subject: A Brief Overview About- Ambulatory Surgery [print this page] Outpatient, same-day or Ambulatory Surgery is carried out on an out-patient basis where the patient gets to go home the same day after the procedure. Ambulatory Surgery health care facilities specialize in this by offering the following services:
Surgical procedures
Pain management
Diagnostic services
Some of the benefits of same-day surgery are:
Inpatient hospital admission can be avoided resulting in cost savings
Minimizes prescription medication and therefore, harmful side effects
Makes better use of the doctors valuable time
State-of-the-art surgical instruments and supplies
Surgical techniques are less invasive
There is a team caring for the patient undergoing surgery with a surgeon and anesthesiologist being present on hand
Reduced health care costs
This is best suited for those who are normally healthy and have to undergo minor surgical procedures although some complex problems are also dealt with in the outpatient setting. Some examples of outpatient operations are urologic, ear nose and throat procedures, ophthalmologic surgeries.
What happens before ambulatory surgery?
Before the operation, a full evaluation of the patient is done by the doctor. If there are pre-existing medical conditions, the family physician is consulted to determine course of action. While the anesthesiologist does not come in to the picture until the day on which the surgery is scheduled, the doctor actively assesses and prepares the patient, especially those with other health complications. On the eve of the operation or on the day it is scheduled, the anesthesiologist takes a look at all the medical records of the patient and conducts an examination. This is followed by a discussion of the anesthetic plan with the patient or the family, clearing up any concerns about the procedure so that the patient is well-informed and prepared.
If the patient had a heart attack or suffered from a stroke, or has hypertension, diabetes, asthma and other respiratory diseases, they are expected to meet up with the doctor or anesthesiologist a day prior to the scheduled procedure and provide the following information:
Medical record copies, results of electro cardio grams and other heart and lung tests
Details of medical issues, previous surgeries and problems faced, if any
List of medications being taken currently with dosages
Information related to allergic reactions, if any
Based on the information received some changes or additions can be made to the medication. Further testing may be advised. In some instances, the operation may be postponed or canceled. The purpose of the preparatory stage is to allay any concerns and fears about the procedure so that the patient is fully aware and prepared.
Once the surgical procedure is done, the patient is shifted to the recovery area to recover from the effects of the anesthesia. This may take a few hours. With ambulatory surgery, the patient usually recovers without pain and discomfort. If there is severe pain, care is taken right away and the patient is monitored by a nurse with the doctor and anesthesiologist close at hand to attend to emergencies.
In short, outpatient surgery is not so serious as to warrant hospital stay but at the same time, not something that can be handled by the doctors clinic. The patient is discharged after the operation and can return home the same day without overnight stay.
