Absence of adverse outcomes in hyperkalemic patients undergoing vascular access surgery

Patient selection in ambulatory surgery

Patient selection is important for ambulatory surgical practices. Proper patient selection for ambulatory practices will optimize resources and lead to increased patient and provider satisfaction. As the number and complexity of procedures in ambulatory surgical centers increase, it is important to ensure that patients are best cared for in facilities that can provide appropriate levels of care. This review addresses the multiple variables and resources that should be considered when selecting patients for anesthesia in ambulatory centers and offices.

Patient Selection for Adult Ambulatory Surgery: A Narrative Review

With migration of medically complex patients undergoing more extensive surgical procedures to the ambulatory setting, selecting the appropriate patient is vital. Patient selection can impact patient safety, efficiency, and reportable outcomes at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Identifying suitability for ambulatory surgery is a dynamic process that depends on a complex interplay between the surgical procedure, patient characteristics, and the expected anesthetic technique (eg, sedation/analgesia, local/regional anesthesia, or general anesthesia). In addition, the type of ambulatory setting (ie, short-stay facilities, hospital-based ambulatory center, freestanding ambulatory center, and office-based surgery) and social factors, such as availability of a responsible individual to take care of the patient at home, can also influence patient selection. The purpose of this review is to present current best evidence that would provide guidance to the ambulatory anesthesiologist in making an informed decision regarding patient selection for surgical procedures in freestanding ambulatory facilities.

Preoperative Evaluation for Ambulatory Anesthesia: What, When, and How?

Most surgery in the United States occurs in offices, free-standing surgicenters, and hospital-based outpatient facilities. Patients are frequently elderly with comorbidities, and procedures are increasingly complex. Traditionally, patients have been evaluated on the day of surgery by anesthesia providers. Obtaining information on patients' health histories, establishing criteria for appropriateness, and communicating medication instructions streamline throughput, lower cancellations and delays, and improve provider and patient satisfaction. Routine testing does not lower risk or improve outcomes. Evaluating and optimizing patients with significant diseases, especially those with suboptimal management, has positive impact on ambulatory surgery and anesthesia.

Surgery in the patient with renal dysfunction

Preoperative evaluation of patients with renal dysfunction often requires the collaborative efforts of the primary care physician, nephrologist, surgeon, and anesthesiologist. Renal dysfunction is typically a spectrum of disease with multisystem effects. Optimization of preexisting medical issues is the key, as is a thorough understanding of the potential perioperative risks for further renal injury. Surgical or anesthetic techniques may require alteration for the patient with significant renal dysfunction. Identification of those at risk for renal injury may allow for preventative therapies in the perioperative period. This article focuses on defining the population at risk, a framework for preoperative evaluation, and developments in the area of perioperative renal protection.

Surgery in the patient with renal dysfunction

Preoperative evaluation of patients with renal dysfunction often requires the collaborative efforts of the primary care physician, nephrologist, surgeon, and anesthesiologist. Renal dysfunction is typically a spectrum of disease with multisystem effects. Optimization of preexisting medical issues is the key as is a thorough understanding of the potential perioperative risks for further renal injury. Surgical or anesthetic techniques may require alteration for the patient with significant renal dysfunction. Identification of those at risk for renal injury may allow for preventative therapies in the perioperative period. This article focuses on defining the population at risk, a framework for preoperative evaluation, and developments in the area of perioperative renal protection.