A retrospective review was made of patients who underwent day surgery at a gynaecological day practice in Hong Kong from October 1993 to June 1994. The first three months of practice, which involved 326 patients, was analysed separately. During the initial period, 49.5% of patients who had gynaecological operations were managed as day patients. The rates for patients with prolonged hospital stay and cancelled operations were 15.6% and 3.0%, respectively. In the subsequent period, the incidence of prolonged hospital stay decreased to 7.4%, while the cancellation rate was similar, at 3.6%. Patients with a prolonged hospital stay were less likely to be Chinese, were more likely to have other medical problems, to be of American Society of Anesthesiologists Class II, and to have procedures that involved opening of the peritoneal cavity. Non-medical problems were an important reason for prolonged hospital stay (37.4%). The stay rate could be reduced by provision of a separate operating facility and by improved counselling and selection of patients.