Information for Patients: Preparing for Anesthesia and Surgery

What to Expect in the Postanesthesia Care Unit

When your surgery is over you will be observed for a period of time in an area known as the Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU), formally known as the Recovery Room. Your anesthesia provider will bring you to the PACU on a stretcher and give a report to your perianesthesia registered nurse. The type of anesthesia you have received will determine your length of stay and overall post operative course. During your stay in PACU, the nursing staff will monitor your vital signs closely, ensuring that you are able to cough and swallow and are awake enough to sit up without being dizzy and responding appropriately. The nurse will address your needs so that you have only minimal discomfort. Once you achieve set criteria specific to your type of surgery and anesthesia you will be evaluated for discharge from this area.

• Pre-anesthetic Interview/Testing
• What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
• Preoperative Holding Area
• What to Expect in the Operating Room
• What to Expect in the Postanesthesia Care Unit
• Admission to a Facility
• Outpatient Surgery
• What to Expect if You Are Going Home on the Day of Surgery
• Pain Management