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What is Day Surgery?
Day Surgery could be described as hospital care for a day. The patient is admitted, undergoes a procedure or operation using sedation, general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic, and goes home - all on the same day.

What operations are suitable for Day Surgery?
Many simple surgical procedures, which are relatively brief and uncomplicated are considered suitable. Your surgeon will advise you if Day Surgery is suitable.

Are all patients suitable for Day Surgery?
No. Day Surgery is only suitable for those under 65years who are in good health or who have only mild, non-incapacitating conditions like high blood pressure, mild asthma etc, and who live with someone who can transport them home and supervise their care in the 24hrs after their operation.

What are the advantages of Day Surgery?
Day Surgery is becoming more popular because of: 1. Patient Convenience:- patients prefer day surgery because they are in hospital for only part of a day, instead of two or three days; and 2. Increased Efficiency:- the fact that day surgery is more efficient leads to shorter waiting lists and better service to patients.

What sort of anaesthetic will I require?
Some procedures are performed under general anaesthetic (asleep), others are performed using sedation (you are sleepy but awake), and others using local anaesthetic the area is numbed by injection, but you are awake).

How will I get home following surgery?
You will need to arrange to be taken home accompanied by another responsible adult, by private transport. Public transport is not permitted because of time and safety considerations after surgery. It is essential that there is someone at home with you for the rest of the day and overnight. Because of the effects of the anaesthetic you should not drive for 24 hours following surgery.

What should I do before my operation?
If you are having a general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic and sedation, you should fast (nothing to eat or drink) for at least 6 hours before your operation. All patients should have had a bath or shower on the evening or morning before surgery.
Please do not wear make-up or nail varnish on the day of your appointment, nor bring valuables or expensive jewellery.

What will happen when I arrive?
When you arrive at the Day Surgery Unit Reception, the Receptionist will check that all your details are correct. You will be asked to complete a short questionnaire or some specific questions about your current and past health, and your medications. You will then be taken to your bed where you will be asked to change into theatre wear and will be seen by the anaesthetist and surgeon. After the admission is complete you will wait in the pre-operative area until you are escorted to theatre by your nurse.

After the procedure/operation you will spend a period of time in the recovery area, during which time you will receive refreshments. When you are suitably recovered, the nurse will discharge you from the Unit to go home with your relative/carer. The person who is collecting you should telephone the Unit to find out when you will be ready to go home.

Will I be sore afterwards?
Some procedures and most operations are associated with some discomfort for a day or two. You will receive pain relief in the Day Surgery Unit following your operation, and also pain relieving tablets to take home with you.

What should I do when I go home?
You should rest when you go home, as you will probably be tired. You should also follow any specific directions or advice given to you by your surgeon or nursing staff on discharge.

What should I NOT do when I go home?
It is important for your own safety and that of others that because of the effects of a general anaesthetic or sedation you do not in the next 24 hours:

• Drink alcohol, smoke or take un-prescribed sedatives
• Drive a vehicle
• Ride a bicycle
• Climb steps, ladders or work at heights
• Use a cooker or kettle
• Use any machinery
• Sign important documents
• What should I do if I have any problems or anxieties when I get home?
• Hopefully you will not have any problems. However should anything unexpected or unexplained occur, you should contact the Day Surgery Unit or your surgeon.

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