Analysis of the efficacy of pediatric day surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of a pediatric day surgery program and its benefits to the child and family.


METHODS
A review and analysis of prospectively gathered data.


METHODS
The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), a university-affiliated pediatric centre with a referral base of 2.5 million people.


METHODS
All children undergoing day surgery at CHEO during the 5 years between 1992 and 1997.


METHODS
All surgical procedures performed on a day surgery basis.


METHODS
Procedures performed, complications and unexpected admissions.


RESULTS
An average of 4,899 children per year underwent surgical procedures in the ambulatory day surgery program. The 4 commonest procedures performed were myringotomy, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, dental procedures, and inguinal hernia repair. The majority of children were between 2 and 7 years of age. Complications were few, averaging 1.6% per year, with postoperative bleeding, primarily secondary to tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, being the most common. None resulted in permanent disability and there were no deaths.


CONCLUSIONS
Pediatric day surgery is a safe and cost-effective program that benefits the child, the family and the pediatric surgical program.
Letts
M
M
Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa.
Davidson
D
D
Splinter
W
W
Conway
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D010359:Patient Readmission; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies