CLICK TO CALL 512-504-0202

MENU

Have questions?

Phone: 512-504-0202
Fax: 512-268-2353

After Your Surgery

After your surgery or procedure, you will be taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (Recovery Unit) until you are stable. Specially trained nurses will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing while you recover from anesthesia. In the Recovery Unit you will spend a minimum of one hour recovering before you are discharged home. Your vital signs will continue to be monitored, you will be offered nourishments and assistance in walking until you are able to do so, on your own. You will receive verbal and written discharge instructions, change clothes and be discharged home.

Bring appropriate clothing for your post-surgery ride home. For example:

  • Slip-on shoes are easiest to wear after surgery.
  • Hand or arm surgery patients should bring a large, loose sleeve shirt that can fit over bulky dressings.
  • Leg or foot surgery patients should bring pants/shorts with a large loose leg, shorts, or a skirt to fit over bulky dressings.

A responsible family member or friend must be available to drive you home upon discharge. Plan to go home and rest for the remainder of the day. A friend or family member should stay with you throughout the night. Follow specific instructions provided by your physician regarding diet, exercise, resuming regular medication and gradually resuming normal activity. Contact your surgeon for follow-up appointments as needed.

SURGERY SAFETY STEPS:

  • Information on the consent form will be explained to you before you sign it. Be sure you have all your questions answered so you fully understand what will happen and what to expect.
  • We will put an identification band on your arm. Staff will confirm your identity for surgery by asking you (or your family) to say your name and birthday (or other identifying information).
  • We will confirm type of procedure or location on your body. If you are unable to speak and are alone staff will work together to confirm your identity clearly.
  • If your procedure involves a question of left vs. right, or has multiple choice of sites (like fingers and toes), the actual site will be marked on your body by the doctor or other member of the surgical team.
  • Just before the procedure begins, everyone in the room will take a short ‘time out’ and check that they are doing the right procedure on the right patient in the right place. This may happen after you are asleep.
  • We prevent infections by careful hand washing and (if appropriate) giving antibiotics.
  • All family and visitors will be asked to wait in the lobby.
  • The nurse will take your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and review your health and answer your questions.
  • Your anesthesiologist will review your health and blood tests, tell you what will happen and answer your questions.
  • Please let us know if you need anything.

Before you leave:

Please be sure you understand all the instructions about medicine, diet and rest. You may feel sleepy and dizzy. You should plan to go home and stay at home for the rest of the day. For your own safety, it is important that you do not drive a vehicle, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours after discharge. Ask any question or tell us of any concerns

At Home:

You should plan to have a responsible adult stay with you the night after surgery. Call if you have any questions when you get home and dial 911 if there is a medical emergency.