Ambulatory anesthesia

Ambulatory surgical procedures are a large and increasing fraction of all surgery in the United States. A specialized health care team must be assembled to care for these patients and meet their special needs. Ambulatory surgery patients should be selected according to medical and psychosocial criteria. Patient preparation includes a history and physical examination, limited laboratory tests, empty stomach, and appropriate monitoring. Premedication should be supportive, and verbal as well as medicinal; drugs include ataractics and analgesics. All forms of general or regional anesthesia may be used. Recovery goals must be well defined, aiming for "home readiness." Ambulatory anesthesia care is concluded with postdischarge follow-up, for quality assurance and risk management.