After surgery

Infrequently, a patient experiences a complication or has difficulty with pain control. Admissions to the hospital after a day surgery procedure do occur. Your physician will make this determination after surgery.

If you are in serious pain, or exhibit symptoms described in your discharge instructions, please call your physician, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

We generally suggest that you eat lightly after surgery, and strongly encourage you to drink plenty of fluids. You should avoid alcoholic beverages. Your surgeon may have specific recommendations for your post operative diet.

Follow your post operative instructions carefully and notify your physician if you have any signs or symptoms which concern you.

1. You may or may not be allowed to shower for the first 48 hours. Please follow the instructions from your surgeon. When you are allowed to shower, follow these steps:
   1. Wash your hair first with any shampoo.
   2. Wash all of your body using a liquid antibacterial soap and a clean washcloth for each shower.
   3. Rinse well to remove all soap.
   4. Dry your body with a clean towel.
   5. Do not use lotion, cream or powder on the surgical site.
2. After your procedure make sure you, your family and any other caregivers wash their hands frequently. Also, be sure you follow all instructions provided by your health care team regarding the care and cleaning of your surgical site as well as the administration of post-operative medications and bandages.

The management of your pain is one of our 5-Stars. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our post operative call at home, generally within 48 hours. During your stay at the facility, you will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain using a numerical scale (1-10).

We will often use a combination of modalities to help make you comfortable - choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery. It is important to follow instructions regarding your post operative pain medication closely. Many pain medications take 20 to 30 minutes to begin to work. For best results, the pain medication should be taken before the pain becomes too severe.

Yes. After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area. A nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are comfortable as the anesthesia begins to wear off. Once you are awake and alert, your family will be invited back to the recovery area. Special arrangements are made for children having surgery.

No. Patients will not be allowed to drive after a procedure and must make necessary transportation arrangements.

Most patients should continue their usual medications after surgery. Patients who have diabetes and those patients on blood thinners may require some adjustment of their medications. These instructions will be clarified with you before you leave the facility. If you have any questions, please call your surgeon or primary care physician.

The amount of recovery time varies from patient to patient. After your procedure, a nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are alert and stable. You will be sent home as soon as your health care team feels it is safe to discharge you from the facility.