Outpatient surgery, or ambulatory surgery, is becoming more popular because of service, quality, cost, and positive outcomes for recovery. Ambulatory surgical centers allow the patient to return home the same day they undergo a surgical procedure.

They lower the amount of prescription medications required, eliminate inpatient admissions, and allow doctors to more efficiently use their time.

Popular Trend

Many people would be surprised to learn that over half of the surgical procedures performed in the United States are done as outpatient surgeries. This number is only expected to increase over the course of the next decade for a number of reasons.

The growth of ambulatory surgical centers can be attributed to several factors. Improved surgical instruments, less invasive surgical techniques, and the need to reduce health care costs are some factors that have led to the growth of this trend. One of the most positive aspects of ambulatory surgical centers is high patient satisfaction.

A recent survey found that 98 percent of patients who underwent procedures at ambulatory surgical centers were satisfied with their experience.

Impact on Recoveries

Another reason for the growing popularity of ambulatory surgical centers is better recovery outcomes. According to a survey conducted by the Federated Ambulatory Surgery Association (FASA), over half of the centers had less than three complications for every 100,000 visits.

They also found that over 95 percent of the medical staffs were board certified. Recovery times for patients at Nueterra Ambulatory Surgical Centers are often faster. This can normally be attributed to the way that these facilities are run and the special attention each patient receives.

A great benefit to this type of treatment is that patients can spend their recovery time in their own homes, if permitted, either with home nurses or familiar caregivers.

Recovery Process

The typical patients can expect to experience some drowsiness following ambulatory anesthesia, including occasional dizziness, muscle aches, and sore throat. Some may experience nausea, but vomiting is uncommon.

Any side effects experienced by the patient will usually resolve themselves quickly after surgery, although it may take a few days in some cases. Most patients do not resume their normal activities the day after surgery because of minor discomfort or drowsiness. Patients are advised to take things easy for several days until they recover fully from their surgery.

Forecast for Continued Growth

The number of ambulatory surgical centers is expected to continue growing for the foreseeable future as they are more able to provide top-quality service for the patients involved. The growth is in response to the demands of patients, doctors, and insurers.

This flux in demand is being spurred by cost savings, high quality care, and patient satisfaction and we will only see the number of ambulatory location increase with their reputation being bolstered every year.