Preparing for Your Surgery

After signing in with the Business Office personnel, there may be a short wait while the preoperative nurse readies your room. The preoperative preparation takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes and consists of a nursing physical assessment, administration of medications, placement of an intravenous (I.V.) line, checking your vital signs, and an assessment of your needs by your anesthesiologist.

Accompanying family or friends may join you after your preoperative preparation has been completed.

About Your Anesthesia

Anesthesia is a medical term which literally means "without sensation or feeling" brought about by medications which block the passage of pain signals to the brain.  There are many anesthetic techniques which may be used. The method that is best for you will depend on several factors. You will have the opportunity to discuss these with your anesthesiologist before your surgery.

The most common anesthetic techniques are general, regional, and local anesthesia.  Under general anesthesia you are completely asleep throughout your operation. General anesthesia is usually begun by giving you medications through your IV. After you have fallen asleep, anesthesia is maintained for the duration of the surgery by the use of additional intravenous medications and/or anesthetic gases.  Regional anesthesia means numbing just a part of the body by means of spinal or epidural anesthesia or a regional nerve block of an extremity with a local anesthetic. Local anesthesia involves the injection of a local anesthetic directly into or around the surgical site.  Regional and local anesthesia is usually combined with the administration of intravenous sedatives. Any or all of these techniques may be combined.  Based on knowledge of your medical history, your present state of health, and the type of surgery that you will be undergoing, the anesthesiologist will explain to you the technique he/she believes most appropriate for you as well as any acceptable alternatives.

During Your Surgery

During your surgery your family and friends will be close by in the waiting room.  You will be cared for by a surgical team of skilled professionals consisting of your surgeon, your anesthesiologist, specialized operating room registered nurses and surgical technologists. This surgical team is experienced in performing in a safe, efficient, thorough and high quality manner in order to provide you with the best possible care.

After Your Surgery

The Post Anesthesia Care Units provide a unique environment where nurses with special knowledge and skills work closely with your doctors to ensure your safe recovery.

Phase I Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is an acute care unit where patients who have received general anesthesia awaken after surgery.  Your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, and oxygen level will be continuously monitored while you are in PACU I.  Visitors are not permitted in this area due to the nature of nursing care and for the safety and privacy of each patient.  Generally, patients are transferred from Phase I PACU into Phase II PACU after specific parameters are met.  Preparation for discharge occurs in Phase II PACU.

Phase II PACU is also the reception area from surgery for those patients who have not received general anesthesia.  After a recovery period, your nurse will prepare you for discharge.  Verbal and written discharge instructions and information will be reviewed with you and your family or friend and any questions will be answered. The length of time spent in the PACU's depends upon several factors - the type of surgery and anesthesia you underwent, and your own individual needs. No two people recover from surgery at the same rate and we pride ourselves on treating you as an individual throughout your stay with us, including during your stay in PACU. It is imperative you have a responsible party (example: family member or friend) to take you home as well as stay with you the night of surgery.

After Your Discharge

If you have an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. Your discharge nurse will call you at home within two working days to check on your progress and answer any questions you may have.