Shifting Single-level Anterior and Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion to the Ambulatory Setting

Outpatient ALIF/LLIF procedures are associated with significantly lower rates of postoperative ED visits, hospital readmissions, and total reimbursements compared to inpatient ALIF/LLIF, without an increased risk of complications. These findings support the safety and cost-efficiency of outpatient ALIF/LLIF in appropriately selected patients.