Day surgery is a procedure from which you can safely recover at home after a short period under observation in hospital. Many people can now come into hospital, have their procedure, and go home on the same day.
Advances in anaesthetics and improvements in surgical techniques make day surgery as safe as staying overnight in hospital. Thousands of operations have been carried out successfully in this way over the past twenty years.
Day surgery can be preferable because many people like to spend as little time as possible in hospital and prefer to be at home with their family or friends. It means less disruption to your daily routine, childcare is easier to plan and very often you will be back at work sooner.
The suitability of day surgery depends which operation you need. An ever-increasing number of surgical procedures are carried out as day cases including hernia operations, cataracts, gall bladder removal, minor gynaecology, types of joint surgery and many others.
Careful assessment of your general health will be made before booking you in for day surgery.
Normally you will need to live within an hour and half's drive of the hospital. At home you will need access to a telephone and convenient toilet facilities and you must be registered with a family doctor.
Things to bring with you include:
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Your completed hospital admission form.
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Any specimens that you have been asked to provide.
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All medicines including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal or homeopathic remedies or any medicines that you only take when you need to (e.g. indigestion remedies or painkillers). Please bring all medicines in their original packaging.
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Dressing gown and slippers.
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Toiletries and make-up remover.
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Something to read.
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The name and telephone number of the person who will be driving you home.
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Loose fitting, comfortable clothing
Things not to bring with you include:
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Large sums of money and valuables.
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Electrical equipment other than electric razors (MP3 players and iPods are allowed but may not be recharged at the hospital).
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The hospital cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused to jewellery or personal effects.
On arrival at the hospital
When you first arrive, report to the reception desk inside the main hospital entrance. Please bring with you any specimens, for example, an early-morning urine for pregnancy testing if required.
You will be directed to your ward, nursing staff will check and discuss your pre-assessment details, recording any further details relevant to your care. They will also give you an outline of what to expect throughout your stay in terms of postoperative recovery.
Your anaesthetist will see you and discuss your anaesthetic, confirm your medical history and ensure that the required blood and other tests have been carried out. During the Anaesthetist's visit there will be an opportunity for you to discuss the anaesthetic procedure appropriate to your surgery.
The nursing staff will answer any other questions you have while you are being prepared for theatre. You may be given a patient gown but there are occasions when you do not need to change, so wear something comfortable. The nurse will inform you when you should change into your gown. Please ensure that you prepare for your operation by removing all nail polish, false nails, make-up and jewellery. Please do not use any deodorant, perfume or aftershave on the day of your surgery. A member of the nursing staff will accompany you to the operating theatre.
In the majority of cases, accommodation is in single sex bays. Whilst a space will have been reserved for you, it may not be available at your time of arrival but will be ready for you by the time you return from theatre, if not before.
Your procedure
We have three theatres, a procedure room and an endoscopy room. You will be having your procedure in one of these areas.
What happens after day surgery?
You will have some light refreshments and if necessary we will give you medication to reduce pain and sickness. After a short period of observation you will be able to go home. We will expect you to have made arrangements to have someone to drive you home.
Because of the effects of anaesthetics you are advised NOT to do the following for at least 24/48 hours after surgery:
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Drive a car, ride a motorbike or bicycle.
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Drink alcohol or take sleeping tablets, except on medical advice.
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Operate machinery or anything that requires close co-ordination.
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Make important decisions or sign legal documents.
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We may recommend that you abstain from driving for a further period of time following certain procedures.
What will I need at home?
It still takes a few days to get over certain operations, just as it would if you stayed in hospital. You and your carer (a relative or friend) will be given advice about what to do at home during this time. Your carer will probably need a day or two off work in order to look after you while you recover.
If you have any worries once you are at home, help and advice will only be a telephone call away. Our telephone number is available on our patient information leaflets and you can pick up a card with our contact details before you go home.
We appreciate that coming into hospital can be an anxious time for some of you but all attempts will be made to make your stay as comfortable and as pleasant as possible.