Abstract

BACKGOUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate characteristics and mortality rates of patients admitted to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) for obtaining the better clinical guidances and more advanced therapeutic plan in the future.
METHODS
The medical records of total 425 patients admitted to the PACU from January to December 1998 were reviewed and analyzed according to age, sex, department, duration of stay, mechanical ventilator care, and mortality rates.
RESULTS
Patients admitted PACU were 6% of total anesthesia patients. The ratio of male to female was 1.5:1. Patients of manhood aged from 45 to 64 were 37%, pediatric patients under 15 year-old were 23%. and elderly patients over 64 year-old were 18% of total PACU patients. The ratio of patients with ventilatory support was 42%. Mortality rate of neonate under 1 month of age was about 47%. Total mortality rate was 12%.
CONCLUSIONS
To improve the outcome of the patients in PACU, continuous nutritional and medical support, cardiovascular and pulmonary monitoring, appropriate nursing care, and availability of medical staff were needed.

• Keywords: Intensive care;postanesthesia care unit;Outcome;clinical survey;