What to Expect with Thoracic Surgery

• Eat anything starting at midnight on the day of surgery. This includes ice, gum and candy. You can brush your teeth but don’t swallow any water.
• Take any aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Excedrin, ibuprofen or blood thinners for a week before surgery. Your surgeon or another specialist may give you specific instructions about your medications.
• Consume any vitamin E supplements, herbal medications, fish oil or diet pills.
• Use any lotions or deodorants on the day of surgery.
• Bring personal or valuable items to the hospital or clinic.

• Use an antimicrobial cleanser on your skin (such as Hibiclens) before your procedure, as instructed by your surgeon. 
• Drink clear liquids, as instructed by your anesthesiologist. At bedtime the night before your surgery or at midnight, drink 16 ounces of Gatorade or Powerade (any color but red). One hour before you report for surgery, drink 12 ounces of Gatorade or Powerade (again, not red). After these beverages, don’t drink anything else.
• Take your medications that have been cleared by the anesthesiologist.
• Tell the surgical team if you develop any signs of illness, such as a sore throat, fever or rash before surgery.
• Wear casual, loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.

• Legal guardianship papers or court orders, if applicable
• Copy of your living will and advance directives
• Photo ID, insurance card, and co-pay, if applicable
• Someone to drive you home if you are going home the same day. You will not be allowed to drive yourself or take public transportation without an escort.

Each person’s experience with surgery is different. But these general guidelines will help you understand how to care for yourself after surgery.

• Begin to eat and drink normally when you feel ready.
• Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds.
• Attend your follow-up appointment, usually two to four weeks later. 
• Take all your medications according to your doctor’s instructions.
• Shower a day or two after surgery, using mild soap and water. Pat incisions dry lightly with a towel.
• Avoid soaking in water, including baths, pools and hot tubs.

Call your surgical team if you experience:

• Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
• Shortness of breath
• Redness around the incision
• Fluid draining from your incision that is yellowish, greenish or foul-smelling

Your surgical team will teach you how to care for any drains or incisions. We’ll also provide medications to help you manage pain. These medications may cause constipation, which can be relieved with more fluid intake, fiber, laxatives and stool softeners.