#United States #Newport Beach #DISC Surgery Center #360° Lumbar Fusion #Steven J. Girdler

Introduction

A groundbreaking study conducted by Dr. Steven J. Girdler, an orthopedic spine surgeon at DISC Surgery Center, has demonstrated that complex spinal surgeries, particularly the same-day 360° lumbar fusion, can be performed safely and effectively in outpatient settings. This revelation promises not only enhanced patient care but also substantial cost reductions for healthcare systems, indicating a shift in how spinal surgeries may be approached in the future.

Study Overview

The analysis included 203 consecutive outpatient 360° fusions, which took place between 2018 and 2024 within a single ambulatory surgery center. Remarkably, all patients were discharged within 23 hours, firmly categorizing this as a same-day surgery. The outcomes were impressive—there were no instances of hospital transfers, blood transfusions, or readmissions in the immediate perioperative period. The average operating duration stood at approximately 167 minutes, allowing patients to start their recovery at home the very next day.

A New Era in Spinal Surgery

Dr. Girdler emphasized the significance of these results, noting that procedures as complex as 360° lumbar fusions, which traditionally required three to four days of hospitalization, could now be conducted efficiently in outpatient facilities. This shift not only optimizes patient results but also enhances the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.

Hospital-based lumbar fusion procedures have historically been among the most expensive services provided in spine care. Data from 2018 indicated over 455,000 inpatient spinal-fusion admissions with total costs surpassing $14.1 billion. Notably, around 40,000 of these surgeries were classified as circumferential fusions. Previous academic findings highlighted that outpatient same-day fusions could slash total care costs by 50% to 70% compared to their inpatient counterparts.

Should just half of the suitable cases transition to outpatient settings, savings could accumulate to an estimated $800 million to $1.2 billion annually for payers and healthcare systems, all while providing patients with expedited recovery periods and less exposure to hospital-acquired complications.

Advantages of Outpatient Spine Surgery

The benefits of the outpatient model extend beyond cost effectiveness. Patients encounter a reduced risk of infections, quicker returns to their everyday activities, and the comfort of recovering in the familiar environment of their own homes. Dr. Girdler emphasizes that achieving these positive outcomes hinges significantly on having properly designed centers, equipped specifically for managing complex, minimally invasive spine procedures. He notes:

“Our model shows that outpatient fusion can achieve excellent patient outcomes while dramatically lowering total cost of care—but it's only possible when a surgery center has the right infrastructure and team in place.”

The Role of TriasMD

The success of the DISC Surgery Center can largely be credited to its association with TriasMD, which emphasizes an integrated approach to outpatient care through its four core pillars: highly experienced surgical teams skilled in minimally invasive techniques; tailored perioperative protocols for higher-acuity outpatient care; specialized facilities with larger operating rooms (ORs) and advanced infection-control systems; and comprehensive patient education to involve patients and their families throughout all recovery phases.

Implications for the Healthcare System

Rojeh Melikian, MD, another spine surgeon within the Trias network, remarked on the broader implications of these outcomes:

“When these outcomes are replicated across our clinically integrated network, the result is a safer, more efficient, and more patient-centered model of spine care that benefits everyone—patients, physicians, and payers alike.”

Trias Global, the clinically integrated network associated with TriasMD, has monitored these outcomes across various spine surgeons, unveiling a trend where technology and expertise are progressively transitioning complex surgical procedures from hospital to advanced outpatient environments, ultimately enhancing patient satisfaction while significantly cutting down healthcare costs.

Conclusion

The advancement of same-day 360° lumbar fusions marks a pivotal moment in surgical history and patient care. As procedures continue to migrate into outpatient settings, the implications for patient recovery, healthcare efficiency, and cost savings are poised to evolve positively, heralding a new era in spine surgery.

About DISC Surgery Centers

The DISC Surgery Centers specialize in high-quality, minimally invasive procedures, including spine surgery, interventional pain management, and orthopedic services. With state-of-the-art facilities particularly focused on patient satisfaction, these centers represent a significant step forward in modern healthcare. To learn more, visit www.discmd.com or follow @DISCMD.