Definition

 Day surgery is defined as planned investigations or procedures on patients who are admitted and discharged home on the day of their surgery but require some facilities and time for recovery. Minor procedures in out-patient or accident and emergency departments are not included. In most countries, this means that the patient spends a few hours in hospital and does not stay overnight. However, in the USA, day surgery is termed ‘ambulatory surgery’ and includes patients who may spend up to 23 hours in hospital, allowing a greater range of procedures to be included.