What to Expect in Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
After your procedure, you will be taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), also known as the recovery room, where our nursing staff will closely monitor you as you recover from anesthesia.
Your recovery time will depend on the type of procedure and anesthesia you receive.
- Most procedures: Approximately 30–45 minutes
- ENT procedures: 10–20 minutes
- Total knee, total hip, total shoulder replacement, or ACDF patients: Approximately 2–3 hours
- Procedures performed under local anesthesia only: Approximately 5–10 minutes
Our priority is to closely monitor your recovery, manage your pain and any side effects, ensure you meet all discharge criteria and are medically stable before returning home safely.
What to Expect During Recovery
Close Monitoring
Your PACU nurse will continuously monitor your recovery by checking your:
- Heart rate, Blood pressure, Oxygen level, Breathing, Level of consciousness
Vital signs are typically checked every 5 to 15 minutes. You may also receive supplemental oxygen through a small tube placed under your nose while you recover.
Common Side Effects
As the anesthesia wears off, it is normal to experience:
- Drowsiness or grogginess, Dizziness, Nausea or vomiting, Chills or feeling cold, Pain, Dry mouth or sore throat.
Our recovery nurses are experienced in managing these symptoms and can provide medications and/or other treatments to help keep you comfortable.
Pain Management
Your comfort is a priority. Our nursing staff will regularly assess your pain using a standard 0–10 pain scale and provide appropriate treatment.
Every patient’s recovery is different. Some discomfort after surgery is normal. Although we may not be able to make you completely pain-free, we will work closely with you to manage your pain and keep you as comfortable as medically possible.
Visitor Guidelines
Because the PACU is an active clinical area focused on patient privacy and infection control, visitation is restricted to one visitor. To protect patient privacy and maintain a safe recovery environment.
Cell Phone Use: Cell phones are NOT permitted in the recovery area to help protect patient privacy and provide a calm, quiet environment for all patients.
The First 24 Hours After Anesthesia
Even if you feel well, anesthesia can affect your judgment, balance, and reaction time for up to 24 hours.
For the first 24 hours after your procedure, do not:
- Drive a vehicle
- Operate machinery or power tools
- Drink alcoholic beverages
- Take medications not approved by your physician
- Sign legal documents or make important financial decisions
It is highly recommended to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after your surgery in case you need assistance.
What Information Will I Receive Before Going Home?
Before you are discharged, you and your designated caregiver will receive printed discharge instructions to help you recover safely at home. A member of our nursing staff will review these instructions with both of you and answer any questions you may have.
Your discharge instructions may include:
- Activity restrictions and when you may resume normal activities
- Diet and hydration recommendations
- Instructions for taking prescribed and over-the-counter medications
- Pain management recommendations
- Incision or dressing care, if applicable
- Follow-up appointments with your surgeon
- Signs and symptoms to watch for that should be reported to your surgeon immediately
- Emergency contact information and instructions for obtaining medical care if needed
Please take time to ask any questions before leaving. We want you to feel confident and prepared for your recovery at home.
If you have any questions or concerns after you return home, contact your surgeon’s office using the information provided in your discharge packet.
What Should I Tell My Recovery Nurse?
Your recovery nurse is there to help make your recovery as safe and comfortable as possible before you return home please let them know if you have any concerns about how you are feeling.
Please let your nurse know immediately if you are experiencing pain that is not well controlled, Nausea or vomiting, or difficulty breathing.
Going Home Safely
Because you are having outpatient surgery, you will go home the same day as your procedure. After you have recovered from anesthesia, met all discharge criteria, and have been medically cleared by your care team, you will be discharged home. Please note that our surgery center does not provide overnight accommodations or extended observation after you have met discharge criteria.
Please follow all discharge instructions carefully.
A member of our clinical team will contact you by phone one business day after your procedure to check on your recovery and see how you are feeling. During this follow-up call, we may review your pain level, answer any questions about your discharge instructions, and address any concerns you may have.
If you experience a medical emergency or have urgent concerns before you receive our call, please contact your surgeon’s office immediately or call 911 if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.