After your procedure is completed, you will be moved to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where you will be closely observed and cared for as you recover. Patient’s undergoing general anesthesia will begin their recovery in Phase I. When you are awake, pain is tolerable and your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygenation are stable, you will be transferred to Phase II recovery where you will be offered something to eat and drink and reunited with your family. Patient’s having their surgeries performed under sedation or local anesthesia will go directly to Phase II recovery following surgery. For our pediatric patients, one parent is allowed in the Phase I recovery as soon as the child is awake.

 

During your Phase II recovery, you will be given instructions regarding your operation, activity, wound care, bathing, medications and follow-up. It is important to follow-up with your surgeon at the scheduled appointments so that your healing can be monitored.

 

You must have a family member or trusted friend with you at the time of discharge. It is important for them to receive the instructions as well since anesthesia can affect your memory. In addition to written discharge instructions, a reliable family member or friend can help you remember important information after your operation. A few specific points can be particularly helpful:

 

• Follow the instructions that are given to you.

 

• If you’ve had general anesthesia, for the first 24 hours, eat soft foods in small amounts. Sometimes anesthesia or surgery can result in nausea or vomiting.

 

• Avoid taking pain medications on an empty stomach as this may cause nausea.

 

• Do not drive, use power equipment or make important decisions if you are taking medications that could decrease your alertness or if you cannot move freely and without pain.

 

It is important that you have someone to stay with you for the remainder of the day and during the first night for your safety.

Pain. Most surgeries result in pain, but the goal is to make your pain tolerable. Nearly all pain can be controlled with proper medications. Do not hesitate to request pain medication if your pain is not tolerable. Most patients will receive instructions and / or prescriptions for pain medication after surgery. If you have pain not relieved by medication, call your doctor. Do not take sedatives, antihistamines, or sleeping pills for 24 hours without direct instructions from your doctor.

 

Walking and Using Stairs. Unless indicated after an operation, you are encouraged to walk and may use stairs after surgery. Walking helps reduce the risk of developing blood clots to the legs and pulmonary emboli (dangerous blood clots in the lung). Orthopedic patients may have different guidelines.

 

Wound Care. All wounds should be covered if they are draining. To help prevent infection and promote healing, your surgeon will give specific instructions that the nurse will review with you before discharge.

 

Can I get my incision wet? You will be given instructions about how to care for your incision.

 

Steri-Strips™. These strips (sometimes called butterfly tapes) will be left on until they fall off or your surgeon removes them. Most patients with Steri-Strips™ may take a shower, but it is important not to immerse the wound in a tub or expose the wound to water for long durations.

 

Staples. Incisions with staples should be covered with a dressing if there is drainage, otherwise the wound may be open to air. Some patients prefer to place a dressing over the incision to keep their clothing from catching on the staples.

 

Antibiotic Ointment. The use of antibiotic ointments is discouraged immediately after surgery. Once the wound has healed, Neosporin® ointment may be used to improve the cosmetic results of the scar.

 

Resuming Maintenance (Regular) Medications. Please discuss this with your Primary Care Physician.

 

Constipation. Surgery often results in constipation, even in patients who are regular. The combination of anesthesia, decreased activity and narcotic pain medication can produce severe constipation. A person who has an incision to the abdomen may sustain pain while straining to have a bowel movement and can place undue stress on the sutures and tissues. It is encouraged that you increase the fiber in your diet and drink plenty of water. Except for surgery on the bowel, it may be recommended that you take a mild laxative or stool softener after surgery to prevent this complication.

 

When can I go back to work? Often patients expect to return to work in a predetermined set of days after their operation. Returning to work depends on your ability to recover so you can resume your work duties as well as the decision by your employer to allow you to return to work.

 

Keep in mind that each patient heals at a different rate after undergoing surgery. In addition, people have different jobs. For example, someone who has had major surgery might be able to resume their employment if they have a flexible desk job. But someone with the same operation who performs strenuous activity on the job, may need to be off work for several weeks.

 

In addition, employers vary in the rules in which they will allow someone to return to work. Some employers expect an individual to return to light duty after certain operations; other employers insist that their staff must be able to return to full activities before they can resume their job.

 

The decision to return to work must be individualized to each person. It combines the judgment of the surgeon, patient and employer. You should discuss this with your surgeon before your surgery and at follow-up appointments based on your progress.

 

Driving. For your safety and the safety of others, you will not be allowed to leave the Surgery Center without a responsible person to drive you home.

 

• You should not drive for 24 hours following surgery.

 

• You should not drive while taking narcotic pain medications.

 

• You should not drive if you have restrictions on the use of your arms or legs such as arm sling or leg brace that would impair your ability to respond quickly.

 

• You should discuss with your surgeon if in doubt.

Although rare, complications can occur. Call your surgeon if you...

 

• have chest pain or trouble breathing.

 

• have a temperature above 101 degrees.

 

• have redness, foul odor, increased drainage and / or bleeding from your surgery site.

 

• are not able to urinate within 6 hours after discharge.

 

• have persistent vomiting.

 

• have pain not controlled by prescribed pain medication.

 

• have any questions.

 

In case of an emergency, go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911.