The post-anaesthetic care unit as a special procedures unit

Scheduling of short, relatively non-sterile and minimally invasive procedures in the post-anaesthetic care unit is not only feasible but greatly increases the efficient use of the facility. Therapeutic manoeuvres that lend themselves to management in the PACU range from simple blood transfusion, to electroconvulsive therapy, placement of nerve blocks and invasive monitoring. The equipment and staffing required and the mechanics of undertaking the different procedures are outlined in this chapter, together with complications, how to avoid them and how to treat them.