Ambulatory surgery: our first experience

Abstract

Introduction: Outpatient surgery is the preferred option for patients because it reduces their time in the hospital and reduces their exposure to postoperative infections and thrombotic risks.

The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility of outpatient surgery in the general surgery department of Frantz Fanon Hospitalin Algeria.

Methods : We conducted a prospective descriptive cohort study from January 2023 to June 2024. We studied 390 patients who underwent surgery as outpatients.

Of these, 66 patients had cervical endocrine surgery, including 49 thyroidectomies and 17 parathyroidectomies. Forty-five patients had laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 253 had hernia repair, and 26 had proctological surgery.

We assessed feasibility based on the rate and causes of unplanned hospitalizations, as well as patient satisfaction with this mode of management.

Results : The mean age was 49 ± 15.5 years, and our population was predominantly male (244 M/146 F).

General anesthesia was used in 111 patients (28.4%). Two hundred patients (51.3%) were operated under spinal anesthesia, and 99 patients (20.2%) under transversus abdominis plane block (TAP block).

The average admission time for all patients was 488 min ± 117, and the mean duration of monitoring in the ambulatory unit was 352 min ± 96.

The outpatient concept failed in only 1.8% (7/390) of patients. No readmission was observed. The vast majority of patients (98.5%) were highly satisfied with this mode of management.

Conclusion : The results of our study demonstrate the feasibility and safety of outpatient surgery at our department.