This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.
Citation
Espinas J, Borras J M, Granados A. Ambulatory surgery. Barce;ona: Catalan Agency for Health Information, Assessment and Quality (CAHIAQ -formerly CAHTA). 1992
Authors' objectives
To provide an overview of the current state of knowledge regarding the efficacy, safety, effectiveness and cost of this type of surgery. Structural, organizational and financial aspects are reviewed.
Authors' conclusions
Ambulatory surgery (AS) is a safe and effective way of providing surgical services for a selected group of procedures on selected patients. Widespread diffusion of new surgical/diagnostic procedures (e.g. minimally invasive procedures) in ambulatory settings should only happen when concluding scientific evidence on its safety in an ambulatory environment is available. AS is cost-effective compared to inpatient surgery but the economic consequences of its widespread diffusion will depend on the alternative use of the (resources) beds released. In addition, the promotion of this type of surgery in Catalonia needs a change in the actual payment system.