Improvements in medical technology, pain control, and surgery have made it possible for procedures to be performed in an outpatient setting. Outpatient surgery is usually minimally-invasive, allowing the patient to return home on the same day as surgery. Typically, outpatient procedures have a lower complication rate. Examples of outpatient surgeries include cataract surgery, gallbladder removal, hernia repair, tendon repair, meniscus repair, and joint replacement surgery.
Any surgery, even outpatient surgery, requires preparation. There are things you can do before the surgery for a more comfortable recovery. If you are scheduled for an outpatient procedure, learn more about it by asking your health care team questions relating not only to the procedure but also pain medication, infection prevention, and how to prepare for recovery.
Recovering from Outpatient Surgery
Generally, patients undergoing outpatient surgery are discharged a few hours after waking up from surgery. You will still feel the effects of the anesthesia, which means transportation should be arranged beforehand. The doctor will give you detailed instructions for recovery based on your case, but patients eligible for outpatient surgery are able to follow instructions provided by the doctor.
For joint replacement surgery, there will be a degree of immobility expected after the surgery. For at least two weeks, you will be needing assistance with chores and errands. You may feel dizzy, nauseated, or fatigued and will need ample rest. Pain management is important for a more comfortable recovery. Take the pain medication as indicated and mind the dressing — keep it clean and dry, and check daily for signs of infection. Depending on the procedure, recovery length may vary. Your doctor will provide guidelines for your specific recovery.
Preparing for Outpatient Surgery
Patients who undergo outpatient surgery who are in good shape and overall health tend to have a better and faster recovery period. Sleeping, eating healthy foods, and exercising can positively impact your recovery, although you may need to fast prior to the procedure. Smoking and alcohol use should be avoided 24 hours before surgery. There is a thing called prehabilitation, which is a therapeutic physical rehabilitation program to help preoperative patients weather the storm of surgery, so to speak, or to help the body withstand postoperative inactivity. Research has shown that patients who undergo prehabilitation have improved postoperative outcomes.
Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery in Naples, FL
At North Naples Surgery Center, we specialize in same-day procedures or outpatient surgeries, including arthroscopy and joint replacement. Our surgery specialties include general surgery, orthopedics, and pain management, and perform procedures in a fully-equipped, cutting-edge ambulatory surgery center. If you have questions or would like to make an appointment with any of our highly-qualified orthopedic surgeons, call (239) 591-2803 or use our online request form.
If you are a physician and would like to know how to become associated with us, call (239) 591-2803.
