Surgical Services: After Surgery

 

After your surgery is over you will go to the Post-Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) 

to recover from your anesthetic. Children may have one support person with 

them in the Post-Anesthetic Care Unit. 

 

From there, depending on the type of surgery, your medical history and your 

personal situation, you will return to Surgical Day Care to be discharged or 

be admitted to either the Inpatient Surgical Unit or the Intensive Care Unit.

 

Portrait of a woman with cancer and her doctor

After surgery, your care team will develop a treatment plan unique for your needs that may touch upon the following:

 

Pain Control

There are many methods to control pain. Your plan will be done in collaboration with you, your surgeon and the Acute Pain Service and is based on your condition and surgical procedure. Nursing staff will provide health teaching and education on the chosen method.

 

Dietary 

Adequate nutrition is essential to promote healing after surgery. If you are admitted as an inpatient, your diet will most likely progress from clear fluids (e.g., juices and broth) to full fluids (e.g., milk, cream soups, puddings) to a general diet. A Registered Dietitian (RD) is available for consultations regarding specialized dietary requirements. The RD will also work closely with members of your health care team if you require nutrition through intravenous or a tube. If you have concerns about your diet, please advise a member of your care team to discuss. We will make every attempt to accommodate them. 

 

Patient Education 

Your care team will provide personalized instructions and educational materials that will improve your your overall surgical and inpatient experience. Much of this information can be used when you leave the hospital to further promote healing and healthy outcomes.

Our postoperative professional care team consists of physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social worker and pharmacists. Unit clerks assist with the flow of communication and information to the team. Pastoral Care and the on-call Chaplain can support your spiritual and emotional needs.

 

Volunteens (teen volunteers) are ready to assist both you and your family for several hours each week. Our adult volunteers are always willing to offer a smile or share a few minutes with you if you wish. 

 

Inpatient Surgery, where surgery patients requiring hospitalized care are admitted, is located in Wing C, Level 3.