What happens after my surgery?

You will be moved to our fully-equipped post anesthesia care unit where you will remain under close observation by the anesthesiologist and our recovery nurses until you are ready to go home. Although the length of stay in the post anesthesia care unit varies according to the type of procedure and your doctor's instruction, most patients are discharged in 3 hours after surgery.

What precautions should I take after I'm home?

Your surgeon will provide post-operative instructions regarding diet, rest and medications. The Center will provide you with a written summary of these instructions.

Please follow these general instructions after your surgery:

• HAVE YOUR FAMILY MEMBER, CLOSE FRIEND OR RESPONSIBLE ADULT DRIVE YOU HOME.
• AFTER IV SEDATION OR GENERAL ANESTHESIA, WE CANNOT ALLOW YOU TO DRIVE HOME.
• PLAN TO HAVE SOMEONE STAY WITH YOU FOR 24 HOURS.
• ARRANGE FOR CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN.

Since it is normal to feel drowsy after receiving an anesthetic, we urge you to postpone the following activities for at least 24 to 48 hours.

• Driving and operating equipment.
• Signing important papers.
• Making significant decisions.
• Drinking alcoholic beverages or taking any drug without your physician's okay.

If you have any unexpected problems, please call your surgeon. A nurse from the Center will attempt to contact you within a few days after your surgery to check your progress and answer any questions you may have.