In the US, outpatient procedures have increased significantly over the past 30 years. In fact, they now account for more than 54 million procedures annually, which is almost as many as hospital stays.
There are many advantages to having an outpatient procedure, such as it being less invasive and allowing you to get back to your regular life much faster. In addition, the anesthesia doesn’t last as long, which makes it safer.
Most commonly, ear and eye surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis. On the other hand, some procedures, such as obstetrical procedures, are usually inpatients. Let’s take a look at some of the most common outpatient procedures done on a daily basis.
Small Joint Repairs
In addition to knee and hip replacements, other common outpatient procedures include those related to the hands, wrists, and ankles. People who have injured their ankles playing sports may need to undergo surgery. On the other hand, ankle surgery is sometimes performed as outpatients. People with arthritis can also have wrist or hand surgery as outpatients.
Nerve Treatment
If your nerves are compressed, then you might experience severe pain. You might need to undergo surgery to relieve the discomfort. For instance, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, a surgeon may need to perform a procedure to relieve the pressure on your hand. Usually, this type of operation is performed as an outpatient.
Abdominal Hernia Repair
A type of abdominal injury known as a hernia develops when the abdominal cavity wall pushes through a tear or hole. A surgeon can either sew the wall back together or create a patch over it during an outpatient procedure.
Gallbladder Removal
The gallbladder, a pear-shaped organ, is located below your liver. It stores and collects fluids needed for digestion. If you develop gallstones, your doctor may need to remove it. Laparoscopic gallbladder removal is a minimally invasive procedure that requires four small incisions. In most cases, this procedure can be performed as an outpatient.
Meniscus Repair
The inner surface of your knee is known as the meniscus, designed to act as a shock absorber. It can be torn at any age, but it usually occurs in people who play sports. In an outpatient procedure, a surgeon can remove the damaged cartilage.
Skin Therapy
As an outpatient, you can have various skin procedures, such as those related to skin cancer. For instance, you don’t need to go to the hospital for treatment if you have skin cancer. In addition, laser hair removal and acne treatment are also procedures that can be performed as outpatients.
Despite the advantages of outpatient procedures, many of these surgeries are still effective. Before scheduling your surgery, it’s important that you understand the details of the operation. Be sure of the location of your procedure and look up the credibility of the facility. You should follow their instructions, so everything goes as smoothly as possible!