Day case surgery: to overcome prejudice

Aim-Background

Ambulatory surgery has become the standard method of care for elective operations in many countries. Nevertheless, day surgery in Greece is far from being established as the modality of choice when performing specific operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of day case surgery in selected operations, as well as patient satisfaction.

Methods

Patients were selected last year over a period of twelve months to undergo operations in the setting of ambulatory surgery. Selection criteria were related to social and medical factors; among others, these included the presence of an accompanying adult, elective surgery, and age under 75 years. We performed 142 operations including laparoscopic cholecystectomies, hernia repair and treatment of perianal diseases. Anaesthetic methods comprised general anaesthesia, local anaesthesia and Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) block.

Results

No major complications were recorded for any of the selected surgeries, nor any readmissions. The average cost for the total amount of surgeries was reduced by 40%. This cost reduction was mainly due to the limited use of abdominal drains, restricted preoperative examinations and strict anaesthetic protocol. All patients declared satisfaction with the treatment modality that was offered to them.

Conclusions

Following careful and methodic patient selection, day case surgery can reduce the cost of hospitalization and provide patient satisfaction, in addition to being both achievable and safe.