KEY POINTS

1. PACUs evolved in the 20th century.
2. Length of stay in the PACU is multifactorial and often independent of the anesthetic agents used.
3. Nausea and vomiting are the most common complications in the PACU.
4. Prevention, detection, and treatment of cardiorespiratory complications are the major reason for the existence of PACUs.
5. Patients and anesthesiologists consider pain an undesirable outcome, but it remains an undertreated symptom after surgery.
6. Outpatient surgery has resulted in major changes in PACU care.
7. Pediatric patients create a unique set of challenges for PACUs.