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The following information has been designed to help you understand the sometimes confusing events of the hospital admission process.
There are two things that you can do now to help yourself through your surgery. If you are a smoker - STOP SMOKING! We are all aware of the dangers of smoking. It is also very important to maintain your level of exercise. Walking is a good form of exercise and a daily walk is recommended. Exercise is important because the more "fit" you are, the more likely you are to make a faster recovery.
You most likely will have a number of diagnostic tests and procedures. These may include chest x-ray, CT scan, bone scan, bronchoscopy, ventilation/perfusion studies, biopsies, and blood work. You will be evaluated in the office by a medical asssistant who will assess your response to exercise and perform a pulmonary function test (PFT). If the results of either of these tests are sub-optimal, you will be given exercises or sent for pulmonary rehabilitation. The medical assistant will be active in your post-operative care as well.
Most patients are admitted the day of their surgery. You will be assigned an appointment at the Pre-Admitting Testing Center two or more days before prior to your admission in order to have your pre-operative blood work, EKG, and x-rays as well as to meet with the Physician Assistant and anesthesiologist. If all of the results are satisfactory, you will return home and come to the hospital several hours before surgery. We have found that patients get a much better night's sleep at home in their own bed.
Your family may want to wait in the hospital the day of the surgery. They can pick up a beeper in the Surgical Liason offices that allows the doctor to be in touch with them so they can leave the hospital if they wish.
It will be in your best interest to limit the number of visitors that you have in the hospital. You will be feeling tired and will need to get your rest. It is a good idea to designate one person to be the contact person for friends to call about your condition. This will cut down on the number of calls to the nurses station and allow for better nursing care. Some find that a policy of "don't call me, I'll call you" works best.
Comments to: KKee@partners.org
©2007, Division of Thoracic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital. All rights reserved.
Division of Thoracic Surgery
Brigham and Women's Hospital
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: (617) 732-6824