Carotid Doppler Parameters and Post-Induction Hypotension

Overview

Post-induction hypotension is a common complication following the induction of general anesthesia and is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. Patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery represent a particularly vulnerable population due to advanced age, high comorbidity burden, and increased frailty, which may predispose them to perioperative hemodynamic instability. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate whether carotid Doppler ultrasonography parameters, including corrected flow time and other flow-related indices, can predict the occurrence of post-induction hypotension specifically in patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery. Adult patients scheduled for elective gynecologic oncology surgery under general anesthesia will undergo pre-induction carotid Doppler ultrasonography as part of routine perioperative assessment. Baseline clinical characteristics, including the Charlson Comorbidity Index and Clinical Frailty Scale, will be recorded for each participant. Hemodynamic parameters will be recorded following anesthetic induction, and the development of post-induction hypotension will be assessed. The findings of this study may help identify high-risk patients within the gynecologic oncology population and support the use of non-invasive carotid Doppler measurements, comorbidity burden, and frailty assessment for perioperative risk stratification in this specific surgical group.

Post-induction hypotension (PIH) frequently occurs after the induction of general anesthesia and has been associated with increased perioperative morbidity, including myocardial injury, acute kidney injury, and prolonged hospital stay. Patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery constitute a high-risk population due to malignancy-related physiological changes, advanced age, multiple comorbidities, and increased frailty. Despite this elevated risk, data focusing specifically on predictors of PIH in the gynecologic oncology population remain limited. Carotid Doppler ultrasonography provides real-time information about cardiac output surrogates and preload responsiveness through parameters such as corrected flow time and peak systolic velocity. These measurements may offer a practical, non-invasive method for assessing hemodynamic reserve before anesthetic induction, particularly in high-risk oncologic surgical populations. This prospective observational study includes adult patients undergoing elective gynecologic oncology surgery under general anesthesia. Pre-induction carotid Doppler ultrasonography will be performed to obtain flow-related parameters. Baseline patient characteristics will be documented, with particular emphasis on comorbidity burden assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index and functional vulnerability evaluated using the Clinical Frailty Scale. Standard anesthetic induction will be conducted according to routine clinical practice. Blood pressure measurements will be recorded before and after induction, and post-induction hypotension will be defined according to predefined criteria. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the association between carotid Doppler ultrasonography parameters and the development of post-induction hypotension in the gynecologic oncology population. Secondary objectives include assessment of the relationships between comorbidity burden, frailty status, Doppler-derived indices, and perioperative hemodynamic outcomes within this specific patient group. The results of this study may contribute to improved perioperative risk assessment and support the integration of carotid Doppler ultrasonography, comorbidity indices, and frailty evaluation into routine anesthetic practice for patients undergoing gynecologic oncology surgery.