Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Published on: May 26, 2023
Special anesthetic concerns in mentally handicapped institutionalized patients undergoing gynecological procedures in
Nalini Vadivelu1, Peter Harkness, Susan Richman
1Department of Anesthesiology and Obstetrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06520-8051, USA. nalini.vadivelu@yale.edu
Study Objective:
To evaluate the anesthesia issues involved in caring for mentally handicapped outpatients.
Design:
Retrospective chart review.
Setting:
University-affiliated outpatient ambulatory center.
Patients:
Twenty adult patients scheduled for gynecological procedures.
Interventions:
None.
Measurements:
Data collection sheet was used to record patients' age, ASA status, procedure, premedication, intravenous placement, degree of agitation, airway control, induction (method and drugs), intraoperative anesthesia care, postoperative medications, total time in hospital, postanesthesia care unit time and disposition.
Main Results:
Agitation was present in 100% of the patients. A significant number of these patients were ASA III, needing oral or intramuscular sedation (35%) or mask induction prior to placement of an intravenous line. Severely agitated patients had the longest stays in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).
Conclusions:
Agitation was the main reason why 90% of the patients required intubation for relatively minor procedures. Agitation was the main factor leading to prolonged recovery room time.
Related Concept Videos
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Stages of General Anesthesia