Outpatient pediatric anesthesia

Abstract

Because of the increased trend toward performing a wide variety of pediatric surgical procedures in the outpatient department, the anesthesiologist must appreciate the potential advantages and disadvantages of such a program, and participate in its development. Facilities and standards of care in an outpatient surgery unit must equal those in an inpatient service. Patients must be carefully selected. Anesthetic techniques that ensure rapid recovery and minimum anesthetic morbidity should be used. Facilities to assist parents in the preoperative preparation and the postoperative care of their child must be incorporated into the program. 36 References are cited.