Rest and pain management support an effective recovery
After surgery, you’ll go to a recovery room (also called a post-anesthesia care unit) where a nurse will monitor you and keep you comfortable as your anesthesia wears off. Typically, patients spend between 45 minutes to two hours in the recovery room.
Once you are medically stable, you will either be released home — following an outpatient surgery — or taken to your hospital room if you are staying overnight. How long it takes to fully recover from your surgery depends on the individual and the type of procedure you’ve had. Following your care team’s advice about activity level, diet, bathing, wound care and medication can help support a safe, effective recovery.
Going home after surgery
When you are ready to be discharged home, your care team will explain your post-surgical instructions and answer any questions you may have. Patients who have had outpatient surgery will need to have a friend or family member drive them home (or escort them on public transportation) and remain available to provide care for the first 24 hours after surgery. Those having inpatient surgery should also plan to have a responsible adult drive or escort them home.
Your physician will check in with you in the days after your surgery to see how you’re recovering. A member of your surgical team will also follow up with you as you heal, removing stitches or staples as necessary.
Managing pain after surgery
Many patients worry about pain after surgery. To minimize any pain and discomfort you may experience, your care team will design a pain management plan for you based on your unique needs. Each person has a different response to pain and the medications that treat them.
Once you’re out of the recovery room, it’s important to talk to your care team about any pain you’re experiencing, being specific about the intensity and location of your pain. Please don’t wait until the pain is severe to discuss it. Keeping pain under control supports a faster recovery.
Supporting your circulation and lung health
Some of the medications you receive before, during and after surgery slow your blood flow and breathing, which can increase your risk of lung problems. Deep breathing and coughing after surgery can help by:
- Increasing your circulation, which supports healing
- Clearing the lungs of secretions (mucus)
- Lowering the risk of pneumonia
Unless your care team advises you otherwise, cough or practice deep breathing several times a day for one or two weeks after surgery — until you can take deep breaths without pain and cough up phlegm effectively. If you’ve had abdominal or chest surgery, apply pressure to the incision by holding a pillow over it. This will lessen any pain, enable you to take deeper breaths and protect the surgical site.
Walking can also support your recovery by preventing blood clots and other complications. In most cases, we recommend patients get out of bed for short walks two to three times a day. If you experience significant pain while getting out of bed or walking, contact your care team.
When to get help
Your care team will provide detailed post-surgical instructions, including what side effects to expect and what complications may be cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing any of the following, we recommend contacting your provider:
- Persistent vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Signs of infection (such as green or unpleasant-smelling discharge from your wound)
- Pain that is increasing or difficult to control
- Fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit
If you are unable to reach your care team or are having difficulty breathing, seek emergency care.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.