Outpatient surgery

Outpatient surgery, also known as ambulatory surgery, is a type of surgery that does not require an overnight hospital stay. The term “outpatient” arises from the fact that surgery patients may enter and leave the facility on the same day.

Overview

The advantages of outpatient surgery over inpatient surgery include greater convenience and reduced costs. Outpatient surgery is suitable for procedures that can be done under local anesthesia, and where post-operative care is minimal.

Types of Outpatient Surgery

Outpatient surgery can be performed in a variety of settings, such as doctor's offices, surgery centers, and hospitals. The types of procedures that can be done on an outpatient basis are numerous, and include:

• Cataract surgery
• Gallbladder removal
• Knee arthroscopy
• Tonsillectomy

Risks and Considerations

While outpatient surgery has many benefits, it is not without risks. These include complications from anesthesia, infection, and unexpected hospital admission. Patients should discuss these risks with their doctor before deciding on outpatient surgery.

See Also

• Inpatient surgery
• Day surgery
• Minor surgery