After Your Operation
On this page, you can read all about what to expect during your hospital stay. Or, just click on one of the links below, to get the answer you want right now.
- When the surgery is over, you will be moved to the
Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where you will be closely monitored for 1 to 2 hours.
- After you have recovered, you will be moved to the
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). Your nurse will closely monitor your health until you are ready to be discharged or transferred to the
Vascular Surgical Inpatient Unit
- You may be connected to some tubes and machines:
- Heart monitor – electrodes are placed on your chest and wires connects them to a monitor. It allows us to monitor your heart rate.
- Oximeter – a small device is placed on your finger to allow us to monitor oxygen level in your blood.
- Nasal prongs – a small plastic tube is placed in your nose. It allows us to give you extra oxygen.
- Intravenous (IV) lines – small plastic catheters are placed in your arm and at the side of your neck. They allow us to administer needed IV fluids and medications.
- Bladder catheter – a small plastic tube is placed in you bladder. It allows us to collect and measure your urine.
- When you first wake up, you will still feel very sleepy. You may feel sick and not feel like eating for a few hours. You will be given fluids through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm.
- You will have some pain in and around your incisions. You also might feel stiffness and aching in other areas, including your back, arms and shoulders. If you feel you need pain medication, your nurse can help you.
- Moving around after an operation can be hard but is very important. A nurse will help you to sit in a chair a few hours after your operation. Once you get stronger, nurse or physiotherapist will help you start moving and get ready to walk. You will gradually increase your activity until you can walk on your own.
- While you are in bed, wiggle your toes and move your feet. This helps the blood in your legs to circulate.
- You can expect to drink and slowly resume your regular diet the evening after your procedure. It is normal not to feel hungry. Try to eat a little bit at each meal.
- Start some deep breathing and coughing exercises. We'll show you an exercise called
Incentive Spirometry. We will also give you a pamphlet on how to do
Incentive Spirometry.
The usual hospital stay is overnight. Your vascular team will see you early morning and will speak to you about discharge. We ask that you arrange to leave the hospital by 11 am.
Sometimes, there are medical reasons why your discharge home may be delayed. How long you stay in the hospital will depend on the type of graft you need, your overall health and how quickly you recover. We will confirm your discharge on the morning of your departure.
- Arrange ahead of time for someone to take you home. You will not be allowed to go home by yourself after your surgery.
- If you live alone, plan for someone to stay with you and help you for at least a couple of days.
- Take pain medication before you leave the hospital so that you are comfortable on your way home.
- Pack loose, comfortable clothing. If your trip home is long, stop every hour or so to take a short walk.
- If you are flying home, be sure to discuss your plans with your health care team. You may have to wait at least 48 hours after your discharge to fly short distances.
- 2 copies of your discharge summary letter. Keep one for your records and give one to your family doctor.
- EVAR graft implant card. Keep this card with you. It has important information, such as safety instructions when having an MRI. Tell all your health care providers that you had an EVAR surgery. Show them your EVAR graft implant card if needed.
- Prescription for your medications if applicable.
