Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
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Overview
After surgery, patients go to the PACU to recover safely from their surgery and the effects of anesthesia itself. The time spent in the PACU depends on the type of anesthesia, the surgery and individual needs of the patient.
Once a patient meets specific recovery milestones—called PACU Discharge Criteria—they are either transferred to the Surgical Day Care Unit or admitted to an inpatient hospital room.
What to expect in the PACU
Patients are cared for by specially trained nurses who work closely with anesthesiologists and other health-care professionals. Care in the PACU focuses on:
- Monitoring vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, breathing).
- Managing pain and nausea.
- Checking the surgical site for bleeding or swelling.
- Assessing sedation and anxiety levels.
The team is equipped to care for patients with specialized needs, including:
- Central or arterial line monitors.
- Surgical drains (e.g., ventricular or subarachnoid).
- Stomas or feeding tubes.
- Specialized venous access catheters.
Pain management
Pain management begins in the operating room and continues in the PACU. Strategies may include:
Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA)
PCAs are set up and patients learn how to use them in the PACU.
Continuous nerve blocks
These may include epidurals (in the back) or nerve catheters (in the arm or leg), and are closely monitored before transfer.
Some patients may stay longer in the PACU due to conditions like severe sleep apnea or specific recovery needs. If critical care is required, the PACU team works with the ICU to arrange a safe transfer.
All PACU care is overseen by the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine.
After leaving the PACU
Hospital admission
If a patient needs to stay in hospital, their belongings will be moved from the Surgical Day Care Unit to their assigned room. To avoid loss or theft, it’s best to leave valuables at home.
Campus Transfers
Patients may be transferred by ambulance to the Civic or General Campus if admission is needed. At the Riverside Campus, most patients go home the same day. If discharge is not safe, a transfer to another campus will be arranged.
Discharge
Patients being discharged from the hospital return to the Surgical Day Care Unit. They stay for at least 30 minutes and must meet discharge criteria. Light refreshments are available after fasting for surgery.
Once ready, a friend or family member will be contacted with pickup instructions.
Contact us
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) - Civic Campus
613-722-7000
The Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus
B Wing, 3rd Floor
1053 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9
24/7
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) - General Campus
613-722-7000
The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus
Critical Care Wing, 1st Floor
501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6
24/7
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) - Riverside Campus
613-722-7000
The Ottawa Hospital - Riverside Campus
Main Operating Rooms
1967 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON K1H 7W9
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.