Patient education: General anesthesia – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is general anesthesia? — General anesthesia is the term for medicines given before and during surgery or another procedure. It makes you unconscious so you can't feel, see, or hear anything during surgery. Some of the medicines are given through a thin tube that goes into your vein, called an "IV." Others are gases that you breathe. Some people get a breathing tube to help them breathe while they are unconscious.

When your surgery is done, you might be moved to a "post-anesthesia care unit" ("PACU") to recover from general anesthesia. A team of doctors and nurses will watch you and check for any problems. They will help decide when it is safe for you to go home.

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Take all of your medicines as instructed – Your doctor might give you medicines for pain or to help with nausea from the anesthesia. They will tell you when and how to take them.

●Suck on ice chips or ice pops if you have a sore throat – You might have a sore throat for a short time if you had a breathing tube.

●Be careful when standing up – You have a higher chance of falling down for at least 24 hours after general anesthesia. Move slowly, and be careful when getting up. Ask for help if you feel dizzy or like you might fall when you try to walk. Wear flat shoes with non-slip soles.

●Eat when you are hungry – If you have nausea or a sore throat, it might help to start with clear liquids and foods that are easy to digest. Examples include soup, pudding, toast, or eggs. You can eat other types of foods when you feel ready.

For the first 24 hours that you are home:

●Do not drive yourself or operate heavy or dangerous machinery.

●Do not make any important decisions or sign any important papers.

●Do not drink alcohol of any kind.

What follow-up care do I need? — Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to make a follow-up appointment after surgery. If so, make sure that you know when and where to go.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●You have trouble breathing.

●You have vomiting for more than 24 hours after going home, or cannot keep down any fluids.

●You are dizzy.

●You have any symptoms that worry you.

More on this topic

Patient education: Anesthesia (The Basics)
Patient education: Managing pain after surgery (The Basics)