Learning objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Determine those patients appropriate for outpatient surgery. 2. Choose appropriate anesthetics. 3. Manage patients with cardiac disease. 4. Limit complications occurring intraoperatively.
Summary: This article provides continuing medical education information regarding the current state of practice concerning outpatient surgery. A thorough preoperative evaluation is necessary to identify comorbid conditions and patients at risk for pulmonary compromise. Guidelines are provided on the use of sedatives, analgesics, and reversal agents. The management of patients with coronary artery stents and/or cardiac rhythm management devices is discussed. Effective surgical team communication is crucial to ensure that everyone is aware of conditions that may require adjustments from the usual healthy patients. Lastly, suggestions are provided to avoid intraoperative problems such as drug reactions and pressure ulcers. As our aging population presents for an increasing number of procedures, plastic surgeons must ensure that patient safety is a priority.