Surgical Services
The Day of Your Surgery
Phelps’ George N. Pappas, MD Surgical Pavilion is a state-of-the-art surgical suite. Adult and pediatric surgeries are performed by the highly qualified surgeons on staff at Phelps. Our dedicated, skilled nursing staff is here to care for you every step of the way. We realize that having surgery is stressful. If at any time you have questions or concerns, please share them with us.
You and your surgeon have decided that surgery is appropriate treatment for your condition. You will be admitted to the hospital either through the Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU), the Emergency Department (ED/ER), or one of the patient care units.
All efforts are made to keep to the scheduled time of your surgery. However, emergencies or cancellations may arise that affect this time. If your surgery is going to be delayed or performed earlier, you will be notified as soon as that change occurs.
Prior to Surgery
Prior to surgery, you will meet your anesthesiologist. Anesthesia services at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center are provided by Westchester Anesthesiologists, PC. They are board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology. The primary role of your anesthesiologist is to ensure your safety and comfort in the “peri-operative period” - the time just before, during, and immediately after your surgery. He or she will discuss with you your medical history and your scheduled surgery. Your anesthesia options and pain management plan will be reviewed with you.
Just prior to surgery, you will be taken to the OR holding area. There a registered nurse from the operating room will review and verify with you and your physicians the information in your chart. Your surgeon will inform you of the approximate amount of time your surgery will take.
When you are taken into the operating room, you will be connected to monitors and positioned for safety and comfort.
There is a waiting room on the third floor outside the surgical suite where your family and friends can wait. When your surgery is finished, your surgeon will go to speak to those who are waiting.
After Surgery
After surgery, most patients are taken to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), formerly called the Recovery Room. You will continue to be monitored there and receive oxygen and IV fluids while you wake up. You may experience dry mouth, a sore throat or blurry vision. These are normal and will subside. You will be given warm blankets for comfort.
The nurse will ask you to rate your pain on a scale of “0 to 5”. Zero is equal to “no pain” and five is equal to the most “severe pain.” You will be shown a pain chart. Reporting your pain as a number helps the nurses and doctors know how well your treatment is working and whether to make any changes.
Your doctor may order tests such as x-rays, EKG, or blood tests to be done in the PACU.
Your length of stay in the PACU will be based on your individual needs. This time can range from 30 minutes to several hours. The doctors and nurses will discharge you from the PACU only when you are stable and appropriate pain management is achieved.
Visiting is limited in the PACU. This is an important time for you to rest and recover from anesthesia. Special considerations will be made for pediatric patients. Parents will be taken into the PACU as soon as possible. We realize that when a child has surgery there are special needs to be met.
When you are discharged from the PACU, you will go to the ASU or to your room on one of the patient care units. Family and friends may join you at that time.
We hope this brief overview helps you to understand more about the day of surgery.
We encourage you to ask questions and share your concerns and suggestions. Top quality patient care is our goal.
