Postoperative issues: discharge criteria.

With the continuous increase in the numbers and complexity of cases being done as ambulatory procedures, striking a balance between operational efficiency, patient safety, and patient satisfaction has become increasingly difficult. This article summarizes the latest evidence and consensus with regard to discharging an ambulatory patient home, the use of patient recovery scoring systems for protocol-based decision making, the concept of fast-track recovery, and requirements for patient escort. Fast-tracking (ie, bypassing the postanesthesia care unit) is an acceptable and safe pathway, provided careful patient selection and assessment are performed.