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POST-SURGE RY: WHA T TO EXPECT DURIN G YOUR HOSPITAL STAY
RECOVERY AFT ER S URGE RY
As soon as you are more awake and medically ready, some of you may start preparing for
discharge the same day after physical therapy evaluates you. Patients who are spending the
night will be moved to your hospital room for post-operative care. You and your care
coach/family member will be oriented to your room including how to use the call button, bed
controls, television, and phone. The nurse will explain the unit routines including bed alarm,
rounding and frequency of vital signs. Blood may be drawn following your surgery for
laboratory tests and monitoring.
You may start taking clear liquids. If tolerated your diet will be advanced slowly.
Continue to receive IV fluids.
A physical therapist will see you for an initial evaluation.
Cold therapy will be used to reduce pain and swelling.
You will be instructed on how to use the incentive spirometer.
Some patients will start preparing for discharge to home at this time.
DAY 1 AFTER SURGERY
Your vital signs and pain level will continue to be monitored.
Your surgical dressing, intake and output will continue to be monitored.
Continue cold/ice packs to surgical site.
Advance your diet as tolerated.
We encourage you to change into your clean regular clothes for the day.
If you have a drain, it may be removed.
Continue to use your incentive spirometer and cold therapy.
You may be seen twice today by the physical therapist.
You may see an occupational therapist.
Talk with Case manager to discuss anticipated discharge needs.
In most cases, you will be discharged this day.
DAY 2 AFTER SURGERY
Your vital signs, dressing, intake, output and pain level will continue to be monitored.
Continue cold/ice packs to surgical site.
Continue Regular diet.
Change into your clean regular clothes for the day.
If you have a drain, it may be removed.
Continue to use your incentive spirometer and cold therapy.
You may be seen twice today by the physical therapist if needed.
