Once the incisions are closed, the patient is allowed to slowly wake, and the breathing tube is removed. The patient is then transported to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit for monitoring while the anesthesia drugs completely wear off.
During this phase of recovery, the patient will be closely watched by the staff for signs of pain, changes in vital signs or any complications from surgery. If no complications are observed and the patient is awake, they can be transferred to a hospital room an hour or two of surgery.
During the day after surgery, the patient is observed for signs of complications, including infection, bleeding, and the leakage of bile, a rare but serious condition that requires a second surgery to correct. Blood is also drawn and analyzed to help monitor the patient’s health.
