Video Assisted Thorascopic Surgery

If you have a job that involves heavy lifting, pushing or strenuous
activity, you are likely to need at least two to four weeks of work, or as
directed by your surgeon. Modified duties may be suitable until you
can return to normal duties.
Follow up appointment
You will generally have a follow up appointment with your surgical
team one to three weeks from the date of your surgery to obtain any
results from tests taken during surgery.
When should I seek help?
•
If you develop a temperature above 38°C or chills.
Where should I seek advice or help?
•
Increasing pain, redness, excessive bleeding or yellow or green or
milky discharge from the incision site.
Advice about medication: •
ny shortness of breath (if severe, call 000), cough, A
chest pain
General health inquiries:
•
Severe nausea or vomiting.
•
our cough does not go away or you are coughing Y
up mucous that has blood in it or is yellow or green in colour.
Make an appointment with your local doctor
•
Any chest, neck or face swelling.
Call your local doctor or return to the Emergency Department
•
Any swelling or pain in the legs
•
Any other concerns that may arise.
Before you leave hospital
Please do not leave the hospital before collecting your follow up
appointment, medications for pain relief, letter for your local doctor
and medical certificate (if one is required).
Visit your local pharmacist
Call ‘Nurse On Call’ 1300 60 60 24 (24 hours)
Problems related to surgery:
Urgent or severe problems:
References:
•
L ung Surgery - discharge - Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Centre. ADAM 2009.
•
patient’s guide to Lung Surgery; Department of A
Cardiothoracic Surgery University of Southern California.
•
inimally Invasive Thoracsic Surgery; Thoracosopy or Video
M
Assisted Thoracic Surgery. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (2010).
Notice: Please remember that this brochure is intended as general
information only. We aim to make the information as up to date and
accurate as possible, but please be aware that it is always subject to
change. Therefore, always check specific advice on any concerns you may
have with your Health Care Professional.
Video Assisted
Thorascopic Surgery
Surgical patient discharge information
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What is Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)?
You may notice some discomfort for several weeks after the operation.
VATS is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat
illness or injury to the lung and other organs in the chest cavity. A VATS
procedure may be required for:
How do I care for my wound?
•
Lobectomy – removal of one or more lobes of a lung.
•
Wedge resection – removal of part of a lobe in a lung.
•
leurodesis – adherence of the outer layer of the lung P
to the membrane surrounding the lung.
•
Lung biopsy – small sample of lung tissue is removed.
•
leural effusion – abnormal accumulation of fluid in P
the intrapleural space of the lungs.
•
neumothorax – a collection of air or gas in the pleural P
space causing the lung to collapse.
Post a VATS procedure one or two chest tubes are put in place to drain fluid
or air from inside the chest.
What activities will I be able
to do after my surgery?
The rate at which people return to their usual activities varies from one
person to another. However it will generally take about six to eight weeks for
your body to recover. It is safe to walk two to three times a day starting with
short distances, slowly increasing the distance when you feel comfortable.
If you have to walk up and down stairs, go slowly. You should avoid heavy
lifting, pushing or strenuous activities for two weeks after surgery. You also
need to be careful how you use your arms and upper body when you move.
It is important to continue with the breathing exercises that the
physiotherapist prescribed for you to help you build up the strength in your
lungs. It is advisable that you don’t smoke or have people smoke around
you. If you need to cough or sneeze support your incision with your hand or
a pillow. You may resume sexual activity in the first few weeks after surgery,
however, you may find that pain along your incision may limit your activity
to a certain extent. Just remember that during the first two weeks after
surgery, any activity or position that causes pain or pulling across your chest,
such as bearing weight on your arms, must be avoided.
How much pain can I expect?
It is normal to experience pain and discomfort around the incision site/s,
particularly during the first week. Therefore, it is important for you to take
regular pain relief over the first two to three days (but remember that you
should not exceed the stated maximum daily dose). If the level of pain is still
not acceptable to you, your local pharmacist will be able to offer you some
advice. If your pain gets worse, rather than better, you should consult your
local doctor to determine whether any complications may be developing.
Prior to discharge, your chest tube will be removed. Sutures may be left
in place after the chest tube is removed. If there are no stiches left in
place, the wound will be covered with steristrips (small white tapes).
Can I eat and drink normally
after the operation?
Yes, you can eat and drink as normal when you feel ready. You may
experience occaisional feelings of nausea (sickness) and loss of appetite
during the first week.
You may feel bloated or constipated to start with, as many pain relievers
can cause constipation. Eating a high fibre diet and drinking more
water will help to soften your stools. If you do feel you are becoming
constipated, mild laxative can help. If required you can visit your local
pharmacist who will be able to advise you.
When will I be able to drive?
You should avoid driving for at least seven days after your surgery. Some
people may find it takes several weeks before they feel ready to drive.
Before driving, you must be sure you will be able to control the car and
respond quickly to any situation that may occur. In particular, you must
be able to
safely perform an emergency stop safely.
Please be aware that driving whilst unfit may invalidate your insurance.
Some pain relief medications may increase drowsiness and effect your
concentration.
If you are concerned about possible effects of
pain relief medication, talk to your local doctor.
When can I return to work?
Ask your doctor when you can go back to work. Most people may
require one to two weeks off work, post lung surgery, however, this will
depend on how you are feeling and the type of work you do.