After surgery is completed you will be brought to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), often called the recovery room.  You will be monitored very closely there by a specially trained nurse under the supervision of your anesthesiologist.

After a period of time, a family member, or guest, may join you in the PACU.  You may receive some light nourishment, depending on your type of surgery and anesthesia.  If you experience any discomfort, please inform your nurse and you may receive pain medication either by mouth or in your intravenous line.

You will spend anywhere from 15 minutes to approximately one hour in the PACU, depending on the type of surgery, the type of anesthesia, and your body's response to the surgery and anesthesia.

After your stay in the PACU, you will be discharged from the Surgery Center.  You must have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Do not make any major decisions or sign legal documents for 24 hours.