[Indications for ambulatory surgery]

Outpatient surgery demands a thorough evaluation of indication. It is of prime importance, influencing the entire problem of ambulatory operations. Although outpatient surgery is basically justified, the actual justification in any particular case is dependent upon the type and complexity of the operation as well as the anticipated postoperative situation. The decision to operate on an outpatient basis is an ongoing and dynamic process-it must take into consideration all the problems which might arise up to and even after discharge. An operation which is not specifically listed may still be performed on an outpatient basis if the individual circumstances justify this. The final decision will be determined by a number of factors, meaning that a strict list of indications is only of limited value.