Introduction-The Purpose of the Feature

Abstract

Recently, day surgery has attracted the attention of surgeons, as well as patients. The need for outpatient surgery has increased for social reasons such as taking a week off to have an operation in today's ailing economy, a problem for patients. Furthermore, recent medical finance policies require cost reduction. For these reasons, the number of day surgeries can be expected to increase in Japan. However, evaluating day surgery from an economic point of view alone is a source of great debate. The benefits to the patient should be considered. If day surgery is introduced, the indications might have to be reconsidered, based not only on medical concerns but also on social matters that affect patients. In addition, there are several questions that should be answered. What are the necessary preoperahve examinations? What is the ideal anesthesia? Are our existing procedures suitable for outpatient surgery? How should we manage postoperative care? Although the advantages of day surgery tend to be emphasized in the debate, the authors have been requested to write these arhcles based on the limitations and drawbalcks. It is hoped that this feature wil make a positive contribution to the current practice of colorectal day surgery.