What happens when the operation is over?
What kinds of side-effects can I expect?
How long will I be in the Recovery Room?
What kinds of instruction will I receive?
What should I expect after I go home?
What happens when the operation is over?
Upon completion of the operation, you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), sometimes called the recovery room. There you will be monitored carefully by specially trained nurses. Your anesthesiologist will oversee your care and order any necessary medications.
Often, you will receive supplemental oxygen and your vital signs will be checked frequently. You may also be attached to monitors to more closely watch your heart function. (back to top)
What kinds of side-effects can I expect?
It is common to experience a degree of discomfort as a result of your surgery. The amount of discomfort will depend on many factors, but the most important are usually the type and location of the surgery.
Another common side-effect is nausea and vomiting. This can be related to the surgery or anesthesia or both. At the Rochester Regional Health Linden Surgery Center we use anesthetic agents known to have the lowest incidence of post-operative nausea. However, despite the use of these agents and other medications to help reduce the incidence of nausea, some patients still experience these side-effects. This occurs most commonly in patients who have experienced post-operative nausea before.
If you do experience post-operative nausea, we will do our best to control it with medication in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit before you leave. (back to top)
How long will I be in the Recovery Room?
There are many factors that will determine how long you will stay in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). These factors include the type of anesthesia you received, the type of surgery performed, the length of time of your operation, and your response to the anesthesia. The majority of patients are in the PACU for approximatyely 1 hour. When you feel up to it, one adult visitor will be invited to join you. Light nourishment may be available. (back to top)
What kinds of instruction will I receive?
You will receive written instructions, which will include post-operative instructions from your surgeon as well as general post-operative instructions from the Rochester Regional Health Linden Surgery Center. Unless instructed otherwise, you should follow these guidelines for the first 24 hours after your surgery:
Do not drive.
Do not make any important decisions.
Do not sign any legal documents.
Do not take any non-prescription medications.
Do not drink alcohol.
Resume taking your usual medications.
Call your surgeon if you have any unusual symptoms or unexpected changes in your condition.
If you have any questions about your instructions, please feel free to contact Rochester Regional Health at Linden Surgery Center at (585) 267-8208, or call your surgeons office. (back to top)
What should I expect after I go home?
Recovery from surgery and anesthesia takes time, so plan on getting plenty of rest. We strongly suggest that an adult family member or companion stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. We also recommend following these guidelines for the first 24 hours:
Do not drive.
Do not make any important decisions.
Do not sign any legal documents.
Do not take any non-prescription medications.
Do not drink alcohol.
Resume taking your usual medications.
Call your surgeon if you have any unusual symptoms or unexpected changes in your condition. (back to top)
