After Surgery Instructions

Arundel Ambulatory Surgery Center is committed to ensuring that your postoperative experience is as comfortable as possible. We will follow up with you the day after surgery to assess how you are doing. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your surgeon's office.


What should I expect immediately after surgery? 

You will be moved to our post-anesthesia care unit where you will remain under close observation until you are ready to go home. You may feel a bit groggy, light-headed, dizzy and sometimes slightly nauseated. Each person responds differently to surgery and/or anesthesia. 


What specific home instructions should I follow? 

You will be given specific instructions regarding your diet, activity, follow-up appointment and medications. In addition, we suggest that you rest for 24 hours after surgery and postpone the following: 

  • Driving and operating equipment 
  • Signing important documents 
  • Making significant decisions 
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages or taking medications without your physicians' approval


You should expect to receive a post-operative call from a member of our medical team 24 hours after surgery. During this call, one of our medical staff will review your surgical experience and post-operative care. 


Please be sure our office has the best phone number to reach you during your post-operative recovery. Additional backup numbers, like a cell phone, may be helpful. Please remember that we make these calls on business days, only, so if your surgery was on a Friday, you can expect a call from our office on Monday. If you have a problem, please call the surgeons office. They have an on-call system and will be able to address your concerns.


When can I resume regular activities?

You may return to normal activity as instructed by your physician. 


What should I do if I have a problem, question or concern? 

If you are experiencing a true, life-threatening emergency, call 911. Call your physician only after you have made arrangements to get to the Emergency Room. 


If you have routine questions or concerns during regular business hours, you may call us at 410-224-2811 otherwise please contact your physician.

After my Procedure

  • What will happen if I'm not able to go home?

    Admissions to a hospital from a surgery center happen occasionally. In certain circumstances, your physician or anesthesiologist may determine that you need to be transferred to a hospital for additional post operative care. 

  • What can I eat when I get home?

    Your surgeon may have specific recommendations for your post operative diet. We generally suggest that you eat lightly after surgery.

  • How will my pain be managed?

    The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our post operative call at home. During your stay at the facility, you will be repeatedly asked to rate your pain using a numerical scale (1-10), or for children, the "Faces Pain Scale". 

  • Can my family be with me after my procedure?

    Yes. 


    After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery area. A nurse will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are comfortable as the anesthesia begins to wear off. Once you are awake and alert, your family will be invited back to the recovery area. Special arrangements are made for children having surgery. 


  • May I drive home?

    No. 


    Patients will not be allowed to drive after a procedure and must make necessary transportation arrangements. If you plan to take public transportation from our facility after a procedure, please make sure you are accompanied by a responsible adult. 

  • Should I continue my usual medications after my procedure?

    Most patients should continue their usual medications after surgery. Patients who have diabetes and those patients on blood thinners require some adjustments of their medication. These instructions will be clarified with you before you leave the facility. 


    If you have any questions please call your surgeon or primary care physician. 

  • How long will I stay after my procedure?

    That depends on the procedure and how you are recovering. Most patients are discharged within 60 minutes of arriving in the recovery room.