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Overview
After the operation, the patient will spend 7 to 10 days in the hospital, the first 1 to 3 days in an intensive-care unit (ICU). Chest tubes will be in place for the first 2 to 3 days to drain any residual blood and fluid from around the heart. Heart functions will be monitored. The full benefits from the operation may not be ascertained until 3 to 6 months after surgery. Sexual activity may be resumed 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. All activities that do not cause fatigue are permitted, but the patient must not strain the healing chest bone (sternum).
Review Date 5/13/2024
Updated by: Mary C. Mancini, MD, PhD, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Shreveport, LA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.