A medical procedure categorized by patients undergoing surgery and being discharged on the same day. This approach contrasts with traditional inpatient surgery, where individuals remain hospitalized for one or more nights post-operation. For example, a patient undergoing arthroscopic knee repair in the morning may be discharged to their home in the afternoon, given they meet specific recovery criteria established by their physician.
The practice offers several advantages, including reduced healthcare costs, decreased risk of hospital-acquired infections, and increased patient convenience. Historically, advancements in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and pain management have facilitated the growth of this model. Its adoption has also been driven by increasing demands for efficient healthcare delivery systems and patient preferences for shorter hospital stays.
