Thoracotomy

1. •Day of operation - to remain in bed with head elevated. Young patients eg pectus repair or pleurodesis may sit out for toilet purposes.
   

2. •Day 1 postop - all patients to sit out (unless haemodynamically unstable).
   

3. •Day 2 postop - all patients to walk with assistance.
   

4. •Convalescence
   

1. ◦return to desk work in three weeks, light work in six weeks and heavy work in six months.
   

2. ◦air travel permitted from time of discharge. Exceptions: it would be wise in patients with a chest drain in situ or those who have had recurrent pneumothoraces to avoid flying till the problem is fully resolved.
   

3. ◦sutures are usually absorbable but all residual sutures may be removed 7 days post discharge.
   

5. 
   

Thoracoscopy

1. •Day of operation - to remain in bed with head elevated. Young patients eg pleurodesis may sit out for toilet purposes.
   

2. •Day 1 postop - all patients to sit out and walk with assistance (unless haemodynamically unstable).
   

3. •Day 2 postop - all patients to walk with assistance.
   

4. •Convalescence
   

1. ◦return to desk work in one week, light work in three weeks and heavy work in six weeks.
   

2. ◦air travel permitted from time of discharge.
   

3. ◦sutures are usually absorbable but all residual sutures may be removed 7 days post discharge.
   

5. 
   

Sympathectomy

1. •sit out - 4 hours postop
   

2. •drink - 4 hours postop
   

3. •walk - 8 hours postop
   

4. •eat - 8 hours postop
   

5. •home - 12 hours postop if chest xray satisfactory