As 2011 draws to a close, trends have developed illustrating a significant shift in how healthcare professionals treat their patients. As industry costs continue to rise there is increased emphasis on less invasive treatments, with surgery the last resort. Below are 5 developing trends:
1) ASC's continue to grow in popularity as the venue of choice for many surgical procedures. According to the Ambulatory Surgery Foundation, Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASC's) provide quality healthcare at a fraction of the cost (47% less) than hospitals, and their patient satisfaction is 98% compared with 94% for hospitals (ascassociation.org, 2011). This shift towards ASC surgeries is possible, in part due to electrosurgery and its ability to control bleeding, provide an enhanced surgical field, and improve infection control.
2) Pain management is no longer the "final solution". Pain management has evolved over the last several years from the last resort for chronic pain to a feasible first step in treatment. Pain management specialists perform assessments to determine treatment protocols: medication, physical therapy or surgery. Integrating pain management physicians into treatment plans enables many patients to manage pain without requiring surgery.
3) Treatments for pain are shifting from medication and injections. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), uses radio frequency waves to concentrate heat on specifically identified nerves surrounding the facet joints on either side of the lumbar spine, destroying the nerve's ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. This procedure is gaining popularity as physicians explore alternatives to epidural spinal injections for inflammation and surgery or medication for pain.
4) Global Endoscopy Systems Market poised to reach nearly $5B by 2017 (beckerasc.com, 2011). The aging population and increased demand for preventative screenings is expected to drive growth in this market; other relevant factors are increased acceptance of endoscopic techniques and advancements in video imaging.
5.) The US Bariatric Surgical Devices Market will reach $2.6B by 2017. Rising obesity rates, an increased ratio of successful procedures, improved technology and better insurance coverage will produce strong market growth. Laproscopic adjustable gastric banding and intragastric balloons are expected to figure prominently as minimally invasive surgical treatments.
These trends reflect an industry shift away from traditional operating procedures and support a less expensive, less invasive approach to treatment for pain.
