What to expect when you arrive at the hospital
What to expect when you arrive at the hospital
- You will be taken to the pre-surgery area. A nurse will meet with you to begin your care plan and review what you can expect before and after your surgery.
- You will be given hospital clothing to wear.
- Family members can wait with you in the pre-surgery area before surgery.
- You will meet with your surgeon and an anesthesiologist (doctor who specializes in anesthesia and pain management).
- You will then be taken to the operating room.
- While you are in surgery and in recovery, your family will go to the surgery waiting room.
- Your surgery time will vary from one to three hours. It is possible that your surgery may take longer than three hours.
- Your surgeon will talk with your family when your surgery is over.
- After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room. Most patients stay about one to two hours, depending on your surgery and how fast you recover from your anesthetic. Your nurse will monitor your vital signs and help you if you have any side effects from the anesthesia.
- You will start your breathing exercises while you are in the recovery area.
- You may have some discomfort and pain when you wake up. Everyone reacts to pain differently. Your nurse will work with you to make you as comfortable as possible.
- You will see your family when you get to your hospital room.
Source: Allina Health's Patient Education Department, Preparing for Your Hysterectomy, gyn-ah-95582
Reviewed By: Allina Health Patient Education experts
First Published: 04/25/2013
Last Reviewed: 11/30/2015