Objective: Optimize patient management in one day surgery (ODS) by an observative study regarding one day orthopaedic surgery, assessing kind and quantity of intra- and postoperative complications, need for prolonged postoperative assistance postponing discharge, recovery in other hospitals, patients satisfaction index.
Methods: From september 1999 until december 2000 we distributed a questionnaire 1286 consecutive patients. The patients were ASA I (80,7%), ASA II (17%) and ASA III (2,3%). We evaluated intra- and postoperative complications considering type of surgery and anaesthesiologic technique; need and reason for medical consulting; if consulting took place in other institutes. Patients judgement regarding medical and nursing assistance during in hospital stay was assessed.
Results: Main surgical procedures: arthroscopy (44,6%), internal fixation removal (21,3%), neurolysis (9,5%), cysts/tumours/nodules removal (7,5%), foot surgery (8,0%). Used anaesthesiologic techniques: neural block (65,6%), plexus block (15,1%), general (12,5%), spinal (4,8%) and local anaesthesia (1,9%). An intraoperative complication (convulsion) was reported twice. Postoperative complications: pain (3,6%) most frequent in foot surgery (5,2%), nausea (0,2%), fever (0,7%), haematoma (0,5%). 5 delayed discharges (beyond 24h) were reported, for surgical reasons. In 5 cases another institute was visited. There were no deads.
Conclusions: The percentage of not planned recoveries (0,1%) is an indication of frequency of major complications. Satisfaction index of patients was high (96%). Kind of surgical procedure and anaesthesiologic technique, considering the minimal intra- and postoperative complications, are adjusted to the ODS regime. Reinforcing analgesic protocols in foot surgery though are necessary. According to our opinion the peripheral block is preferable in orthopaedic ODS.