[Postoperative treatment and follow-up]

In outpatient surgery the patient leaves the hospital after a short period of observation. The initial postoperative period requires observation of the same standard as for inpatients. However, the anaesthesia and surgical techniques used should prepare for fast recovery. The challenge is to handle high patient turnover in a safe manner. The main postoperative problems are pain, nausea/vomiting and psychomotor impairment. To be able to discharge the patients safety is crucial for the success of day surgery. Well trained nurses can judge when the patient is ready to go home, provided that strict guidelines are set up by the physicians in charge. All the patients given general anaesthesia, sedation or opioids should be together with a responsible adult person until the next day. Adequate information must be given concerning what to expect during the following days, and how to respond to complications. Every day surgery unit should have its own control system to detect any problems after the treatment.