Post-Operative Recovery

The following are excerpts from an article on coronary bypass surgery. A large part of the article covered the post operative and recovery process and applies to most open heart procedures, including the Ross Procedure. I've included it on this site to give patients an idea of what to expect. Any comments that I've added are enclosed in brackets - [ ]. As always, rely on your surgeon for what types of activity are acceptable after surgery.

Most patients stay in intensive care for only a day or two and are up on their feet within two or three days. Your biggest job in the first few days is to cough up increased secretions. The secretions are sticky and hard to bring up at first, but they loosen and diminish quickly. [You may receive massage therapy to help loosen up the secretions. You may also be asked to use a device called a spirometer that will help to expand your lung capacity. The bottom of the lungs can sometimes collapse slightly during the surgery. You will probably use the device for several weeks.]

Most patients can resume eating on the second or third day and most are home by the fifth or seventh day after surgery. Incision pain is generally tolerable and rarely intense, but it takes about six weeks or so to clear completely.

Discomfort in the early days is tempered by the joy of getting though it safely and looking forward to rejuvenation. Slight fever and increased sweating is normal for several days and is due to the operation. Bowel function is sluggish at first as is the appetite but both soon recover.

Weakness and fatigue are prominent symptoms and gradually diminish over a period of several weeks. [Usually about four weeks. It may also take about three to four weeks for the effects of the anesthesia to wear off.] Some confusion or impaired memory may occur in a few patients early on but it usually spontaneously clears in a few days.

Your family can visit within 24 hours. [You might want to prepare your family for what to expect on their first visit. The patient will probably be very pale, possibly even gray in color. The patient will also likely have a large variety of tubes and IV's.] Assorted tubes are removed after the first day or two. Most patients can take a refreshing shower a few days after surgery and after the temporary pacemaker wires are slipped out of the chest. Water won't hurt the incisions.

After three to seven days most patients are walking freely in the hospital halls and are ready for discharge. At this time mild anemia is common but improving and incision pain is starting to recede.

Common temporary symptoms early at home [as well as in the hospital] include difficulty sleeping, awareness of a forceful heartbeat, ease of fatigue, and soreness in the chest. These symptoms gradually decrease with time. Driving should be postponed for six weeks after surgery until the breast bone has healed solidly. It is best to avoid lifting more than about ten pounds [some doctors say five] for the first six weeks until the chest has completely healed. Patients may travel by car or plane immediately after discharge, although prolonged travel early on may be tiring. The incision will sunburn easily [so use a good sunscreen] but will not be harmed by a shower.

Formal hospital-based rehabilitation programs are available, and sometimes necessary for debilitated patients but many patients can can recover nicely on their own. The best exercise is walking with gradually increasing distances each day, guided by how you feel.

Returning to work varies with the job and your progress, but most patients can return to full time work 6-8 weeks after surgery. Self employed folks or those who work at home can often resume a part time schedule somewhat sooner, allowing themselves to quit when they tire.

Source: Department of Cardiology Cleveland Clinic Foundation