Anesthetic complications following pediatric ambulatory surgery: A 3-yr study

Abstract

The results of this study confirm the safety of pediatric outpatient anesthesia. The overnight admission rate in 10,000 patients was less than 1%. Admission and discharge criteria must be carefully followed to minimize complications that result in hosptial admissions. Vomiting, cough, sleepiness, sore throat, and fever are common following discharge from the hospital. Persistent telephone follow-up calls on the first or second day after anesthesia and surgery are recommended to detect the incidence and severity of complications and as a quality assurance measure.