What Is the Difference Between Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery?

When it comes to surgeries, you’ve probably heard about the two main types: inpatient and outpatient. These terms help classify procedures based on the care given and how long you, as a patient, need to stay for recovery. 

Want to learn more about the differences between inpatient and outpatient surgery? Then read on as we go into each more, as well as the benefits for both.

Inpatient Surgery: Comprehensive Care and Overnight Stay

Inpatient surgery refers to surgeries where you stay “in” the hospital for a while after the procedure, hence the name. These surgeries are usually more complicated and require more care afterward. 

The main difference from outpatient surgery is that you have to spend at least one night in the hospital for inpatient surgery. This lets the medical staff watch you closely and make sure you're managing pain properly. If any additional medical help is needed, they can provide it during your stay. The length of your stay during an inpatient surgery depends on how complicated the surgery is and can range from a few days to several weeks.

The Benefits of Inpatient Surgery

Here are some of the top benefits of receiving inpatient surgery. 

• Comprehensive and Continuous Care: Inpatient surgeries need more time to heal because they are more complicated. That's why it's good to stay in a place with healthcare professionals who can give the best care. When you stay in the hospital as an inpatient, a team of healthcare professionals, like nurses, doctors, and specialists, will keep a close eye on your progress and handle any issues that come up.

• Immediate Access to Resources: Inpatient facilities have all the medical resources and equipment needed. This means that if patients need special care right away during their stay, they can get it. If something unexpected happens or there's an emergency, patients have quick access to these resources, which keeps them safe and healthy.

• Optimal Pain Management: Complex surgeries can cause a lot of pain afterward. In an inpatient setting, healthcare professionals can keep a close eye on a patient's pain levels and give them the right amount of pain medication. They make sure patients get relief safely and can continue to get it until they don't need it anymore.

• Thorough Monitoring and Early Detection: If anything goes awry in the healing process, inpatient surgery allows healthcare professionals to catch any potential complications or changes in condition early on. This allows risks to be minimized and patients to have a better chance at a full and happy recovery.

• Extended Recovery Support: Inpatient surgery provides patients with an extended period of recovery support and rehabilitation. This includes access to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other specialized services aimed at promoting recovery and restoring function. The longer duration of an inpatient stay allows patients to receive focused attention and guidance throughout their recovery journey, enabling them to regain their strength and mobility more effectively. 

Outpatient Surgery: Same-Day Procedures and Home Recovery

Considering inpatient surgeries are procedures that require you to stay overnight, you’ve probably figured out by now what gets classified as outpatient surgery. That’s right: anything where you do not have to stay overnight is considered outpatient surgery. Because of this, outpatient surgeries are also called same-day surgeries, or even “day” surgeries, and allow the recovery to happen in the comfort of your home.

The Benefits of Outpatient Surgery

The top benefits of outpatient surgery include the following.

• Convenience and Less Disruption: Outpatient surgeries are shorter and don't disrupt daily life as much. Patients can go home on the same day, avoiding a long hospital stay and getting back to their regular activities faster.

• Cost Savings: Since there's no need to stay overnight in the hospital, expenses for accommodation, meals, and extra medical services are greatly reduced. This saves money for both patients and the healthcare system, making outpatient surgery a more affordable choice.

• Quicker Recovery: Outpatient surgeries are usually less invasive and involve smaller incisions. That means the recovery time is shorter compared to staying in the hospital. Patients can heal and regain their strength at home, which helps them recover faster overall.

• Reduced Infection Risk: Hospitals are environments where infectious diseases can be present. By undergoing outpatient surgery, patients avoid prolonged exposure to potential infections that may be prevalent in hospitals. Recovering at home reduces the risk of acquiring hospital-acquired infections, promoting a safer recovery process.

• Personalized Recovery in a Familiar Environment: Recovering at home after outpatient surgery allows patients to be in a familiar and comfortable environment. This can contribute to a faster healing process and increased emotional support from loved ones. Patients can rest and recuperate in their own beds, which can improve their overall well-being and satisfaction during the recovery phase.

How Do I Know Which One I Need?

Luckily, deciding between inpatient and outpatient surgery isn’t something that patients have to worry about. Instead, the healthcare professionals will help you figure out which one you require by looking at both your medical history and the need for the surgery itself. That being said, some factors can help you gain a clearer understanding of why you might need one over the other.

Complexity and Invasiveness of the Procedure

Inpatient surgery is typically recommended for more complex and invasive procedures that may require a longer recovery period or a higher level of post-operative care. These may include major surgeries involving multiple organs or extensive incisions. On the other hand, outpatient surgery is generally suitable for less invasive procedures that can be performed in a shorter time frame and have a lower risk of complications.

Expected Recovery Time

If the surgery requires an extended recovery period with close monitoring and specialized care, inpatient surgery may be more appropriate. If none of that is needed, recovery time can be spent at home, which makes outpatient surgery more appropriate.

General Health and Medical History

No matter what type of surgery you are getting, it’s best to do it safely, and that requires taking into account the factors that might affect how the surgery goes. If, for example, you’ve had complications with a surgery before, the medical professionals would likely suggest an inpatient surgery over an outpatient surgery just to make sure your recovery is a smooth and monitored process. If you have any underlying health issues that might also affect how the surgery goes and how you recover, inpatient surgery is the better choice.

Anesthesia and Pain Management

The type of anesthesia used during the surgery is another factor to consider. Complex procedures that require general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, which can have longer-lasting effects and may require closer monitoring, often indicate inpatient surgery. Outpatient surgeries typically involve local anesthesia or sedation, allowing patients to recover quickly and safely after the procedure.

Support System and Home Environment

Outpatient surgery may be suitable if you have a strong support system at home, including someone who can assist with post-operative care and transportation. The availability of a safe and comfortable home environment conducive to recovery is important for those getting outpatient surgery. In cases where home support is limited or the home environment is not conducive to a smooth recovery, inpatient surgery may be preferred.

Whether you need inpatient or outpatient services, including inpatient and outpatient surgery, the medical professionals at Bayou Bend Health System have you covered. Let us treat you with the best care possible, no matter what type of surgery or recovery process you require. Contact us today to learn more.