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Does the type of anesthesia used during surgery impact cancer outcomes? Today we’re going to explore the relationship between cancer and anesthesia with Adam Flowe, Chief CRNA at Duke University Hospital. This topic goes beyond the operating room to cover patient outcomes, recovery and even reoccurrence. Join us to learn more about the growing field of Onco-Anesthesia and its critical role in cancer treatment and patient survival.
With cancer being a prevalent issue in today’s society, understanding how anesthesia can affect treatment outcomes is more important than ever. Adam shares insights from his extensive experience at Duke University Hospital, a leading cancer center and discusses the conventional wisdom surrounding anesthesia practices for cancer patients—such as the preference for propofol over gas anesthetics due to concerns about immunosuppression. He also explores the emerging research on how anesthesia techniques may influence cancer recurrence and patient longevity—a topic that is becoming a major focus in oncology care.
We’ll also get his on protocols at major cancer centers, the future of AI in anesthesia, and whether CRNAs should begin specializing in oncology. This episode not only informs but also inspires healthcare professionals to think critically about their practices and the profound impact they can have on patient outcomes.
Here are some of the key topics we discuss:
🫀 Onco-Anesthesia Explained – Why anesthesia may affect cancer recurrence
💉 TIVA vs. Gas Anesthesia – Which approach is better for cancer patients?
📊 Immunosuppression Risks – How anesthetics impact the body’s ability to fight cancer
🚨 New Research on Outcomes – What the latest studies reveal about survival rates
🏥 Should CRNAs Specialize in Oncology? – The growing need for expertise in cancer anesthesia
About our guest:
Adam Flowe, CRNA, MSN, has been the Chief CRNA at Duke University Medical Center since 2015. He completed his anesthesia training at the Raleigh School of Nurse Anesthesia (UNCG) and also holds degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and the College of William and Mary. A former public school teacher, Adam has been a prison, ICU, and pulmonary nurse. He was also a lieutenant in the U.S. Public Health Service. Since 2010, Adam has been on more than a dozen global health trips to Ghana, Haiti and Rwanda.
Important Links:
"Anesthesia is not just about having a great career and making great money. We are here to vanquish pain and suffering."
- Adam Flowe, Chief CRNA at Duke University Hospital
