AFTER SURGERY
Going home
When you are ready to leave hospital, you will be given information about your medications, your recovery and what to expect when you get home.
What happens before you leave will depend on whether you are going home on the same day or staying in hospital. Always follow the instructions given to you by your hospital, surgeon or proceduralist.
Before you leave hospital
Before you leave hospital, we will make sure you are recovering well and have everything you need to continue your recovery at home.
01
Ready to leave
Before you go home, we will make sure you are recovering well and that it is safe for you to leave hospital.
You should be awake and comfortable, and any problems after your procedure should be under control.
03
Your instructions
Before you leave, you will be given information about your recovery, medications and anything you need to do at home.
Make sure you know who to contact if you have any questions or concerns.
02
Pain and nausea
It is common to have some pain or nausea after a procedure.
Before you leave, we will make sure these are under reasonable control. Medication can be given if needed, and you will be told what to take at home.
04
Getting home safely
If you are going home on the same day, you will need someone to take you home and provide support afterwards.
The first 24 hours
Even when you feel awake, the effects of anaesthetic and sedative medicines may persist for some time. Follow the instructions provided by your hospital and anaesthetist about when it is safe to resume your usual activities.
Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours after a general anaesthetic.
You may need to wait longer depending on your procedure, the medications you have been given and how you are feeling. Always follow any specific instructions given to you before you leave hospital.
Anaesthetic and sedative medicines can affect your judgement and concentration for a while after your procedure.
Avoid making important personal, financial or legal decisions for at least 24 hours, or longer if you have been advised to do so.
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after your anaesthetic.
Take your pain relief and other medications as directed. Be particularly careful with medicines that can make you drowsy.
If you are having day surgery, you will need someone to take you home and stay with you afterwards.
Follow any specific instructions from your hospital about how long someone should stay with you.
Eating, drinking and activity
Eating and drinking
Follow any specific instructions you have been given about eating and drinking.
If you feel nauseated, start slowly with fluids and lighter foods, and return to your usual diet as you feel able.
Rest and activity
It is normal to feel tired after your procedure, so take it easy while you recover.
Gradually return to your usual activities as you feel able, while following any specific instructions you have been given.
When to seek help
If you have concerns after going home
Follow the contact instructions given to you by your hospital, surgeon or proceduralist.
Seek medical advice if you are worried about your recovery, particularly if you have pain that is difficult to control, ongoing vomiting, significant bleeding, or you are becoming more unwell.
If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek urgent medical help.