Anaesthesiology

This group has extensive experience in both clinical and research fields. About research activities, Dr. Pilar Paniagua and her colleagues are actively involved in an internationally recognized line of research in the field of perioperative medicine (integrated medical care provided to patients before, during, and after surgery). It focuses on risk assessment, clinical optimization, and complication prevention to improve surgical outcomes and recovery. This research line is coordinated by the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) at McMaster University (Canada) and promotes collaborative projects aimed at optimizing diagnosis, risk prediction, prevention, and/or treatment strategies in high-risk surgical patients. Within this framework, HSCSP has participated in several major projects, some of which have received competitive funding and been published in high-impact journals. This research activity reflects the team’s commitment to improving outcomes in surgical patients through both international collaboration and locally driven innovation.

Main lines of research

• ASPIRE: Detection of postoperative atrial fibrillation and evaluation of the need for anticoagulation (Investigators: Villamizar, Martin, Giné).
• DELPO: Identification of postoperative delirium and its association with postoperative complications (Investigators: Giné, Martin, Paz, Mur; REA Group).
• INVIBLADE: Comparison of different laryngoscope blades for postoperative intubation using video laryngoscopy (Investigators: Giné, G. Bartolo, Nuñez; REA + UCIPO Groups).
• VASOPRESS: Use of vasopressin during intra- and postoperative periods in patients with shock (Investigators: Giné, M. Castela, Cegarra; REA + UCIPO Groups).
• FENICE II (Pending IRB approval): Fluid therapy in critically ill postoperative patients (Investigators: Gutierrez, Giné; REA Group).
• NUTSARC: Malnutrition and its relationship with postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for retroperitoneal sarcoma (Investigators: Giné, Gutierrez).
• NUTOVA: Malnutrition and postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for advanced ovarian cancer (Investigator: Giné).
• Detect-POAF (Pending IRB approval): Detection of postoperative atrial fibrillation using a wearable monitoring device (Investigators: M. Castela, Martin, Gutierrez).
• EUpreCHO (Pending IRB approval). European study on perioperative management and outcome following perioperative transthoracic echocardiography in noncardiac surgery patients.
• FGTW: Fibrinogen substitution in cardiac surgery
• TRICS IV: Transfusion trigger in cardiac surgery
• MONACOD: Direct oral anticoagulation in non-cardiac surgery
• FvW in MAD: Von Willebrand factor in mechanical-assisted devices.
• End Growth study: Endovascular treatment in intracerebral bleeding.
• SAVE study: Sevorane vs. propofol in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Challenges

• Personalized Anesthesia and Precision Medicine.
• Postoperative Delirium and Cognitive Dysfunction.
• Advanced Hemodynamic Monitoring and Management.
• Perioperative Pain Management and Opioid-Sparing Strategies.
• Influence of Anesthetic Techniques on Oncologic Outcomes.
• Artificial Intelligence and Clinical Decision Support.
• Anesthesia Delivery in Non-Operating Room Environments.
• Environmental Sustainability in Anesthetic Practice.
• Patient Safety and Quality Improvement.
• Simulation-Based Education and Competency Assessment.

Contact

Pilar Paniagua
ppaniagua@santpau.cat