Effect of pneumatic leg compression on post‐induction hypotension in elderly patients undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: a double‐blind randomised controlled trial

Summary Post‐induction hypotension is common and associated with postoperative complications. We hypothesised that pneumatic leg compression reduces post‐induction hypotension in elderly patients undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. In this double‐blind randomised study, patients were allocated randomly to the pneumatic leg compression group (n = 50) or control (n = 50). In the intervention group, pneumatic leg compression was initiated before induction of anaesthesia. In the control group, pneumatic leg compression was initiated 20 min after anaesthesia induction. The primary outcome was the incidence of post‐induction hypotension in these groups. Post‐induction hypotension was defined as systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg during the first 20 min after induction. Haemodynamic variables and area under the curve of post‐induction systolic blood pressure over time were assessed. Complications associated with pneumatic leg compression were recorded, including: peripheral neuropathy; compartment syndrome; extensive bullae beneath the leg sleeves; and pulmonary thromboembolism. The incidence of post‐induction hypotension decreased in the pneumatic leg compression group compared with that in the control group; 5 (10%) vs. 29 (58%), respectively, p < 0.001. In the pneumatic leg compression group, the lowest systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressures 20 min after induction of anaesthesia were significantly greater than the control group. Pneumatic leg compression resulted in an increased area under the curve of systolic blood pressure in the first 20 min after induction, p = 0.001. There were no pneumatic leg compression‐related complications. Pneumatic leg compression reduced post‐induction hypotension in elderly patients undergoing robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, suggesting that it is an effective and safe intervention to prevent post‐induction hypotension among elderly patients undergoing general anaesthesia.