Outpatient Surgery in Neuro-Oncology—Advancing Patient Access and Care

Outpatient neurosurgical oncology has expanded with advances in anesthesia, imaging, and minimally invasive techniques, enabling safe same-day discharge for selected patients undergoing procedures such as stereotactic biopsy and craniotomy. In this review, we find that across multiple international series, same-day discharge rates in several studies ranging from 85 to 95%, with low complication (3-6%) and readmission rates when structured pathways, including standardized selection criteria, enhanced recovery protocols, and routine 4-h postoperative CT imaging, are used. Studies on economic analyses demonstrate substantial cost savings driven by reduced inpatient bed utilization, with no increase in adverse events. Key challenges identified include medicolegal concerns amongst physicians, patient education, and limitations in organization adoption. Telemedicine and remote monitoring are increasingly incorporated to streamline preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up, improving access and continuity of care. Emerging technologies such as laser interstitial thermal therapy and focused ultrasound may further expand the outpatient neuro-oncology repertoire. Overall, current evidence supports outpatient neurosurgical oncology as a safe, efficient, and patient-centered model when applied with structured clinical pathways and patient selection.