After your surgical procedure

In general, recovery time depends on the type of surgery and the type of anesthesia used during the procedure.

After Local Anesthesia

If your surgery was performed under local anesthesia, you may be able to go home shortly after the procedure.

After Regional Anesthesia

If your surgery was performed under regional anesthesia with conscious sedation, you will be closely monitored in a recovery room until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. This usually takes 1 to 2 hours. You may feel drowsy or groggy for some time after surgery.

After General Anesthesia

You will be closely monitored in a recovery room until the effects of the anesthesia wear off, usually within 1 to 2 hours.

In addition to feeling groggy, you may experience a sore throat from the breathing tube used during anesthesia. You may also have some discomfort from surgical drains used to remove excess fluid or from a urinary catheter, which is a tube placed in the bladder to help drain urine.

You may also experience some pain as you wake up. Your healthcare team will provide medication to help manage your pain.

Once you are stable, you will either be transferred to your hospital room or allowed to go home, depending on the type of surgery and your individual condition.

Before leaving the hospital, it is important to schedule your follow-up appointments so we can monitor your recovery and make sure you are following the appropriate postoperative care instructions.