After surgery, you will recover from anesthesia in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. When you are alert and oriented, you will be returned to the Ambulatory Care Unit for further monitoring until discharge. During the recovery period, you will be placed on a heart monitor and blood pressure monitor and will have oxygen available. You will also have intravenous therapy to replace fluids and administer medication.

Patient comfort is a priority at Parkland Medical Center. It is common to experience some discomfort after surgery and pain medication will be provided according to physician’s orders. Your nurse will continually assess your condition and monitor the effectiveness of your pain medication. Your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration will also be watched closely. Your nurse will assist you in getting out of bed once you are permitted to do so.

Discharge Instructions

The length of your hospital stay will depend on your surgical procedure. When it is time for discharge, your nurse will provide you with instructions on how to care for yourself and continue to recover at home. Due to the medications you have received, our Surgical Services team recommends that someone be with you for the day and night following your surgery. Since it is normal to feel drowsy after receiving an anesthetic, it is important you adhere to the following for at least 24 hours:

• DO NOT drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery
• DO NOT take medications unless prescribed by your physician
• DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages

Please remember to arrange for an adult to drive you home. For your safety, you will only be discharged in the presence of a responsible adult.