A nurse from Salinas Surgery Center will call you at home the next weekday following your surgery to make sure that you are recovering as expected. It is very important that you take good care of yourself on the day following surgery by getting plenty of rest.

For safe treatment of the patient, the following post-operative instructions must be followed very carefully.

Following general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation, 24 to 36 hours are required for the full effects of the drugs to wear off. During this period, it is essential that you follow these instructions:

1. On leaving the Center, you MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult, who may either drive you home or accompany you home in a taxi. Do not use public transportation.

2. On arrival home, it is common to feel sleepy. Rest quietly at home for the balance of the day.

3. Lie flat if you feel dizzy or light-headed.

4. Drink lots of non-citric juice or non-diet soft drinks for the first 4-6 hours. Light meals are recommended following your operation (i.e., soup, jellos). Avoid milk for at least 24 hours.

5. Avoid alcohol in any form for 48 hours.

6. Avoid any drugs apart from your prescribed painkillers, which may affect your nervous system, for 24 hours.

7. DO NOT operate motor vehicles, boats, power tools or machinery for 24 hours.

8. Do not sign or enter into any legal contract for 24 hours.

9. We strongly suggest that a responsible adult be with you for the rest of the day and night.

You may experience some muscular aches in your back or neck area. As well, you may develop a sore throat or stuffy nose following a general anaesthetic. These symptoms are not serious and will disappear in a short time.

If you have any questions or problems regarding post-operative signs or symptoms, or any associated concerns, please call your surgeon.