Patient education in an ambulatory surgical center setting

Advancements in surgical technology over the past decade have resulted in the ability to perform complex surgical procedures on the spine with decreased morbidity and advanced recovery. With an increased national focus on decreasing health expenditures, spine surgery has been particularly highlighted as having potential to make significant changes in the current landscape (1). This has resulted in a recent push towards further streamlining various spine procedures in an effort to decrease postoperative pain, minimize narcotic use, promote faster recovery, and decrease complications without compromising the quality of the procedure performed. Minimally invasive techniques have the potential to pave the way for surgeons to execute safe and effective procedures directed at achieving these goals. In partnership with anesthesiologists, the door has been opened for a number of spine surgeries to be performed in an ambulatory surgical center (ASC) setting.