ABSTRACT
Introduction The problems arising during recovery have a quoted incidence ranging from 5% to 40%.1-4 Common problems in recovery are respiratory complications, pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Errors of judgement, communication failure and inadequate preoperative assessment are contributing factors while previous experience, skilled personnel and detection by monitoring help minimize problems when they occur.4 The development of the recovery room or postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) resulted from the recognition that there are many common and potentially life-threatening complications that may occur during emergence and recovery from general anaesthesia.3 For this reason the anaesthetist remains responsible for the patient during their recovery room stay.5
