Postanaesthetic Patterns of Care in Minor Gynaecological Surgery

Abstract

A survey of 408 patients undergoing minor gynaecological procedures was undertaken to determine the optimal pattern of postoperative observation and feeding in the general surgical ward setting. Sixty per cent of all complications occurred within the first two hours after return to the ward. The rest were all of a visible nature, not requiring vital sign recording for detection. Oral intake was tolerated as soon as patients were conscious and co-operative. It is concluded that routine observations need not be recorded for more than two hours after return to the ward after minor gynaecological surgery.