Ambulatory surgery in a university setting

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Services Management
• Hospital Administration

Background:

• Implementing ambulatory anesthesia and surgery programs in university teaching hospitals is complex.
• The North Carolina Memorial Hospital initiated a "Day Op program" in December 1972 to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the establishment and management of an ambulatory anesthesia and surgery program.
• To assess the outcomes and challenges associated with the "Day Op program" at a university teaching hospital.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of surgical cases managed under the "Day Op program" from December 1972 to December 1974.
• Data collection included case volume, types of anesthesia utilized, endotracheal intubation rates, and hospital admission rates.
• Qualitative assessment of management difficulties and satisfactions.

Main Results:

• The "Day Op program" comprised 17% (2,590 cases) of all surgeries performed.
• A wide range of anesthesia techniques were employed, with a high frequency of endotracheal intubations.
• The hospital admission rate for Day Op cases was low, at 1.54%.

Conclusions:

• The "Day Op program" at North Carolina Memorial Hospital demonstrated feasibility and success.
• Dedicated ambulatory surgery facilities, such as the "Day Op room," are crucial for program success.
• Effective management, despite encountered difficulties, led to significant satisfaction with the program.