Case selection for spine surgery in the ambulatory setting

Advances in modern anesthetic and surgical technique as well as multimodal pain management have contributed to the ease and feasibility of performing spine surgery on an outpatient basis. Multiple considerations impact a surgeon's ability to successfully perform spine procedures outside of the traditional inpatient setting. While the expertise of the surgeon and perioperative staff plays important roles, case/patient selection is arguably the most important factor driving outcomes in ambulatory spine surgery. A standardized, multidisciplinary approach to preoperative patient evaluation and education is paramount for any spine surgeon performing outpatient procedures.