Fast, safe knee surgery with same-day discharge for comfort and quicker recovery.
Knee surgery has come a long way. With advances in orthopedic techniques, imaging, and anesthesia, many procedures that once required a hospital stay can now be done in a same-day setting for appropriately selected patients.
Instead of spending days in a hospital, patients may have surgery, recover in a calm environment, and return home within hours, especially when the procedure and the patient’s health profile are a good fit for outpatient care.
If you are preparing for knee surgery, here is what the experience often looks like inside a modern outpatient suite step by step.
A smoother surgery day usually starts before you ever walk through the door.
At Prime Surgical Suites, patients are given guidance on what to do ahead of time, what to bring, and how to prepare so there are fewer surprises on surgery day. We also share a dedicated overview of the process on the Before Surgery page.
On the day of surgery, outpatient check-in is designed to feel streamlined. You are typically guided by a smaller care team through:
That consistent, focused structure is a major reason patients seek outpatient knee surgery in NC; especially when they want a calmer experience and a clear plan.
Modern outpatient centers are built around precision.
For many knee procedures, surgeons use imaging and planning tools that help them operate with accuracy and reduce unnecessary disruption to surrounding tissue. In general, minimally invasive approaches can mean:
We highlight our technology-forward approach on Our Technology page, including orthopedic-focused systems designed to support accuracy and a smoother patient experience.
For a trusted, patient-friendly overview of minimally invasive knee replacement, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains how minimally invasive total knee replacement uses a shorter incision and different exposure technique with the goal of reducing post-operative pain and speeding recovery for appropriate candidates.
Outpatient orthopedic procedures are performed by surgeons who are experienced in techniques that support same-day recovery when appropriate.
Inside a modern outpatient knee surgery setting, the goal is a focused flow:
Anesthesia planning also matters. Many outpatient protocols prioritize approaches that support a smoother wake-up and help reduce common post-op issues like nausea or prolonged grogginess (your anesthesia team will determine what is appropriate for you).
If you want to learn more about the physicians who operate at Prime, you can view the specialist roster on Our Surgeons.
After the procedure, recovery is where outpatient design really stands out.
Prime Surgical Suites describes a concierge-level, patient-centric approach in a setting built specifically for outpatient care. You can see what the environment is designed for on Our Facility.
In a typical outpatient knee surgery flow, post-op recovery includes:
Prime also provides helpful, patient-facing guidance on what happens after your procedure on the After Surgery page.
For eligible patients and appropriate procedures, same-day discharge is one of the biggest reasons outpatient care is growing in orthopedic surgery across North Carolina.
Benefits of going home the same day may include:
It is important to note that outpatient joint replacement (and other same-day orthopedic procedures) is not “one size fits all.” The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) outlines that outpatient joint replacement can be safe and effective when programs use appropriate protocols and—most importantly—when patients are properly selected.
For patients researching same-day knee surgery in Granite Falls, this is a helpful mindset: the outpatient advantage is real, but the “right fit” decision is medical and individualized.
Knee recovery does not end when you leave the building. Clear, realistic guidance is what helps patients feel confident once they are home.
Many orthopedic surgeons coordinate follow-up care that may include:
Prime also points patients toward online tools and ongoing resources, like our Blog for education around outpatient surgery preparation and recovery.
And if your surgeon’s office uses a patient portal for instructions and reminders, Prime references access through providers’ patient portals such as My UNC Chart. My UNC Chart is a secure portal that helps patients manage care and access health information.
For many procedures and appropriately selected patients, outpatient surgery can be a safe option. AAHKS emphasizes structured protocols and patient selection as key factors for safe outpatient joint replacement programs.
Many outpatient knee procedures allow discharge within a few hours once you meet recovery benchmarks. Your exact timeline depends on your procedure, your response to anesthesia, and your surgeon’s discharge criteria. Prime Surgical Suites+1
Many minimally invasive orthopedic procedures can be outpatient, such as arthroscopic procedures and other knee repairs. For some patients, even joint replacement may be outpatient when appropriate protocols and selection criteria are met.
Today’s outpatient surgical suites are built to make surgery feel more efficient, more comfortable, and easier to navigate without losing the safety focus patients expect.
With specialized surgeons, advanced systems, and a calming facility, Prime Surgical Suites supports a modern outpatient experience for patients in Granite Falls and across North Carolina.
If you are a physician exploring outpatient options for your patients, start with Physician Referrals.
If you have questions about the facility or what the outpatient process looks like, you can also contact Prime Surgical Suites.