Adverse outcomes in ambulatory anesthesia.

Abstract

Ambulatory surgery, as currently practiced, has an excellent safety record. Major morbidity is infrequent, and death is extremely rare during or following ambulatory surgical procedures. Less serious, non lifethreatening perioperative adverse events, such as intraoperative cardiovascular events and, most frequently, postoperative excessive pain and PONV, occur with higher incidence. These minor adverse events could result in prolonged postoperative stay, unanticipated hospital admission, or hospital readmission, and they also affect patient satisfaction and postoperative functional level. The occurrence of these minor adverse events is now the major area of quality assessment and an area where improvement could be targeted. The goal of reducing the incidence of minor adverse events related to ambulatory surgery could be achieved by development of less invasive surgical techniques, the use of newer shorter acting anesthetic drugs with fewer side effects, and improved postoperative pain management.