The major ambulatory surgical center and how it is developed.

Of the more than 20 million surgical operations performed each year in this country, 40 to 50 per cent can be done without hospitalizing the patient, and more and more of these out-of-hospital operations are being done on patients requiring general anesthesia or a period of postoperative observation. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of major ambulatory surgery in general, as well as those of the different types of ambulatory surgical units. The steps in the development of a unit, including the various committees involved in its development and operation, are outlined.