What to Expect: Recovery

General Anesthetic, Spinal, Regional or Sedation Patients

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area and monitored by our nursing staff. As soon as you are awake, you may receive 1-2 visitors at a time.

Although the time varies, most patients are discharged one to two hours after the procedure. The Center also offers overnight stays if ordered by the physician and appropriate for the procedure performed.

Before you depart, you and your responsible adult must receive instructions for your postoperative care.

You may feel slightly nauseated, lightheaded, or dizzy for 12-24 hours after your operation. These are normal reactions and should subside with sufficient rest. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, sign important papers or care for a child or dependent person during this time. It’s recommended that a responsible adult accompany you for at least the first 24 hours.

If you have had a general anesthetic, spinal, regional or sedation, a nurse from the facility will phone you within a few days to see how you are recovering. If you experience any difficulty whatsoever, call your physician or his answering service. In case of an emergency, call 911.

Local Patients

If you are NOT being put to sleep with a general anesthetic, spinal, regional block or sedation medications, you need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your surgery time.