What Is Outpatient Surgery? What You Need to Know

What is outpatient surgery? Current estimates suggest that more than half of all surgeries performed each year across the U.S. are outpatient, so chances are that you or someone you know may encounter it as an option depending on the type of surgery needed.

Also known as ambulatory or same-day surgery, the outpatient surgery definition refers to medical procedures that do not require an overnight stay in a hospital, so they are described as being performed on an outpatient basis. North Carolina Specialty Hospital performs a wide range of outpatient surgical procedures in the Triangle region. Read on to learn more about them, and watch the video below featuring the benefits and considerations of outpatient surgery at smaller specialty hospitals like NCSH.

Outpatient Surgeries and You: What You Need to Know

When we think about undergoing surgery, we may have visions or memories of long stays in hospital rooms. How did things change so that more surgery can be done on an outpatient basis?

Incredible advancements in medical technology and techniques have occurred. These advancements, such as robotic-assisted surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as arthroscopy (using small incisions, a camera, and tiny instruments to treat joints) and laparoscopy (a similar method to arthroscopy but performed within the body), can treat the problem more quickly, minimizing bleeding, reducing pain, and with less damage to surrounding tissues, muscles, ligaments, and bones.

Also, local anesthesia or mild sedation can now be used rather than general anesthesia, allowing patients to recover and wake up from surgery more quickly and with fewer side effects.

What Are Outpatient Surgery Examples?

Common examples of outpatient surgeries after which people can return home the same day include:

• Cataract surgery
• Tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy
• Hernia repair
• Colonoscopy
• Vasectomy
• Knee and hip replacement
• Rotator cuff surgery
• Kidney stone treatments
• Cosmetic surgery
• Gallbladder removal
• Gynecological procedures
• Endoscopy
• And more

Depending on your condition, your doctor will know if you can be treated on an outpatient basis. While most procedures are safe to be performed as an outpatient, patients with certain medical conditions or those requiring complex surgeries may not be suitable candidates for outpatient procedures. Patients should discuss their medical history and any concerns with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

Benefits of Outpatient Surgery

With outpatient surgery, you can:

• Recover in the comfort of your own home.
• Spend less time away from work or school and return to your daily activities sooner.
• Reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
• Reduce the cost compared to that of an inpatient procedure.

You may also be able to schedule an outpatient procedure more quickly than an inpatient one.

Where to Go for Outpatient Surgery in the Raleigh-Durham Area

While larger hospitals may offer outpatient surgery, smaller specialty hospitals like North Carolina Specialty Hospital (NCSH) may provide a more personalized and efficient experience. Ever since we opened our doors in 1926, our patients have been able to expect individualized care from a team of experienced surgeons, nurses, and staff in a state-of-the-art facility with a patient-nurse ratio of 4:1. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians are among the leading practitioners in North Carolina, and our commitment to quality and growth has earned us a number of high rankings and accommodations.

At NCSH, we offer services for:

• Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery
• General Surgery
• Gynecology
• Ophthalmology
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Podiatry
• Urology

It’s also critical to know that NCSH offers inpatient surgery and accommodations should your condition not be suitable for outpatient surgery or if your surgeon deems it appropriate to extend your stay after surgery.

At North Carolina Specialty Hospital, we’re proud to say that our specialty is YOU. Learn more about our private, physician-owned medical center here and watch the video. If outpatient surgery is in your future, we hope you’ll choose—and trust—us with your care.