Another nonsteroidal, ketoralac, may also be given orally as well as parentally. Opioids are appropriate in outpatients, but they increase drowsiness and may cause nausea or respiratory depression. The judicious use of these agents helps to make a smooth procedure and a calm postoperative stay in the facility. It may be necessary to observe the child longer in the recovery area before discharge. The use of regional anesthesia has become more popular in outpatient cases.
Caudal blocks are popular in some urologic procedures as well as hernia repairs.
These blocks can last up to six hours postoperatively and provide a temporary measure against surgical pain. Other blocks such as penile, axillary and inguinal blocks are also helpful as indicated. As they set up, the need for general anesthesia may decrease, leading to more rapid recovery from a lighter general anesthetic. Studies are still being done for other blocks useful in pediatric patients. Consideration of pain should start in the preoperative area, and mixing oral sedative with agents such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may give us a head start on postoperative Postoperative care of the ambulatory patient should aim at the recovery of the patient to a stable state that will allow discharge home.