Ambulatory surgery in a university setting

Establishment of an ambulatory anesthesia and surgery program in a university teaching hospital presents difficulties. A successful program of this nature, the "Day Op program," was begun at the North Carolina Memorial Hospital in December 1972. Through December 1974, of all surgery performed in our operating rooms, 2,590 cases, (17%) were Day Op cases. Various types of anesthesia were used, and a high percentage of endotracheal intubations were performed. The hospital admission rate was 1.54%. Many difficulties were encountered, and much satisfaction was obtained, in the management of the program. The Day Op room has proved to be a major part of the success of the program.