Dr. Vila has studied the safety of outpatient surgeries extensively, according to the report. He is a member of the executive committee of the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities.
Dr. Vila responded to the death of 49-year-old Spiro Gogas at Carillon Surgery Center in St. Petersburg, Fla., by saying outpatient surgery is “one of the safest activities you can engage in.” He explained that patients in an outpatient surgery center are not exposed to many of the serious infections that are present in hospitals.
He added that surgery centers are equipped with the same basic safety equipment found in a hospital, which would be used to perform immediate cardiac resuscitation and rescue from medical complications. He said it would be rare to need more technologically advanced machines for cardiac bypass and ventilators to help with breathing in an ASC resuscitation.
Dr. Vila encouraged patients to make sure a surgery is accredited by the Joint Commission, the AAAHC or AAAASF before undergoing surgery there. HE also recommended talking with the surgeon and anesthesiologist before the day of surgery about the patient’s medical history and discussing any drug allergies or medications.
Related Articles on Outpatient Surgery Safety:
New Texas Informed Consent Rules & Anesthesia Consent Form
Staff Education Tool: Extinguishing a Surgical Fire Poster
Joint Commission Issues Final Revisions to Telemedicine Requirements
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.