Ambulatory Anesthesia

The University of Kansas Health System has several locations where patients may undergo outpatient (or ambulatory) procedures or surgeries. These locations include our Indian Creek Campus, KU MedWest Ambulatory Surgery Center and the Eye Center. Our anesthesiologists provide high-quality care for patients at these facilities. The patient experience in an ambulatory facility is intended to provide safe and comfortable care in an environment where ease of access and efficiency allow the least interruption in the patient’s life.

Unlike a traditional, large hospital, your first visit to the ambulatory facility is likely to be on the day of your procedure. For this reason, your pre-anesthesia assessment may be performed during a phone call. Dedicated pre-anesthesia nurses collect all necessary information regarding your procedure and medical history. Depending upon your medical history, your information may be reviewed by an anesthesiologist to ensure the safest and most pleasant experience. Your anesthetic will be tailored specifically for you, taking all of this information into account.

Because you will be going home shortly after your procedure, we strive to make your procedure as comfortable as possible. In addition to traditional oral pain medications, the physician anesthesiologist taking care of you may suggest a regional anesthetic or “nerve block” to manage your pain after surgery. Common regional analgesic techniques include:

• Interscalene nerve block for shoulder surgery
• Popliteal/sciatic nerve block for foot or ankle surgery
• Axillary or infraclavicular block for hand or forearm surgery
• Femoral nerve block for knee surgery
• TAPS block for abdominal surgery

These pain-relieving procedures will be discussed in detail when you meet your anesthesiologist on the day of surgery.

You can expect to receive a follow-up call regarding your surgery from a nurse at the facility where you had your procedure. Your surgeon will arrange for you to have an appointment at their clinic.