Day Surgery Programme Feasibility and Implementation at a Private Hospital in Lagos State

Day surgery programs, in which patients are admitted, operated upon, and discharged on the same day, represent a cost-effective model that can decongest inpatient surgical beds and enhance healthcare efficiency. This study evaluates the feasibility and implementation of a structured day surgery program at a private hospital in Lagos State, South West Nigeria, from 2022 to 2023. A prospective evaluation design was used over a 12-month implementation period. Eligible surgical procedures were classified using internationally recognized day surgery suitability criteria. Patient selection, anaesthetic technique, recovery protocols, and same-day discharge rates were monitored. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the Surgical Day Care Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire. A total of 320 day surgery cases were performed, with a same-day discharge rate of 94%. Common procedures included herniorrhaphy, excision of skin lesions, circumcision, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Unplanned admissions occurred in 6% of cases, most commonly due to PONV and pain. Patient satisfaction scores were high (mean 4.3 out of 5). Cost savings compared to inpatient admission were estimated at 42%. The study supports the wider adoption of structured day surgery programs in private and public sector hospitals in South West Nigeria, with standardized patient selection criteria and recovery protocols as essential prerequisites. Keywords: day surgery, ambulatory surgery, Lagos, patient satisfaction, cost-effectiveness