1. Age Is Not a Disqualifier
Generally, outpatient, or ambulatory surgery, is appropriate for simple procedures that can be done in 60 to 90 minutes, don't involve a large incision, and don't require a person to be closely monitored afterwards. It is important for seniors to have a thorough medical evaluation before any surgery to determine the best surgical setting. Some seniors may have underlying medical conditions that could make an outpatient surgery an unattractive option.
2. A Caregiver Will Be Needed
Although age alone is not a disqualifier, surgery is a stressful event for anyone, and especially for older persons. Medications and past experiences may impact a senior's ability to cope both physically and emotionally. Physiologic changes related to aging can affect breathing, blood flow and reaction to pain medications. Age does affect the reaction of seniors to certain anesthetic drugs, as even short-acting drugs often take a longer time to be excreted by older persons. Same-day surgery is likely to put more responsibility on the care provider to help both before and after the surgery. Help will be needed to complete the necessary preoperative tests, manage pain medications, keep incisions clean, and follow through with post-operative once back at home. If the care provider is unable to take on these added responsibilities, outpatient surgery may not be the best choice.
3. Someone to Watch Over You
Before going home, outpatients typically must meet these criteria before being released:
-Have stable vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, temperature and pain level)
-Tolerate food and drink (Tolerating food and drink is important because oral medications may need to be taken to relieve pain or to prevent infection.)
-Be able to empty the bladder
-Walk unassisted--or as pre-surgery
4. After Getting Home
Patients who undergo an outpatient procedure should have someone to drive them home and stay with them following the procedure. Most patients are restricted from driving for 24 hours after surgery. Patients often experience drowsiness and minor after-effects, such as muscle aches, sore throat and occasional dizziness and headaches. Occasionally nausea may also be present. There may also be fatigue and discomfort for a day or two following the surgery. This discomfort varies depending on the type of surgical procedure performed.
5. There Is Follow Up
Once at home, the care provider may need to help the senior with pain management. Written and verbal instructions for proper pain management will be given at the surgery center and either the care provider or the patient must be able to follow these instructions.
A nurse or the physician will generally follow up by phone to make sure the patient is recovering normally. The patient will also receive telephone numbers to call if there are concerns or emergency help is needed.
