What happens after my surgery?

The period after surgery is known as the recovery period. This is typically split into phases called Phase I and Phase II.

Phase I occurs immediately after surgery when your anesthesiologist will transfer you from the operating room to the recovery room (also called Post Anesthesia Care Unit or “PACU”).  Your PACU nursing staff will monitor your vital signs, degrees of consciousness, pain levels, and hydration status until all are stable. 

Once all the goals of Phase I recovery are met, you will be transferred to Phase II if you are having an outpatient procedure or to your hospital room if you are admitted to the hospital. 

Your family will be notified of your condition once you are admitted to the PACU. However, they will not be able to see or join you until you reach Phase II or your hospital room.