What Is Ambulatory Surgery
Ambulatory surgery refers to surgical procedures that do not require an overnight hospital stay. Instead of being admitted for several days, patients arrive for their procedure, recover under medical supervision, and return home the same day. This approach, also called outpatient surgery or same-day surgery, is used for a wide range of orthopedic, sports medicine, and specialty procedures and is carefully planned in advance with pre-operative screening to ensure patients are appropriate for same-day discharge.
After surgery, patients recover in a monitored setting before going home with detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care, allowing them to heal at home while still receiving high-quality surgical and anesthesia care.
To learn more about the facility and what to expect, you can read over our About Our Surgery Center page.
Ambulatory Surgery Center vs Outpatient Hospital
Outpatient surgery can take place in both hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers, but the settings are not the same.
How an ASC Differs from a Hospital Outpatient Department
A hospital outpatient department is part of a larger inpatient facility and is designed to serve patients who may need admission if complications arise. An ambulatory surgery center, by contrast, is purpose-built for patients who are expected to go home the same day. Its workflows, staffing, and physical layout are centered on efficient surgical care and monitored recovery without overnight stays.
Why Some Procedures Are Done in Outpatient Centers
For appropriate candidates, outpatient surgery centers can offer a more streamlined experience, with shorter check-in processes, focused recovery areas, and teams that specialize in same-day care. The choice of setting is based on medical safety, the type of procedure, and the patient’s overall health, rather than convenience alone.
Outpatient vs Inpatient Surgery
The key difference between outpatient and inpatient surgery is whether a hospital stay is required.
- Outpatient surgery allows patients to return home after recovery, while inpatient surgery involves at least one overnight stay for ongoing monitoring, pain management, or medical support. Your surgeon determines which approach is appropriate based on the procedure, anesthesia needs, and any underlying health conditions.
- Advances in surgical techniques and anesthesia have expanded the number of procedures that can now be performed safely on an outpatient basis, which is why ambulatory surgery continues to grow across many specialties, including orthopedics and sports medicine.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Ambulatory Surgery
Patients scheduled for ambulatory surgery usually complete pre-operative evaluations to confirm they are good candidates for outpatient care. This may include medical history review, imaging, lab work, and anesthesia screening.
On the day of surgery, patients check in, meet with their surgical and anesthesia teams, and undergo the procedure in a fully equipped operating room. Afterward, they recover in a monitored area where vital signs, comfort, and mobility are assessed before discharge. Clear instructions are provided for pain management, activity restrictions, wound care, and follow-up appointments. Andrews Institute outlines this process in detail on our What to Expect page.
Safety Standards and Accreditation in Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Quality and safety are central to outpatient surgical care. Many ambulatory surgery centers pursue national accreditation to demonstrate that they meet rigorous standards for patient safety, infection control, anesthesia services, and clinical outcomes.
AAAHC accreditation is one example of an independent review process that evaluates whether a facility follows evidence-based practices and continuous quality improvement. For patients, accreditation offers reassurance that the center is held to nationally recognized benchmarks.
You can learn more about this process and its importance by reading our article on AAAHC Accreditation.
How Andrews Institute Delivers Ambulatory Surgical Care
Andrews Institute operates as a dedicated ambulatory surgery center, providing same-day surgical care supported by advanced technology, experienced surgical teams, and a patient-focused environment. The facility is designed around outpatient pathways, allowing patients to move efficiently from pre-operative preparation through surgery and recovery.
Specialized orthopedic and sports medicine services are delivered in this setting, with coordinated care before and after procedures to support safe discharge and long-term recovery. Patients considering outpatient procedures can explore related services such as Total Joint Replacement and view available specialists on the Our Surgeons page to better understand our care options.