Ethics of minimally invasive spine surgery in an ambulatory surgery center setting

Within the last few decades, there has been a shift in routine spine procedures from the inpatient to outpatient setting. In response to the transition, a surge in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) has closely followed (1). The reason for the movement is considered to be two-fold: (I) the advent of minimally invasive techniques and (II) financial incentives for surgeons to operate and own ASCs.