First, you will be taken to a Preoperative room. Once settled in your private room, you will be asked to put on a hospital gown. Depending on the type of surgical procedure you are having, you may be asked to cleanse your skin with an antimicrobial agent. Your nurse will start an IV and review medications and medical history. Your surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist and operating room nurse will also visit with you, reviewing medications and medical history. They will answer any questions you may have.
Next, you will be taken to the Operating room. Once in the operating room, the team will call a “time out” to perform additional checks to ensure your safety. Your skin will be cleansed with an antimicrobial agent. All body areas will be draped except the part that will be operated on. Depending on the length and complexity of your surgery, a number of other team members will be present. During your procedure, your health care providers will keep you safe and continuously monitor you. Download our Surgery Recovery Infographic here.
After your Surgery
After surgery, you will then be taken to the post anesthesia care unit or your recovery room.
Recovery Phase I
Your nurse will monitor your vital signs and provide medication for your pain and/or nausea. Average recovery time is one to two hours. Visitors are not allowed during this recovery time. If you are staying overnight in the hospital, you will be moved directly from the recovery room to the room you will be staying in. Your family will be notified of your inpatient room at this time and may meet you there.
Recovery Phase II
If you are going home the same day, you will be moved to a post-recovery room where you can see your family and/or friends. At this time, you are generally awake; you may start drinking small amounts of fluid and can go to the restroom with assistance. When discharge criteria have been met, you will be given post-operative instructions and will be transported by wheelchair out of the hospital.
How will my pain be managed?
Your comfort after surgery is a priority and of great importance to us. We will often use a variety of ways to help make you comfortable – including oral medications, intravenous medications, injection of local anesthetic, peripheral nerve blocks and relaxation techniques. Pain is different for everyone. We will be assessing your comfort level from the time of admission until you receive your post-operative call at home. During your stay at the hospital, you will be asked to rate your pain using a numerical scale (0 to 10) or the “Faces Pain Scale.”
Patient Satisfaction
CHI Health is committed to providing high-quality health care. A few days after surgery, you will receive a survey and phone call from a member of our hospital staff to discuss your stay and see how you are feeling. We encourage you to take this opportunity to provide us with comments and suggestions regarding our services. Thank you for trusting us with your health care needs.