Communication during Surgery and Recovery:

• Our goal is to keep our patients and your loved ones informed throughout your surgical experience. Do not hesitate to ask questions at any time.
• If your contact/family member is not able to stay at the hospital during your surgery, please provide us with contact information.

In the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU or Recovery Room)

• Immediately after surgery you will be taken to either the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), back to the private room where you started or taken directly to the in-patient unit if you are staying overnight.
• A nurse will take care of you during your emergence from anesthesia. The nurse will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing as well as your fluid intake and urine output. He/she will frequently check your bandages and will encourage you to take deep breaths and cough to expand your lungs in order to prevent pneumonia. He/she will help you to periodically turn from side to side and move your legs to aid circulation and prevent blood clots.
• You will frequently be asked to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10. You will be given pain medication for your comfort as needed. If you are uncomfortable please inform your nurse.
• You will remain in PACU until it is safe for you to be discharged to a post- recovery location.
• The PACU nurse will determine when it is appropriate for you to see your contact person. Immediate family members may visit you in PACU as determined by your PACU nurse.

Post Recovery
After the immediate post-operative recovery period, you will transition to one of two areas:

• Back to the private room where you started where you will be reunited with your family, receive home care instructions, and be discharged.
• Inpatient room where you will continue recovery over night.

After Surgery

• Do not make important decisions for the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Do not use non-prescription drugs or drink alcohol for 24 hours after surgery.
• Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment for 24 hours after surgery (longer if directed by your doctor).
• Resume your diet slowly. Start with clear liquids. Avoid eating a large meal until the day after your surgery.
• You will be given discharge instructions prior to discharge from the hospital. Refer to those instructions.
• Contact your doctor if unusual symptoms arise or you are concerned or have questions.
• Ask your nurse or physician if you need to purchase a prescription on the way home. Often times it is possible for a family member to pick up a prescription while you are in surgery so you will not have to stop on the way home.