People often think that surgeries entail long hours in the operating room and a couple of nights in the hospital. However, there are now tons of outpatient surgeries where you’re allowed to leave on the same day of your procedure — and the surgery itself doesn’t take that long either!
With advances in technology and anesthesia, minimally invasive procedures are being practiced more on an outpatient basis. There are many types of outpatient procedures, and the following are just five of the most common outpatient surgeries.
1. Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed outpatient surgery. It is also considered one of the safest surgical procedures. It treats cataracts that cause cloudy lenses in the eyes, leading to blurry vision or even blindness. In this procedure, the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens implant.
This surgery is performed while you’re awake. You’ll be provided with mild sedation and numbing gel. Quick and painless, the procedure typically takes only 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
During the procedure, your surgeon can use either a needle-thin ultrasound probe or surgical tools to perform the surgery. Using these tools, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens and places an intraocular lens (IOL) in its place. There are different types of IOLs, and doctors select one depending on what’s best for the patient. They include:
- Monofocal IOLs: used for long-distance vision
- Multifocal IOLs: allows near and far focus simultaneously
- Accommodative IOLs: helps with focusing at various distance
- Toric IOLs: used to correct astigmatism
Luckily, cataract surgery is not considered an emergency procedure. In fact, when you’re first diagnosed with cataracts, prescription glasses can often help you see clearly. However, cataracts only get worse over time, so your doctor might eventually recommend surgery.
2. Tendon and Muscle Repair
The next most common outpatient procedure is tendon and muscle repair. Under that category, rotator cuff repairs are most common.
Keeping your shoulder in place is a group of tendons and muscles called the rotator cuff. Over time, this can become subject to wear and tear. Poor posture, certain medical conditions, or simply aging can cause this degeneration. There are also some nonsurgical treatments for rotator cuff injury such as physical therapy and medication. However, if these don’t work, rotator cuff repair is a viable option.
Before the procedure, general or local anesthesia will be administered. Then, small incisions will be made in the area. Next, your surgeon will use an arthroscope or a small, tube-shaped instrument to reattach the torn tendon and hold it in place with sutures.
3. Cholecystectomy
Gallbladder removal is performed when gallstones become either infected or malignant. There are two methods to perform a cholecystectomy:
Traditional Method
An open surgery where only a single incision is made through which the gallbladder is taken out.
Laparoscopic Method
Three to four very small incisions are made. Through these, a long, thin tube called a laparoscope and surgical tools are inserted to remove the gallbladder.
While conservative methods such as dietary changes can’t stop gallstones from reoccurring, a cholecystectomy is highly effective in doing so. Due to its minimally invasive nature, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is typically done on an outpatient basis.
Usually done under general anesthesia, this outpatient surgery causes less pain, comes with a lower risk of complications, and results in smaller surgical scars.
4. Joint Repair
Arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure to treat joint problems. These problems can occur in the hip, elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle, or wrist. Joints can wear down due to trauma or degenerative medical conditions. Despite being fairly complex, outpatient arthroscopies are becoming more common.
After administering anesthesia, your affected limb will be placed in a positioning device and a tourniquet may be used to decrease blood loss. A viewing device will be inserted into a small incision, and other small incisions will be created to insert surgical tools to repair the joint.
The procedure usually doesn’t take longer than a couple of hours to complete. Meanwhile, recovery will also take just a few weeks. Aftercare includes medication and exercise.
5. Hernia Repair
A hernia occurs when an internal organ protrudes through the muscle or tissue wall that usually contains it. As there are different types of hernias, there are also several surgical procedures to address it However, it’s the laparoscopic hernia repair that is commonly performed on an outpatient basis.
The surgery uses a thin, telescopic instrument called a laparoscope and tiny instruments to repair the hernia. It’s a quick procedure that poses less risk of infection and post-surgery pain than the traditional form of hernia repair surgery.
Outpatient Surgery in North Naples, FL
Most outpatient surgeries carry a lower risk of complications and don’t take up too much of your time. Of course, recovery might vary for patients, so it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your physician. Follow their aftercare instructions carefully and make sure to be transparent with any queries or discomfort you might feel post-surgery.
Here at North Naples Surgery Center, we recognize the importance of offering common outpatient surgeries to treat various medical conditions. Our friendly staff and skilled specialists are proud to offer a wide range of outpatient treatments and sophisticated medical equipment.
If you would like to schedule a consultation or ask any questions, call us at (239) 591-2811 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
