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Advantages and limitations of day surgery in children in a developing country
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Government Stanley Hospital and Stanley Medical College, Madras, India.
Insights
Day surgery (DS) for children offers significant benefits to patients, parents, and hospitals. This study found excellent acceptance and minimal complications in 465 pediatric cases, highlighting DS as a viable option.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Ambulatory Surgery
Background:
- Day surgery (DS) is increasingly accepted for pediatric procedures.
- Benefits for patients, parents, and hospitals are well-documented.
- Working parents and hospital administrators favor DS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of day surgery for infants and children.
- To assess the acceptance and complication rates of DS in a specific healthcare setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 465 pediatric day surgery cases.
- Data collected from Government Stanley Hospital and two trust hospitals (1985-1986).
- Key factors for success include case selection, preoperative assessment, anesthesia, and postoperative care.
Main Results:
- Excellent overall acceptance of the day surgery program.
- Minimal complications reported across the 465 cases.
- A fallout rate of 9.6% was observed.
Conclusions:
- Day surgery is a successful and well-accepted model for pediatric care in the studied environment.
- Careful planning and execution are crucial for optimal day surgery outcomes.
- The advantages of DS in this setting are significant and warrant further consideration.
Abstract:
Day surgery (DS) especially in children, has been widely accepted by surgeons, and the benefits to the patients, parents, and hospital have been well-established. It has become particularly popular among working parents and is accepted by hospital administrators. Proper case selection, preoperative assessment, and proper parent counselling, choice of anaesthesia, postoperative analgesia, and follow-up advice are essential for a successful outcome. This paper records our experience with 465 infants and children who underwent DS at Government Stanley Hospital and two semi-charitable trust hospitals in Madras during the years 1985-1986. The overall acceptance of the programme was excellent, with minimal complications and a fallout rate of 9.6%. The advantages of DS in our environment are discussed.