HOCUS POCUS: Ultrasound beyond regional anesthesia in the ambulatory setting

Abstract

Purpose of reviewApplication of ultrasound in clinical anesthesia practice extends beyond regional anesthesia. In this review, we have discussed other point of care applications of ultrasound in perioperative care and anesthetic management with special emphasis on ambulatory practice.Recent findingsPoint of care ultrasound (POCUS) for anesthesiologists has gained widespread interest and popularity. Recent literature has highlighted multiple perioperative POCUS applications on various organ systems and its benefits. We have analyzed the recent available data and evidence for perioperative POCUS, its benefits and limitations in perioperative medicine.SummaryPerioperative POCUS skill is a natural extension of ultrasound guided regional anesthesia. Utilizing POCUS in the perioperative period would accelerate the level of appropriate care, safety and improve outcomes in ambulatory centers. More anesthesiologists embracing POCUS would enhance patient care in a timely fashion at the ambulatory centers. POCUS in ambulatory practice can be valuable in avoiding delay or cancellation of surgeries and improving patient satisfaction.