Day surgery is a new approach to the organization of surgical operations. It concentrates the maximum of efficiency and professional skill into the minimum amount of time strictly necessary, allowing the patient to return home, in perfect condition, the same day as that on which he or she has undergone the operation. In the USA and Northern Europe this approach is very widely used, accounting for over 60% of all surgery. In Italy the number of clinics, in the private or public sphere, devoted exclusively to day surgery is still very small.Major operations lasting for several hours can also be carried out under the day surgery system. There are two things that make this possible: in the first place modern non-traumatic surgical techniques using optical magnification that drastically reduce edema of the tissues and therefore post-operative pain; and then the recent development of techniques of both peripheral and general anesthesia that permit a rapid return to self-sufficiency. Day surgery should only be practiced in facilities that have been expressly designed and constructed for the purpose.

Before the operation

Following the preliminary examination the specialist will decide whether it is necessary to operate and what is the most appropriate procedure to follow.Preoperative tests (blood tests, ECG) are only necessary for more demanding operations or with patients who are elderly or suffering from the aftereffects of serious illness. They are requested by the anesthetist, who has to be consulted beforehand. Patients should dress in comfortable, loose clothing, that can be worn over dressings and splints (pullovers, jumpers, tracksuits).It is a good idea to abstain from food for three to four hours prior to the operation. It is not necessary for patients to be accompanied, but a relative or friend should come to collect them: patients should not drive home.The nearest car park in which space is always available is that of the parterre on Piazza della Libertà. The patient should not arrive until the time agreed. There is a parking space inside the building reserved for those who have already undergone their operation. Please book this in advance.

The patient will be admitted to a private space containing a bed (for operations on the lower limbs) or an armchair (for operations on the upper limbs). Here he or she can get undressed and put on a special gown provided by the clinic. At this point the anesthetist, who will always be present with the most modern equipment, will administer the most appropriate analgesic, selected in advance in consultation with the patient.

When the anesthetic has fully taken effect the patient will be taken into the operating theater: this has been expressly designed to provide the maximum of technological reliability (using the latest generation of equipment and instruments) and a reassuring and calm atmosphere to reduce the patient’s anxiety and therefore the need for medication (tranquilizers).


After the operation

After the operation patients return to the recovery room, where they are supervised and given refreshments (tea, coffee, biscuits) until they are able to take care of themselves. Patients will not be discharged until it is clear that this is the case: they will be taken home by a relative or friend in that person’s own car or a taxi. Over the next few days the patient will have to follow the advice and prescriptions given at the time of discharge; a new appointment will be made for medication.

The patient will receive a copy of the medical report along with the bill. In any case both a surgeon and an anesthetist will be available for contact by telephone over the 24 hours following the operation.