Hand Surgery in the Ambulatory Surgery Center

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Ambulatory Care
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) are increasingly preferred for hand and wrist procedures over traditional inpatient or hospital-based outpatient settings.
• These centers offer a safe and cost-effective surgical option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and patient satisfaction associated with hand and wrist surgeries performed in ambulatory surgery centers.
• To identify key factors contributing to patient dissatisfaction in the ASC setting for these procedures.

Main Methods:

• Review of complication rates for hand and wrist surgeries conducted in ASCs.
• Analysis of patient feedback and reported dissatisfaction factors.

Main Results:

• Complication rates following hand surgery in ASCs are notably low, ranging from 0.2% to 2.5%.
• Primary reasons for patient dissatisfaction include postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and insufficient pain management.

Conclusions:

• ASCs provide a safe and efficient environment for most hand and wrist surgeries.
• Addressing postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain control is crucial for improving patient satisfaction in ambulatory hand surgery.