The concept of Day Care or Ambulatory surgery is not new to us, the ancient 'doctors' have used this method since time immemorial, which have been re-presented as a modern day innovation, and now it has come to stay. Due to technical advancement in surgeries, availability of better anaesthetic drugs and suture materials, it is now possible to perform surgeries without hospitalising the patients or compromising on the treatment. Morbidity and mortality rate in day care surgery is 0.07%.

What is Day Care or Ambulatory Surgery?
Discharge of the patient on the same day of surgery, is termed as day care surgery. It also means that the patient is operated as an `out patient`, that is, he is not admitted over night, and hence, `ambulatory`. He walks in and walks out on the same day of his procedure!

What about anaesthesia or short general anaesthesia?
Most of the surgeries and other procedures are done under local anaesthesia and mild sedation, therefore, its effect wears out within a few hours, and you are able to function normally after a few hours rest.

What types of surgeries are possible in Day Care centres?
Procedures like Endoscopies, Excision biopsies, Lipoma, Cysts, Breast lumps, Hernias, Hydrocele, Varicocele, Vasectomy, Auroplasty, Anal surgeries like Piles, Fissure-in-ano, Fistula-in-ano, Pilonidal sinus, and in selected cases, even Appendecectomy can be easily and comfortably done as a day procedure.

What are the advantages of this type of surgery?
The patient avoids hospitalization and its associated problems, like hassle of the admission and discharge procedures, avoids hospital acquired infection and can recover in the familiar and comfortable surroundings of your home and family, without causing inconvenience to anyone. Thus, it significantly cuts down the time and cost of the whole treatment. It is very safe and does not compromise on the quality of treatment. Active involvement of family physician is always helpful in the post-operative care of patient.
As the procedure is done under local anaesthesia, it does away with the complications of general or spinal anaesthesia, and it can safely be done in cases where general anaesthesia is contraindicated.

What are the disadvantages?
In some cases, there can be pain, requiring injectable painkillers or bleeding, which may require medical attention. But, these are rare, and the post-operation instructions given to you at the time of discharge, will help you to prevent and take care of the situation. Also, our team of doctors will guide and advise you in dealing with the situation, will attend to you where ever it is possible.

Can all patients avail of Day Care Surgery?
Most of the patients can avail Day Care procedures. There are selection preparation criteria's, which are followed for the safety of the patients.

Is the surgery for Hernia, Piles, Lumps, etc. possible without extended hospitalization?
Yes, in Day Care Surgery, where latest techniques of MIS (Minimal Invasive Surgery) are practiced along with the concept of administering lesser anesthetizia to patients, these surgeries are possible without hospitalization.

What other specialities offer Day care Surgery?
Almost all the specialities have some surgeries that can be performed without the need to hospitalise the patient. Ophthalmology and ENT are almost 100% Day Care. Gynaecology, General Surgeries, Plastic surgeries, Paediatric Surgeries, Orthopaedics and Vascular Surgery have 20% to 50% of cases as Day Care.

What are the advantages of Day Care Surgery as opposed to regular hospitalization?
There is a gamut of advantages in opting for Day Care Surgery as opposed to regular hospitalization. A shorter stay means reduced chances of hospital acquired nosocomial infection. Faster recovery in home surroundings. Less pshychological trauma to the patient hence quicker return to normalcy and work. The final boon is its most cost and time effective means of treating a host of medically operable problems.

Is it safe?
Yes, Day Care surgeries are very safe. Its safety is well established as in western countries; almost 70% cases are being done successfully as Day Care since many decades without compromising patient safety. The next day morning, the patient will get a call from the assistant doctors to know the postoperative status of patient at home. There are criteria's laid down for patient selection, preparation and discharge, with proper instruction and follow up, which when followed stringently, increase the safety margin of patients care.

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