Postoperative pain management in ambulatory surgery

Abstract

The purpose of this study were to determine whether the type and amount of narcotic administered in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) are associated with the length of stay and the postoperative pain level and intensity, as reported by the patient at the time of discharge to home for patients who have undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Data will be compiled in a retrospective chart review, and statistical analysis of the data will be evaluated to determine if patients are being discharged to home without meeting same day surgery discharge criteria. The chart review will compare type and amount of narcotic administered in PACU and ambulatory surgical unit (ASU) following surgery, as well as, the pain level and intensity using measurable variables from the different selected groups of the study.