Safety of ambulatory surgery

Elective surgical procedures are moving from hospital-affiliated and freestanding ambulatory centers to the physician office. Anesthetic risk has decreased dramatically during the past decade; however, perioperative safety is ill defined when the surgical procedure is performed in the physician office. Perioperative risk may vary depending on the surgical location (hospital, freestanding unit, or physician office). Regulation of office-based surgery is now being addressed by specialty organizations and Departments of Health or Boards of Medical Examiners. A comprehensive study of perioperative risk for patients receiving office-based surgical care is needed.