WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER SURGERY? 

Your anesthesiologist and doctor are personally responsible for your comfort and well being during the surgery. During your surgery, when your anesthesiologist is involved, he will direct your anesthesia and monitor your vital body functions. Your anesthesiologist is also responsible for managing any medical problems you may have, including asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.

WILL I NEED SOMEONE TO TAKE ME HOME?

Yes, you must make arrangements for a responsible adult to take you home after surgery. You will not be allowed to leave alone or drive yourself home. It is also strongly suggested that you have someone stay with you during the first 24 hours following surgery. 

If you have local anesthetic only, with no sedation, it may be possible to go home without someone to accompany you. However, you must check with your doctor and the recovery room nurse first.

WILL THERE BE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

The amount of discomfort that you may experience will depend on several factors, especially the type of surgery that you had. Your doctor and nurses can relieve any pain with medications given by mouth, by injection, or by numbing the area around the surgical incision. Your discomfort should be tolerable but do not expect to be totally free of pain.

Some nausea or vomiting you may experience may be related to the anesthesia or to the type of surgical procedure you had. This does not always occur. Medication to treat nausea or vomiting will be given if necessary, and you may not be discharged unless your nausea or vomiting is well controlled.