After Surgery Instructions

 

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 here, depending on the type of surgery and medical history, you may go to Surgical Day Care to be discharged or be admitted to either the Inpatient Surgical Unit or the Intensive Care Unit. 

 

A print-out of post-op instructions will be provided to you by your care provider. These instructions outline how to properly care for yourself in the days or weeks following surgery. They contain important information, including follow up appointments as needed. 

 

Portrait of a woman with cancer and her doctor

After surgery, your care team will develop a treatment plan unique for your needs. These may vary based on the type of surgery you had and covers topics like:

 

Pain Management

There are many methods of pain management available. Your care team collaborates with you, your surgeon, and the Acute Pain Service (APS) to help manage pain. The method selected is based on a number of factors, including your condition and the surgical procedure. This is intended to create a unique plan for you. Learn more: Acute Pain Service & Managing Pain

 

Nutrition

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. 

 

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.

Below is a list of post-op instructions for some of the most common surgeries performed at CMH. If you have questions about your procedure and post-op instructions, reach out to your care provider or visit our Surgical Services page for more. 

 

PDF Instructions

  • Appendectomy
  • Bowel Resection
  • Catheter Care
  • Diagnostic Hysteroscopy
  • General Surgery
  • Hernia Repair
  • Open Cholecystectoimy
  • Opioid Information
  • TURP and TURBT
  • Tonsillectomy Adenoidectomy
  • Total Hip Replacement
  • Total Knee Replacement