Surgical Services

When your surgery is completed, anesthesia personnel and an Operating Room nurse will accompany you to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Here, specially trained nurses will care for you and closely watch you as you awaken. Let them know if you have any pain or discomfort. Pain and pain management are an important part of your care. Relieving and controlling pain can help you get well faster and return more quickly to your daily routine.

If your surgery requires an overnight stay, you will be taken to your hospital room after leaving the PACU. If your recovery involves two or more nights stay in the hospital, you can expect to be discharged by 11 a.m. on the day you are going home. Please take this discharge time into account when pre-arranging your transportation home and post-operative home care.

If you are to be discharged the day of your surgery, you will be taken to the Outpatient Recovery Department where registered nurses will care for you as you recover. When you have adequately recovered from the anesthetic, a staff member will help you dress and assist you into your car. A relative or friend must accompany you home. It is suggested that you avoid strenuous mental and physical activities, not drive a car and have someone with you for at least 24 hours.

Specific written instructions regarding pain medications, fluid/food intake and activity will be given to you at the time of discharge. If questions or problems arise after you leave the hospital, please contact your surgeon. You may also call the Outpatient Recovery Department at 314-205-6994. Outpatient Recovery is open from 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. If you have questions when the department is closed, call the Emergency Department at 314-205-6990.