From research to clinical practice an interdisciplinary project of day surgery anaesthesiological course: From preoperative evaluation to patient discharge

This paper describes the anaesthesiological course of patients cared by an independent multi skills Day Surgery Unit during four years activity from 2004 to 2007. This method of caring surgical patients, continuously expanding, calls for regular audits where the anaesthetist plays a major role in selecting patients, in choosing and applying the most suitable anaesthesia technique, in managing any postoperative complications, and discharging the patient. All this contributes to minimising the patient's discomfort, to a quick recovery, and to minimise all inconvenience that may invalidate the service provided. Our experience includes 13,014 surgical procedures performed by seven specialised Operative Units. The analysis of our case records shows we have established an adequate organisation model and achieved a high quality standard of care in connection with high volumes of activity.