Recovery and post-anaesthetic care

Recovery is defined as a return to original state. With regards to post-anaesthetic care, it implies the return of normal physiological function following the derangement of anaesthesia and surgery, particularly cardiovascular/respiratory function and the reflexes of airway protection. The purpose of the recovery room is to monitor for return of function, support until that time, and prevent or treat complications as required. All patients after general, epidural or spinal anaesthesia should be recovered in a specially designated area that complies with the standards and recommendations from the 2002 guidance from the Association of Anaesthetists.