One of the first questions many patients ask after surgery is, "When can I go home?"
The answer depends on the type of surgery you had, how you're recovering from anesthesia, and whether your healthcare team feels it's safe for you to leave. Many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day, while others require an overnight stay or several days in the hospital.
Understanding what your care team is looking for before discharge can help you know what to expect and make the transition home feel less stressful.
Most patients can go home after surgery once they:
Your surgeon and recovery team will decide when it's safe for you to leave based on your procedure and how you're recovering.
Some procedures are designed for same-day discharge, while others require patients to stay overnight or longer in the hospital.
Before surgery, your surgeon will usually explain whether you should expect to go home the same day or remain in the hospital. However, those plans can change depending on how your recovery progresses.
Before you're discharged, your healthcare team wants to make sure you're waking up safely.
They'll monitor your:
It's completely normal to still feel sleepy, groggy, or slightly unsteady when you're first ready to leave.
You do not need to be completely pain-free before going home.
Instead, your healthcare team wants to know that your pain can be controlled with the medications you'll use at home.
Be honest about your pain level so your team can make adjustments before you leave if needed.
Some people experience nausea after anesthesia.
Before discharge, your team will usually make sure:
If nausea continues, additional medication or observation may be needed.
Depending on the type of surgery you had, your nurse may ask you to:
These activities help confirm that you're ready to continue recovering safely at home.
Before leaving, you'll receive instructions about:
Take your time reviewing these instructions and ask questions before you leave.
If a family member or caregiver will be helping you recover, it's helpful for them to hear these instructions as well. How to Choose a Caregiver After Surgery explains how to prepare together.
If you received general anesthesia, sedation, or certain pain medications, you should not drive yourself home.
Most surgery centers require a responsible adult to:
Be sure to arrange transportation before the day of your procedure.
Sometimes patients need to stay longer than expected.
This may happen if:
Needing extra time doesn't necessarily mean something is seriously wrong. Your healthcare team simply wants to make sure it's safe for you to continue recovering outside the hospital or surgery center.
Going home is an exciting milestone, but it doesn't mean you've fully recovered.
Continue following your discharge instructions, take medications as directed, and gradually increase your activity based on your surgeon's recommendations.
If something doesn't seem right once you're home, don't hesitate to contact your surgical team.
Learn more about when it's safe to be left alone after surgery.
Contact your surgeon if you experience:
If you believe you're experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical care.
Not sure what comes next?
Recovery doesn't always happen in a straight line. Download the free SurgiNav Surgery Recovery Roadmap to understand the stages of healing and know what to expect during recovery.
Recovery doesn't always happen in a straight line. The free SurgiNav Surgery Recovery Roadmap walks you through the stages of healing so you know what to expect and when to reach out to your care team.
Download the Free Surgery Recovery RoadmapThis article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team.
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Educational information only. Always follow your surgeon's instructions.