Day surgery is an operation or procedure that does not require an overnight stay in hospital.
Patients are admitted on the day of their surgery and following a few hours recovery, are discharged to recover safely at home.
The recovery period should not be underestimated and patients are advised to fully rest for a couple of days after the procedure.
Preparing for your visit
- Arrange for a friend or relative to collect you in a car or taxi, and to stay at home with you for at least 24 hours after your operation. We do not advise the use of public transport
- It is unwise to smoke or to drink alcohol for at least two days before your anaesthetic
- Remember not to eat or drink before your operation if told not to
- Please bath or shower on the morning of your operation
- Remove all make-up, nail varnish and jewellery
- If you wear contact lenses, these will have to be removed prior to the operation
- Please do not bring anything of value with you
Arriving at hospital
On arrival at the relevant unit, please report to the receptionist. You will be directed to the ward, where a nurse will welcome you and prepare you for theatre.
Your nurse will also take some details from you (e.g. a list of any medication which you are taking).
Your treatment will be fully explained to you and you will then be asked to sign a consent form by the doctor.
You will be provided with a gown, which you will be asked to wear, before you are taken to have your procedure carried out.
After your visit
If you have had a general anaesthetic, you will be transferred to the recovery area, where you will be monitored until you are sufficiently recovered to be transferred to the ward.
In the ward area, the nurses will continue to monitor your condition. When you are fully recovered you will be offered a drink and snack. You will usually have to stay for at least a couple of hours after your procedure.
If your nurse is happy with your progress, you will be advised of how to look after yourself when you are at home and you will be discharged.
Last reviewed: 19 January 2024
