Trends in Perioperative Magnesium Sulfate Use in Patients Who Underwent Major Cancer Surgery: A Retrospective Population-Based Cohort Study in South Korea

INTRODUCTION: Magnesium sulfate is a potential anesthetic adjunct in cancer surgery. However, no definite consensus exists on the use of magnesium sulfate in patients undergoing major cancer surgery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the trends and factors associated with magnesium sulfate administration in patients who underwent major cancer surgery in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective and population-based cohort study, we used 5-year health data that were extracted from the National registration database in South Korea from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. All adult patients who underwent major cancer surgery during 2016–2020 in South Korea were included. RESULTS: In total, 253,538 patients were included. Among these patients, 6.6% (16,708/253,538) were administered magnesium sulfate during major cancer surgery. In multivariable logistic regression modeling, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.02; P < .001), esophageal cancer surgery (vs lung cancer surgery [OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 2.80-3.30; P < .001]), increased Charlson comorbidity index score (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.03; P < .001), mild-to-moderate disability (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.14; P = .003), and severe disability (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.27; P = .003) were associated with a higher incidence of perioperative magnesium sulfate administration for major cancer surgery. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or laparoscopy (OR, .57; 95% CI, .55-.59; P < .001) and propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (OR, .86; 95% CI, .82-.89; P < .001) were associated with a lower incidence of perioperative Mg sulfate administration for major cancer surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In South Korea, 6.6% of the patients who underwent major cancer surgery were administered magnesium sulfate during surgery. Certain factors, such as old age, thoracic cancer surgery, open laparotomy or thoracotomy, greater comorbid status, and inhalation anesthesia, were potentially associated with magnesium sulfate administration in patients undergoing major cancer surgery.