Same-Day Surgery

Sleep Apnea Surgery Patients at Risk of Cardiac Events, Including Death

Tens of thousands of people die each year from obstructive sleep apnea, including surgery patients who were not diagnosed with the condition or who have not managed the condition.Obesity and aging are factors often associated with obstructive sleep apnea, and these also are common demographics among ambulatory surgery center patients.

Study Highlights OSA Risk Factors for Postoperative Events

Researchers found that patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea had double the risk of an adverse cardiac event occurring within 30 days after surgery.

Are Ambulatory Settings Suitable for All OSA Patient Surgeries?

Debates over which procedures and apnea patients are suitable for care in ASCs likely will continue. But recent research suggests that when patients are screened for obstructive sleep apnea and evidence-based guidelines are followed, they can be managed safely in an ambulatory setting.

Too Small to Be Attacked by Cybercriminals? Not So Fast

Cybercriminals have attacked hundreds of healthcare organizations in recent years, including surgery centers. Cybersecurity plans are needed to educate staff on how to prevent attacks and what to do when one occurs. Surgery centers should conduct an annual vulnerability assessment to learn about weaknesses in the business that need correcting.

When Preventing a Cyberattack Fails, ASCs Need Recovery Plan

An important component of any cybersecurity plan is knowing what to do when cyberdisaster strikes. For ASCs, this means creating a disaster recovery continuity plan, which should be fluid and can be adjusted as needed.

Understanding the Medical Executive Committee

Rarely do individual hospital and surgery center personnel fully understand the role of this committee and the tremendous contribution it plays in safety and successful management of a quality facility. The committee makes recommendations on matters that affect quality of care and ensures the ethical conduct and competent performance on the part of all members of the medical staff.

Researchers: ASCs Should Avoid Post-Op Prophylactic Antibiotics

Each additional day of prophylactic antibiotic exposure after surgery can increase risk of adverse events, and it does not benefit infection prevention efforts, according to new research.