A Surgery Guide

Today the majority of patients who undergo surgery or diagnostic tests do not need to stay overnight in the hospital. In most
cases, you will be well enough to complete your recovery at home. Ambulatory (or outpatient) anesthesia and surgical care has proven to be safe, convenient and cost-effective and can be performed in a variety of facilities. You may have your procedure done in a hospital, a freestanding surgery center or, in some cases, a surgeon’s office. Your anesthesia care will be given or supervised by an anesthesiologist.

What is ambulatory anesthesia?
Ambulatory anesthesia is tailored to meet the needs of ambulatory surgery so you can go home soon after your operation. Short-acting anesthetic drugs and specialized anesthetic techniques as well as care specifically focused on the needs of the ambulatory patient are used to make your experience safe and pleasant. In general, if you are in reasonably good health, you are a candidate for ambulatory anesthesia and surgery. Because each patient is unique, your anesthesiologist will carefully evaluate you and your health status to determine if you should undergo ambulatory anesthesia. After your early recovery from anesthesia, you usually will return directly home. In most cases, family and friends can provide all the needed assistance. If you do not have family members to help at home, you may require additional help. Some ambulatory facilities offer special post-surgical recovery facilities or extended services with nurses who visit you at home. Appropriate pain management will be included as part of your discharge planning.

(Taken from the ASA guide Anesthesia & You... - Anesthesia for Ambulatory Surgery)

For a PDF with the full text Click here.

For more information about anesthesiology, please click on the follwing links:

Anesthesia and You

Anesthesia & Me Checklist

Patient Awareness Uner General Anesthsia - What Is It?

Know Your Anesthesiologist

The Medical Specialty of Anesthesiology

Office Based Anesthesia and Surgery

When Your Child Needs Anesthesia

My Trip to the Hospital Coloring Book

Pain Relief During Labor and Delivery

The Management of Pain

Herbal Medicine and Anesthesia