You will be monitored closely by our nursing staff. You will be discharged when you are ready to go home. It is not uncommon to feel weak and drowsy, therefore it is important to have someone with you to help you with your post operative care. You will receive instructions from your surgeon and from the Center staff. It is very important that you follow the instructions carefully. If you have any questions after your procedure please call the Nebraska Surgery Center at 402-484-6600 or your physician. These numbers are included in the discharge instructions. A nurse will call you a few days after your procedure to see how you are feeling and answer any questions.

Diet:

• Start with fluids and gradually increase to solids as tolerated. Adequate fluid intake is necessary to avoid dehydration.
• Plenty of fluids are encouraged. Infants may start with clear liquids such as water followed by milk or formula as tolerated.
• You should not drink any alcoholic beverages for the next 24 hours or while taking narcotic pain medications.

Activity:

• Avoid driving for 24 hours after anesthesia and while taking narcotic pain medications.
• Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Rest for the remainder of the day and increase activity as tolerated.
• Do not make any important decisions or sign important papers for 24 hours.
• You may return to work or school as instructed by your physician.

Dressing:

• If you have a dressing, keep it clean and dry.
• Do not remove your dressing unless instructed to do so by your physician.

Medications:

• Take all medications as directed.
• If you are taking an antibiotic, please be sure to finish the entire prescription.
• Most pain medications are better tolerated when taken with food.
• You may resume your home medications as instructed by your physician.

Notify your physician if you:

• Develop severe pain that is not relieved by your pain medication.
• Bleed excessively.
• Have persistent nausea and vomiting.
• Develop a fever greater than 101°.
• Develop signs or symptoms of infection at your incision site (redness, increased tenderness, swelling, or a foul odor or drainage.
• If you have difficulty urinating.