Recovery room problems or problems in the PACU.

Objectives This lecture will cover four areas: First, the early history of the PACU will be briefly discussed so that the reasons for the need and the development of a Post Anaesthetic Care Unit can be better understood. Second, the current guidelines and suggestions for the administration and care of patients in the PACU will be appraised. The third focus will be a review of epidemiological studies which have identified the commonest PACU problems. Specific strategies for prevention and treatment of common problems will be outlined. Since it is unlikely that current PACUs will escape costcutting strategies, the lecture will close with a brief discussion of future trends and potential changes in the organization and management of the PACU.