title: The first four years' experience of day case orthopaedic surgery in a district general hospital.
abstract: Clinical data were obtained for 2838 consecutive patients admitted to a new day case unit in a district general hospital by four consultant surgeons between 1 October 1981 and 30 September 1985. Surgical procedures under general anaesthesia: on 2581 patients were analysed in detail. Intra-articular arthroscopic surgery was performed on 60% of knees. A fifth of patients had manipulation and intra-articular infection of a joint. Surgical operations involving the hands and forearm were required by 17%. Toe surgery was performed on 11% of patients of whom 21% had a distal metatarsal osteotomy. Overnight admission was necessary for 6% of patients because of postanaesthetic difficulties, the operation occurring too late in the day or proving more extensive. The use of day case facilities was an economic saving, pleased 98% of patients and reduced waiting list time significantly, except for patients with serious chronic joint disorders. The waiting list for total hip and knee replacements increased in the four year period.
authors.affiliation: Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Older
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006767:Hospitals, District; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics