From the outpatient area you will be taken, on a carrier, to the holding area. The nurse will verify your ID, ID band, and your procedure. In the holding area you will have your IV started and any prep needed. The Anesthetist / Anesthesiologist will meet with you to discuss any problems or questions you may have. Medications may be given as ordered by your physician.

Next, you will be taken to the operating room and transferred to the surgery table. Safety belts are used across each arm and across your legs. You will be placed on a cardiac (heart) monitor, an automatic blood pressure cuff, and a pulse oximeter, will be placed on your finger (this measures your oxygen level). When everything is set, your anesthesia will be given and then surgery will begin.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for approximately 1/2 to 1 hr. The nurse will remain with you during this time. She/he will be asking you to take deep breaths and cough. This is important to help reduce risk of lung infection after general anesthesia. Your nurse will help with these cough and deep breathing exercises. If you are having any discomforts, such as pain, nausea, dizziness, itching, etc. please let the nurse know. They will be able to help you with better positioning, warm blanket, medications, etc.

Following the recovery room you will be taken back to the outpatient dept. Your vital signs will be taken routinely and your surgical dressing checked. The nurses will be glad to do whatever is needed to make you comfortable. When you are awake enough you may have something to drink. The cough and deep breathing exercises will be continued with the help of the nurse. You will remain in outpatient for a minimum of 1 hour.

Before going home you must be fairly well awake, drinking fluids if desired, and steady on your feet. If you are having pain or other discomforts please let the nurse know, Medications will be ordered for you by your physician. Home care instructions and prescriptions will be reviewed with you and your family before you go home. Gas pain is often experienced after abdominal surgery and is relieved by walking. You may find you have a small drain tube close to your incision or a foley catheter depending on your surgical procedure. The nurse will demonstrate how to care for these if you are to go home with them in place. When you have met the criteria you will be prepared for discharge and must be driven home by a licensed driver.

We hope your recovery will go smoothly. You will receive a phone call to check your progress 1 or 2 days after surgery.