Returning to Work and Social Life After Underarm Surgery

One of the greatest advantages of valve surgery performed through the underarm is a much faster return to normal life than with conventional surgery. In this article I will set out the timeline of that return.

Hospital Discharge and Length of Rest at Home

After an uncomplicated underarm valve operation we usually discharge our patients within 4-6 days; this is somewhat shorter than with a conventional sternotomy, because there is no need to wait for bone healing. For the first 1-2 weeks at home we recommend a gradual increase in activity that gives priority to resting whenever you feel tired.

Timing of Return to Desk-Based and Physical Work

Because the breastbone is not opened, most of our patients in desk-based jobs can return to work within 2-3 weeks; this is markedly shorter than the 4-6 weeks required after conventional surgery. For jobs that demand physical strength and heavy lifting the period may be around 4-6 weeks; the final decision is made according to how quickly the incision between the ribs heals and your general fitness.

When Can You Start Driving?

Because there is no bone incision, the 4-6 week waiting period of conventional surgery is shortened here; most of our patients can start driving within 1-2 weeks, once they feel comfortable braking suddenly and controlling the steering wheel. Even so, we recommend that the final decision be made together at your follow-up examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I do sport after underarm surgery? Light walking can begin early; for strenuous exercise and movements that strain the arm muscles we recommend waiting 4-6 weeks.

Does the recovery period vary from person to person? Yes; age, general health and pre-operative fitness directly affect the speed of recovery.

Can I travel by plane? We usually allow short-haul flights after 2-3 weeks; for long journeys we recommend deciding together at your follow-up examination.

Conclusion

Because the breastbone is left untouched, underarm surgery markedly speeds up the return to work and social life compared with conventional surgery. The exact timing is individualized according to your own rate of recovery.

You can book an appointment for an individual plan for your recovery process.

References

1. Cao C, Gupta S, Chandrakumar D, et al. A Meta-Analysis of Minimally Invasive Versus Conventional Mitral Valve Repair for Patients with Degenerative Mitral Disease. Ann Cardiothorac Surg. 2013;2(6):693-703.