Most outpatient cosmetic procedures are now performed in surgeons' offices, with patients under local anesthesia and minimal intravenous sedation. Sedation at any level beyond minimal creates the risk of airway obstruction and ventilatory depression, which can result in irreversible brain injury or death within minutes. This article discusses appropriate patient and procedure selection, and outlines the personnel, equipment, and techniques necessary to avoid such outcomes.
Keywords: Airway management; Ambulatory anesthesia; Ambulatory surgery; Office-based anesthesia; Office-based surgery; Outpatient anesthesia; Outpatient setting; Outpatient surgery.
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