Who is a candidate for outpatient surgery?
Thursday, August 24th, 2023
Outpatient surgery, also known as ambulatory or same-day surgery, can offer a range of compelling benefits for many patients including greater convenience, faster recovery times, and lower overall cost. However, not all patients may be candidates for outpatient surgery. In this post, Premier Surgery Center Director, Wendy Fulton, RN, BSN, and Nurse Manager, Iveta Estrella, RN, discuss how they evaluate if a patient is an appropriate candidate for outpatient surgery.
What factors determine if a patient is a candidate for outpatient surgery?
As Iveta explains, “At Premier Surgical Associates, we look at the patient in a holistic manner. Every patient is unique. Several aspects of their general health are taken into consideration to ensure their safety and suitability for outpatient surgery. These factors help our team determine whether the procedure is a good fit and whether any special precautions or preparations are needed.”
Some key factors determining a patient’s suitability for outpatient surgery include:
Medical History:
The patient’s medical history is thoroughly reviewed to identify any pre-existing conditions, allergies, previous surgeries, or chronic illnesses that might impact the surgery or recovery. According to Wendy, “Having a medical condition won’t necessarily disqualify a patient as a candidate for outpatient surgery. Someone who has, let’s say, high blood pressure or diabetes, that is well managed could be considered differently from someone with the same condition that is not well-managed.”
Family medical history is also examined. “Malignant hyperthermia, for instance, is a severe reaction to drugs used in anesthesia, and it is often something that is hereditary. So, understanding the patient’s family medical history can help us determine if outpatient surgery is an appropriate option,” Iveta added.
Current Medications:
The patient’s current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements, are evaluated to determine if any of them could interact with anesthesia or affect the surgical procedure.
Allergies and Sensitivities:
Any known allergies or sensitivities to medications, anesthesia, or surgical materials are taken into account to ensure patient safety during the procedure.
Physical Examination:
A physical examination may be conducted to assess the patient’s overall health, vital signs, and any potential anatomical considerations that could affect the surgery.
Lab Tests:
Depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s medical history, various lab tests such as blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies might be conducted to assess the patient’s organ function and overall health status.
Cardiovascular Health:
The patient’s cardiovascular health, including their blood pressure, heart rate, and history of heart conditions, is evaluated to ensure they can handle the physiological stress of surgery.
Respiratory Health:
Respiratory function is assessed, especially for surgeries that require anesthesia, to ensure the patient’s lungs can tolerate the procedure and support normal breathing afterward.
Psychological and Mental Health:
The patient’s psychological and mental health status is taken into account, as anxiety, stress, or other mental health factors could affect the surgical experience and recovery.
Social Support:
The patient’s available support system can also play a role, as they may require assistance during the recovery period, especially if they live alone or have limited mobility.
Smoking and Alcohol Use:
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can impact healing and recovery. We may advise patients to refrain from these habits before and after surgery.
Age and Overall Fitness:
The patient’s age and overall physical fitness level are considered, as these factors can affect how well they tolerate the surgery and recover afterward.
“Based on the assessment of these factors, our team can make informed decisions regarding the patient’s suitability for outpatient surgery and develop a personalized plan to ensure a safe and successful surgical experience,” explained Iveta.
Why is it important that the surgeon and the anesthesia team agree that someone is a good candidate for an outpatient procedure?
“We always want to make sure our surgeons and the anesthesia team are on the same page regarding a patient’s suitability for an outpatient procedure. This is crucial to ensure the safety and success of the surgery,” states Iveta. “Both teams play distinct but interconnected roles in the surgical process, and their collaboration is essential for several reasons including, first and foremost, patient safety.”
Wendy adds, “Collaboration between the surgeon and anesthesia team contributes to a smoother surgical process and improved patient outcomes. By working together to tailor the anesthetic plan to the patient’s needs and the surgical requirements, they ensure the likelihood of a successful procedure and a faster recovery.”
Who is the best candidate for outpatient surgery?
Iveta elaborates, “Again, it really depends on each specific individual’s circumstances. Anyone can be a good candidate depending on the factors we’ve covered. In general, an ideal candidate for outpatient surgery is an individual in good overall health or with medical conditions that are well controlled. They should not have had COVID in the past 10 days. They should also have a medical history free from severe allergies or adverse reactions to anesthesia or medications. Additionally, having a supportive social environment, along with an understanding of the surgical process and pre-operative and post-operative requirements, certainly helps.”
What else should patients know about the outpatient surgery process?
“The main thing they need to know,” says Wendy, “is that we are here to make everything go as smoothly as possible for them. Our team will explain every aspect of the process in depth and ahead of time: all of the preoperative instructions, what happens and what to expect on the day of the surgery, and everything they need to know for postoperative recovery. Most of all, don’t be afraid to ask questions. When you know you’re going to have surgery, you may have a lot of anxiety. It’s always good to write down any questions you have on a notepad to make sure all of your concerns are addressed. Wendy continues, “But rest assured, we are here with you every step of the way.”
Is outpatient surgery right for you?
For appropriate candidates, outpatient surgery can be a more convenient, more affordable surgical option with a faster recovery time. Ultimately, the decision for outpatient surgery is made collaboratively between you, your surgeon, and the anesthesia team. Together, you will consider all of the factors discussed to ensure your safety, comfort, and successful recovery. Contact Premier Surgery Center in Knoxville, TN today to request an appointment, and we will examine your specific needs and circumstances to determine if outpatient surgery is right for you.
