Transport From the Operating Room to Post Anesthesia Care Unit

This period is usually complicated by the lack of adequate monitors, access to drugs, or resuscitative equipment. Patients should not leave the operating room unless they have a stable and patent airway, have adequate ventilation and oxygenation, and are hemodynamically stable. Supplemental oxygen should be administered during transport to patients at risk for hypoxemia. Some studies suggest that transient hypoxemia (SpO2 < 90%) may develop in as many as 30 - 50% of otherwise "normal" patients during transport while breathing room air; supplemental oxygen may therefore by advisable in all patients if the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) is not in immediate proximity to the operating room. Unstable patients should be left intubated and transported with a portable monitor (ECG, Sp O2, and blood pressure) and a supply of emergency drugs.

All patients should be taken to the PACU on a bed or gurney that can be placed in either the head-down (Trendelenburg) or head-up position. The head-down position is useful for hypovolemic patients, whereas the head-up position is useful for patients with underlying pulmonary dysfunction. Patients at high risk for vomiting or upper airway bleeding should be transported in the lateral position. This position also helps prevent airway obstruction and facilitates drainage of secretions.

Finally at the end of the procedure and sending patient to post anesthesia care unit, before receiving another patient the anesthetist should arrange the anesthetic working environment to be safe and comfortable for the next procedures.

  • Check the anesthesia machine, fill the vaporizer and change or clean parts which had direct contact with the previous patient
  • Check monitors and suction machine functionality
  • Refill disposable items and drugs (anesthetics, relaxants, fluids, oxygen, adjuvant...)
  • Arrange air way equipment and other items in working order.

This can be done well if the department prepare check list which contains a list of tasks to be performed before procedure and after procedure

Last modified: Thursday, 17 November 2016, 3:06 PM