The safety of foot and ankle procedures at an ambulatory surgery center

Abstract

BackgroundThis study evaluates the safety of foot and ankle outpatient surgeries at a freestanding ambulatory surgery centers. MethodsA total of 1352 cases were evaluated for adverse events in a retrospective review of all foot and ankle cases performed over a 5-year period at a single center. ResultsThe rate of adverse events was 2.3%, with 31 identified over the 5-year period (23 infections, 5 symptomatic thromboembolisms, 3 postoperative hospital transfers). DiscussionThe rate of postoperative adverse events in outpatient foot and ankle procedures is low. These surgeries can be performed safely in an outpatient setting at an ASC. Level of evidenceLevel IV, Case Series.