What happens right after the procedure?

Usually the person spends a few hours in the surgery recovery room to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. The person is also watched for any problems with bleeding or reaction to the anesthesia.

For at least 4 to 5 hours, the person will not be able to drink anything. Then small sips of clear fluids can be taken as tolerated. An intravenous line (IV) is usually left in a vein in the arm or hand so fluids can be given. This ensures that the person doesn't get dehydrated. The IV is usually left in place for about 24 hours, or until the person is able to take fluids and the pain is under control. Pain medication can be given in the IV line or injected into the muscle. As soon as the pain decreases and the person is tolerating fluids, pain medication may be given orally. Antibiotics may also be given to decrease the risk of infection.

Usually a few drainage tubes are left near the incision to allow air, fluids, and blood to drain. These drainage tubes are also used to decrease the risk of atelectasis, which is a collapsed lung. The tubes can be removed once the draining subsides and the lung is fully re-expanded. A nasogastric tube (NG) may also be placed to allow drainage from the stomach.

Often oxygen is given through a facemask or a nasal cannula, a tube that goes a little way inside the nose. Some people may need to be on a ventilator, or artificial breathing machine, for a few hours or days after surgery.

Deep breathing is encouraged for the first few days after surgery to help prevent pneumonia. The day after surgery, the person is encouraged to get up and move around. This helps to decrease the risk of blood clots, such as deep venous thrombosis. The hospital stay is usually 6 to 10 days.