Day Case Surgery

Am I eligible for a day case surgery?

Your suitability for day case surgery will be discussed with you during your initial consultation with your surgeon. Every patient is individual and eligibility will be assessed and based on each patient’s health, fitness and medical history whilst considering the exact day case surgery.

What is a day case surgery?

Day case surgery is an operation or surgical procedure that does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. A patient is admitted and discharged on the same day. They normally go home a few hours after the procedure. Day case surgeries have increased over recent years as more operations are performed by keyhole or open surgery and anaesthesia has advanced.

What operations are done as Day-Cases?

Day case joint replacement operations include minimally invasive surgeries to replace the main joints of your body. Nowadays, shoulder and elbow replacements are available as day case joint replacement surgery. Most arthroscopic (Key-Hole) surgeries and joint replacement surgeries are performed as same day surgery.

What are the benefits of a day case surgery?

There are a number of benefits of a day case surgery that includes:

  • Reduced length of stay in hospital
  • Faster and simpler recovery so patients can get back to their daily life quicker
  • Smaller scars as only small cuts are required for keyhole surgery
  • Reduced costs
  • Patients can often arrive at the hospital closer to their operation time
  • Earlier mobilisation
  • Reduced pain as less invasive
  • Lower hospital-acquired infection rates and blood clots
  • Increased patient satisfaction

Preparing for a Day Case Surgery

It is important to prepare and plan ahead for the physical and psychological aspects of surgery to help ensure you have the best outcome. Here are some preparation tips for your surgery:

  • Find out all about your day case procedure including what to expect before, during, and after surgery. You might ask what anaesthetic you will have and how long your recovery will take.
  • Put together a list of your personal and medical information, as you will be asked these questions many times. You should include family or friend and GP contact details, your insurance policy information, and any medical conditions or health problems you have including previous operations, medications you regularly take, allergies and dietary restrictions.
  • Get your body as healthy as possible to lessen the chance of complications and shorten your recovery time. This includes quitting smoking, eating a nutritious diet, losing weight if needed and doing pre-op exercises to strengthen your body.
  • Prepare for your return home. Take steps to ensure your comfort and safety once home. These might include: batch cooking, inviting a friend or family member to stay with you for a few days after surgery, placing frequently-used items within easy reach, shopping for items that will make your life easier after surgery such as a grabber, rearranging furniture so you can easily manoeuvre with a cane, walker, or crutches, and removing any rugs or slip hazards.
  • Get ready for your day of surgery. Pack what you want to take including a loose-fitting outfit and comfortable shoes to wear home. Shower before your surgery. Do not wear make-up, jewellery or nail polish. Follow your pre-surgery instructions for eating, drinking and medications.

What is the Recovery Process After Day-Case Surgery?

Your post-operative recovery process after a day case surgery will depend on your exact surgery and your individual health and fitness. Your hospital team will give you specific advice for you to follow.

Initially, you may feel tired as your body starts to heal.

You might have some post-operative pain and you may be given pain relief before leaving the hospital.

Keep in mind that everyone recovers differently. You can expect to return to light activities or office-based work after around six to twelve weeks depending on your job type and day-case surgery.

We will arrange a follow-up appointment around two weeks to check on your recovery progress and offer any further exercise advice.

Postoperative Care and Instructions

In general, postoperative care instructions and recovery after shoulder / elbow surgery may involve the following steps:

  • You will be transferred to the recovery area where your nurse will closely observe you for any allergic/anesthetic reactions and monitor your vital signs as you recover.
  • Once you are deemed to be stable, you will be discharged home on the same day of the surgery with instructions on home care and rehabilitation protocols.
  • You may notice some pain, swelling, and discomfort in the shoulder / elbow / as far as the hand area. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications, as well as application of ice packs, are recommended as needed. Your surgeon will advise on the types of pain medications that can be used, including the cryotherapy device.
  • Your arm may be secured with assistive devices such as a sling or a cast for the first few weeks to facilitate healing with instructions on restricted weight-bearing.
  • Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Instructions on surgical site care and bathing will be provided. Leave the dressing intact and dry until your follow-up appointment.
  • Refrain from smoking as it can negatively affect the healing process.
  • Refrain from strenuous activities and lifting heavy weights for the first few months. Gradual increase in activities over a period of time is recommended.
  • An individualized physical therapy protocol will be designed to help strengthen shoulder muscles and optimize shoulder function.
  • You will be able to resume your normal activities in a month or two after surgery; however, return to sports may take at least 6 months or longer.
  • Refrain from driving until you are fully fit and receive your doctor’s consent.
  • A periodic follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.

Risks and Complications

Surgery is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, some risks and complications may occur, such as the following:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Postoperative pain
  • Damage to nerves and vessels
  • Stiffness or restricted motion
  • Thromboembolism or blood clots
  • Anesthetic/allergic reactions