Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
05:43
Topical Airway Anesthesia for Awake-endoscopic Intubation Using the Spray-as-you-go Technique with High Oxygen Flow
Published on: January 13, 2017
Anesthetic practices in ambulatory aesthetic surgery
E H Courtiss1, R M Goldwyn, J M Joffe
1Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton Lower Falls, MA.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Anesthesia practices in ambulatory aesthetic surgery vary by setting. Local anesthesia with sedation is common, but anesthesia provider presence differs, especially in office settings.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Ambulatory aesthetic surgery is prevalent, yet anesthetic practices and their variations by surgical location are not well-documented.
- Understanding current anesthetic trends is crucial for patient safety and practice standardization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of different anesthetic practices in ambulatory aesthetic surgery.
- To determine if anesthetic practices vary based on the surgical setting (office, hospital, or free-standing facility).
Main Methods:
- A 69-item questionnaire was distributed to members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
- A high response rate of 76.6% (604/789) was achieved, providing robust data.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of surgeons operate in their offices frequently; about half avoid hospital settings for aesthetic procedures.
- Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is widely used across all settings.
- In office surgeries, anesthesia personnel (nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist) are absent one-third of the time; general anesthesia is used in 50% of cases.
- Patient monitoring and preoperative evaluations are consistent regardless of surgical location.
Conclusions:
- Anesthetic practices in ambulatory aesthetic surgery show significant variation, particularly concerning the presence of anesthesia providers in office-based settings.
- Despite setting differences, anesthetic techniques and monitoring intensity remain largely consistent, suggesting a need for standardized protocols.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly used for various applications in medical and dental procedures. Some of the common agents used are cocaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine.
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
01:30Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
Depending on the target organ, local anesthetics (LAs) can be administered via various routes. In surface anesthesia, LAs are applied directly to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. It is widely used for topical skin numbing before venipuncture or minor surgical procedures. Commonly used surface local anesthetics are lidocaine or benzocaine sprays or creams. Surface anesthesia occurs within 5 minutes and lasts for about 60 minutes. One of the main disadvantages of topical anesthesia is...
01:11Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
01:29Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
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...
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...
01:24General Anesthesia: Overview
Anesthesia is a medical procedure that uses drugs for CNS suppression to enable painless surgeries and procedures. The selection of anesthetics is influenced by their pharmacokinetic properties, side effects, and patient characteristics. Various types of anesthesia include general, local, regional, spinal, and inhalational.
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
01:22Stages of General Anesthesia
Various sedation levels offer significant advantages in facilitating procedural interventions for patients undergoing medical or invasive surgical procedures. These levels span from anxiolysis to general anesthesia, providing a spectrum of sedative effects to cater to specific patient needs. Anxiolysis reduces anxiety and is achieved through minimal sedation, enabling patients to remain awake and responsive while feeling more at ease during the procedure. This level can benefit minor...