Surgery: The Ins and Outs

There are many questions you may have if you are anticipating an upcoming surgery. Among these questions may be some about whether you should expect to have to stay overnight in the hospital after surgery, or whether you can go home the same day as the surgery. These different types of surgery are referred to as inpatient and outpatient.

The type of surgery you have will depend on several factors including

Outpatient surgery is often used for more minor operations. In these cases a patient may stay for a few hours after the operation to be monitored, but they will return home that same day. A surgeon may check to make sure that the patient can perform simple tasks like eat without nausea before discharging them.

While the patient can return home shortly after surgery, they will still need a family member or friend to take them home and stay with them for the next 24 hours. A surgeon or nurse will usually follow up by phone the next day.

A patient will usually have inpatient surgery for more complex operations or if they have another medical condition that could complicate recovery.

After an inpatient surgery, the patient will stay at the hospital for at least one night following the surgery.  A nurse will monitor the patients, assist with pain medication and diet, change bandages, and prepare the patient for further recovery at home.

Your surgeon will keep you fully informed about what type of surgery you will need. If you have any questions or concerns about how the surgery and recover process will work, ask your surgeon, and make sure that you feel knowledgeable and prepared going into the operation.