In recent years there has been a steady trend of moving surgical treatment into the outpatient environment. As recently as twenty years ago patients would remain in the hospital for many days after surgical procedures. Most patients were admitted to the hospital days before the procedure for “pre-op” workup.

Just as technology and economics have affected everything in our lives, they have also changed surgical medicine (for the better). Economics has driven the need to provide safe, high quality care at a reduced price. Technology has allowed this. Better techniques in anesthesia allow patients to wake up rapidly and reduce the incidence of post-operative nausea. Improved pain medications and techniques have reduced the need for intravenous pain medication. Lastly, dramatic changes in surgical techniques, including micro-surgical procedures, have moved surgery from the hospital to the outpatient center. Gall Bladder surgery is now routinely done using endoscopy with patients going home the same day.

The result is a lower incidence of infection (outpatient centers do not harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria as hospitals do). Outpatient centers offer more comfortable surroundings for the patient and their family. Due to improved efficiency, this care is delivered at a cost below what was previously experienced. A true “win-win” for everyone.

Next time surgery is needed, ask the doctor if outpatient surgery is right for you. At M&M, we offer a full array of outpatient surgical solutions -- just ask us.