(p. 31) Anesthetic Techniques 

Anesthetic techniques for procedures performed outside the traditional operating room are varied. General anesthesia, sedation, and regional anesthesia can all be delivered in this venue. The choice of technique is based on safety considerations and patient comorbidities. Perioperative monitoring such as pulse oximetry, end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring, and electrocardiography and blood pressure monitoring protocols must be consistent with American Society of Anesthesiologists guidelines. Common procedures include elective office-based anesthetics, emergency room sedations, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies in the gastroenterology suite, and minimally invasive interventions in the radiology department. Because most of these locations have limited postanesthesia care unit capabilities, the patient’s rapid return to baseline functioning and the ability to be discharged quickly, safely, and comfortably are important goals. Thus, anesthetic technique and the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the anesthetics, analgesics, antiemetics, and local anesthetics are of utmost importance.