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You
should expect to stay in the hospital for a few days for minor
surgeries such as mediastinoscopy, and thoracoscopy, and 5-7
days for major surgery such as pneumonectomy, thoracotomy,
and lobectomy.
You
will have a bulky dressing covering your incision, which will
be removed prior to being discharged from the hospital. There
will be steri strips (butterfly stitches) on your incision
line. They will probably fall off by themselves within one
week. If not, you can peel them off. You may take a shower
allowing soap and water to run over the incision line. Pay
dry steri strips.
Physical
activities are encouraged, but should not include any heavy
lifting, pulling, or pushing 10-14 days.
There
may be a stitch present from the chest tube site that can
be removed at the first office visit. The chest tube dressing
can be changed two days after discharge and be replaced with
a band aid.
Always
obtain a chest x-ray prior to all visits unless otherwise
directed and be sure to bring both your old and new films
with you to your appointment.
If you
experience constipation, take milk of magnesia or a mild laxative
every other day.
You
will experience some discomfort at the incision site and surrounding
areas. The doctor will provide you with a prescription for
a pain medication. Extra strength Tylenol or Advil may be
used for minimal discomfort. Follow the instructions on the
label. Discomfort around incisions may radiate towards the
front of the chest and is expected up to 4 to 6 weeks after
surgery. Some numbness in the front of the chest is not unusual.
You
should schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician
for 10-14 days after being discharged from the hospital.
You
may return to work approximately one month after surgery and
after discussing your work status with your physician. You
may resume driving about two weeks after surgery unless you
are still taking prescription pain medicine, still experiencing
a lot of soreness, or unable to move without pain.
Call
the office for the following signs or symptoms:
-
Temperature
above 101
-
Marked
increase in shortness of breath
-
Marked
increase in sputum production
Virginia Beach (ph#. 422-2212)
Chesapeake (ph# 548-1038)
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