Cataract surgery in the first ambulatory surgery unit of the Spanish national health system

Abstract

Cataract surgery without hospitalization in Spain is a new practice and not very widespread. Here is an analysis of the results of 372 cataract operations in the first ambulatory surgery unit under the Spanish national health system. The patients were selected according to social criteria and general and ocular health. The technique was extracapsular extraction with the intrasacular implantation of the lens. Local anaesthetic was used in all cases except six. The complications were of a similar incidence to inpatient surgery. Two cases required immediate postoperative hospitalization for systemic reasons. All patients whose second eye had to be operated on, again chose ambulatory surgery. Cataract surgery without hospitalization is a safe and satisfactory technique, with a future for expansion, especially in the Spanish health system where its implementation is still minimal.