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.
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.