[Evaluation of urologic activity in ambulatory surgery: a single centre experience]

Ambulatory surgery is an alternative to traditional hospitalisation and an opportunity for savings for the healthcare system. Here, we analyze our experience in outpatient surgery in urology over a year.

A prospective database concerning outpatient activity was established in 2009, gathering age, ASA score, type of intervention, discharge and recovery for each patient. An individual questionnaire was sent retrospectively in February 2010, to collect data about history of outpatient surgery, overall satisfaction, preference for traditional hospitalization and emergency department visits within 48 hours after surgery.

In 2009, 465 patients aged of 52±16 years (15-98) underwent urologic surgery on an outpatient basis. Median ASA score was 2 (1-3). Types of intervention were mainly endo-urology (44.5%), surgery for urinary incontinence (32.5%), and circumcision (12.3%). The postoperative hospitalization rate was 4.5%. The questionnaire response rate was 28%. Forty-six percent of the patients had already been supported in ambulatory, overall satisfaction was 3.3 out of 4 (±1.06) and 24% of patients would have preferred a traditional hospitalization. 11% of patients required emergency department care within 48 hours whatever the surgery undergone.

An important part of urological procedures has been done on an outpatient basis without compromising quality of care and patient satisfaction.