Anaesthetists Handbook - MEDICAL EDUCATION at University ...

For afternoon list (pm)Diabetic Patients:Clear water until 6.00amLight breakfast at 6.00amClear water until 11.00amMiscellaneous issues• Insulin sliding scale and glucose infusion to commence prior tosurgery: 6.00am for morning list; after light breakfast forafternoon list.• Both intravenous fluids and insulin pump should accompany thepatient to theatre.SchedulingAs far as possible patients requiring general anaesthetic should begiven priority over those requiring regional or local anaesthetic.Postoperative careThe patients are usually observed in the recovery room after surgeryand anaesthesia to ensure that they are stable before transfer to theward.Appropriate analgesia, intravenous fluids, cardiac medication andoxygen therapy are prescribed to achieve as near normal conditionas possible for the patients. Oxygen therapy has been shown to havepositive benefits reducing the risk of perioperative infarction in thosewith a history of cardiac disease, and should be continued even afterlocal anaesthetic.On the ward vigilant postoperative care is expected to ensure safetyand minimise morbidity.Guidelines1. Scheduling• Printed list submitted to theatres• Patients are admitted by early afternoon at the latest• Patients for GA get priority over othersAnaesthetists Handbook January 2010 233