Orthopedic outpatient surgery

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Health Care Policy

Background:

• Ontario experienced forced reductions in hospital beds.
• This led to an increased reliance on outpatient surgery for orthopedic patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the shift towards outpatient orthopedic surgery in Ontario.
• To assess patient acceptance and essential factors for successful outpatient orthopedic procedures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of surgical procedure data at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston (1970-1975).
• Review of personal experience with specific outpatient orthopedic procedures.

Main Results:

• Total surgical procedures increased from 5516 to 7260 between 1970 and 1975.
• Outpatient surgeries under general anesthesia rose by 264% (820 to 2927).
• In 1975, 52% (632 of 1197) of orthopedic procedures were performed on an outpatient basis.

Conclusions:

• Outpatient orthopedic surgery significantly increased in Ontario due to hospital bed reductions.
• Patient acceptance was good, with key factors for success including adequate facilities, trained staff, anesthesia, and patient education.