Day Surgery
A number of orthopaedic procedures, such as arthroscopy, are suitable for day surgery admission.
This enables you to be admitted an hour or so before your planned surgery and return home the same day. If this is a suitable option for your surgery, you will be given a date and time for your admission.
Prior to Admission
- Many hospitals offer a pre admission visit for your convenience. You will need to arrange this by contacting the facility directly.
- You will need to arrange transport on the day of your surgery, as you will not be able to drive yourself home.
- Travelling by taxi is not advised unless a friend or relative accompanies you.
- You will need a responsible person with you for 24 hours following discharge from the day surgery unit.
Checklist
- Make sure you have followed all pre-operative instructions and fasted for the required amount of time. Surgery may not be able to proceed if you are not correctly fasted.
- Remember to wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear.
- Remove all jewellery, face makeup and all polish from toe and fingernails.
- It is best to leave all valuables such as jewellery, money and mobile phones at home.
- Have the contact number of the person who will be collecting you after surgery.
Going Home
- Once you have fully recovered and had something to eat or drink, the nursing staff will prepare you for discharge. You will be given full post-operative and wound care instructions prior to your departure. An appointment to see your doctor will also have been arranged.If required, the anaesthetist will order post-operative pain relief and give you a prescription to fill on your way home or the next day. In most cases, Aspirin should be avoided after surgery as it can cause bleeding.
It is important to remember that if you have had sedation or a general anaesthetic the effects will still be felt for the next 24 hours. It is therefore advisable to observe the following:
- Have someone with you for the 24 hour period
- Do not drive a car or operate hazardous machinery
- Do not make any important or legally binding decisions
- Do not consume any alcohol
- Do not take public transport on your own
- Do not undertake strenuous exercise or heavy manual work.
It is not uncommon for patients to experience some post-operative pain, nausea, muscle pain or even a sore throat following discharge. In most instances these will settle over the next 12-24 hours. However, should you experience on-going problems, the day surgery staff and your Doctor should be notified.