New and innovative surgical and anesthetic techniques have made possible the performance of a wide variety of surgical procedures in the ambulatory (or outpatient) setting. In many cases you do not need to stay overnight in a hospital after surgery or diagnostic tests. Instead, you can usually return to the comfort of your own home to complete your recovery. Ambulatory (or outpatient) anesthesia and surgical care has been proven to be safe, convenient and cost-effective, and can be performed in a variety of facilities. You may have your ambulatory procedure performed in the main operating suite of a hospital, a freestanding surgery center or, in some cases, in a surgeon's s office. If you are scheduled or anticipate ambulatory surgery and are concerned, please ask questions! Your experience will be easier if you know what usually happens and what you should expect. Remember, the focus of ambulatory anesthesia is on you, the patient.