1Post Graduate, Department of Anaesthesiology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, MAHER University, Kanchipuram. Email: drvidyaa.g@gmail.com
2Professor and Head, Department of Anaesthesiology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, MAHER University, Kanchipuram
3Associate Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, MAHER University, Kanchipuram
4Post Graduate, Department of Anaesthesiology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, MAHER University, Kanchipuram
Corresponding Author: Dr. Vidhiya R.S, Post Graduate, Department of Anaesthesiology, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, MAHER University, Kanchipuram. Email: drvidyaa.g@gmail.com
Background: Assessment of postoperative recovery is an important component of perioperative patient care following general anaesthesia. Standardized recovery scoring systems are used in the post anaesthesia care unit (PACU) to determine patient readiness for discharge. The Modified Aldrete Score is widely used for evaluating recovery, while fast-track criteria have been introduced to identify patients suitable for early discharge and improved perioperative efficiency.
Aim: To compare the Modified Aldrete Score and fast-track criteria in determining postoperative recovery following general anaesthesia.
Materials and Methods: This prospective comparative study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesia at a tertiary care teaching hospital attached to Meenakshi Medical College, Kanchipuram. A total of 90 patients undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia were included in the study. Postoperative recovery was assessed in the PACU using both the Modified Aldrete Score and fast-track criteria. The time required to achieve a Modified Aldrete Score of ≥9 and the time required to fulfill fast-track recovery criteria were recorded and compared. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, and a p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean recovery time according to fast-track criteria was 14.2 ± 3.8 minutes, whereas patients required 18.6 ± 4.5 minutes to achieve a Modified Aldrete Score of ≥9. Patients achieved recovery significantly earlier when assessed using fast-track criteria, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). These findings indicate that fast-track criteria allow earlier identification of recovery in patients following general anaesthesia.
Conclusion: Both the Modified Aldrete Score and fast-track criteria are reliable methods for assessing postoperative recovery. However, fast-track criteria allow earlier detection of recovery and may help reduce PACU stay while maintaining patient safety.
Keywords: Modified Aldrete Score, fast-track criteria, postoperative recovery, general anaesthesia, post anaesthesia care unit.
How to cite this article: Vidhiya RS, Thirumaaran UG, Sivatharshini P, Kajla M. Assessment of Post-Anaesthesia Recovery Using Modified Aldrete Score and Fast-Track Criteria: A Comparative Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(12s): 442-446. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.12s.52
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None