disadvantages

Last reviewed 01/2018

Disadvantages of day case surgery include:

  • the need for a responsible person to oversee the day case patient at home for the first 24-48 hours
  • the restriction of day case surgery to experienced senior staff; little opportunity for junior staff to practise
  • extra work for the general practitioner in the postoperative period; patients often ring them for advice or treatment
  • the cost-effectiveness of the unit is reduced when less complex cases are dealt with on a day basis