Same Day Surgery
The Same Day Surgery Unit provides surgical and diagnostic procedures on an outpatient or ambulatory basis. Same Day Surgery and Short Procedure Unit patients are admitted as outpatients to UPMC Presbyterian or UPMC Montefiore, have surgery or other special procedures, and are discharged on the same day.
"Ambulatory Surgery at UPMC" is an informational video for patients who are scheduled for ambulatory surgery at UPMC Presbyterian/UPMC Montefiore. This video follows two different patients through their surgical experiences and will help you better understand what to expect on the day of your surgery. To view our videos, the free RealPlayer® plug-in must be installed on your computer.
"Preparing for Safe Surgery" booklet (PDF)
Preadmission Testing
You may be requested to complete laboratory studies or other tests in preparation for your procedure. Your doctor will let you know when you should get any tests done and any special instructions that you will need to follow. These tests can be completed on the fifth floor, UPMC Montefiore, Room NE-551. You should use the hospital’s main entrance on Buffalo Street. The phone number is 412-692-4663, and the fax number is 412-692-4666.
Preparing for the Hospital
If you are scheduled for same-day surgery, you are preregistered already and should report to the appropriate registration location in the hospital on the day of the procedure. You can get directions from your home directly to the parking garage or valet area that you have been told to use.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes that can be folded easily. A patient gown will be provided to you.
- Do not wear makeup, nail polish, or jewelry.
- Do not bring valuables with you.
- Bring a list of medications, or if requested, bring with you the medications that you take regularly.
- Bring a lens case if you wear contact lenses.
- Bring a copy of your advance directive or living will (if you have one) to the hospital.
- Follow any instructions regarding food, drink, and medication, as it may be important for the administration of anesthesia.
When You Arrive
After a brief wait in the Family Lounge, a nurse will show you to a room to get ready.
After you are ready for surgery, but before you go to the pre-op holding room, your family or friend may rejoin you until it is time for surgery. We try to keep your wait as short as possible, but there could be a delay. A surgery before yours may take longer than expected.
During Your Operation
During your operation, your family member or friend should sign in at the desk in the Family Lounge. To help your loved ones pass the time, there are magazines, computers, TV, restrooms, phones, and vending machines in or near the waiting area. They also may go to other areas of the hospital, such as the cafeterias or gift shops. A staff member will update your family or friend on how your surgery is going.
As soon as possible after the operation, the doctor will talk with your family or friend about your surgery. The doctor will explain what to expect in the next few days.
After your operation
After your operation, you will be taken to a recovery room, called the Post Anesthesia Care Unit or PACU (pronounced PACK-you). While you slowly wake up, the nursing staff will watch you closely. Then you will be taken back to Ambulatory Surgery. Your family or friend can join you when you are ready.
Your doctor and nurse will decide when you are ready to leave the hospital. This is called “discharge.” Until then, you may not leave the hospital, no matter what kind of surgery you've had. When you are discharged, you must have an adult drive you home.
A few patients may need an overnight stay for extra care. These patients will either be admitted to UPMC Montefiore or UPMC Presbyterian.
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Learn how the health care team will work together to make you as comfortable as possible after surgery.