Preface for focused issue: ambulatory spine surgery
Spine surgery has been increasingly transitioning from the inpatient to outpatient setting in ambulatory surgery centers (ASC). The drivers for this paradigm shift include potential for significant cost reductions in the current value-based healthcare climate; ability to perform minimally invasive procedures due to technological advances; and patient preference to spend their postoperative recovery period at home. The development of refined protocols such as multimodal analgesic regimens are enabling more ASC-based spinal procedures to take place, with increasing evidence demonstrating their safety and efficacy.
The purpose of this focused issue is to provide an up-to-date review of the current state of spine surgery in the ASC setting, to summarize the clinical implications and important considerations, and to outline future trends. We have invited distinguished leaders in the field of spine surgery to contribute their original findings and perspectives on this important topic. It is our hope that readers of this special issue will gain in-depth knowledge into the latest trends of outpatient spine surgery and new insight in their future clinical practice.
Acknowledgments
None.
Footnote
Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
