[Ambulatory surgery -- requirements of the anaesthetist]

The requirements of the anaesthetist regarding ambulatory surgery correspond to those in surgical procedures in hospital. This applies especially to the examination of the patients prior to anaesthesia. Anamnesis and physical examination are more important than radiological or laboratory examinations. According to jurisdiction in ambulatory surgery a shorter period of time between the declaration of consent and the operation is allowed. However, the patient must be guaranteed an adequate period of time for consideration. Since regional anaesthesia involves more organization and requires more time, general anaesthesia with short-acting drugs should be preferred. In observance to the recommendations of anaesthesiological associations and institutions both personnel and technical equipment should meet hospital standards. In day case surgery especially postoperative care must be well planned. This contains the prevention of postoperative nausea or vomiting and a sufficient postoperative analgesia.