Outpatient Surgery

Thanks to advances in technology, anesthesia, and pain management, surgical procedures that previously required hospitalization are now being performed routinely on an ambulatory basis. Many outpatient procedures are performed in ambulatory care centers, which can be associated with hospitals or located in freestanding satellites. Millions of procedures, such as tonsillectomies, hernia repair operations, and cataract operations are carried out annually, with complications rarely occurring.

One of the key benefits of outpatient surgery is the ability to recover comfortably at home, which usually makes the process faster and easier for the patient. With no charges for a hospital stay, outpatient surgery costs less. Additionally, with no emergencies occurring as they do in hospitals, it is much easier to maintain surgical timeframes and stay on schedule.

The type of procedure and anesthesia and the policies of the insurance company and the ambulatory center will all affect how long a patient remains in a facility before being discharged. On average, patients stay between one to four hours after surgery. Most patients are advised not to drive for a full 24-hour period, since they often feel drowsy or dizzy for a day or two after a procedure. A relative or friend should be available to transport the patient home.

About Anthony Sinisgalli: The Director of Business Development for HCA, Inc., in Northeast Florida, Anthony Sinisgalli interacts with physicians and surgeons to ensure their needs are fully met at the company’s outpatient surgical centers.