Going Home


If you have any questions about this step in your Surgery Center experience or anything else, please call (716) 568-6100.

Before You Can be Discharged

Patient being pushed in wheelchairYou must meet certain criteria before you can go home:

  • Your blood pressure and pulse are stable.
  • You are able to drink fluids.
  • Your incision is not draining.
  • You are reasonably comfortable and do not have excessive pain.
  • You are able to move around without too much assistance.

When You Are Ready To Be Discharged

Your Anesthesiologist will discharge you after you meet all the medical criteria. The recovery room nurse will review your medications and the doctor’s discharge instructions with you to make sure you understand what you need to do at home.

A nurse will escort you discreetly down a short hall to an exit that bypasses the main waiting area when you leave. You can either walk out or use a wheelchair, but you must have an adult family member or friend ready to escort you home, as well as remain with you after you arrive home from your surgery, for your safety and well-being.

Contact Your Surgeon If

  • You have a fever over 101° F.
  • Your incision becomes more red, swollen or has a foul odor.
  • You have increased or excessive, unexpected bleeding.
  • You still have pain one hour after taking pain medication.
  • You have a problem urinating.
  • You are unable to drink or eat without vomiting.
  • You have side effects from your medication such as nausea, vomiting, redness, a rash, or itching.

Emergency Care

If you are unable to reach your doctor or in a medical emergency, please proceed to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Care at Home

Be sure to follow the post-operative (after surgery) instructions we provided as you recover. Your surgery can be very stressful on your body, so we encourage you to get good rest.

Below are some tips and helpful information for you to know:

  • Eat lightly for the first 24 hours after your procedure.
  • Feeling tired, dizzy or nauseous for a day or so following surgery is normal.
  • You may experience some discomfort at the site of your procedure.

A surgery center nurse will contact you at home the morning after your surgery to evaluate your recovery. If you need to speak to a nurse before or after the courtesy call, contact us Monday through Friday from 7a.m. to 5p.m. at (716) 568-6143.