After your procedure you will be in our recovery room until you feel able to sit up and dress. The length of time you will need to rest before leaving will depend on the nature of your surgery. We permit a family member or friend to join you in our recovery room when possible. In order to prevent overcrowding, we must limit visitors to one person at a time. Therefore, we ask that you not bring children or others who cannot remain unattended in the waiting room.
We want to be particularly responsive to the needs of children and want you to understand that our recovery room nurses will care for them until they have awakened. At that time, parents will be encouraged to come into the recovery room to be with their child.
Before Leaving the Surgery Center
Please be certain that you understand your instructions for post-operative care. You will receive instruction from our nurses regarding medication, diet, and rest requirements. The day of surgery and perhaps at the time of discharge, you may feel sleepy, tired and dizzy. Our advice is to go home and rest for the remainder of the day.
For your own safety, it is important that you do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or make any important decisions for at least 24 hours after leaving Surgery Center of Anchorage. It is common to feel sleepy for several hours after a procedure. A responsible adult (18 or older) is required to sign you out, drive you home, and be available to assist you as needed.
Going Home
You should plan to have a responsible adult stay with you the night after surgery. If you experience difficulties or complications once you return home, please contact your surgeon immediately. If you cannot reach your surgeon and your condition requires immediate attention, you must call 911 or be driven to the nearest emergency room.
Surgery Center of Anchorage staff will contact you within one business day following your procedure to check on your progress and to answer any questions you may have about your discharge instructions. If you have further questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact us at (907) 563-1800 Mon - Fri: 7:00am - 5:00pm.