INFORMATION FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS

The information on this page is intended to help you feel more comfortable with what to expect on the day of surgery, and how to care for your family member or friend when they go home.

Before the Surgery
What can I do for my family member or friend before surgery?
You can best help your family member or friend by offering emotional support. Anticipation of surgery, anesthesia and/or results of the operation may actually be more stressful than the physical discomfort which occurs after the surgery.
You can also help by making sure that all pre-operative instructions are followed.

On the Day of Surgery
How long can I stay with my family member or friend before surgery?
You may stay with the patient in the pre-operative holding area as they are prepared for surgery.
With exception of parents of pediatric patients, family or friends are not allowed in the Operating Room. When the patient goes into the operating room you will need to return to the waiting area.

What can I do while I am waiting?
You may wait in the SurgiCenter of Baltimore waiting area, or you may leave a phone number where you can be reached. We prefer that someone remain at the Center during the patient's procedure in case we need to consult with a family member.
If you plan to wait, please check in at the reception desk in waiting area. The receptionist will put you in touch with the surgeon after the procedure and let you know when you can go in to see the patient.
It is a good idea to bring something to read or do while you wait.
Coffee is available for family and friends. Please be considerate of our patients who are not allowed to have anything to eat or drink before their surgery. Know that a patient's procedure could be canceled if they eat or drink before surgery.

How will I know when the surgery is completed?

When the surgery is finished the surgeon will either call you at a phone number where you can be reached or speak to you in the family conference area.
The receptionist maintains contact with the Clinical staff and will keep you informed.
To inquire about your family member or friend you may call (410) 356-0300.

How soon can I see my family/friend?
All patients need time to recover from the effects of anesthesia. You may see your family member or friend once they are in the phase II recovery room.
There are two phases of recovery: phase I and phase II
Patients go directly from the operating room to the phase I recovery area. Patients in this area require frequent and close observation. Patients usually stay a minimum of one hour in phase I before moving to the phase II recovery area. Visitors are not allowed in this area.
Patients in phase II are more awake and often sitting in a recliner chair. This is the area where you may visit. One to two family members or friends may visit at a time, depending on available space. Phase II is the last recovery area before patients are discharged to home.

What can I do to help the patient during the recovery phase?

While you are visiting in the phase II recovery area, do not feel that you need to entertain the patient. Patients often feel very tired and need to sleep. Often times it is reassuring for the patient just to know that you are sitting by their side quietly.
Some patients can rest with family members at their side, others feel badly that they are making their family members wait and thus try to rush their recovery. In some cases, the best thing you can do for the patient is to briefly visit and then wait in the waiting area until the patient feels ready to go home.

How long will the patient be in the PACU/ recovery room?
The recovery time may be anywhere from one to several hours.
Before patients may go home, they must be relatively comfortable, be able to drink fluids, walk without feeling dizzy and, in some cases, empty their bladder.
Each person will recover at their own pace.

Before Discharge to Home
Will I be told how to care for my family member/ friend when we are at home?
The patient will receive written discharge instructions about how to take care of themselves at home. The nurse will review these with you and the patient. Please Listen Carefully. Often times the patient may may not remember the instructions because of medications they have been given or because they are still sleepy.
If you have specific questions have them ready, and we will do our best to make sure all of your questions are answered before you go home.

Once You Get Home
What happens after I take my family member/friend home?
Sleep/Rest
When you bring your family member/friend home on the day of surgery, the most important thing is to allow him or her to rest. They should make no plans for the rest of that day. Same day surgery does not necessarily mean same day recovery. Many patients may feel very tired for a few days after surgery. In some cases, patients do not regain their usual energy level for a week or two.
Activity
The patient is the best judge of how much activity they can do. As the saying goes, "If it hurts, don't do it!"
The surgeon will give guidelines about limitations of activities such as exercise and heavy lifting. Sometimes patients need help with cooking, housekeeping chores and child care for a period of time after surgery.
Discomfort
Expect the patient to have some discomfort.
You can encourage the patient to take their pain medication as prescribed.
Be sure that all prescription pain medication is taken with food. Avoid alcohol! If the discomfort is not relieved by the prescribed pain medication or if they are having side effects from the medication, the surgeon should be called.

Food/Fluids
The patient should eat lightly after the surgery.
Fluids should be encouraged as tolerated. To start with we recommend clear fluids (ginger ale, apple juice, cranberry juice, soup broth) and light foods (soup, toast, crackers, noodles).
Caffeinated drinks should be limited, as they can be dehydrating.
A diminished appetite is normal after surgery. When the patient feels ready they may return to a regular diet.
Alcohol must be avoided for 24 hours and/or while taking prescription pain medications.

The surgeon is always available 24 hours a day through his or her office number/answering service.
We hope this information will help you to feel more comfortable as you experience day surgery with your family member or friend. You are a vital part of their recovery.
Please feel free to call or ask questions at any time.