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Resolved URTI Proceeding with Anaesthesia — FRCA Final MCQ

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EasyDay SurgeryResolved URTI Proceeding with AnaesthesiaFRCA Final

A 30-year-old man (ASA I, 75 kg) is having a knee arthroscopy as a day case. He had a sore throat for 2 days which resolved yesterday. He is now asymptomatic with no fever, clear chest, and SpO2 99%. Should the case proceed?

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Correct answer: A — Defer for 6 weeks

In an adult who has had a mild upper respiratory tract infection that has fully resolved (no active symptoms, no fever, clear chest, normal SpO2), anaesthesia can safely proceed. Active URTIs increase the risk of bronchospasm, laryngospasm, coughing, and desaturation, particularly in children. However, a recently resolved URTI in an otherwise healthy adult with no residual symptoms poses minimal additional risk. If symptoms were still present, postponement for 1-2 weeks would be appropriate. This is a pragmatic clinical decision.

Reference: RCOA – 2023 – Preoperative assessment; APA – 2019 – URTI and anaesthesia in children