How Do the Intensive Care and Ward Processes Work After Bypass?

One of the questions our patients scheduled for bypass surgery and their relatives ask most often is how the first days after the operation will pass. In this article I will describe, step by step, the process from the day of surgery to transfer to the ward.

The Day of Surgery: Waking Up in Intensive Care

As soon as the operation is finished we take our patient to the intensive care unit; there we monitor them for a few hours under sedation, connected to a ventilator. Once heart function and the amount of bleeding remain stable, we usually wean them from the ventilator and wake them up on the same day. In the first hours after waking, a degree of discomfort in the chest and a mild burning sensation in the throat are normal; we bring these easily under control with painkillers.

The Importance of Breathing Exercises and Early Mobilisation

Our most important priority in intensive care is to ensure the lungs expand fully and to prevent clot formation; for this reason we get our patients up with assistance and have them walk a few steps as soon as possible, usually on the day after surgery. Breathing in and out regularly with a breathing exercise device (spirometer) markedly reduces fluid accumulation in the lungs and the risk of pneumonia.

What to Pay Attention To After Transfer to the Ward

After spending 1-2 days in intensive care we transfer our patient to the regular ward; there we gradually increase the walking distance, return nutrition to normal and provide discharge education. In this period, protecting the breastbone (pressing a pillow against the chest when coughing, not lifting heavy loads) and keeping the wound site clean are the two matters we emphasise most.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after the operation can I walk? We usually have the patient take their first walk with assistance on the day after surgery; this process speeds up from day to day.

How long will I stay in intensive care? After an uneventful bypass operation the length of stay in intensive care is usually 1-2 days.

How long is the total hospital stay? After an uncomplicated bypass operation we usually discharge the patient within 5-7 days.

Conclusion

The intensive care and ward process after bypass is a planned road map, managed with as much care as the operation itself. Early mobilisation and breathing exercises directly affect the speed of your recovery.

You can book an appointment to discuss whatever you would like to know about your bypass surgery process.

References

1. Engelman DT, Ben Ali W, Williams JB, et al. Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Cardiac Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Society Recommendations. JAMA Surg. 2019;154(8):755-766.