AUVA plans day surgery for half of scheduled operations

The AUVA plans to carry out half of all scheduled operations as day cases across its accident hospitals, including those in Graz and Kalwang, ORF’s Steiermark service reported. A successful trial in Graz has paved the way for a wider rollout.

Under the approach, patients can arrive in the morning for surgery and return home the same day. Sabine Zenz, from Krieglach, had a partial knee replacement at the Graz accident hospital eight months ago. She said the shorter waiting time and the chance to spend her recovery at home helped her decide to proceed.

The day-surgery model could soon include procedures such as hip replacements. Where it is suitable and safe, the aim is to use less invasive procedures and modern treatments to shorten or avoid hospital stays, said Christian Kammerlander, medical director of the hospital’s Styria region site in Graz.

Antonio Klasan of the Graz hospital said the main challenge was organising the work of several medical disciplines and ensuring patients understood that day surgery was an option. The broader plan is also intended to keep hospital beds available for seriously injured patients and strengthen patients’ health knowledge.