Bypass recovery
After undergoing bypass surgery, you will be taken to a surgical intensive care unit (SICU) for postoperative recovery. The first few days of recovery from bypass surgery are the most critical. Doctors will watch for complications from the bypass.
For the first 24 hours, catheters, IVs, and other monitors used for the surgery will remain inserted and the doctors and nurses will closely watch all vital signs. A breathing tube, if still inserted, will prevent speaking during this period. Your hands might be restrained to prevent the dislodgement of tubes, wires, and monitors. Physical activity is limited. Eating will not occur for at least the first day and usually resume after the gastrointestinal tract begins to resume normal activity (indicated by the passing of gas and toleration of oral fluids). A physical therapist will encourage small movements. Walking does not usually begin until the second or third day.
A pillow will usually be given to lessen pain from incisions when coughing, transferring or walking. You will be instructed to use an incentive spirometer (a device that is used to encourage you to take deep breaths) and to cough after the breathing tube is removed to help with lung expansion and to prevent pulmonary (lung) complications.
You will have a large vertical incision line that extends the length of your chest, and an incision from the graft site (usually on your leg). Generally, a pressure dressing will be in place over the chest incision for the first 24 hours after the operation. The incision will have staples and internal or external sutures. Postoperative care and the removal of sutures or staples is determined by your physician and hospital protocol. On the day of operation, exercises will be performed on the affected limb to decrease edema (swelling), stiffness and other postoperative complications.
On the second day after surgery, you will be able to sit up in bed. The third day, you will be encouraged to move to a chair for brief sitting and walking about the room. If recovery is as expected, catheters and IVs will be removed. You will also be encouraged to eat a very basic diet and to resume use of the toilet. IVs will not be removed until fluids are tolerated by mouth.
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