In most cases, depending on your procedure, you will be ready to leave the Outpatient Center one to two hours following the completion of your surgery, or 30 to 60 minutes following endoscopy. Prior to your discharge, you will be given specific instructions from your physician regarding your postoperative care.

Outpatient Surgery Patients

For your comfort and safety, we remind you of the following:

• Have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
• Take it easy until your physician says you can return to your normal routine.
• It is natural to experience some discomfort in the area of the operation. You may also experience some drowsiness or dizziness depending on the type of anesthesia you receive or on the amount of pain medication you are taking at home.
• Follow your physician's instructions regarding diet, rest and medication.
• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or power tools, cook, drink alcoholic beverages, make legal decisions, or take any medications not prescribed by your physician for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
• Contact your physician if you feel you are having problems after surgery. If you cannot contact your doctor but feel your concerns warrant a doctor's attention, call or go to the emergency room closest to you.
• It is very important to remember- you must have someone drive you home after the surgery and stay with you overnight due to our sedation.

Endoscopy Patients

For your comfort and safety, we remind you of the following:

• Have someone stay with you the day of your procedure.
• You may return to your normal routine activities the day following your endoscopy.
• You may experience some dizziness, sleepiness, or short-term memory loss due to the sedation used.
• You may experience mild cramping or bloating due to the air introduced into the stomach and/or colon during your examination.
• Follow your physician's instructions regarding diet, rest and medication.
• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or power tools, cook, drink alcoholic beverages, make legal decisions, or take any medications not prescribed by your physician for at least 24 hours after your endoscopy.
• Contact your physician if you feel you are having problems after discharge. If you cannot contact your doctor but feel your concerns warrant a doctor's attention, call or go to the emergency room closest to you. Abnormal symptoms to report would include fever and chill, severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or passing large amounts of blood rectally.
• It is very important to remember- you must have someone drive you home after the procedure and stay with you the remainder of the day.

Outpatient Surgery and Endoscopy Patients

The day after your surgery or endoscopy, a member of the Center staff will call to see how you are doing. If your procedure is on a Friday, you will be contacted on Monday. If we can't reach you by phone, a letter will be mailed to your home address. You may contact us during business hours at 937-521-3900.

Ohio Valley Medical Center is an accredited healthcare organization. If you have concerns or questions regarding our quality of care, please feel free to contact the Administrator at 937-521-3900. You may also contact The Joint Commission toll free hotline at 1-800-994-6610 if we are unable to resolve any issues to your satisfaction.