Are you facing outpatient surgery? Here's some general information that will help explain what you'll soon be going through. If you have any other questions, contact your specific surgery center.

A majority of procedures performed at one-day surgery centers are orthopaedic related: knee athroscopies, fracture repair, shoulder reconstruction, rotator cuff repairs, ACL reconstruction. Other surgical procedures include:

		Eye procedures such as cataract removal and muscle repair (strabismus)
		Ear, nose and throat procedures such as tube placement in children's ears, tonsillectomies, and reconstruction of inner ear components to improve hearing
		Hernia repairs and gall bladder removal
		Fertility-related procedures such as artificial reproduction
		Breast biopsies
		Plastic surgery including breast reconstruction, reduction and augmentation
		Maxillofacial procedures to repair jaws
		Tubal ligation and vasectomies
		Dental restoration and reconstruction
		Pediatric neurology and general surgery, such as circumcisions and repair of undescended testicles

A Call From A Nurse
You will probably receive a phone call from a nurse prior to surgery. The nurse will ask you some questions about your medical history. You will also receive any necessary instructions, including arrival time for the day of surgery.

If you would like to visit a day surgery center and meet the staff before the procedure, call to make an appointment for a tour. If you need to cancel your surgery appointment, call your doctor as soon as possible.

Presurgical Visit
If a presurgical visit is indicated in your nurse interview, plan to arrive at the day surgery center at least 15 minutes before the time of your scheduled visit. If you are less than 18 years old, you must have a parent or guardian accompany you to sign the necessary forms. Please bring your insurance information with you.

During your presurgical visit, necessary tests will be performed, and a nurse will explain what you need do to prepare for surgery. You will also learn what to expect during and after surgery and get answers to any questions you may have.

During your visit, an anesthesiologist will discuss with you the best type of anesthesia for you. It may be one of the following:

		General anesthesia - You are asleep during surgery.
		Conduction anesthesia - A nerve block numbs only the appropriate body part.
		Local anesthesia - Anesthetic is injected into a specific area.
		Local anesthesia with sedation - Anesthesia is injected into the surgery area only and a sedative is provided intravenously.

If you are going to receive any sedation or anesthesia other than local, you must have an adult at least 18 years old to drive you home after surgery. Even if you take a taxi, an adult must accompany you.

The Night Before Surgery
Check with your nurse to find out the last time you should have solid food or fluids before surgery Special instructions may be given if you have diabetes.

Day Of Surgery
Arriving on time is very important. Please give yourself plenty of time to allow for heavy traffic. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Please do not wear makeup, contact lenses or jewelry. Bring any records or forms your doctor has given you concerning your surgery or postsurgical care. Children may bring a favorite toy or blanket.

If you eat or drink something during the fasting period, tell the nurse immediately upon arrival at the center.

Surgery Preparation
Before surgery, you may receive medication that will make you drowsy. Please do not try to stand or walk without help after taking this medication. A nurse may also need to shave the area of your operation.

After Surgery
When you wait up after surgery, you may be given snacks and fluids. Your family will be allowed to visit and assist you in getting dressed. You will remain in the facility for one to four hours. A recovery nurse will help you prepare to return home. You will receive prescriptions for needed medication and written instructions to follow at home. One-day surgery centers can often can fill prescriptions before the patient leave if permitted by his or her insurance plan.

What to Expect At Home

		Activity - If you received anesthesia or sedation, you may feel tired. This is normal and should pass within 24 hours. Plan to stay at home and rest for the remainder of the day. Do not drive a car, operate machines or dangerous appliances, or make important decisions for 24 hours. In the case of children, an adult should stay with the child for 24 hours after surgery.
		Diet - When you get home, do not try to eat immediately. Work your way from sips of clear liquid to your regular diet slowly. Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours.
		Medications - Take only medications prescribed by your doctor for the first 24 hours after surgery.
		Progress - A nurse will call you the next business day after surgery to see how you are doing and to answer your questions.