An overview of anaesthesia and patient selection for day surgery

Day surgery is increasingly recognized as the best form of treatment for a wide range of patients and procedures. As day surgery becomes more widely available, older patients with comorbidities and patients needing complex surgery are increasingly considered as suitable day cases. Standards for day surgery must be the same as for inpatient treatment and organization is the key to the successful running of a day unit. Day surgery needs to be meticulously planned, with appropriate patient selection, modern surgical and anaesthetic techniques, plus robust discharge criteria and follow-up. Attention to detail with good control of postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting are essential. Patient preference and choice may dictate where day surgery is performed in the future.