The aim of the IAAS is to promote the development and growth of high quality ambulatory surgery worldwide. To this end, it encourages an international exchange of ideas and stimulates programmes of education, research and audit.

The IAAS publishes the journal Ambulatory Surgery, holds biennial international congresses, assists with national meetings and lobbies national and international healthcare bodies.

These activities have resulted in the founding of new national associations for ambulatory surgery, a growth in ambulatory surgery rates worldwide and the incorporation of ambulatory surgery in the strategies of an increasing number of national healthcare providers and international bodies.