Heart Bypass Surgery

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Heart Bypass Surgery: Convalescence & Recovery

After the operation, the patient will spend 5-7 days in the hospital, with the first 2 hours in an intensive-care unit (ICU). In the ICU, heart function is monitored continuously.

Patients may require the temporary assistance of a breathing tube for a few hours after surgery. Two to three tubes in the chest drain fluid from around the heart and are usually removed one to three days after surgery.

A urinary catheter in the bladder drains urine until the patient is able to void on his own. Intravenous lines (IV) provide fluids and medications. Nurses watch the monitors and check vital signs (pulse, temperature, breathing) constantly.

When constant monitoring is no longer needed, usually within 12-24 hours, the patient is moved to a regular or a transitional care unit. Activity is gradually resumed and the patient may begin a cardiac rehabilitation program within a few days. The incision in the chest does not bother most people after the first 48-72 hours.

After surgery, it takes 4-6 weeks to start feeling better. During recovery it is normal to:

• Have a poor appetite -- it will take several weeks for it to return.
• Have swelling in the leg if the graft was taken from the leg. Elevating the leg and wearing elastic TED hose for several weeks helps reduce swelling.
• Have difficulty sleeping at night -- this will improve.
• Have constipation.
• Have mood swings and feel depressed -- this will get better.
• Have difficulty with short-term memory or feel confused -- this also improves.

The full benefits from the operation may not be determined until 3-6 months after surgery. Sexual activities may be resumed 4 weeks after surgery. All activities that do not cause fatigue are permitted, and the schedule for resuming normal activities is determined with the physician.