Sunday Tribune

The advantages of minimally invasive surgery available at day hospitals, from an expert

- VUYILE MADWANTSI vuyile.madwantsi@inl.co.za

WHEN surgery is required, are patients asking the right questions with their doctors? In health care, the decision to undergo surgery is significan­t.

With advancemen­ts in medical technology, minimally invasive surgery has become -popular for many due to its benefits over traditiona­l open surgery.

However, the question remains: When is the right time to consider surgery, and what makes minimal-invasive procedures a preferable option?

The decision to proceed with surgery is multifacet­ed, involving careful considerat­ion of various factors by both the patient and the healthcare PROVIDER 0RIMARY CRITERIA INCLUDE THE severity of symptoms, diagnosis of the condition and quality of life.

In South Africa, it’s quite common for patients to follow their doctor’s advice without much questionin­g.

A noteworthy trend, however, is raising eyebrows: the slow adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques, like laparoscop­ic or keyhole surgery. Despite the advancemen­ts and benefits of these techniques, many are still in the dark about their availabili­ty.

Advanced Health’s Dr Bibi Gossross says that up to 70% of surgeries could take place in day hospitals, which could benefit the patients in several ways.

According to her, day surgeries are not only more cost-effective but also grant patients more control and autonomy over their health-care choices.

Keyhole surgery, primarily offered in day hospitals, is at the forefront of this push towards giving patients more influence over their treatment and recovery process.

The message is clear: it’s time for patients to be more involved in their medical decisions, armed with all the informatio­n that they need.

Day hospitals are revolution­ising the way we think about surgery, especially with the introducti­on of cutting-edge technology and minimally invasive procedures. Now, it’s possible to walk in for a hip or knee replacemen­t and walk out the same day, provided you’re the right candidate for it.

These advancemen­ts come as facilities upgrade their surgical tools, including the use of robot-assisted operations, which are not only quicker but more precise.

This progress promises a future where surgery is less daunting, more efficient, and tailored to fit patients’ needs better, Goss-ross says.

In a nutshell the advantages of minimally invasive surgery at day hospitals are: Faster recovery, back on your feet faster: Minimally invasive surgery has many advantages over traditiona­l surgery in acute hospitals. It offers smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, faster recovery times and a quicker return to your daily routine. This translates to less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, and reduced risk of trauma and complicati­ons.

Cost efficiency and quality care

Day hospitals offer quality minimal invasive treatment at lower cost, resulting in savings. Specialisi­ng in procedures without overnight stays, they close at night, reducing expenses by eliminatin­g kitchens, ICU units, and night staff. With smaller facilities and fewer high-risk patients, day hospitals maintain a lighter atmosphere and lower risk of infection, further enhancing cost-effectiven­ess.

Facilities designed for comfort and convenienc­e: Day hospitals are modern medical facilities designed to make surgeries more comfortabl­e and convenient for patients. With advanced technology and efficient processes, these hospitals allow patients to schedule and undergo surgeries on the same day, fitting easily into their busy lives. Unlike traditiona­l hospitals, day hospitals reduce waiting times, cut down on paperwork and simplify the entire surgical process.

They provide a more homely atmosphere, letting patients recover in a comfortabl­e setting with the support of skilled medical staff. This not only makes surgery less stressful but also enables patients to prefer recovering in their homes, thanks to excellent preceding and post-surgery care. Take charge of your treatment 0ATIENTS NOW HAVE A VOICE IN THEIR surgical care, thanks to a push for more education on their options. Hospitals are making a point to equip patients with the knowledge and support they need pre-surgery to ensure they’re making choices that best fit their medical needs and personal circumstan­ces.

 ?? | MART PRODUCTION /Pexels ?? CHOOSING surgery at day hospitals is making a big difference for patients by making their hospital stays shorter and less stressful.
| MART PRODUCTION /Pexels CHOOSING surgery at day hospitals is making a big difference for patients by making their hospital stays shorter and less stressful.

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