Your Hospitalization

You will probably be admitted to the hospital on the same day as your surgery. The night before, you should have a liquid supper and then you should be "NPO", which means you are to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

The morning of surgery you will probably receive:

• a blood thinner to help prevent the formation of blood clots in the legs.

• antibiotics to help prevent wound infections

• an "IV", intravenous, a catheter usually placed in your hand or arm

The surgery can last from one to two hours, or longer. Following the surgery, you will go to the Recovery Room, or "PACU", (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit), for a couple of hours. You will then be transferred for a surgical patient floor.

Upon awakening from the surgery, you will probably be confused for a while. There will be many people in the Recovery Room.

After the surgery, you will have pain. Pain medication will be ordered to control most of the discomfort. A "PCA" (pain control) Pump, is often used. This is a device that you control with the push of a button that is connected to your IV. The pain medication is delivered, in a controlled dose, when the button is pushed. Safety features are built-in to prevent an overdose.

Respiratory treatments will be ordered. This helps you in deep breathing and in clearing lung secretions. 

Your post-operative recovery time depends a lot on your cooperation. The nurses will encourage you to move, sit up, and walk. Walking will lessen the incisional discomfort and also will help your breathing. Taking deep breaths is important to prevent complications. Also, walking helps your leg circulation to help prevent blood clots, (phlebitis).

Walk, Walk, Walk