The recovery process after day surgery within the symptom management theory

Purpose: The aim was to illustrate two cases in a postoperative situation following day surgery within the framework of the symptom management theory. Method: Template analysis using the symptom management theory. Result: Neither the woman nor the man was able to return to their normal activities, health status or functional status, within a week. Conclusion: The results illustrate how a postoperative situation may involve personal suffering up to 3 months. Practical Implication: To obtain an outcome following day surgery, as optimal as possible, improving clinical practices and routines, such as discharge criteria, guidelines, and care pathways, is necessary.