Analysis ties app-based remote monitoring to fewer complications after surgery; noise-canceling headphones cut nausea; CGM tested in surgery

• Research Oct 17, 2026
  Analysis of 38 studies with 7,507 patients links app-based remote monitoring to 22% lower risk of major complications
  The analysis of 38 studies, presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026, covered programs in which patients completed daily check-ins on a smartphone or web portal, some adding wearable fitness trackers or Bluetooth-enabled devices. Monitoring was associated with 22% lower risk of major postoperative complications and of emergency room visits and 15% lower risk of readmission, but total complications did not significantly decline, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Readmissions were lower only when a surgical team member or nurse reviewed patient-submitted information. "Just using an app may not make recovery safer," said lead author Mouad Elganga, a Toronto medical student.
  Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists (Newswise)
• Research Oct 17, 2026
  Noise-canceling headphones during gynecologic surgery cut nausea and vomiting to 35.4% from 52.1% in 192-patient trial
  In a randomized trial of 192 adults aged 18 to 65 under general anesthesia for minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, patients wore commercially available over-the-head noise-canceling headphones from the start of anesthesia until surgery ended, or no headphones; all received standard prevention medication. Within 48 hours, postoperative nausea and vomiting occurred in 35.4% of the headphone group versus 52.1% of the others, with no increase in adverse events, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The study, from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University in Suzhou, China, was presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026.
  Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists (Newswise)
• Technology Oct 12, 2026
  Continuous glucose monitor readings fall in acceptable zones for 98% of paired values in surgical and ICU patients
  In a prospective observational validation study of 58 patients with diabetes undergoing surgery or intensive care admission, the median absolute relative difference (MARD) between continuous and point-of-care glucose values, the primary end point, was 10.9%. Of 1,212 paired measurements, 1,186 (98%) fell within clinically acceptable Clarke error grid zones A and B. MARD was 4.5% higher (95% CI 2.3% to 6.7%) during periods of hypoperfusion.
  Source: British Journal of Anaesthesia

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