Ask-a-Doc:
What Happens After My Surgery?

Hello, I’m Dr. Jason Hurst.

Right when the surgery is over, the patient is typically transferred from the operating room to what’s called the PACU (or the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit). 

When you’re in the PACU, a nurse will be taking care of you and checking your vital signs, and allowing you to gently wake up from the anesthesia. Typically, a patient will spend anywhere between 1 to 3 hours in the PACU. We’re pretty quick about getting some oral medications into the patients as quickly as possible. 

Once you’re done in the post in this PACU, that’s when the patient gets sent to the floor—when they’re “stabilized.” Typically, you’ll be fitted for calf pumps. And these calf pumps gently compress the calves to help keep the blood moving. And that’s a way to prevent blood clots from forming.

If you would like to know more about what will happen after your surgery, contact us at JIS Orthopedics. Our specialists in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio, can give you the peace of mind you are looking for. Schedule a visit with us today!