Immediately After Surgery

Upon completion of your procedure, you will be taken to one of our Post-Anesthesia Care Units, where highly skilled nursing staff will ensure that you're made as comfortable as possible. When you awake, your family will be able to join you in either a private rest area or in your assigned hospital room.

Your comfort

During your in-hospital recovery period, you are encouraged to tell the nurse if you experience any discomfort. You will be asked to rate your pain on a scale of "0" (no pain) to "10" (severe pain), and the nurse will act accordingly. If you are unable to talk, the nurse will watch for other signs.

Leaving the hospital

Be sure to have a responsible adult with you at the hospital. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home or take a taxi.

Arrival and Discharge Guide

Home Care

Follow these important steps to help your convalescence pass as quickly and as easily as possible.

• Cough, deep-breathe and turn
  Post-operative patients are at a higher risk for pneumonia. To help prevent this complication, you'll be asked to breathe deeply and cough regularly. It's equally important that you switch positions at least once every two hours while lying bed.
• Control pain
  Your physician will provide you with pain medications to help minimize your discomfort.
  • Inpatients: Inform your nurse if discomfort persists or returns.
  • Outpatients: Take any and all pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. If your medication is ineffective in controlling your pain, contact your doctor for assisstance.
• Exercise
  To keep your muscles strong and circulation constant while in bed, it's important to do light leg excerises by flexing and extending your feet and generally moving your limbs as able.
• Diet
  Nausea may sometimes occur after surgery. We encourage you to drink plenty of fluids, eat a light, bland diet, and avoid alcohol for the first 24 hours after returning home.