SAMBA Statements

Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia Updated Consensus Statement on Perioperative Blood Glucose Management in Adult Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Undergoing Ambulatory Surgery

March 2024

This consensus statement is a comprehensive update of the 2010 Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) Consensus Statement on perioperative blood glucose management in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing ambulatory surgery.

Care of the Pediatric Patient for Ambulatory Tonsillectomy With or Without Adenoidectomy: The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia Position Statement

March 2024

In response to requests from our members without pediatric fellowship training and/or who care for pediatric patients infrequently, the Pediatric Committee of the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) developed a position statement with recommendations for the safe perioperative care of pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy with and without adenoidectomy in freestanding ambulatory surgical facilities. 

Preoperative Care for Cataract Surgery: The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia Position Statement

December 2021

We present SAMBA’s position statement for preoperative care for cataract surgery. Most cataracts can be treated using topical or regional anesthesia with minimum or no sedation. There is minimal risk of adverse outcomes. There is general consensus that cataract surgery is extremely low risk, and the benefits of sight restoration and preservation are enormous.

Statement on Intravenous Catheter Placement, Venipuncture and Blood Pressure Measurements in the Ipsilateral Upper Extremity after Breast Cancer Surgery with and without Axillary Lymph Node Dissection

September 27, 2021

SAMBA supports the placement of intravenous catheters, venipunctures, and blood pressure measurements in an upper extremity ipsilateral to breast cancer surgery with and without axillary lymph node dissection.

Malignant Hyperthermia–Susceptible Adult Patient and Ambulatory Surgery Center: Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia and Ambulatory Surgical Care Committee of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Position Statement 

August 2019

This statement represents a joint effort of the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) and the Ambulatory Surgical Care Committee of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) concerning the safe anesthetic care of adult malignant hyperthermia (MH)-susceptible patients in a free-standing ambulatory surgery center (ASC). 

Succinylcholine for Emergency Airway Rescue in Class B Ambulatory Facilities: The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia Position Statement

May 2017 

This statement argues that, in the absence of succinylcholine, the morbidity and mortality from laryngospasm can be significant, indeed, higher than the unlikely scenario of succinylcholine- triggered malignant hyperthermia. The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) position statement for the use of succinylcholine for emergency airway management is presented.

COVID Statements

Statement on Timing of Elective Ambulatory Surgery During COVID-19 Resurgence in the U.S.

February 23, 2021

The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) is concerned about the resurgence of COVID-19 cases throughout the country. Beginning in late fall 2020 viral spread and rates of infection dramatically increased. However, just very recently the numbers have started to mitigate, though rates of infection are almost twice the peaks that we saw in summer 2020. In addition, testing capabilities have escalated, and vaccination is being offered to healthcare workers and senior citizens. Read the full statement below.

Statement on COVID-19 Testing Before Ambulatory Anesthesia

May 1, 2020

Guidance on pre-operative COVID-19 testing and it’s application specifically to NORA and OBA, inclusive of procedures as well as surgeries, as of the date of issuance.

Resuming Ambulatory Anesthesia Care

April 20, 2020

A statement on resuming ambulatory anesthesia care, as of the date of issuance, supported by our affiliate societies – the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA).