Day Surgery in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Day surgery—also called same‑day surgery or outpatient surgery—is a procedure where you are admitted, have your operation, and go home all on the same day. Many common procedures in Grand Rapids are now safely done as day surgery at hospitals and surgical centers across the city.

In Grand Rapids, day surgery is commonly performed at:

  • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health) facilities, including Butterworth Hospital and Blodgett Hospital
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • University of Michigan Health–West (formerly Metro Health)
  • Mercy Health outpatient and ambulatory surgery centers
  • Independent outpatient surgery centers throughout Kent County

Your surgeon will recommend day surgery only if it is medically safe for you.

Who Will Be Involved in Your Care?

Your Grand Rapids day surgery team may include:

  • Surgeon
  • Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist
  • Nurses
  • Allied health professionals, such as:
    • Physiotherapist
    • Occupational therapist
    • Dietitian
    • Social worker

If you have any questions or concerns at any point, talk to:

  • Your surgeon or specialist
  • Your primary care doctor or local Grand Rapids clinic
  • Your hospital healthcare team

Benefits of Day Surgery for Grand Rapids Patients

Day surgery helps you:

  • Avoid an overnight hospital stay when it’s not needed
  • Lower your risk of hospital-acquired infections
  • Recover in a familiar environment at home
  • Return to normal activities faster, which is especially helpful for working adults and families
  • Free up hospital beds, helping reduce wait times for other patients in the Grand Rapids area

Hospitals in Grand Rapids will usually tell you before admission that you’re expected to go home the same day, if it’s safe. They will provide:

  • The date, time, and location of your surgery
  • Arrival time and where to check in
  • Instructions for eating, drinking, and medications before surgery
  • Post‑surgery care instructions to follow at home

Staying Healthy Before Day Surgery

Preparing your body before surgery can improve your recovery and reduce complications.

Stay Active

Aim for about 30 minutes of physical activity most days, as recommended by your doctor. In West Michigan, this might include:

  • Walking in your neighborhood or on local trails (e.g., Millennium Park, Riverside Park)
  • Light indoor exercise during the colder Grand Rapids winters
  • Gentle stretching or home exercise programs

Regular activity can:

  • Build and maintain muscle and joint health
  • Improve circulation and lung function
  • Give you more energy for healing
  • Reduce stress and anxiety before surgery

Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Focus on nutritious foods in the weeks before surgery:

  • Protein: lean meats, chicken, fish from the Great Lakes region, eggs, beans, and lentils
  • Fruits and vegetables: fresh or frozen (especially during Michigan winters)
  • Whole grains: whole‑wheat bread, brown rice, oats
  • Fluids: drink enough water unless your doctor gives you different instructions

If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or other chronic conditions common in Michigan, ask your doctor or a dietitian (available through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or other local systems) for tailored advice.

Avoid Smoking and Vaping

Smoking or vaping can affect:

  • Wound healing
  • Breathing during and after anesthesia
  • Risk of complications

Ask your doctor about quit‑smoking support available in Grand Rapids or through the Kent County Health Department and Michigan Tobacco Quitline.

Sharing Your Health History

Before day surgery, you’ll be asked to complete a health questionnaire or attend a pre‑admission clinic visit. It’s important to tell your healthcare team about:

  • All medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea)
  • Any allergies (medications, latex, tape, foods)
  • Any airway or breathing difficulties, including:
    • Obstructive sleep apnea
    • Loud snoring
    • Waking up gasping for air
  • Your body mass index (BMI), if known, especially if it is above 35
  • All medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, including:
    • Prescription medications
    • Over‑the‑counter medicines (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin)
    • Herbal or natural supplements

Also tell your team about:

  • Any previous problems with anesthesia
  • Any recent hospitalizations or emergency department visits in Grand Rapids or elsewhere
  • Anything else you think they should know

Accurate information helps your team plan the safest anesthesia and surgery for you.

Making Sure You Feel Supported

It is important you feel supported throughout your surgical journey.

Talk About Your Needs

Discuss any specific needs with your healthcare team, including:

  • Cultural or religious needs
  • Language or communication needs
  • Disability or mobility issues
  • Gender identity or sexual orientation
  • Mental health concerns or anxiety about surgery

Grand Rapids hospitals can usually arrange:

  • In‑person or telephone interpreters for many languages common in West Michigan
  • Disability support services
  • LGBTQIA+ support or liaison services
  • Spiritual care or chaplaincy services

If English is not your first language, ask your hospital to arrange an interpreter. Do not rely on children or family members to interpret important medical information when a professional interpreter is available.

Bring a Support Person

Consider bringing a support person to your appointments:

  • Family member
  • Friend
  • Support worker or caregiver

They can help you:

  • Remember questions to ask
  • Take notes
  • Understand instructions

Write down your questions before appointments and bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes.

Planning Ahead for Going Home After Day Surgery

Planning ahead is especially important during Michigan winters, when snow and ice can affect travel and mobility.

You may need to arrange:

  • Care for children, pets, or older family members
  • Time off work or school
  • A safe place to stay within about 30 minutes of a hospital or urgent care
  • A support person or carer to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours

If your home is not ideal for recovery (for example, many stairs or no bathroom on the main level), consider:

  • Staying temporarily with family or friends in the Grand Rapids area
  • Asking your healthcare team about short‑term support services

Transportation to and From the Hospital

You must not drive yourself home after most day surgeries, especially if you receive anesthesia or sedation.

  • Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home.
  • Do not use a rideshare or taxi alone unless your hospital confirms it is acceptable and you feel safe.
  • Ask your hospital about:
    • Parking options
    • Patient drop‑off and pick‑up zones
    • Winter access issues (snow, ice, parking ramps)

Most hospitals in Grand Rapids recommend not driving for at least 24 hours after anesthesia, and sometimes longer, depending on your surgery. Follow your surgeon’s specific advice.

Equipment to Support Your Recovery

Your healthcare team will let you know if you need any equipment, such as:

  • Walking aids (cane, walker, crutches)
  • A shower chair or raised toilet seat
  • Wound care supplies

If you will need equipment:

  • Ask your hospital or clinic where to obtain it locally in Grand Rapids
  • Check if your insurance covers durable medical equipment

Let Your Hospital Know About Any Changes

Contact your hospital or surgeon’s office as soon as possible if:

  • Your contact details (address, phone number, email) change
  • You can’t attend on the scheduled date due to work or family commitments
  • You become pregnant
  • You develop a new medical problem or start a new medication
  • You no longer have a support person who can stay with you after surgery

In the 3 days before your surgery, tell your hospital if you develop:

  • Fever, chills, or feeling unusually hot or cold
  • Sore throat, cough, congestion, or breathing problems
  • Rash, swelling, or signs of infection
  • Diarrhea or vomiting
  • A new cut, break, or tear in your skin near the surgery area
  • Any general feeling of being unwell
  • A recent unplanned visit to an emergency department or urgent care (for example, at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or another local ER)

Your surgery may need to be postponed if you are unwell, to keep you safe and reduce infection risk to others.

Preparing for the Day of Surgery

Your hospital will give you specific instructions. Follow them carefully to avoid delays or cancellation.

Fasting (When to Stop Eating and Drinking)

You will be told when to stop:

  • Eating solid food
  • Drinking clear fluids

This includes mints, candy, and chewing gum. Not following fasting instructions can be dangerous and may delay or cancel your surgery.

What to Bring

On the day of your day surgery in Grand Rapids, bring:

  • Any regular medications in their original packaging (unless told otherwise)
  • Insurance cards (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance)
  • Photo ID
  • Glasses, hearing aids, or communication devices
  • Relevant test results, x‑rays, or scans if requested
  • A fully charged mobile phone and charger
  • For children: a favorite toy, blanket, or comfort item

Pack a small bag in case you unexpectedly need to stay overnight, including:

  • Comfortable, loose clothing that doesn’t press on surgical areas
  • Underwear and socks
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, etc.)

What Not to Bring

Avoid bringing:

  • Valuables or large amounts of cash
  • Jewelry or watches
  • Large bags or unnecessary clothing

On the day of surgery:

  • Do not wear:
    • Jewelry or body piercings
    • Nail polish or artificial nails
    • Makeup or false eyelashes
    • Contact lenses (bring glasses instead)

Getting Your Home Ready for Recovery

Before surgery, prepare your home so you can rest safely when you return:

  • Cook and freeze prepared meals
  • Place important items (medications, phone, water, remote, books) within easy reach
  • Set up a comfortable resting area on the main level if stairs are difficult
  • Clear walkways to reduce the risk of falls, especially during snowy or icy weather

Your support person should know:

  • When and how to help you move around
  • What warning signs to watch for
  • Who to call if there are concerns

After Your Day Surgery

Before you leave the hospital, your healthcare team will explain:

  • Pain management (medications, ice, positioning)
  • Wound care and dressings
  • Medications to start, continue, or stop
  • Activity and movement restrictions (lifting, driving, returning to work or school)
  • Diet (what you can eat and drink, and when)
  • Warning signs that need urgent attention
  • Who to contact with questions or concerns

You and your support person should both understand:

  • What normal recovery looks like
  • What is not normal and needs medical review

Do not hesitate to ask questions or request written instructions.

Follow‑Up Care in Grand Rapids

Your team will tell you what follow‑up care is needed. It is important to attend all follow‑up appointments to ensure you are healing well.

Follow‑up may include:

  • A post‑operative visit with your surgeon or clinic
  • A primary care visit with your Grand Rapids family doctor
  • Home nursing services, where a nurse visits you at home for wound checks or medication support
  • Allied health services, such as:
    • Physiotherapy (for mobility and strength)
    • Occupational therapy (to help with daily activities)
    • Dietitian support (for nutrition and healing)

Ask your hospital about any short‑term community services that might help with:

  • Personal care (e.g., showering, dressing)
  • Home tasks (e.g., shopping, light cleaning)

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have concerns after your day surgery:

  • Contact your surgeon or treating specialist
  • Call your primary care provider or local Grand Rapids clinic
  • Call your hospital’s nurse advice line if available

For non‑emergency care:

  • Visit a local urgent care center or Priority Primary Care-type clinic in the Grand Rapids area
  • Contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for information on local resources

For urgent or emergency situations:

  • Visit your nearest hospital emergency department (e.g., Spectrum Health Butterworth, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or other local ER)
  • Call 911 immediately for life‑threatening symptoms such as:
    • Chest pain
    • Severe trouble breathing
    • Sudden weakness, confusion, or trouble speaking
    • Heavy bleeding
    • Severe pain not relieved by medication

Providing Feedback on Your Day Surgery Experience

Hospitals and clinics in Grand Rapids welcome feedback to improve care. You can:

  • Complete your hospital’s patient feedback or satisfaction survey
  • Ask to speak with the hospital’s patient relations or consumer liaison office
  • Provide feedback through Michigan’s health complaint channels if you have serious concerns about your care

Key Points for Day Surgery in Grand Rapids

  • Staying active before surgery can build and maintain muscle and joint health, give you energy for healing, and reduce stress.
  • It is important to feel supported during your surgical journey—tell your team about any special needs and bring a support person when you can.
  • Prepare your home with meals and essential items within easy reach before your surgery.
  • Follow all instructions from your Grand Rapids healthcare team and attend all follow‑up appointments to ensure you are recovering well.

By planning ahead and working closely with your Grand Rapids healthcare providers, most people can have a safe, smooth day surgery experience and recover comfortably at home.