Ambulatory surgery is surgery done on an outpatient basis. Most often this is done in a hospital. It can also be done at a freestanding center. One reason ambulatory surgeries are more common now than in the past is medical practices. This includes the use of anesthesias that let patients come to quicker and with fewer side effects.
Common ambulatory surgeries include:
Endoscopy procedures
Hernia repair
Polyp removal from the colon
Some plastic surgeries
Tubal ligation
Dilation and curettage (D&C)
Breast biopsy
Tonsillectomy
Cataract procedures
Orthopedic procedures (such as arthroscopy
of a knee)
Glaucoma procedures
Ambulatory or outpatient surgery has many advantages:
Hospitalization poses the risk of
exposure to infections and may also keep patients bedridden longer than is necessary.
Ambulatory surgery gets you in and out
quickly.
The patient has a good deal of choice as to
when the surgery will occur. The surgery is scheduled by appointment for patient
convenience.
Most people prefer healing at home in their
own beds to staying in a hospital. The home can be a more comfortable place in which to
heal than a hospital with its hectic schedules.
Medical bills are much lower if you don't
have to stay in a hospital overnight.
Things to consider:
Many procedures need special
preparation ahead of time. Follow your doctor's orders exactly.
You may need someone to drive you home and
stay with you as you recover.
Do not bring valuables with you when you
have outpatient surgery.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2002 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 7/2/02