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Ambulatory
Anesthesia
/ Before Surgery / During
Surgery / After Surgery
 What
can I expect after the operation until I go home?
 After
surgery, you will be taken to the post anesthesia care unit,
often called the recovery room. Your anesthesiologist will
direct the monitoring and medications needed for your safe
recovery. For about the first 30 minutes, you will be watched
closely by specially trained nurses. During this period, you
may be given extra oxygen and your breathing and heart functions
will be observed closely. Once your vital functions have stabilized,
you will be offered something to drink and you will be assisted
in getting up.
Will
I have any side effects?
The
amount of discomfort you experience will depend on a number
of factors, especially the type of surgery. Your doctors and
nurses can relieve pain after your surgery with medicines
by mouth or injection or by numbing the area around the incision.
Your discomfort should be tolerable, but do not expect to
be totally pain-free. Nausea or vomiting may be related to
anesthesia, the type of surgical procedure or postoperative
pain medications. Although less of a problem today because
of improved anesthetic agents and techniques, these side effects
continue to occur for some patients. Medications to minimize
postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting are often given by
your anesthesiologist during the surgical procedure and in
recovery.
When
will I be able to go home?
This
will depend on the policy of the surgery center, the type
of surgery and the anesthesia used. Most patients are ready
to go home between 1-4 hours after surgery. Your anesthesiologist
will be able to give you a more specific time estimate. Occasionally,
it is necessary to stay overnight. All ambulatory surgical
facilities have arrangements with a hospital if this is medically
necessary.
What
instructions will I receive?
Both
written and verbal instructions will be given. Most facilities
have both general instructions and instructions that apply
specifically to your surgery.
In
general, for 24 hours after your anesthesia:
- Do
not drink alcohol or use nonprescription medications.
- Do
not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery.
- Do
not make important decisions.
The
Center closes at 5.00 P.M., in case of an emergency after
hours please call 911 for assistance.
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