What to Expect after Surgery

Endovascular Surgery

If you have endovascular surgery, you may be in the hospital as little as one or two days. On the day after surgery, you will get out of bed, usually walk on your own and eat normally. You will likely go directly home after their hospitalization.

Open Surgery

Following open surgery, you will be taken to the intensive care unit where vital signs are monitored. Medication is administered to relieve pain around the site of the incision.

Within 1 to 3 days you will move to a regular hospital bed. During hospital recovery, the surgeon will likely order one or more of the following: blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans to assess the results of the operation.

Our nurses and physical therapists will work closely with you, helping you regain strength, mobility and confidence. You may be advised to wear compression stockings to help prevent blood clots. Most patients who have open surgery go home within 5 to 7 days.

After the Hospital

Recovery depends on a number of variables including type of surgery, accompanying conditions, how quickly your body heals, etc. Open surgery patients typically face a 3-month window before resuming activity at normal levels. With less invasive care, normal activity may be resumed within 2 to 3 weeks.

After surgery you will need to take medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol. You are advised to adopt a heart-healthy diet and engage in a physically activity.

During recovery from open surgery you may experience discomfort. The tendency is to avoid physical activity when it is actually very beneficial. Some individuals often walk less, gain weight and blood pressure becomes difficult to manage. This scenario contributes to mental depression.

Good pain management, coupled with appropriate physical activity, is key to post-surgical rehabilitation. You should discuss your pain with your physician if it is impeding prescribed exercise.

Follow-up care for life

Follow-up care is crucial. A 30-day check-up is typical, but you will need to have their repairs checked on for life, about once every year or two. This can often be arranged closer to home. Continued follow up is essential to prevent complications from occurring years later.