Background

Nowadays, a major part of all operations is performed through ambulatory surgery, both in Sweden and in the rest of the world. To undergo a surgery in ambulatory settings means that patients are operated and leave the hospital on the same day. Today, when many operations are performed in ambulatory surgery the professional nursing care is moved to the patient and his relatives. What are the experiences of patients during recovery at home after an ambulatory surgery?

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe patients´ experiences of recovery at home after an ambulatory surgery.

Method

A literature review of teen studies performed with both qualitative and quantitative research approaches.

Results

Two themes and six subthemes emerged. The two themes were: "Feel of their body" and "To manage the day". After ambulatory surgery pain and fatigue often describes as usual problem. The fatigue is so obvious that it affects their daily activities. Patients describe a great need for help from relatives for up to a week. The relatives need for physical and mental support.

Conclusion

In several studies, fatigue is described as prolonged, and as affecting the possibility to return to daily activities. Patients and caregivers need to be informed about that fatigue can follow an operation, a knowledge and awareness that can reduce wasted anxiety.