Site of service, anesthesia, and postoperative practice patterns for oculoplastic and orbital surgeries

Variations in physician practice patterns, particularly with reference to cost-intensive resource utilization, are increasingly being scrutinized. However, little information is currently available regarding physician practice patterns for oculoplastic surgery.

The authors surveyed members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery regarding their most common site of service, type of anesthesia, and first postoperative week of follow-up for 15 selected eyelid, lacrimal, and orbital procedures.

The majority of eyelid and lacrimal surgeries are currently performed on an out-patient basis (hospital out-patient, ambulatory surgery center, or office), typically using local anesthesia, with or without sedation. Regional differences were noted. Physicians in western states showed a greater tendency toward office-based surgery for procedures such as blepharoplasty and ptosis repair. Orbital procedures were performed more frequently as a hospital inpatient surgery, under general anesthesia. Patterns of follow-up within the first postoperative week varied considerably for most procedures. Compared with admitting practices in 1987, an obvious trend toward out-patient surgery was noted.

Variations in practice patterns will assume greater importance as the pressure for cost-containment increases. Total costs are affected by physician choices for site of service and type of anesthesia. This study allows surgeons who perform oculoplastic procedures to compare their practices with a national group specializing in such surgery. Further outcome-oriented studies are needed to develop practice guidelines for "preferred patterns" of care.