Then and now: a historical development of ambulatory surgery

The historic origins of ambulatory surgery span prehistoric to modern times. Anesthesia, a pivotal factor, asepsis, advanced technology, and early ambulation are four factors contributing to the development of ambulatory surgery. The recent rapid growth of this specialty resulted from both medical and economic issues. A decrease in the loss of time from the patient's daily life, lower cost to patients and insurers, and more efficient medical and ambulatory procedures resulted.