After a Thoracoscopy
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms after your procedure:
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After surgery, you'll wake up in a recovery area. At first you'll probably feel groggy and thirsty. An intravenous (IV) line provides you with fluids and medications to relieve pain, and monitors keep track of your breathing and heartbeat.
Recovering in the Hospital
To help keep your lungs clear and prevent inflammation, a respiratory therapist will teach you breathing exercises to do every hour or so. Depending on your condition, a nurse or therapist will help you get up and walk soon after your surgery to keep your blood moving and improve your healing. The hospital stay after a thoracoscopy will be 1–4 days. If you have chest tubes, you won't go home until they're removed.
Recovering at Home
When you return home, follow your doctor's instructions about how to care for your incisions and lungs. These instructions may include the following:
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Take your pain medications as prescribed to help relieve soreness and make activity and deep breathing easier.
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Walk to keep your blood moving and strengthen your muscles, but avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and driving for several weeks.
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Continue to do the breathing exercises taught to you by your therapist.
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Resume sexual relations when you feel ready.
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Ask your doctor when you can go back to work.
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Follow up with your doctor, who'll monitor your healing and discuss the results of the procedure.
Date Last Reviewed:
1/15/2007
Date Last Modified:
6/23/2003