What Happens After my Chest Incision?
In order to perform your heart surgery, the surgeon must divide and spread your breastbone. This bone is then reapproximated with stainless steel wires at the end of the operation. As a result, we ask you to refrain from any activity that places undue stress on your sternum until it heals solidly. You should refrain from any heavy lifting (over 10 pounds) for approximately 8 weeks.
Typically because the rib cage was spread apart, patients experience mild to moderate discomfort in the areas surrounding the chest incision, the back, the shoulders and the neck for a number of weeks and, occasionally, even months. This discomfort is usually temporary and subsides steadily over time.
Also, occasionally, patients experience some numbness around the chest incision and even down the inner aspect of the arm and hand. This resolves steadily, in most patients, over a number of months. We encourage you to notify us promptly for any unusual changes in your chest incision. Pay particular attention to any redness, warmth, or drainage from the incision that could be a sign of infection.
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