Day case surgery guidelines

Day surgery is an ever expanding and evolving specialty, clearly defined in the UK as an admission and discharge on the same day for a selected surgical procedure, although definitions in other countries vary. Ongoing improvements in surgical and anaesthetic techniques with the advent of integrated care pathways have encouraged this to continue and encompass a wider range of patients and more complex procedures. There are clear benefits to day case surgery including quicker recovery and improved patient outcomes. Service delivery is more efficient and a more streamlined service can be achieved. Best practice tariffs have also been used to incentivize day case procedures. Common day case procedures include inguinal hernia repairs, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, tonsillectomy, pinnaplasty, and varicose vein surgery. Patient selection and pre-assessment are vital considerations for day case surgery and the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) recommends that anaesthesia in day surgery should be consultant-led. Regional and local techniques avoid the complications of a general anaesthetic and shorter recovery times are ideal and facilitate a timely discharge. Day case surgery guidelines are a vital resource in aiding the provision of an efficient service and improving service delivery and patient satisfaction.