After Surgery

Admissions to a hospital from a surgery center happen occasionally. In certain circumstances, your physician or anesthesiologist may determine that you need to be transferred to a hospital for additional post operative care.

Post operative recommendation is to start with light non-greasy low fat bland foods. Anesthesia can sometimes cause nausea. Add foods from your usual diet as tolerated. Drinking plenty of fluids after surgery is also recommended.

The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our post operative call at home. During your stay at the facility, you will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain using a numerical scale (1-10).

We will often use a combination of different modalities to help make you comfortable – choosing from oral medications, intravenous medications, nerve blocks, injection of local anesthetic during the surgery, etc. Prior to the surgery, the management of your pain should be discussed with both your anesthesiologist and surgeon. Please feel free to bring up any concerns or fears you may have. Remember that information on pain management gives you the appropriate expectations and hence a smoother, more comfortable recovery. It is important to follow instructions regarding your post operative pain medication closely.  Many pain medications take 20 to 30 minutes to begin to work.  For best results, the pain medication should be taken before the pain becomes too strong.

IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED A PRESCRIPTION FOR PAIN MEDICATION AT THE TIME OF YOUR DISCHARGE, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SURGEON’S OFFICE LISTED ON YOUR DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS.

Yes. After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area. A nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are comfortable as the anesthesia begins to wear off. Once you are awake and alert, your family member will be invited back to the recovery area. Special arrangements are made for children having surgery.

The time a patient stays in the recovery room will vary depending on the procedure performed and the physician’s instructions, but typically most patients are discharged within approximately 30 to 45 minutes after their procedure.

Patients who are receiving sedation and/or anesthesia will not be allowed to drive home. You must have an adult (18 years or older) to safely get you home. Uber/Lyft/Taxi/Bus is only allowed if you have an adult with you. We have medical transportation information available if you need it. Please contact the front desk at 702-445-6993 for any further questions.

Most patients should continue their usual medications after surgery. Patients who have diabetes and those patients on blood thinners may require some adjustment of their medications. These instructions will be clarified with you before you leave the facility. If you have any questions, please call your surgeon or primary care physician.

If you are having unexpected problems, in serious pain, or exhibit warning symptoms described in your discharge instructions, please call your physician, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.   

A nurse from the center will also attempt to call you the next business day to check your progress and discuss any questions you may have.