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Contraindications

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Contraindications to day surgery include:

  • medical:
    • angina at rest } all ischaemic
    • myocardial infarct in last six months } heart disease is controversial
    • hypertensives - diastolic greater than 105 mmHg
    • cardiac failure
    • acute respiratory infection
    • asthma - moderate to severe require increased observation
    • chronic bronchitis
    • emphysema
    • gross obesity: body mass index > 35
    • insulin dependent diabetics
    • coagulation defects
    • anticoagulation therapy
    • deformity or anatomical problems in jaw or neck
    • extent of pathology, e.g. large scrotal hernia
    • operation longer than one hour
    • painful operations - need an increase in analgesia

  • psychological:
    • psychologically unstable, e.g. psychosis
    • concept of day surgery unacceptable to patient

  • social:
    • lives over one hour away from unit
    • no reliable person to drive patient home after surgery and look after them for the first 24-48 hours postoperatively
    • at home, no access to a lift, telephone or indoor toilet and bathroom

These recommendations will vary from centre to centre.

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