What to Expect on Surgery Day

Plan to arrive 30–60 minutes early

Most ASCs ask you to arrive well before your scheduled procedure time. That window is used for registration, pre-op paperwork, and getting you settled — not just sitting in a waiting room. If you're running late, call ahead.

Bring your ID, insurance card, and medication list

Leave valuables at home. You'll be changing into a gown and won't have anywhere secure to store things. A written list of all current medications (including dosages and the last time you took each one) is genuinely useful — don't rely on a phone for this.

Your driver must stay at the facility

This is non-negotiable at most ASCs. If sedation is involved, you cannot be discharged alone — and the facility will typically want to confirm your ride is present before the procedure begins, not after. Your driver doesn't need to wait in the room, but they need to be reachable.

You'll change into a hospital gown

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that's easy to remove. Avoid wearing makeup, nail polish (it interferes with pulse oximetry), jewelry, or contact lenses. Leave your watch at home.

A nurse will take your vitals and review your history

Expect questions about allergies, prior anesthesia experiences, current medications, and any recent illnesses. Be honest — even things that feel minor (a cold that just cleared up, a supplement you take occasionally) can matter for anesthesia safety.

You'll get an IV placed

This is typically done in pre-op. The IV is used to deliver fluids, anesthesia, and any medications needed during and immediately after the procedure. If you tend to have difficult veins, mention it early.

You'll meet your anesthesiologist

This is your chance to ask questions about what type of anesthesia you'll receive, what waking up will feel like, and any concerns you have. They'll review your history and confirm the plan. Don't be shy — this is an important conversation.

Your surgeon will do a pre-op check-in

Most surgeons will stop by before the procedure to confirm the surgical site, answer last-minute questions, and mark the operative area if applicable. This is normal and expected — it's a safety step.

You'll be moved to the operating room

ORs at ASCs are smaller and more focused than hospital operating rooms, but the equipment and protocols are the same. The room will be bright and cool. Staff will introduce themselves and confirm your name and procedure before starting.

Monitoring equipment will be attached

Expect EKG leads, a blood pressure cuff, a pulse oximeter on your finger, and potentially a temperature sensor. These stay on throughout the case so the team can track your vitals continuously.

Most outpatient procedures take 15 minutes to 2 hours

Simple procedures like cataract surgery or endoscopy can take as little as 15–30 minutes. Orthopaedic or reconstructive procedures may take longer. Your care team can give you a realistic estimate for your specific case.

You'll start in the PACU (post-anesthesia care unit)

After the procedure, you'll be moved to the recovery area where nurses monitor you as the anesthesia wears off. You may feel groggy, disoriented, cold, or nauseated — all of this is normal. How long you spend here depends on the anesthesia type and how you're feeling.

Pain and nausea are managed before discharge

The recovery team will address any pain or nausea before you leave. Don't try to push through discomfort to get out faster — speak up. It's easier to manage symptoms before you're in a car than after.

Discharge instructions are given to you and your driver

You'll receive written discharge instructions covering activity restrictions, wound care, medications, and warning signs to watch for. Your driver should be present for this conversation because you may still be foggy. Read the instructions again at home when you're more alert.

You cannot drive yourself home — even if you feel fine

The sedation and anesthesia medications affect judgment and reflexes for longer than you feel them. This isn't about how clearheaded you feel — it's pharmacology. Plan for someone to stay with you for at least the rest of the day.

Expect a follow-up call from the facility

Many ASCs call patients the day after the procedure to check in. Pick up or call back — it's a legitimate safety check, not a formality.

Fever over 101°F

A low-grade temperature in the first 24 hours can be normal. A fever over 101°F — especially if it develops after the first day — should prompt a call to the facility.

Increasing pain rather than decreasing pain

Pain that's getting worse over time (rather than gradually improving) is a signal to call your surgeon's office. Worsening pain can indicate infection, a reaction, or a complication.

Redness, warmth, or discharge at the incision site

Some redness at the edges of an incision is normal in the first couple of days. Spreading redness, warmth, swelling, or any discharge that looks cloudy or has an odor warrants a call.

Difficulty breathing or chest pain

These symptoms should prompt a call to 911, not your surgeon. They can indicate a pulmonary embolism or cardiac event, both of which are rare but serious post-surgical complications.

Inability to urinate after sedation

Urinary retention is a known side effect of certain anesthesia agents, particularly in men. If you cannot urinate within 6–8 hours of discharge, call the facility.