Study Points to Faster Recovery for Children Visiting Preanesthesia Clinics Before Minor Surgery

Rethinking Preanesthesia Clinics: Not Just for Complicated Cases

While preanesthesia clinics (PACs) are well-established in many Western countries, their implementation varies globally, and their benefits for healthy children undergoing minor surgeries have been uncertain. A new retrospective study from a single center in China challenges this notion, suggesting that even young, healthy patients can benefit from a dedicated preanesthesia clinic visit before procedures like adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy.

The Research: Comparing Clinic and Ward Evaluations

Researchers evaluated 1,553 pediatric patients aged 1–18 years who underwent elective adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy under general anesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups: one received preoperative assessment in a PAC, while the other was evaluated at the ward. The main outcomes measured were the time to extubation (removal of the breathing tube) and the length of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Secondary outcomes included total hospital stay, medical costs, and postoperative complications.

Key Findings: Clinic Visits Mean Quicker Recovery

Children assessed in PACs had a significantly shorter PACU stay (about 3 minutes less, or 7.6% shorter) than those evaluated in wards, after adjusting for confounding factors.

There was no significant difference in extubation time between groups.

Total medical costs, including examination and laboratory fees, were notably lower for the PAC group.

No increase in postoperative complications or readmissions was seen with PAC use.

Why Does a PAC Visit Make a Difference?

The study suggests several possible reasons:

PACs offer a more structured environment, allowing better communication and preparation for the child and family, which may reduce preoperative anxiety—a known factor in slower recovery.

Assessments in PACs are typically conducted by more experienced anesthesiologists, potentially leading to better perioperative planning and outcomes.

Limitations and Future Directions

The study’s retrospective, single-center design and focus on only two surgery types mean results may not be universally applicable. Differences in patient characteristics and hospital protocols could also influence outcomes. However, the findings support the value of PACs in enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, even for routine pediatric cases. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm these benefits across broader settings and surgeries.

Key Takeaways

Preanesthesia clinics can shorten recovery time for healthy children after minor surgery.

PAC visits are linked to reduced medical costs.

No increase in complications or readmissions was observed.

Improved preparation and reduced anxiety may underlie these benefits.

Broader studies are needed to confirm the findings for other surgeries and settings.

Citation:

Luo H, Zhang D, Lian Y, Yan Y, Zhang T, Sun Y. A visit to preanesthesia clinic can promote post-anesthesia early recovery in pediatric patients undergoing minor surgery: a retrospective study from a single center. BMC Anesthesiology. 2025;25:259. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12871-025-03136-5