[Postanesthetic routines of Brazilian anesthesiologists].

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

There are no data on Postanesthetic Care Units (PACU) equipment, monitoring routines and discharge criteria adopted by Brazilian anesthesiologists. This study aimed at obtaining such data.

METHODS

A nationwide survey was conducted with a random sample of 1123 anesthesiologists. Data were analyzed by simple and cross tabulation and logistic regression.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-one questionnaires (26.59%) were analyzed. The study showed that most anesthesiologists work in institutions with PACUs equipped with resuscitation equipment, oxygen sources, aspirators, cardioscopes, pulse oximeters and with an anesthesiologist on duty. Neuromuscular function monitors and active heating devices are less frequent. In a descending order of frequency, the following parameters are routinely monitored: blood pressure, heart rate, SpO2, consciousness level, airway patency, respiratory rate, nausea and vomiting, postoperative pain and muscle strength. Oxygen therapy, anti-emetics and postanesthetic shivering control are prescribed on a routine or selective basis by most anesthesiologists who also record postoperative data.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that Brazilian anesthesiologists are concerned about patients safety during postanesthetic recovery, as shown by high equipment availability in the PACU and expressive routine monitoring ratios of isolated parameters. Some monitoring routines should be implemented to comply with new guidelines on postanesthetic care and new discharge criteria for outpatient procedures.