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005807 SummaryThis experimental physiologic study examined whether the slope of phase III of the volumetric capnogram (SIII) truly reflects ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) mismatch during acute bronchoconstriction and how this relationship is altered by bronchodilator therapy. Using a rabbit model and high-resolution synchrotron radiation imaging, the […]
Read MoreHardin Medical Center (122 beds) is offering a rare CRNA-only practice where you can enjoy full autonomy and an exceptional lifestyle. • Schedule: 2 weeks on / 1 week off (17 weeks off each year)• Model: Independent CRNA practice – no anesthesiologist supervision• Case Mix: General surgery, orthopedics, endoscopy, OB/GYN (including epidurals & C-sections)• No […]
Read MoreAuthors: Siddiqui A et al. Journal: Anesthesiology, February 2026 (accepted October 17, 2025). DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005828 SummaryThis letter to the editor provides a critical appraisal of recently published phase 3 trials evaluating suzetrigine for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain. The authors focus on the interpretation of efficacy metrics and whether the reported outcomes meet accepted […]
Read MoreAuthors: Nasr VG et al. Journal: Anesthesiology, December 9, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005783 SummaryThis large multicenter registry study evaluated the incidence and risk factors for intraoperative cardiac events in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing noncardiac procedures. Unlike prior studies limited to mortality outcomes or single-center experiences, this analysis provides granular, contemporary data on […]
Read MoreAuthors: Jansen S et al. Journal: Anesthesiology, December 11, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000005894 SummaryThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study compared the respiratory and analgesic effects of cebranopadol—a dual nociceptin (NOP) and mu-opioid (MOP) receptor agonist—with those of the full MOP agonist oxycodone in healthy volunteers. Given ongoing concerns about opioid-induced respiratory depression, the investigators sought to […]
Read MoreAuthor: Sophie Eydis Becker’s ASC Review Anesthesiology is heading into a pivotal year, as workforce volatility, reimbursement pressure and policy shifts collide with rising surgical demand and expanding outpatient care. After a period of partial stabilization, leaders say the structural forces reshaping how anesthesia is staffed, paid and deployed are intensifying, with direct implications for hospitals, […]
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