When an operation is necessary, patients are often faced with the question of whether to have it performed as an inpatient, i.e. with an overnight stay in the hospital, or as an outpatient.
Complex operations, such as colon cancer surgery or hip replacements, which require intensive follow-up treatment and monitoring, must be performed as inpatient procedures. Also, if the patient suffers from serious secondary conditions affecting the heart or lungs, post-surgery monitoring in the hospital is recommended.
Most operations, such as inguinal hernia or hemorrhoids, can be performed on an outpatient basis. Large studies have found no disadvantage here compared with inpatient treatment. On the contrary, patients enjoy their familiar surroundings after the operation and recover better here.
Nevertheless, a large number of operations are still performed on an inpatient basis. Germany is the world champion in this respect! This means that in Germany, for example, 223 inguinal hernia operations are performed per 100,000 inhabitants as part of a hospital treatment lasting several days. The international average (according to OECD data) is 110 per 100,000!
What is the reason for this?
In many places, there is still the opinion that one is simply safer in the hospital. It may also be more convenient for the surgeon to have the patient cared for overnight by nurses and doctors in the hospital after the operation.
These two points look different when viewed realistically and especially against the background of the financial situation and staffing of hospitals.
An important point is also the remuneration: Inpatient surgery is more expensive!
Various federal governments and health ministers have recognized the problem and are trying to change this.
We also believe that outpatient surgery has great advantages in practice:
- After surgery in the sensitive and shameful rectal area, patients prefer to recover at home.
- The organization and planning of the entire treatment is simpler, leaner and more efficient.
- The patient always has the same contact person in the practice.
- Not only the health insurance company and the general public benefit from the lower costs, but often also the patient if he/she has private insurance or is a self-payer. That is why we have specialized in outpatient surgery.
- The procedures for outpatient surgery are standardized and constantly optimized.
- Should an overnight stay in the hospital be necessary after an operation, we have a cooperation with the Klinikum Rechts der Isar, just around the corner.
- We are a small, well-coordinated team of surgeons, anesthesiologists, physician assistants and anesthesia nurses who have known each other for a long time and enjoy working together. The good working atmosphere also leads to good results!