Once you have awoken from surgery and are alert enough to have your breathing tube removed, you will be moved to the recovery room where a nurse will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory status. At this time, you will be still attached to a cardiac monitor and may also have the following:
Chest Tubes: Depending on your surgery, one or more chest tubes may be placed around the lung(s) and connected to a drainage system to help remove excess fluid and air from the chest cavity.
Intravenous (IV) Lines: These are placed to provide necessary medications and can also be used to supply fluids until you are able to adequately eat and drink.
Epidural Catheter: This may be placed in your spine to provide pain medicine during your recovery.
Urinary Catheter: This drains the urine out of the bladder and may remain in place for several days after the surgery.
Several hours after surgery you will be transferred to a post-operative unit where you will continue on the cardiac monitor and be encouraged to cough and breathe deeply.
That evening you will be started on a clear liquid diet and will remain in the post-operative unit until your physician feels you are ready to be transferred to a regular room.
Visiting Hours
For information about visiting hours, please contact your hospital directly:
- Tisch Hospital: (212) 263-7300
- Bellevue Hospital: (212) 562-1000
- Veterans Affairs Hospital: (212) 686-7500