In today’s time when hospitals are getting crowded, and patients prefer to recover quickly and go home, Day-Care Surgery has emerged as an excellent option. But many people do not have complete information about it. Let us know what day-care surgery is, how it works, and what are its benefits.
What is day-care surgery?
Day-care surgery means surgery in which the patient does not need to stay in the hospital for a day or two. The patient’s operation is done in a few hours and he is discharged the same day (within 24 hours).
You can understand it in such a way that just like there is a ‘day-care center’ for children, similarly this is ‘day-care’ surgery – that is, treatment in the hospital for a short time, and then return home.
Is this surgery done without pain? How does the patient get discharged quickly?
Many people have this question in their mind – “Is there no pain after such an early operation?” The answer is – modern technology.
Nowadays surgeons use very advanced techniques like laparoscopic surgery, in which very small incisions are made. Also, new types of anesthesia are given that work faster and wear off quickly. This:
- Reduces pain
- Patients start walking sooner
- Recovery is faster
For example, laparoscopic surgery for appendicitis has become so common that most people can walk comfortably the same day or the next.
Is day-care surgery common in India?
Day-care surgery has been common for many years in countries abroad like the US, the UK and Europe. It is still a new concept in India, but is gaining popularity rapidly.
People who have undergone this surgery have had a very good experience. Patients get quick relief, do not have to stay in the hospital, and the cost is also reduced a little.
Can everyone undergo day care surgery?
Not every patient is fit for it. It depends on a few factors:
- What is the stage of your disease?
- What is your age and health condition?
- What is the doctor’s advice?
The laparoscopic surgeon will decide whether you are suitable for this type of surgery. For example, patients with high blood pressure or diabetes may sometimes need more monitoring.
Which surgeries can be performed in day care?
Now let’s talk about the operations that are usually performed as day care surgeries:
- Hernia surgery (with 3D mesh and fibrin glue)
- Laparoscopic appendix removal
- Mini laparoscopic appendix surgery
- Gall bladder removal
- Piles surgery (MIPH – Minimally Invasive Procedure for Hemorrhoids)
- Lateral sphincterotomy for anal fissure
- Fistulectomy for anal fistula
- Incision and drainage for perianal abscess
- Circumcision (skin removal surgery for boys)
- Removal of benign breast lumps
All these surgeries do not require a long hospital stay, and patients can usually be discharged after 6–8 hours.
Advantages of Day Care Surgery – Why Choose It?
Now let’s talk about the benefits that make day-care surgery special:
- Early return home
The patient does not need to stay in the hospital for many days. Not only this, early discharge also reduces hospital expenses. - Less pain and quick recovery
New surgical techniques and modern anesthesia drugs make surgery very easy. Patients feel very little pain after the operation and they recover quickly. - Less risk of infection
There is a risk of infection due to staying in the hospital for a long time. But when you go home the same day, this risk also reduces to a great extent. - Domestic comfort
Home food, family company, your own convenience – all these things help in quick recovery. Especially the elderly and children feel better after returning home quickly. - Early return to work
People who are employed do not have to take long leaves. There is also no fear of salary cut. - Emergency beds remain free
The beds in the hospital which are used only for the day can be reused for other patients. This also improves the healthcare system.
Some important things to keep in mind
- It is important to get the right advice from the doctor.
- Before any surgery, check whether the hospital has day-care facilities or not.
- If you have health insurance, then also check whether it covers day-care surgery or not.
- Going home and resting after the operation is as important as getting the operation done.
Conclusion: Day-care surgery – a smart way of treatment
Now the time has come to move beyond traditional thinking. Day-care surgery is a new and convenient medical procedure, which not only takes care of your health, but also saves time, money and mental peace.
If your surgery comes under these day-care procedures and your health is normal, then definitely adopt this option. Remember, early treatment and early return home means early recovery.
