After Your Procedure

General Instructions Following Outpatient Surgery

Following your surgery, your doctor will talk with you about your surgery and provide you with specific instructions. Because general anesthesia can cause a temporary loss of alertness, it is helpful to have a friend or family member present during these instructions.

You will also be give written discharge instructions, which will be reviewed with you prior to your discharge. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask them at this time. It is important to follow these instructions very carefully. Once you arrive home, if you do not understand the instructions, or have questions, please call your doctor's office or the Outpatient Surgery Department at 502-868-1189.

IMPORTANT: Someone must stay with you at home 24 hours following the surgical procedure.

DIET:

Start with clear liquids, advance as tolerated to a regular diet

ACTIVITY:

Take it easy for the remainder of the day after surgery. For the next 24 hours DO NOT:

Drive a vehicle or operate machinery or power tools
Consume alcohol, including beer or wine
Make important personal or business decisions or sign important documents

MEDICATIONS:

Do not take any medications that are not prescribed by physician
Please contact your primary care physician with any questions regarding your home medications

SURGICAL AND ANESTHESIA SIDE EFFECTS:

Common side effects associated with anesthesia include: dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, or sore throat. Call physician if any of the following develop:

Fever greater than 101 degrees orally
Persistent, atypical pain
Pain not relieved by medication
Bleeding or unexpected drainage from the wound that does not stop
Extreme redness, swelling, or drainage around the incision
Urinary retention (Inability to urinate 6-8 hours after surgery)
Continual nausea and vomiting