Recovery
At Northwest Tucson Surgery Center, we believe that the patient is the most important person in the surgical suite, and your safety and comfort is our number one priority. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to ask the nurse that is with you. In most cases, the same nurse will be with you the entire time you are in the surgical suite. When you first arrive in the surgical suite, it may seem bright and the temperature may be quite cool. Warm blankets are available for your comfort.
After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be closely monitored by a registered nurse for the remainder of your stay at our center.
Things to Know
- Recovery time is highly individualized. Typical recovery times range from one hour to two hours depending on the type of surgery.
- Once you are fully awake, your family may be brought to the recovery area for discharge instructions.
- After surgery, our goal is to keep you as comfortable as possible. Depending on the type of surgery, you may not be completely pain free. It is important that you communicate with the recovery nurses any pain that you experience.
- We utilize a pain scale based on 0 - 10, with zero being no pain and 10 being the worst pain you have ever experienced. Do not wait until your pain is unbearable to request medication as it will not be as effective.
- Depending on the type of anesthesia you receive, it is not uncommon to feel sleepy or drowsy. You may also experience dizziness or nausea. Please communicate with your nurse any of these symptoms; medication is available to counteract them.
Going Home
- When you are ready to go home, the nurses will review postoperative instructions with you and your family or visitor if you wish. You will receive a copy of all discharge instructions to refer back to once you get home.
- If you have had any medications that might make you drowsy or impair your judgment, you must have another person drive you home. Your surgery may be cancelled if you do not have a responsible party to drive you home.
- It is recommended that you have someone stay with you the first 24 hours after surgery, should you need any assistance.
- A registered nurse will call to check on you one to two days after your procedure. The nurse will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Questions?
Call us today at (520) 877-6700