Intra-hospital transport of the anaesthetized patient

This study evaluated the anaesthetic management of 20 patients, undergoing intra-operative radiation therapy for pancreatic or rectal tumours. Patients with a re-approximated surgical incision were transferred from the operating room to the radiotherapy department while still under anaesthesia. The risks of such transport as well as guidelines for the patient's care during this phase are examined. The results of this study indicate that in order to transport anaesthetized patients safely it is necessary to ensure stable cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic conditions prior to their transfer. It is also important to guarantee adequate analgesia and to establish appropriate monitoring during transport.