GENERAL SURGERY

What is the recovery commitment?

Surgery is performed as an inpatient procedure. Hospital stay is typically 1–2 days.
Check in 2 hours prior to your scheduled time.
The surgery lasts about 2 hours.
You’ll need someone to drive you home, usually the next day.
Plan to take 2 weeks off from work and physical activity.
Avoid flying for 1 month.
Keep the neck incision out of direct sunlight for 6 months.

What should I expect at the hospital?

You’ll meet with an anesthesiologist to discuss your anesthesia options (e.g., general anesthesia or cervical block).
Pain medication will be prescribed before you leave.
Surgical staples will be removed and replaced with steri-strips (strong adhesive bandages).

Steri-strips will naturally fall off in about one week.
Showering is allowed—wash normally.
Do not drive for 10 days or until neck stiffness subsides.
Some neck swelling, bruising, hoarseness, or numbness is normal and typically resolves over time.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled 10–14 days after you return home. Please call our office to schedule it.

Bypass surgery is performed as an inpatient procedure. Expect a 4–5 day hospital stay.
Check in 2 hours before your scheduled surgery.
The procedure takes about 3 hours.
You will need someone to drive you home.
Plan to take 1 month off from work and physical activity.
Avoid flying for 2 months.
Do not expose the surgical leg to sunlight for 6 months.

You’ll speak with an anesthesiologist before the procedure, which is done under general anesthesia.
You may spend time in the ICU before being transferred to a regular hospital room.
Physical therapy will assist you in walking before discharge.
Pain medication will be prescribed before you leave.

You’ll notice gradual improvement in leg mobility each day.
Walking is encouraged to build strength.
Elevate your leg as often as possible to reduce fluid buildup.
Shower daily and wash your incision site with soap and water to prevent infection.
Driving is usually safe after 3 weeks, once range of motion has returned.
A follow-up visit will be scheduled 10–14 days after you return home.
Additional follow-up appointments and ultrasounds will occur at 3, 6, and 12 months to monitor blood flow.

Need information about recovery after your procedure?