Urological day case surgery in elderly and medically unfit patients using sedoanalgesia: what are the limits?

Abstract

Objective To assess how elderly and medically unfit patients cope with day case surgery in a urological unit using sedoanalgesia. Patients and methods One hundred patients (mean age 78 years, range 59-97) either over the age of 75 years, or with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status of 3 or 4 (58 patients) were studied before and after surgery to assess their medical condition, home circumstances and how they coped with their first day after the operation. Results Ninety patients found the procedure good or acceptable and 86 thought having their operation and going home on the same day was a good idea. Conclusion Elderly and medically unfit patients can be treated safely with no serious complications using sedoanalgesia in a well organized Day Unit equipped with full monitoring facilities.