Welcome to First State Surgery Center

Post-Opertive Instructions

  1. After surgery, you'll spend some time in the recovery area at the surgery center, where the nursing staff will care for you until you're ready to leave. A family member or friend is welcome to sit with you, and your nurse will provide lots of personal attention.
  2. What do do for the first 24 hours. Let your responsible adult caregiver take care of you. You may feel fine, but this is not the time to pull weeds or organize your taxes. Sit, relax, and allow yourself to be pampered for a day.
    • Follow any special instruction your surgeon or nurse gave you
    • Call your surgeon if you have unusual symptoms or changes in your condition that you did not expect.
  3. What NOT to do for the first 24 hours after your operation. Anesthesia can linger in your system for a day or more. You may feel fine, yet not have complete command of your abilities. It is very important that you:
    • Do not drive or operate heavy equipment
    • Do no take any medication without your surgeon's approval
    • Do not drink any alcoholic beverages
    • Do not sign any legal documents
  4. How to help your child through surgery. Children often take their cues from adults they trust. You can help your child feel safe and comfortable by demonstrating your own calm assurance. The surgery center staf also will help your child to feel at east by showing and explaining the facility, answering questions, and even playing with your child.

    You will be able to stay with your child until he or she enters the operating room, and you will be reunited right after surgery in the recovery room. The is very comforting to the child and to most parents. First State Surgery Center's policy is that all children, no matter what age, need the support of their parents. Children up to 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent on the day of surgery.

    You also may want to do some of these things that helped many other children:
    • Explain what to expect. Encourage questions and give brief, honest answers. Be sure to discuss the reason for surgery and how the child will benefit from it.
    • Bring a favorite toy or book
  5. Reasons you will feel confident about your child's surgery. Children's surgery at First State Surgery Center is always attended by someone who is familiar with the special anesthetic needs of children. First State Surgery Center provides equipment especially designed for children and pediatric surgery. Your child will be attended every minute by a member of the nursing staff and will not be left alone, even for a second.