Post-anaesthetic psychomotor and cognitive function

Abstract

Day surgery has a remarkable overall record of safety. To provide safe anaesthesia and as little post-anaesthetic psychomotor and cognitive impairment as possible after longer and more extensive operations performed in ambulatory surgical facilities, we must carefully assess home readiness and instruct patients in such a way that they receive and understand all relevant information. Policies for safe discharge from the hospital are most important for good outcome and have to be followed. If a patient does not have an escort home, the procedure should be cancelled or the patient should be admitted to the hospital. Recommendations not to drive after anaesthesia or sedation vary between 24 and 48 hours, depending on the duration of anaesthesia. It is hoped that the recently introduced short-acting drugs will further improve outcome of day surgery by providing fast exit and early return to normal daily activities.