After your surgery, you will remain at the hospital until your physician and nurse have determined it is safe for you to go home. Depending on the type of anesthetic you received, you may be taken to the Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit where you will remain until you awaken, or you may go directly to the Same Day Surgery Unit where family and friends can rejoin you. There is no family visitation in the Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit.
While you are recovering, your nurse will closely monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and respirations. You may feel dizzy, tired or nauseous. This is due to the action the medicine used during anesthesia. It is important to let the nurse know if you are having any pain. He or she will be able to give you medication to help control the pain or discomfort you might experience.
Before you can leave the hospital, your nurse will make sure that you are able to walk, urinate and take liquids. Your nurse will also go over home instructions with you and a responsible adult. You will be given a copy of these instructions plus any prescriptions that your surgeon wants you to have. Due to the memory-dulling effects of anesthesia, we highly recommend that you arrange to have someone present who can listen to these post-operative instructions with you and ask questions on your behalf.
Please arrange in advance for a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours following surgery.