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Patients are admitted to the hospital the morning of surgery.
Following the surgery, you will be sent to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for close observation by the critical care nursing staff. You remain there until the anesthesia wears off. Once you are stable, you'll be transferred to the unit where nurses will closely monitor and medicate you. You will likely be up and walking within hours of being transferred.
You will be placed in a private room on the medical-surgical unit where the nurses will continue to monitor your recovery until you go home. Post-operative pain management will be an important part of your care. You will continue to walk frequently during your stay.
While you are in the hospital, your diet will advance from ice chips to clear liquids, full liquids, and may include blended foods before discharge. A one-ounce portion of food is provided three times a day once you are allowed to eat meals, and most patients are too full to finish even that small portion.
Patients may expect to spend from one to five days in the hospital. After being discharged, you may return home and are not restricted from activities such as going up stairs. Patients normally do not require special nursing attention or hospital equipment after going home. Most patients return to work within two to four weeks after surgery, upon release by their surgeon.
You will be encouraged to attend one of the support group meetings and may contact the dietitians for additional dietary information as needed between appointments. You will be scheduled for regular visits with your surgeon and dietitians for several months.
St.Vincent Carmel Hospital Stay Information |
