Outpatient surgery – referred to as ambulatory surgery or same-day surgery – allows a person to return home on the same day that a surgical procedure is performed. More than half of all elective surgery procedures in the United States are currently performed as outpatient surgeries, due to less invasive surgical procedures and improved surgical instruments.
Outpatient surgery is suited best for healthy people who are undergoing minor or intermediate procedures. Recently, people with more complex medical problems are undergoing outpatient surgery, and the types and complexity of surgical procedures have expanded significantly.
Facing surgery can be a frightening experience fraught with questions, doubts and uncertainties. However, most surgeries are elective, meaning that you decide if surgery is the best option for you after doctor consultation, and elect to have the procedure. This decision process often gives you needed time to prepare, which is an important step.
Benefits of outpatient surgery:
Generally, outpatient (or ambulatory) surgery is appropriate for healthy individuals and for simple procedures that can be done in 60 to 90 minutes, and don’t require a person to be closely monitored afterward. Outpatient surgery offers several advantages over surgery that requires hospitalization (inpatient), such as:
- A lower risk of infection after surgery
- Recovery at home
- Fewer delays and shorter waiting times
- Lower cost
- Less disruption of your schedule
These procedures can also eliminate inpatient hospital admission, reduce the amount of medication prescribed, and utilize a doctor’s time more efficiently. More procedures are now being performed in a surgeon’s office, termed office-based surgery, rather than in the traditional operating room.
If you think you are a candidate for outpatient surgery, call Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland at (410) 644-1880 to request an appointment.
