title: Fast-track concept for ambulatory anesthesia.
abstract: Fast-tracking in the ambulatory setting refers to the ability to transfer suitably recovered patients from the operating room directly to the Phase II (step-down) recovery area, bypassing the postanesthesia care unit. This article describes the concept of fast-tracking after ambulatory surgery and reviews anesthetic techniques that have helped to facilitate this process. The prevention and management of postoperative pain and nausea are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: van Vlymen
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: White