General overview

The purpose of ambulatory or outpatient surgery is to carry out a surgical procedure in a safe and comfortable environment under local, regional or general anaesthesia without admitting the patient into hospital.

To help make your surgery a success, you should take into account the following recommendations:

1. – A preoperative assessment should be performed (ECG, blood tests, etc.) to help the anaesthesiologist assess your physical condition at the preoperative visit, with the exception of those surgical procedures performed under local anaesthesia.

2. – You will be given a set of preoperative instructions and if the anaesthesiologist deems it appropriate, you will be given preanaesthesia medication to take the night before and/or two hours before the time scheduled for surgery.

3. – In the days before surgery, you should try to cut down on tobacco and alcohol consumption.

4. – Should any complications arise during surgery or during the immediate postoperative period, the physicians will act accordingly, and if deemed necessary, he or she will organise your admission into Instituto Universitario Dexeus.

5. – You should have someone you trust with you when you are discharged from hospital and during your first 24 hours at home.

6. – You should inform the Ambulatory Surgery Centre (Out-patient Surgery) or your doctor of any unusual events you become aware of during your recovery.

7. – You should not drive any type of motor vehicle, operate any machinery or make any important decisions from the night before surgery to 24 hours after the procedure.