CardioSurgeon.co.uk
After the operation and during your hospital say
Throughout your time in hospital, you will be supported every step of the way by our dedicated cardiac surgical team. From admission through to recovery and discharge, our experienced and highly trained professionals are committed to providing the highest standard of care, ensuring your safety, comfort, and wellbeing at all times. Please be reassured that you are in expert hands, and we are here to support you and your loved ones throughout your journey.
When operation is finished, you will be taken from the operating theatre to the Intensive Care Unite where you will be closely monitored for around 24-48 hours.
- You may have a tube in your mouth, which passes down your windpipe, and is connected to a ventilator (a machine to help you breathe). This will be removed once you are awake, alert and breathing by yourself.
- When you wake up from the anaesthesia, you will be connected to machines that record the activity of your heart, lungs and other body systems.
- A clip on your finger will measure the level of oxygen in your blood.
- A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is usually placed in the bladder before surgery begins. The catheter is needed to collect and measure urine. Once you are able to get up and go to the bathroom, the catheter is removed.
- Fluids, medications, and sometimes blood transfusions are given before, during, and after the surgery through an intravenous (IV) line. When you are able to eat and drink and no longer require IV medications, the line is removed.
- Tubes are placed inside the chest to drain fluids that accumulate around the heart after surgery. These are usually removed within one to three days after surgery.
- The incision in the chest is usually sore, with the most discomfort in the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Pain medications are usually given to relieve this discomfort.
When continuous monitoring is no longer required, usually after 12 to 24 hours, most patients are moved to a step-down or transitional care unit. Most people can sit in a chair the day after their surgery. The person is encouraged to start walking within one to two days after surgery.
Many people have a poor appetite for several weeks after surgery. This is normal and expected. Talk to a doctor or nurse if there are concerns about appetite. Constipation is also common during this time, probably due to decreased activity and food intake and use of pain medications. Medications to relieve constipation may be recommended. People who have a vein taken from their leg sometimes notice swelling in this leg after surgery. Elevating the leg and wearing compression stockings can help to reduce the swelling. It is common to have difficulty sleeping after bypass surgery, especially while in the hospital. This usually improves following discharge from hospital.
Approximately 20–40% of patients experience depression after heart surgery, often as part of postoperative traumatic stress (PTSD). Symptoms may include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness. Depression can hinder recovery and increase the risk of future heart problems. If these symptoms persist for more than two-three weeks, patients should seek advice from their health care provider to explore appropriate treatment options.
Most people recover in the hospital for four to five days after surgery. However, hospitalization may be longer, depending upon an individual’s rate of recovery and any complications that develop. People who do not have complications or a prolonged hospital stay are usually able to return to desk work within six weeks to three months. People who have a physically demanding job often need more time to recover. Complete recovery from surgery often takes three months.
Before you go home after your cardiac surgery, our team will make sure you are safe, comfortable, and ready to continue your recovery at home. They will carry out final checks to confirm that your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are stable, your pain is well controlled with tablets, and you are able to get up, move around, and manage basic daily activities. They will also check that you are eating and drinking normally and that your surgical wound is healing well. Any temporary tubes, drains, or wires will usually be removed before you leave.
Your medications will be carefully explained to you. You will be told what each medication is for, how and when to take it, and whether there have been any changes to what you were taking before your surgery. Possible side effects will also be discussed so you know what to look out for. You will be given a written list of your medications to take home.
You will receive a discharge summary with details about your operation, your hospital stay, and advice for your recovery. This information will also be shared with your GP. Before you leave, you will be given clear instructions on when and how to seek help, including which symptoms need urgent attention and who to contact during the day or out of hours. You will also be provided with a contact telephone number for the hospital or cardiac team.
As you recover at home after your cardiac surgery, it is important to continue taking all your medications, including pain relief, exactly as advised by your hospital team. If you have had a mechanical valve, you will need to take anticoagulant medication every day, often for life. The wires holding your breastbone together are permanent, and your chest will take around 12 weeks to fully heal. Your stitches or staples are usually removed before you leave hospital or at your follow-up appointment.
When you get home, you may notice symptoms such as night sweats, feeling emotional, irritability, stiffness in your shoulders or neck, or numbness and sensitivity around your wound. These are common after cardiac surgery and are usually temporary, but if you are concerned, you should seek advice.
You should avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling anything heavy (3Kg is enough) for at least six weeks, and ideally for up to three months while your chest heals to over 60% (for over 80% you need up to 6 months). Gentle activity is encouraged, and regular walking is one of the best ways to rebuild your strength. You may also be invited to join a cardiac rehabilitation programme to support your recovery.
You should not drive for at least six weeks after your surgery, and you may need to inform your car insurance company. You can find full guidance about driving after cardiac surgery on the official DVLA website here:
In general, DVLA guidance states that after cardiac surgery such as coronary artery bypass, you should not drive for at least 4 weeks and only restart when your doctor confirms it is safe. If you hold a car or motorcycle licence, you usually do not need to inform the DVLA unless you have ongoing symptoms that may affect your ability to drive safely. However, if you hold a bus, coach, or HGV (Group 2) licence, the rules are stricter. You must inform the DVLA and must not drive for at least 3 months. Your licence may only be reinstated after specialist assessment confirms you meet medical standards, including satisfactory heart function and exercise testing.
Although some people may be able to fly after around 10 days, it is generally best to wait at least six weeks. Most people continue recovering for 12 to 18 weeks, and many return to work after 10 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of surgery and their job.
After your cardiac surgery, taking care of your wounds is very important to help them heal properly and to prevent infection. Most wound infections develop within 14 days of the surgery. You may have a wound on your chest and possibly on your arm or leg, if an artery or a vein was taken for your surgery. Always follow the instructions given by your healthcare team, and do not hesitate to seek advice if you are unsure about anything.
When showering, use warm (not hot) water and a mild, unscented soap. Let the water gently run over your wounds, but do not rub or scrub them. Avoid using sponges or cloths directly on the incision area. After your shower, gently pat the area dry instead of rubbing it. It is generally advisable to use two different towels—one for your upper body and one for your lower body. Choose towels that are easy to tell apart (for example, different colours) so they do not get mixed up, and wash them frequently to keep them clean.
Keep your wounds clean and dry throughout the day. In most cases, your incision can be left open to the air, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. Avoid applying creams, powders, or ointments unless they have been prescribed. Wear loose, comfortable clothing to prevent irritation, and try not to touch or scratch the area, even if it feels itchy as it heals. Follow your care team’s advice about activity and gradually increase your movement as recommended. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking enough fluids can support healing. Attending your follow-up appointments is also important so your healthcare team can check your progress.
If you need help or advice at any point, you can contact your GP or the cardiac surgical ward. You should have been given the relevant contact details when you were discharged from the hospital. It is always better to discuss any concerns early, it’s easier to deal with a small issue early than to treat a larger problem later. You should contact your healthcare provider if you develop temperature over 38°C, notice increased redness, warmth, swelling, or any discharge from the wound. Also seek medical advice if the wound starts to open, becomes more painful, or if you develop a fever.
Most people who have undergone cardiac surgery benefit from participating in a structured cardiac rehabilitation program. This is a comprehensive program designed to support your recovery and improve your long-term heart health. Cardiac rehabilitation typically involves attending sessions several times a week at a hospital or clinic, while allowing you to continue living and sleeping at home.
The program includes several key components, such as supervised exercise, reducing cardiovascular risk factors, and support for managing stress, anxiety, and low mood. The full benefits of cardiac rehabilitation are achieved when all of these areas are addressed together.
Exercise is an important part of recovery and has been consistently shown to improve cardiovascular health. In the early stages after surgery, it is important to understand that your body is using a significant amount of energy to heal, so feeling tired is completely normal. Although most people can safely begin exercising after discharge, the intensity and duration should be tailored to your individual condition and recovery.
Walking is an excellent form of exercise in the first few weeks following cardiac surgery. Gradually increasing your distance and pace over time will help rebuild your strength and confidence. As each day passes, your body will require less energy for healing, meaning you will have more energy for daily activities. This recovery process typically continues over the first six weeks.
It is also important to remember that while you may start to feel better physically, your heart continues to recover and adapt internally for up to six months after surgery.
📅 Your Follow-Up Appointment After Heart Surgery
You will usually have a follow-up appointment in the cardiac surgery clinic between 3 to 6 weeks after you leave hospital. The exact timing may vary depending on your individual recovery and specific needs. Our administration team will arrange this appointment and contact you with the details after your discharge.
📞 If You Haven’t Heard From Us
If you have not received your appointment details within a couple of weeks after leaving hospital: Please don’t worry — this can sometimes happen. Simply contact our administration team using the phone numbers provided in your discharge paperwork.
🤝 Need Advice or Support?
You are not alone after discharge, and help is always available.
- Our Patient Liaison Service
- The cardiac surgical ward
- My Personal Assistant (PA)
- 📞 Phone, 📧 Email, 💬 Other available communication methods provided to you
👉 These contact details should have been given to you before you left the hospital.
It is essential to take all your medications exactly as prescribed. If you have a mechanical valve, you will need lifelong anticoagulation and regular blood tests to keep your levels safe. Other medications, such as blood pressure tablets, are especially important after aortic surgery, as keeping your blood pressure well controlled helps protect your graft and reduces strain on your heart.
Good dental hygiene is very important, particularly if you have a valve replacement. Infections can travel through the bloodstream and affect your valve or graft, so regular dental check-ups and informing your dentist about your surgery are essential.
It is important to attend all follow-up appointments, where your team may arrange scans to monitor your valve, graft or other prosthetic material. If you experience symptoms such as chest pain, sudden back pain, breathlessness, fever, or feeling unwell, you should seek medical advice promptly.
With the right care, your valve, grafts and other prosthetic materials can function well for many years and support your long-term recovery.
Heart valves, aortic grafts and other prosthetic materials can sometimes get infected. This can happen during certain types of dental work and operations. You may need extra antibiotics to help protect your new heart valve from infections (endocarditis), which is a rare but serious condition. New, prosthetic heart valves, although sitting within your blood stream, they do not have feeding blood supply of their own and as such, they can not fight infections to the same way your native valve does. When a prosthetic heart valve becomes infected (prosthetic valve endocarditis), antibiotics can not treat the infection and there is usually a need for a re-operation. If not treated quickly, infective endocarditis (IE) can be life-threatening condition and it is a major public health challenge.
To help reduce your risk of endocarditis (an infection of the heart lining or valves), it is important to take a few simple precautions in your daily life. Looking after your teeth and gums is essential, so make sure you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and attend regular dental check-ups, usually every six months. You should avoid body piercings and tattoos, as these can introduce bacteria into your bloodstream. Do not inject any substances unless they have been prescribed by your doctor. It is also important to seek medical advice promptly if you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, swelling, redness, or feeling unwell, so that treatment can be started early.
If you experience flu-like symptoms with a high temperature, you should see your GP as soon as possible and tell them you have had a heart operation with a heart valve, aortic graft or other prosthetic material.
