Real-World Evidence of the Impact of a Novel Surgical Irrigant on Surgical Site Infections in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Performed at an Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures performed in the United States and is predicted to increase 401% by 2040. Surgical site infections (SSIs) at an incidence rate of approximately 2% are costly post-operative complications in TKA. Intra-operative surgical irrigants are used to decrease contaminating microbial bioburden within the surgical site to prevent SSI. The primary objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the impact of a novel surgical irrigant called XPERIENCE® Advanced Surgical Irrigation (XP; Next Science, Jacksonville, FL) on SSI incidence in primary TKA performed at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC). Patients and Methods: Primary TKAs were performed at a free-standing ASC. The novel surgical irrigant was used intra-operatively to rinse away debris and micro-organisms from the surgical site. Retrospective data collation included SSI rates, complication rates, and re-admissions due to SSI within 90 days of index surgery. Results: Among the 524 primary TKA surgeries, one peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) was diagnosed within 90 days of index surgery and one superficial incisional SSI was diagnosed within 30 days of index surgery. The PJI was attributed to an exogenously acquired upper respiratory tract infection rather than due to the failure of intra-operative regimes. The 0.19% PJI incidence rate indicated significant efficacy of XP in decreasing PJI. An overall complication rate of 7.82% was noted with none of the complications associated with usage of the novel surgical irrigant. Conclusions: XPERIENCE is a promising intra-operative antimicrobial irrigant that can be easily incorporated into a broader infection prevention strategy.

Prices and complications in hospital-based and freestanding surgery centers.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify differences in prices paid and procedural complications incurred in hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs) and freestanding ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). STUDY DESIGN: Observational study using deidentified 2019-2020 insurance claims from Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plans nationally, with information on prices paid and complications incurred for colonoscopy, knee or shoulder arthroscopy, and cataract removal surgery. METHODS: The data include 1,662,183 patients who received a colonoscopy, 53.5% of whom were treated in HOPDs; 259,200 patients who underwent arthroscopy, 61.0% of whom were treated in HOPDs; and 173,664 patients who had cataract removal surgery, 34.7% of whom were treated in HOPDs. Multivariable linear regression methods were used to identify the associations between HOPD and ASC site of care, prices, and complications after adjusting for patient demographics, risk, and geographic market location. RESULTS: After adjusting for patient characteristics, risk, and geographic market location, prices paid in HOPDs were 54.9% higher than those charged in ASCs for colonoscopy (95% CI, 53.6%-56.1%), 44.4% higher for arthroscopy (95% CI, 43.0%-45.8%), and 44.0% higher for cataract removal surgery (95% CI, 42.9%-45.5%). Adjusted rates of complications were slightly higher in HOPDs than ASCs for colonoscopy over a 90-day interval but similar over the 7- and 30-day intervals. Rates were statistically and clinically similar between the 2 sites of care for arthroscopy and cataract removal. CONCLUSIONS: The higher prices charged in HOPDs for the 3 ambulatory procedures were not balanced by better quality-as measured by rates of procedural complications-compared with procedures performed in nonhospital ASCs.

Clinical Study of Flumazenil Antagonizing Remimazolam on Nausea and Vomiting After Gynecologic Day Surgery.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of flumazenil antagonizing remimazolam on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after gynecologic day surgery. Patients and Methods: 141 cases of gynaecological daycase surgery patients in Weifang People's Hospital were selected, randomized into group F (flumazenil group, 71 cases) and group C (control group, 70 cases). Dexamethasone 5 mg, flurbiprofen axetil 50 mg, and droperidol 1 mg were given intravenously before induction of anesthesia in both groups. Anesthesia induction: Remimazolam 0.25mg / kg was injected within 1 minute. After the patient fell asleep, mivacurium chloride 0.2mg / kg was injected for 30 seconds and alfentanil 20ug / kg was injected for 30 seconds. Anesthesia maintenance: Remimazolam 1mg/kg/h and alfentanil 40ug/kg/h were continuously pumped by micro pump. Stopping the injection of remimazolam and alfentanil at the end of the operation. Flumazenil 0.2 mg was given to antagonize remimazolam in group F after 1 minute. Group C was given an equal volume of saline. The incidence of PONV in the postoperative PACU and over a 24-hour period, patient awakening time, and general patient information were recorded. Results: The incidence of PONV in both groups within 24 hours was 50.70% in group F was significantly higher than 32.86% in group C. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The incidence of PONV in the PACU was 5.6% in group F and 8.6% in group C. The difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Flumazenil antagonism of remimazolam increases the incidence of PONV within 24 hours in gynecologic day surgery patients and has no significant effect on the incidence of PONV in the PACU.

Optimizing theatre utilization for abscess drainage: going beyond priority categories.

BACKGROUND: Day-only emergency surgery for abscess drainage is poorly implemented in Australia. This study assessed the feasibility, outcomes, cost, and impact of an acute day-only surgery (ADOS) program. METHOD: A retrospective pre-post implementation study of patients requiring abscess drainage in theatre was performed. Following implementation of an ADOS program for abscess management, eligible patients were discharged from the emergency department and prioritized first on the following day's emergency list. Outcomes from the first 12 months of the ADOS era were compared with those of the preceding 6 months (pre-ADOS). Primary outcome was length of hospital stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included 30-day complications, admission costs, and impact on overall emergency theatre workflow (measured by emergency appendicectomy metrics). RESULTS: Overall, 266 patients during the ADOS era (including 95 eligible for the ADOS pathway) were compared with 115 patients during the pre-ADOS era. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Median LOS was shorter during the ADOS era (21.9 h (IQR 11.8-43.3) vs. 30.1 h (IQR 24.7-48.8), P < 0.001). Median LOS was 10.2 h (IQR 8.9-13.1) for patients on the ADOS pathway. There were no significant differences in 30-day complications (9.3% vs. 9.5%), emergency department re-presentations (7.4% vs. 5.1%), or abscess recurrence (5.6% vs. 5.7%). Average cost per patient was lower during the ADOS era ($4155 vs. $4916, p = 0.005). ADOS did not appear to materially impact other emergency procedures. CONCLUSION: ADOS for abscess drainage is feasible, safe, and produces cost savings, while being implemented without significant additional resources.

The preparation of children for day surgery from the parent's viewpoint: A mixed methods study.

AIM: The purpose of the study was to describe the preparation of children for day surgery from the parent's viewpoint. DESIGN: Empirical Research Mixed Method. METHODS: The research applied a mixed-methods study design. The study was conducted at the Paediatric Day Surgical Department of one REDACTED between 2018 and 2020 at the same time as an associated randomised controlled conduct trial. Parents of 41 children (ages 2-6 years) completed measures assessing their preparation for day surgery and satisfaction with the procedure. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 parents to better understand their experiences. RESULTS: According to the results, most of the parents (95%) told their children about the upcoming day surgery procedure. The child was prepared for the surgery with cognitive and sensory information, and the preparation usually started at home well before the surgery. The parents' experiences with the most critical aspects of preparing their child included three main categories: (1) usability of the preparation method; (2) content and timing of the preparation method and (3) consideration of the family perspective.

Análisis integral de la colecistectomía en una unidad de cirugía ambulatoria y corta estancia. Experiencia de los últimos 7 años / Integral analysis of cholecystectomy in an outpatient surgery and short-stay unit. Experience of the last 7 years

Introducción: La colecistectomía laparoscópica ambulatoria (CLA) se considera en la actualidad un trazador representativo de la calidad de un servicio de cirugía general. La gran diversidad de unidades de cirugía ambulatoria dificulta la comparativa de los diferentes indicadores de calidad. Objetivo: Conocer los resultados del manejo de la CLA en un centro integrado y como afecta a sus indicadores de calidad. Pacientes y método: Estudio observacional prospectivo entre 2015 y 2021 de las colecistectomías programadas en unidad integrada. Resultados: Se intervinieron 887 pacientes, el 76,5 % (n = 679) programados en régimen ambulatorio. La pernocta no planificada (PNP) media fue del 25,2 % (n = 171), siendo el índice de sustitución del 57,8 %. Las principales causas de PNP fueron: intolerancia digestiva (48,5 %), cirugía compleja (29,2 %) y el dolor (12,8 %). Los tiempos quirúrgicos fueron superiores en los pacientes en régimen de ingreso (p < 0,001) y en aquellos que causaron PNP (p < 0,001). Un tiempo quirúrgico superior a los 45 minutos fue causa de PNP de forma significativa (p = 0,007). La tasa global de infección de sitio quirúrgico fue del 3,1 %,siendo la infección profunda del 0,59 %. Ningún paciente reingresó en las primeras 24 horas, siendo la asistencia a urgencias a 30 días del 8,2 % (n = 73),reingresando el 1,91 % (n = 17) de los pacientes, con una tasa de reintervención del 0,35 % (n = 3). La tasa de fístula biliar fue del 0,67 %. Conclusión: La CLA es una técnica segura y expansiva, aunque la obtención de parámetros de calidad estandarizados es complejo por la diversidad de unidades.(AU)

Introduction: Ambulatory laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ALC) is currently considered a representative tracer of the quality of a general surgery service. The great diversity of day surgery units makes it difficult to compare the different quality index. Objective: To know the results of the management of the CLA in an integrated center and how it affects its quality index. Patients and method: Prospective observational study between 2015 and 2021 of scheduled cholecystectomies in an integrated unit. Results: 887 patients were operated on, 76.5 % (n = 679) programmed on an outpatient basis. The average unplanned overnight stay (PNP) was 25.2 % (n = 171), with the replacement rate being 57.8 %. The main causes of PNP were: digestive intolerance (48.5 %), complex surgery (29.2 %) and pain (12.8 %). Surgical times were higher in patients on admission (p < 0.001) and in those who caused PNP (p < 0.001). Surgical time greater than 45 minutes was a significant cause of PNP (p = 0.007). The overall rate of surgical site infection was 3.1 %, with deep infection being 0.59 %. No patient was readmitted in the first 24 hours, with 30-day emergency care being 8.2 % (n = 73), readmission rate of 1.91 % (n = 17), with a reoperation rate of 0.35 % (n = 3). The biliary fistula rate was 0.67 %. Conclusion: CLA is a safe and expansive technique, although obtaining quality standard parameters is complex due to the diversity of units.(AU)

Comparación entre dosis bajas de bupivacaína y prilocaína en cirugía perianal ambulatoria / Comparison between low doses of bupivacaine and prilocaine in ambulatory perianal surgery

La cirugía perianal ambulatoria se caracteriza por necesitar un plano anestésico profundo durante un periodo de tiempo corto. El bloqueo subaracnoideo en silla de montar consigue una anestesia sensitiva intensa sin apenas bloqueo motor asociado. Los anestésicos locales de larga duración, como la bupivacaína, permiten en dosis bajas la realización del procedimiento y el alta hospitalaria en un tiempo acorde con la dinámica de la unidad cirugía mayor ambulatoria (UCMA). La prilocaína es un anestésico local de vida media intermedia que se caracteriza por su bajo riesgo de síntomas neurológicos transitorios y que se puede usar a dosis de 10 mg en anestesia espinal en silla de montar para la realización de cirugía perianal de menos de 45 min de duración. La hipótesis planteada es que la prilocaína, al ser un anestésico de vida media más corta que la bupivacaína, proporciona un bloqueo suficiente para la realización de un procedimiento estándar de cirugía anorrectal, acortando la estancia en la UCMA. Este estudio prospectivo, a doble ciego de 100 pacientes ASA I-III, divididos en 2 grupos aleatorios: Grupo P (10 mg de prilocaína hiperbárica 20 % + 10 μg de fentanilo) y grupo B (2,5 mg bupivacaina hiperbárica 0,5 % + 10 μg de fentanilo), donde medimos como objetivo principal el tiempo desde la realización de la técnica anestésica hasta el alta hospitalaria. Y como secundarios: el éxito del bloqueo, el tiempo desde el final de la cirugía hasta el alta hospitalaria, el tiempo de regresión del bloqueo sensitivo/motor, el tiempo hasta deambulación, la retención de orina y los efectos adversos.(AU)

Ambulatory perianal surgery is characterized by the need for a deep anesthetic plane for a short period of time. The subarachnoid saddle block achieves intense sensory anesthesia with almost no associated motor blockade. Long-acting local anesthetics, such as bupivacaine, allow the procedure to be performed at low doses and discharge from the hospital in a time that is consistent with the dynamics of the major outpatient surgery unit (MOSU). Prilocaine is a local anesthetic with an intermediate half-life that is characterized by its low risk of transient neurological symptoms and can be used at a dose of 10 mg in saddle spinal anesthesia for perianal surgery of less than 45 min duration. The hypothesis put forward is that prilocaine, being a shorter half-life anesthetic than bupivacaine, provides sufficient blockade for the performance of a standard anorectal surgery procedure, shortening the stay in the AMCU. This prospective, double-blind study of 100 ASA I-III patients, divided into 2 randomized groups: group P (10 mg hyperbaric prilocaine 20 % + 10 μg of fentanyl) and group B (2.5 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5 % + 10 μg of fentanyl), where we measured as primary objective the time from the performance ofthe anesthetic technique to hospital discharge. And as secondary objectives: success of the block, time from the end of surgery to hospital discharge, time of regression of the sensory/motor block, time to ambulation, urine retention and adverse effects.(AU)

Analgesia con bloqueo TAP y bomba elastomérica en la reparación de hernias ventrales (primarias e incisionales) abdominales por laparoscopia en régimen de cirugía mayor ambulatoria / Analgesia with TAP block and elastomeric pump in the repair of ventral (primary and incisional) abdominal hernias by laparoscopy in major outpatient surgery

Antecedentes: El dolor moderado severo es una limitación para la incorporación de procedimientos en cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA), siendo uno de los principales motivos de reingreso o consulta a urgencias en las primeras horas del postoperatorio. Representa un indicador de calidad para las unidades de CMA. Algún estudio ya mide la eficacia de las bombas elastoméricas en el domicilio en CMA, pero no para la reparación de eventración de línea media por laparoscopia. Objetivo: Se diseñó un estudio para medir el dolor postoperatorio en la reparación de hernias ventrales, primarias o incisionales, de línea media por vía laparoscópica (malla fijada con tackers y cola de cianocrialato) con un diámetro transverso inferior a los 8 centímetros, en pacientes ASA I-II. Se valoró la viabilidad de la utilización de las bombas elastoméricas, con infusión continua de antinfl amatorio, opiáceos débiles y antieméticos en el domicilio del paciente. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio prospectivo observacional en pacientes ASA I-II, intervenidos de reparación de hernia ventral por laparoscopia, bajo una estrategia de control de dolor multimodal. Se realizó anestesia general endovenosa, con propofol y remifentanilo, junto a perfusión de lidocaína, y bloqueo TAP ecoguiado con levobupivacaína y mepivacaína con punción bilateral. Se inició la analgesia endovenosa intraoperatoriamente y para domicilio se pautó bomba elastomérica con dexketoprofeno, tramadol y ondansetrón, que se inció en la zona de recuperación postanestésica, junto a paracetamol fi jo y metamizol de rescate. La enfermería integrante de la unidad de hospitalización a domicilio se encargó del control postoperatorio en el domicilio del paciente. Se midió a las 24 h y 48 h el dolor postoperatorio a través de las escalas EVA y Andersen, además de las complicaciones que hubieran surgido (disfunción del dispositivo, náuseas/vómitos, complicaciones quirúrgicas)...(AU)

Background: Severe moderate pain is a limitation for the incorporation of procedures in major ambulatory surgery (MOS), being one of the main reasons for readmission or consultation to the emergency department in the first postoperative hours. It represents a quality indicator for AMC units. Some studies have already measured the efficacy of elastomeric pumps in the home in the AMC, but not for laparoscopic repair of midline eventration. Objective: A study was designed to measure postoperative pain in the repair of ventral, primary or incisional, midline hernias by laparoscopy (mesh fixed withtackers and cyanocryalate glue) with a transverse diameter of less than 8 centimeters, in ASA I-II patients. The feasibility of using elastomeric pumps withcontinuous infusion of anti-inflammatory drugs, weak opioids and antiemetics at the patient’s home was assessed. Patients and methods: Prospective observational study in ASA I-II patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair under a multimodal pain control strategy. Intravenous general anesthesia was performed with propofol and remifentanil, together with lidocaine perfusion, and ultrasound-guided TAP block with levobupivacaine and mepivacaine with bilateral puncture. Intravenous analgesia was started intraoperatively and an elastomeric pump with dexketoprofen, tramadoland ondansetron was prescribed for home use, which was started in the postanesthetic recovery area, together with fixed paracetamol and rescue metamizole. The nursing staff of the home hospitalization unit was in charge of postoperative monitoring at the patient’s home. Postoperative pain was measured at 24 h and 48 h using the VAS and Andersen scales, as well as any complications that might have arisen (device dysfunction, nausea/vomiting, surgical complications). Patient satisfaction was measured by means of a survey at 30 days, during the postoperative follow-up with the surgeon.(AU)

Proyecto DUCMA 2.0. Puesta al día sobre la situación actual de las unidades de Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria en España / DUCMA 2.0 project: Update on the current situation of the outpatient surgery units in Spain

Introducción: La cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA) es un sistema de gestión seguro y eficiente para resolver los problemas quirúrgicos, pero su implantación y desarrollo ha sido variable. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características, la estructura y el funcionamiento de las unidades de Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria (UCMA) en España. Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal, multicéntrico basado en una encuesta electrónica, con recogida de datos entre abril y septiembre de 2022. Resultados: En total, 90 UCMA completaron la encuesta. La media del índice de ambulatorización (IA) global es de 63%. Más de la mitad de las UCMA (52%) son de tipo integrado. La mitad las unidades imparte formación para médicos (51%) y personal de enfermería (55%). Los indicadores de calidad más utilizados son la tasa de suspensiones (87%) y de ingresos no previstos (80%). Conclusiones: Se necesita mayor coordinación entre administraciones para obtener datos fiables. Asimismo, se deben implementar sistemas de gestión de calidad en las unidades y desarrollar herramientas para la formación adecuada de los profesionales implicados.(AU)

Introduction: Ambulatory surgery is a safe and efficient management system to solve surgical problems, but its implementation and development has been variable. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics, structure and functioning of ambulatory surgery units (ASU) in Spain. Methods: Multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study based on an electronic survey, with data collection between April and September 2022. Results: In total, 90 ASUs completed the survey. The mean overall ambulatory index is 63%. More than half of the ASUs (52%) are integrated units. Around half of the units provide training for physicians (51%) and for nurses (55%). The most frequently used quality indicators are suspension rate (87%) and the rate of unplanned admissions (80%). Conclusions: Greater coordination between administrations is needed to obtain reliable data. It is also necessary to implement quality management systems in the different units, as well as to develop tools for the adequate training of the professionals involved.(AU)

[Unicondylar knee arthroplasty-trigger for outpatient arthroplasty]. / Teilprothesen ­ Trigger zur ambulanten Endoprothetik?

The combination of a reduction in surgical trauma in unicondylar knee arthroplasty compared to total knee arthroplasty and the introduction of a standardised enhanced recovery concept leads to a pre-, peri- and postoperative improvement in the patient's condition, which results in a reduction of the length of stay in hospital. In healthy, motivated patients, day-case or outpatient surgical treatment is possible under these circumstances.

Half of all hip and knee arthroplasty patients may be potential day-case candidates: a nationwide register study of 166,730 procedures.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The overall potential pool of day-case candidates on a national level in hip and knee arthroplasty is unknown. We aimed to estimate the proportion of hip and knee arthroplasty patients eligible for day-case surgery based on contemporary widely used criteria and determine whether there has been a change in the proportion of eligible patients over time and, secondarily, to investigate the proportion of eligible patients discharged on the day of surgery. METHODS: Based on data from the Danish National Patient Register, we identified all patients undergoing primary unilateral hip or knee arthroplasty from January 2010 to March 2020. Using a modification of day-case eligibility criteria proposed by a national multicenter collaboration, we sorted patients into either day-case eligible or ineligible. A day-case procedure was defined as discharge on the day of surgery. RESULTS: We included patients comprising a total of 166,730 primary total hip (THA), total knee (TKA), and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). 48% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48-49) were eligible for day-case surgery, with a decline from 50% (CI 49-51) in 2010 to 46% (CI 46-47) eligible in 2019. More UKA patients were day-case eligible (55%, CI 54-56) than THA (47%, CI 47-48) and TKA patients (49%, CI 48-49). A maximum of 8.0% (CI 7.4-8.5) of eligible patients were discharged on the day of surgery in 2019. CONCLUSION: 48% of the Danish hip and knee arthroplasty patients were potential day-case candidates, with a small decline in eligibility from 50% in 2010 to 46% in 2019. Day of surgery discharge among day-case eligible patients peaked at 8% in 2019. Thus, the potential for more day-case surgery seems large.

In-Office Needle Arthroscopy: Indications, Surgical Techniques, Tips, and Tricks.

In-office needle arthroscopy (IONA) has gained increased attention as a minimally invasive alternative to standard arthroscopy performed in the operating room (OR) setting. IONA uses instrumentation that is markedly smaller in size and diameter making arthroscopy less invasive. Less OR equipment and less OR staff are required resulting in procedures that may be more accessible and less expensive. IONA is typically performed using local intra-articular blocks, thereby reducing the need for regional anesthesia or general anesthesia along with its associated risks. Using a clinic setting rather than an OR reduces the cost and increases the efficiency of the procedure. This article will present the indications for IONA in upper and lower extremity injuries and will describe the best practice office setup. Technical pearls and pitfalls will also be discussed.

Pain-related hospitalization and emergency room visit following initial analgesic prescription after outpatient surgery.

PURPOSE: Our study examined the association between outpatient postsurgical analgesic prescription and risk of insufficiently managed pain characterized by pain-associated hospital admission and emergency room (ER) visit. METHODS: Eligible individuals were children 1-17 years of age who filled an incident analgesic following an outpatient surgery during 2013-2018. Pain-associated hospital admission or ER visit were measured within 30 days following the outpatient surgical procedure. A hierarchical multivariable logistic regression model with patients nested under prescribers was fitted to test the association between incident analgesic prescription and risk of having pain-associated hospital admission or ER visit. RESULTS: Of 14 277 children meeting the inclusion criteria, 6224 (43.6%) received an incident opioid and 8053 (56.4%) received an incident non-opioid analgesic prescription respectively. There were a total of 523 (3.7%) children undergoing surgical procedures that had pain-related hospital admissions or ER visits with 5.1% initiated on non-opioid analgesics and 1.8% on opioid analgesics. The multilevel model indicated that initial opioid analgesic recipients were 32% less likely of having a pain-associated hospital admission or ER visit [aOR: 0.68 (95% CI: 0.3-0.8)]. CONCLUSION: Majority of postsurgical patients do not require additional pain management strategies. In the 3.7% of patients requiring additional pain management strategies, those initiated on non-opioid analgesics are more likely to have a pain-associated hospital admission or ER visit compared with their opioid recipient counterparts.

Patients' experiences of day surgery and recovery: A meta-ethnography.

AIM: To explore and synthesise findings from qualitative studies on adult patients' experiences of day surgery and the processes of recovery. BACKGROUND: There has been a shift in the practice of elective surgery, from inpatient to ambulatory treatment. Accordingly, more patients are undergoing day surgery and expected to care for themselves at home. To our knowledge, an updated metasynthesis on patients' experiences of day surgery across diverse contexts and continents is lacking. DESIGN: Meta-ethnography. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL were systematically searched for qualitative research in English published between 2006 and 2023. Noblit and Hare's meta-ethnographic approach guided the synthesis of findings from 12 qualitative studies, and the eMERGe Reporting Guidance was used in the writing of this article. RESULTS: Four themes were revealed: (1) requests for tailored information, (2) challenges of recognising and understanding postoperative symptoms, (3) being dependent on continuous professional and personal support and (4) calling for individual adaptation. CONCLUSION: Our meta-ethnography indicates there is a need to improve information provision to better prepare patients for the processes of day surgery and recovery and promote their self-care abilities. Our findings highlight the importance of ensuring adequate levels of individualised care and support throughout the treatment process. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: To improve quality of care in day surgery practice, implementation of interventions to enhance information provision and promote self-care during recovery at home may be considered. Pre-admission appointments that incorporate provision of tailored information and assessment of the patients' individual needs of care and support, home conditions and access to assistance from family/friends can be recommended.

Complications related to thyroidectomy among patients with hyperthyroidism: Exploring the potential for ambulatory surgery.

BACKGROUND: Total thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism is typically followed by overnight admission to monitor for complications including thyrotoxicosis. Outpatient thyroid surgery is increasingly common, but its safety in patients with hyperthyroidism has not been well studied. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 183 patients with hyperthyroidism who underwent total thyroidectomy from 2015 to 2022 at one urban, academic center. The main outcomes were rates of thyroid storm, surgical complications, and 30-day ED visits and readmissions. RESULTS: Among 183 patients with hyperthyroidism (mean age, 45 ± 14.5 years; 82.5% female), there were no cases of thyroid storm and complications included recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy (7.0%), symptomatic hypocalcemia (4.4%), and hematoma (1.6%). ED visits were present in 1.1% and no patients were readmitted. CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy was not associated with thyroid storm and <6% of patients required inpatient management. Ambulatory total thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism warrants further consideration through identification of predictive factors for postoperative complications.

Assessing the Ambulatory Surgery Center Volume-Outcome Association.

Importance: In surgical patients, it is well known that higher hospital procedure volume is associated with better outcomes. To our knowledge, this volume-outcome association has not been studied in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) in the US. Objective: To determine if low-volume ASCs have a higher rate of revisits after surgery, particularly among patients with multimorbidity. Design, Setting, and Participants: This matched case-control study used Medicare claims data and analyzed surgeries performed during 2018 and 2019 at ASCs. The study examined 2328 ASCs performing common ambulatory procedures and analyzed 4751 patients with a revisit within 7 days of surgery (defined to be either 1 of 4735 revisits or 1 of 16 deaths without a revisit). These cases were each closely matched to 5 control patients without revisits (23 755 controls). Data were analyzed from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures: Seven-day revisit in patients (cases) compared with the matched patients without the outcome (controls) in ASCs with low volume (less than 50 procedures over 2 years) vs higher volume (50 or more procedures). Results: Patients at a low-volume ASC had a higher odds of a 7-day revisit vs patients who had their surgery at a higher-volume ASC (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09-1.36; P = .001). The odds of revisit for patients with multimorbidity were higher at low-volume ASCs when compared with higher-volume ASCs (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.27-1.94; P < .001). Among patients with multimorbidity in low-volume ASCs, for those who underwent orthopedic procedures, the odds of revisit were 84% higher (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.36-2.50; P < .001) vs higher-volume centers, and for those who underwent general surgery or other procedures, the odds of revisit were 36% higher (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.01-1.83; P = .05) vs a higher-volume center. The findings were not statistically significant for patients without multimorbidity. Conclusions and Relevance: In this observational study, the surgical volume of an ASC was an important indicator of patient outcomes. Older patients with multimorbidity should discuss with their surgeon the optimal location of their care.

DUCMA 2.0 project: Update on the current situation of the outpatient surgery units in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Ambulatory surgery is a safe and efficient management system to solve surgical problems, but its implementation and development has been variable. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics, structure and functioning of ambulatory surgery units (ASU) in Spain. METHODS: Multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study based on an electronic survey, with data collection between April and September 2022. RESULTS: In total, 90 ASUs completed the survey. The mean overall ambulatory index is 63%. More than half of the ASUs (52%) are integrated units. Around half of the units provide training for physicians (51%) and for nurses (55%). The most frequently used quality indicators are suspension rate (87%) and the rate of unplanned admissions (80%). CONCLUSIONS: Greater coordination between administrations is needed to obtain reliable data. It is also necessary to implement quality management systems in the different units, as well as to develop tools for the adequate training of the professionals involved.